(Yes, the redundancy was intentional.)
So here we go! On the cooking wagon, again! Thanks to my friend Emily who sent me her favorite recipe site: Kraftfoods.com.
If you look closely you can see that today was “crock pot.” And wa-la.
BBQ Pulled Pork anyone? Recipe from McCormick. I mean…I just stuff all the stuff in the crock pot and it is basically COOKING ITSELF. I’ll probably make some rice. Or just give the people bread. Maybe something green? Who knows?
I think my biggest obstacle to cooking has been big grocery shopping. I hate making lists every time and trying to plan the menu. So I just went all out. I made an excel spreadsheet with EVERYTHING ON IT (a work in progress, but mostly done) in different categories. It’s basically a list of things I need to keep in my kitchen so that I can a) make the meals featured on the lovely magnets and b) make sure everyone has breakfast/lunch/snacks available that they enjoy. I print it out, stick in on the fridge, and we highlight what we need. Before I print it out I’ll add a new recipe or two (like the McCormick one) to the side and make sure I have those ingredients, too. Sure, I end up hauling a list of EVERYTHING IN MY KITCHEN to the grocery store, but I find it’s pretty easy to ignore what’s not highlighted and crossed out. And it beats making a new list every time!
Yeah, if you’re thinking about using those carts…don’t. I think I threw out my back. One of the more ridiculous inventions ever. Except that Camper sat and twirled the steering wheel and waved at people like a dignitary for the whole hour and a half that it took me to figure out what a pork shoulder was. And I never did find the powdery polenta. I’ll have to try again next time.
Following up with my plea for help (thanks Erin for your comment!) I did actually pick up some couscous to work into the mix. I’ve also experimented with just giving the Bubbs our dinner. It works sometimes and not others, but he seems to like ground beef in various incarnations, spaghetti and homemade mac ‘n cheese, and I actually made him a little quesadilla a couple of times this week which he LOVED. Just whole wheat tortilla, some cheese, slasa and sour cream…maybe a little avocado or beef…and he chomped it down.
Finally- I think the menu is going to stick this time. Mostly, because I learned I can big shop all on my own. Also, I added things like “soup and sandwich” (which will probably mean grilled cheese and a can of something) and “chicken fatties and fries” to the mix. That way I’m not having to do seriously food assembly every night. But we’re day two, and going strong.
Me: “Do you think it’s going to taste good?”
My Dad: “Does it have meat in it?”
Yeah. I think it’ll be ok.
