Summer Sundays

The first time that I was introduced to meal prep was in college.  On a visit to my friend Natasha's, I walked into the kitchen to see everyone cooking.  My face must have shown my confusion because they laughed at me and quickly explained that they were cooking for the week.  

Though I have never really gotten the hang of the entire meal prep thing, I do see the benefits. So, when I have time every six weeks or so, I cook for the week.  My kids love it.  I place no restrictions on anything.  They can eat whatever is in the fridge.  

This Father's Day was the first time in months that I have planned to do some meal prep.  With summer here, the kids will be home during the day while I am at work.  I don't have the energy or funds to hustle meals to them throughout the day.  So this summer, I'll be doing some meal prep.  I seriously doubt that it will be every Sunday but I'll give it a go.

MY MENU FOR THE WEEK

• Sloppy Joe's (ground beef, canned mix...  frozen for individual meals)
• Red Beans w/ Sausage (slow cooker meal--onions, beans, sausage)
• Shepard's Pie (seasoned ground beef, corn, mashed potatoes)
• Chicken Wraps or Quesadillas (just depends on how I feel... just gotta cook the chicken and veggies)

MY SHOPPING LIST

• 3 pounds of ground chuck
• 1 pound of small red beans
• 1 package of sausage (about 1 pound)
• 1 bag of golden potatoes
• 1 bag of seasoning blend
• flour tortillas
• Mexican blend cheese
• fresh bell peppers and onions
• 1 can each whole kernel corn and cream style corn
• boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• sloppy joe seasoning (I like bold Manwich)
• sour cream
• mixed greens & English cucumber

STUFF THAT I HAD AT HOME

• rice--instant and regular (I only cook instant.  I can cook regular.)
• seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, red pepper, Tony Cachere's, red pepper flakes)
• margarine (I know...  but the mashed potatoes...)
• croutons and salad dressing

TO EACH HIS OWN

As hard as I am trying to be a mom who cooks with love, I am mostly trying to cut back on my kitchen time.  Sadly, I know that not all of my family members will appreciate my efforts.  However, since I made a deal that in exchange for no fast food, we could have one restaurant meal per week, I have to provide sustenance so that no one starves.  To be nice, I purchased a few extra items so that those who were against my menu options could still eat.  

I purchased grapes, strawberries, yogurt and gluten free bread (wheat allergy).  I also purchased some gluten free cereal (we all eat it cuz it tastes good), meal replacement bars, a frozen dinner or so, and granola bars. Beyond that, there is a ton of canned fruit in the pantry; breakfast in the freezer; a couple of pizzas; and I'm sure a lot more if I keep looking.

I didn't use all of the potatoes and I bought a week's worth of salad. Those who aren't interested in my menu can mix and match.  Everyone loves salad (remember Caesar Salad Sunday), they all know how to cook eggs (which are in the fridge also), they can microwave a potato, and if all else fails, they can ask dad for take-out.

Purchase prepped peppers and onions from the deli...  add olive oil, S&P...  pop in a 400 degree oven...  30 minutes or so and all done...   roasted veggies for tortillas