So, it's apropos that today I read the Motherlode post on "kid-friendly foods" and also received a list of lunch ideas I'd requested from my playgroup. First, on the post and its interview with cookbook author Joy Bauer on her new Slim and Scrumptious. (Okay, I HATE the title. If we're not supposed to be stressing physical beauty with kids or even ourselves--see an article on wabi sabi, the Japanese concept of beauty in imperfection which is known in art-historical circles because of the pottery for the tea ceremony, and physical beauty sent to me by Mommy Goose--why is the word "slim" in the title??? A total turn-off and, if Lisa Belkin hadn't posted about it, I never would have given the cookbook a second glance). But I liked Bauer's ideas (even if her forgiving 2-3 nights of processed foods seems like a lot) and her embrace of kid-friendly fare, which to me is often synonymous with comfort food. Her point about children not having an adult palate is well-taken--and I, childhood hater of mushrooms, onions, peppers, squash, carrots, yogurt, coffee, am a perfect example of someone whose taste has changed and diversified. Her quickie meal suggestions (sandwiches, baked potatoes, breakfast) and obvious but overlooked and I like her rule of thumb for snacks being under 150 calories. I do need to reconsider that "one bite" rule, which I am still loathe to enforce. But I see that it's the only way to get anywhere--not making anything new is not the answer (see, I have one picky eater and I feel like if I make a food I know she won't like, even if the rest of us do, that I am somehow favoring her brother; yes, I'm ultra-sensitive to sibling rivalry.) And I, lover of lists, liked her suggestions for snacks and fun dinners. So, put the cookbook on my check-it-out list!
Until then, I have a few other lists, this time for lunch ideas, from playgroup friends. I share it here in case you're in the same boat I am, running out of ideas for lunch that don't involve a check at the end of the meal! I've never really liked lunch options--ask my mom, who would send odd things like deviled ham, cheese, and crackers because I wouldn't eat sandwiches or any kind of cold leftover or salad. Even as a working adult, I would go looking for a hot lunch--is this a holdover from loving the school cafeteria food? I usually want something cooked, i.e. still no sandwiches and rarely a salad, but reheated leftovers or my ubiquitous soups. And the kids are starting to be as picky. This means, though, that sometimes I'm cooking breakfast (oatmeal, which I do on the stove) AND lunch AND dinner, which is even, to my eco-feminist mind, a bit much. And so the list (which, as I see, means that most of my friends cook lunch too!):
- egg and cheese sandwiches sometimes
- pasta, cheese, and peas
- mini-pizzas on pita bread
- hime veggies w/hummus, fruits
- dinner leftovers such as tofu, turkey meatballs (from Trader Joe's), chicken nuggets, baked beans with cous cous or quinoa, etc.
- I have a great recipe for chick peas with carrots, quinoa and raisins. My son likes it because it has a sweet flavor from the raisins and some orange juice.
- I also make quesadillas with refried beans, zucchini or peppers (diced) in the beans, and shredded cheese
- sandwiches--turkey, grilled cheese, egg salad, tuna salad
- make your own pizzas
- soups--chicken, noodle, tomato, split peas, lentil, wonton
- cottage cheese with fruits
- bagel and cream cheese
- yogurt
- hamburgers
- hot dogs
- chicken nuggets
- pasta, mac and cheese
- breakfast for lunch--omelet, pancakes, waffles, hashbrowns, etc
- stir fry with rice
- noodle bowls (noodles w/grilled meat/tofu)
- udon noodles (stir fry w/chicken and veg)
- any leftovers!
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