Episode 77 When You Do Not Feel Like Cooking and Let's Talk About the Dishes

<p>With most of us sheltering in place, we have all been spending lots more time at home. That means cooking more and eating more meals together as a family.</p> <p>It isn’t like having the kids home for summer because they have activities and we are leaving the house running errands and going places. Everything is so much more compressed. Three meals a day, seven days a week with all our people is not normal for most families and it can get overwhelming.</p> <p>What can you do to ease the burden?</p> <p>-Think about breakfast and lunch. Make large batches of preferred foods at the beginning of the week. I like to make pancakes or turkey sausage.</p> <p>-Make some compromises. My son eats a Jimmy Dean Blueberry Muffin on a Stick for breakfast. I’m sure I cannot pronounce half of the ingredients, but it keeps the peace and is worth the compromise.</p> <p>-If you have the means it may be easier to increase your food budget during this time. Buying a few convenience foods can ease the cooking burden.</p> <p>-If you are comfortable and have the budget to do takeout, put it on the meal plan at the end of the week so you have something to look forward to.</p> <p>-Do a meal swap with a friend, family member or neighbor. Make a double batch and swap so you can each have one night without cooking.</p> <p>-Make a “treat meal.” Cook a dinner that you know everyone will love. It is much easier to cook when you know everyone likes dinner. We made homemade pizza and each person chose their own toppings.</p> <p>-Snack plates can be dinner. Put salami or ham and cheese with fruit and crackers on a platter or board and call it dinner. Bonus if you make it a picnic and eat outside.</p> <p>-Sandwiches make a great dinner. I like these at the beginning of the grocery week because lunch meat doesn’t last long in the refrigerator. It is a great meal to have on grocery day because it is quick and easy.</p> <p>-Cook a large amount of a protein at the beginning of the week and repurpose it throughout the week. Grilled chicken breasts can