First Canning Lesson

Grocery Shopping as a New Mom

A few days ago, I walked into the grocery store to pick up something for lunch.  When I got there, you would think I had walked into some exotic market in a foreign country.  I couldn’t figure out what I was picking up, nothing registered as something suitable, and I wound up at the deli counter for some ham and a loaf of bread.  At that moment, I realized I needed a plan before I attempted to do “actual” grocery shopping for the family.

Enter my new best friend.  The folks at Kraft have taken the time to develop a wonderful website that not only has recipes for every meal and occasion, they also have a “Budget Wise” section for those of us who are trying to pinch pennies.  In that section, they have several collections of meals to get you through the week.  

My least favorite part of meal planning has always been trying to coordinate meals so there isn’t carry-over  or planning the next week with my head in the fridge to see what I have to use up.  This week, I chose one of their “bags”, printed the shopping list, and I’m going to make the meals from their menu.  Not only will it be nice to have fewer random ingredients left next weekend, it’s about time to try some new recipes!  

Having everything on the website reduces the need to think even further, something I’ve decided is essential in the first few weeks of having a newborn in the house!  I spent half of what I used to spend and know that I have everything we need for the week.

Mommy’s Helper?

Changing Menus

Last week, I talked about Khaila and how much she wanted to cook.  It seems that wasn’t a passing phase, or if it was, it’s exceeding the standard two year old attention span of 13 minutes.  Because of that, I’ve found myself trying to adapt our weekly menu.  I want her to be able to help me, but there are some things she just can’t.

Last night, she got her first shot at meatloaf.  I’m not sure she enjoyed it as much as using the spoon to stir.  Unlike stirring, this was cold, messy, icky.  Sure, she likes getting messy as much as the next kid, but she’s not a fan of the cold/icky combination.

Every Friday, I’m going to post a kid-friendly meal, in terms of both preparing and eating.

Barbecue Cheeseburger Meatloaf

2lb ground beef (also good if you use 1lb ground turkey and 1lb ground turkey sausage
1 packet onion soup mix
1 egg
1 slice of bread, torn in pieces
worcestershire sauce (to taste)
garlic powder (to taste)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (split)
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Mix all ingredients by hand.  Save 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce for top.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.