I consider myself cooking impaired – it takes me an hour to cook Minute Rice. My understanding of the four food groups is Fast, Frozen, Junk and Instant. Writer Marlena Stoddard provides us with a number of meal ideas to keep our families fed when we’re on the go. 😀
Active families do not always have time to sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal with the entire family. Eating fast food gets old quickly and so does eating cold leftovers. If you are cooking for an on-the-go-family, here are five easy recipe ideas that will save time and keep your family well fed.
When There Is No Time to Eat
There may not always be time to eat a full meal. This could be due to an emergency, being stranded beside the road or perhaps stuck in traffic. Meal replacement shakes (MRS) can provide the body with all the essential nutrients and vitamins needed.
These can be stored in the car in powder form in a box. Toss in packets of powdered milk, spill-proof tumblers and a few bottles of water and you have instant meals when you need them. Add dried fruit and nuts for bulk and additional nutrients.
Keep Serving Sizes in The Freezer
Take stock of your weekly menu and keep ingredients in the freezer. For example, you could store pre-cooked meat, stock and barley in the freezer to make a stew for your family. Set designated cans of carrots, corn, and other ingredients aside. Add measures of dried bell peppers, onions, potatoes, and herbs to the mix.
Assemble the stew by adding all the ingredients to your saucepot and heat slowly until the meat, stock, and other frozen items thaw. Turn the heat to medium and cook until the carrots and onions are tender and the dehydrated ingredients are rehydrated and cooked. It takes approximately one-third of the time than cooking from scratch.
Make Your Own TV Dinners
Purchase covered microwave dinner plates with dividers. Divide leftovers in different sections on the plates, and then cover and freeze. When time is an issue, take a custom dinner out, pop it in the microwave, and have dinner in minutes.
Entrees at a Glance
Making your own entrees ahead of time can be a simple process. Cook meal bases such as pasta or rice and store in gallon-sized freezer bags. Cook value-priced meat without seasonings, drain off the fat, and store family-sized servings in freezer-safe containers.
To make a meal, thaw pasta and meat, add a can of diced tomatoes, pre-cut vegetables, perhaps beans and seasonings. Heat through and serve.
Fast Meals Any Time
Cook your meals ahead of time and save labor and stress. Purchase aluminum baking pans and cook your favorite holiday sides or entrees. Allow to cool and cover with plastic food wrap. Top with a layer of aluminum foil. The plastic keeps the foil from reacting with the food. Remove it before reheating. Tape a label to the top indicating how long the food can be frozen, what it is and reheating instructions. For the meal, simply take out of the freezer; remove the plastic, reheat and serve.
Cooking ahead of time allows you to take advantage of sales and clearance items. It also allows you to cook when you have time, and to feed your family healthy meals when you do not. Preparation is something the whole family can learn, enjoy and participate in.
The Author
Marlena Stoddard writes on parenting and relationships. Originally from Senoia, GA, Marlena now lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband and 2 children. Marlena grew up in a blended family, and saw firsthand the challenges of joining two different families with different cultures and backgrounds. For more on Marlena, you can follow her on Google+.
Do have any other ideas for meals? Please share them in the Comments below. Thanks.
Image Credit: nokhoog_buchachon/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net
