Lunch - Making a Menu, Part 3

On most days, I need lunch and I need it as fast as possible. Usually the clock catches up with me and I have a preschooler and toddler that want to be fed. Now.

I implement the same strategy for lunch as I do for breakfast - a repeating weekly plan of noon-time entrees. I've planned things I can either buy prepared or make-ahead so that it does not take much time or thought to get these on the table. I hope to pass off the lunch preparation to my oldest as soon as he is ready, so I want these meals to be easy to make.

Admittedly, I need to think about making things more nutritiously around lunch. I just checked out Deceptively Delicious from our public library and I'm interested to see how these recipes will work for our family. Though many of the recipes call for egg or dairy products, I've already been inspired to try my hand at egg-free versions. I made Egg-Less French Toast on Monday and though I've got to learn how to cook it quicker, it turned out great! Best thing about it? My kids ate it up like it was candy. But, I digress...

On to the lunch menu...I've got different things going for the weekends (usually left-overs or eating out) so I only plan for weekdays.

Monday - Pasta with Tomato Sauce (or cheese for dairy eaters)

Both sauces are made ahead, frozen in ice-trays, then popped into freezer bags. When lunch comes, I pull out a couple of the cubes to heat in each person's bowl before adding the cooked pasta. This helps me be able to "customize" each person's sauce better.

Tuesday - Chicken Nuggets and Chips

Tyson makes chicken nuggets that are egg and dairy free. These are very convenient and are available at Sam's for a pretty good price. Jessica Seinfeld, the author of Deceptively Delicious, has a recipe for healthier chicken nuggets that I might give a try. I try to get healthier versions of chips like Veggie Ritz Chips or some chips that we get a Wild Oats that I can't for-the-life-of-me remember! I'll update later.

Wednesday - Meatballs & Carrot Sticks

The meatballs are mixed, cooked and individually frozen ahead of time. I pull out a bag and cook in the toaster oven on on the stove in sauce. My meatball recipe contains your choice of ground meat, whole wheat bread crumbs (made from home-made bread gone stale), shredded carrots, shredded onions and minced garlic. I also add a little salt. Experiment with the quantities for your own unique taste.

Thursday - Hot Dogs & Chips

While I do buy beef hot dogs, there isn't much else to brag on nutritiously in this meal. But, hey, it keeps 'em going!

Friday - Baked Potatoes & Ham

I throw potatoes in the microwave and then serve with dairy-free margarine and chunks of ham.

Since most of the convenience foods contain allergens, preparing the foods myself is once again the way to go. I usually prepare lots of one thing at a time and freeze for later. Since I know what we'll be eating, it's easy to take a "lunch inventory" and see what I need to replenish. My kids and I have "Project Time" for 30 minutes each day where replenish our stocks - whether that be baking mixes, lunch items or cleaning supplies. They love to get to mix and pour and I like to have everything ready to go when I need it.

Having a lunch menu in place not only reduces the stress of having to come up with something to eat in the middle of a crazy day, it also helps keep my costs low. Instead of phoning in for pizza delivery, I have the things I need to give all my kids fuel for the next few hours.

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image from art.com

Next, get ready to Experiment