by Emily Richards, Home Economist
Don’t overthink meal planning! As the saying goes – Just Do it! 😉
Plan It
- Sit down with a pen and paper and ask your family what they like. Be sure to get the kids involved and have everyone included.
- Create a recipe file or booklet so family favourites are easy to access.
- Go through cookbooks and magazines or favourite websites to find new ideas to try out. Make it fun and empower family members to explore new ingredients and recipes.
- Dedicate one night for the kids to cook whatever they want. And if the kids are older, let them get the groceries and cook it themselves so they can own that independence and rock the kitchen atmosphere!
Get It
- With everyone’s ideas in place, now you need the ingredients to cook, so go out and get them. This can be a great family activity and learning experience.
- Make a grocery list. Organize it to follow the aisles of your favourite store. This will save time and ensure you don’t forget to shop for those pantry staples you may have already used up. You could also divide the list between family members – everyone gets an aisle or section to shop in and then meet at the till.
- Keep on ongoing list where everyone can add needed items when they have been used up.
- If there are jobs you really don’t like, then look for convenient products to help you out, like salad mixes or prechopped vegetables.
Do It:
- Get into the kitchen and chop, slice and dice to create delicious meals with your family for everyone to enjoy. Turn on some music to get you moving!
- Ask for help and get the whole family involved.
- Think about ways to cook once and eat twice or to prepare ahead. Some people like to cook on the weekends for the week or to prepare more than you need on nights when you have time so you are ready for nights when you are in a rush.
Here are a few of my family favourite recipes to get you started!
Spaghetti Pie for Dinner
Smoked Salmon Pasta
Photos and recipes courtesy Emily Richards.
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