What This Mama Made- A Week Of Family Meals (1)
Life since welcoming #thelastone has been such a whirlwind! I feel like between the boys, my blog, my husband, and home, I’m constantly being pulled in all directions. One of my biggest goals going forward is to cook at home for the boys more. I was doing pretty good about meal planning, until my pregnancy introduced all sorts of food + smell aversions. Sharing meal and menu ideas here is the perfect way to keep me accountable. Read on for what I hope will become a regular series on the blog, and check out our first week of family meals.
OUR WEEK OF FAMILY MEALS
First, Let’s Get This Out Of The Way
I want to make sure this is clear up front, guys. I’m not a dietitian, doctor, food photographer, baker, or chef. I’m a mom who really isn’t a great cook, trying her best to put some relatively tasty, not-too-unhealthy food in front of her picky kids each evening. You won’t find 100% organic, from scratch, or totally restrictive menu ideas here. I plan to share what we’re really eating- processed portions and all.
Also, you’ll notice I only plan 5 meals each week. My parents inevitably invite us over one night, or we meet them out, or just eat leftovers one evening… Planning for 5 meals is more ‘do-able’ for us, and means we are less likely to waste food when plans change last minute.
What Inspired Our Family Meals This Week?
I know I’ve mentioned Rachel Hollis on the blog at least once before. I promise, I’m not one of those moms who is totally obsessed with her. I’ve read her books, they’re decent, but you likely won’t see her mentioned too many more times here. Unless there’s a meal involved, because so far, we’ve really loved her Real Life Dinners cookbook. The meals we’ve made have all been pretty simple, accessible, and tasty. I’ve eaten gotten thumbs up on several dishes from the boys!
The Family Meals + The Family’s Thoughts
Breakfast Strata
Served with: Greek yogurt + berries, fresh mango.
#thebigone: ★★★★★
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? We’ll definitely make it again, especially since my oldest reallllly liked it. He requested I use breakfast sausage instead of Italian sausage next time though, so I’ll make the switch and see what he thinks.
Twice-Baked Bacon And Egg Potatoes
Served with: fresh strawberries + green grapes.
#thebigone: ★★★★
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? As a whole, our family really likes this recipe. We’ve made it before, and will make it again. In full disclosure, I only like my eggs scrambled, so we make half of these with eggs, and half without. Without eggs, it’s pretty much potato skins, but no complaints there!
Biscuit Pizza
Served with: mango + pineapple.
(Total #momfail here, I intended to pick up a salad to serve this with, and just completely forgot. So normally, we’d be having a green salad on the side!)
#thebigone: ★★★★★
#thelittleone: ★★★★★
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? Not going to lie, we actually made this twice this week! My kiddos both LOVE it, it’s super quick + easy, and is a great way for kids to get involved in cooking. We tweaked our toppings a bit (pineapple + mushrooms- YUM!), and it was perfect for our family. We’ll definitely be making it again.
Hawaiian Chicken
Served with: brown rice, salad, + fresh watermelon.
#thebigone: ★★
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★
Would we make it again? #thehubs and I both think this is a meal we’ll definitely be making again. I definitely give this one extra points for being able to prep in the crock pot!
Ranch Beef Stew
Served with: salad, wheat roll, pineapple, green grapes + mango.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★
Would we make it again? I think we will. #thebigone was at his dad’s house the evening we served this, so he didn’t have a chance to try it. I’ll be interested to see what he thinks when we eventually eat it again.
Notes:
- Meals rated out of 5 stars.
- ‘N/A’ for #thebigone generally means he was with his dad and couldn’t try the meal.
- ‘N/A’ for #thelittleone generally means he ate his fruit and side dishes, but didn’t try the main course.
- We don’t force the kids to eat anything, but don’t cater to them either. I always serve fruit with dinner though, so even a picky kiddo will find one thing they’re happy to eat.
- Liking our dishes and trays? We mainly use the Pillowfort line from Target!
What cookbook is your family’s favorite? Let me know in the comments below!