SeattleSheri
Sweet Shoppe SugarBabe
So, I'm new to the SAHM gig and I'd love some suggestions for meal planning (either lunch or dinner). What are some kid-friendly staples in your household?
What are your favorite meals to make?
- Thread starter SeattleSheri
- Start date
emilyscout
New member
I could eat Meatloaf & mashed potatos everyday. Meri could too. But i have no kid friendly advice. I make 3-4 new recipes a week and they are not kid-friendly persay.Most times she eats it without issue, but if she doesn't she doesn't eat. She usually ends up giving in and eating some. Then has a huge breakfast the next morning. As for lunch I try to make enough dinner the night before to have leftovers.
Awwww--you're going to love being a SAHM!
Off the top of my head:
Lunch:
Soup and Grilled Cheese
Chicken Nuggets and some green veggie
Mac and Cheese
Sandwiches
English Muffin Pizzas
Leftovers from the night before
Applesauce Sandwiches
Pitas
Hotdogs
Dinner:
Pineapple Chicken
Ham and stuff to go with it
Chicken with stuffing
I do a lot of casserole type things
Hamburgers
Steak
Baked Potatos with all the good stuff
Ummm...there's lots more, lol. I'll have to think.
Off the top of my head:
Lunch:
Soup and Grilled Cheese
Chicken Nuggets and some green veggie
Mac and Cheese
Sandwiches
English Muffin Pizzas
Leftovers from the night before
Applesauce Sandwiches
Pitas
Hotdogs
Dinner:
Pineapple Chicken
Ham and stuff to go with it
Chicken with stuffing
I do a lot of casserole type things
Hamburgers
Steak
Baked Potatos with all the good stuff
Ummm...there's lots more, lol. I'll have to think.
AmyM
New member
Over the years I had a tough time finding things to cook that the whole family likes (that were healthy). Now with my newly discovered food allergies and health issues (nothing major scary) it has gotten even tougher. I'm having to go almost completely from scratch in a lot of cases, but I'm glad in a way because it's better for us. So I can't eat half of what I put on the table but anyways....
What kind of stuff do you guys like? Meat eaters or vegans? I can get some recipes up here you might like.
Quick and fairly healthy that we like-
Baked Salmon, baked potatoes, fried squash (i just slice it then lengthwise and use a little olive oil on low to fry it). that takes less than 45 mins.
baked chicken strips (there's a bisquick recipe to make them taste kinda like fried) and rice with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, some shredded cheese and a little cumin seasoning. Another less than an hour recipe
pork roast thrown in the crockpot overnight seasoned with a pack of mcormick baja citrus stuff (i never follow the directions, I just throw it in there with some water). Then just open a can of vegetables and maybe some rice a roni. Takes less than 30 mins to put together the next day.
I love my crockpot. Embrace and love the crockpot is my best advice LOL
Super quick stuff for when hubster's at work and i'm not hungry
mac n' cheese, apples
chicken nuggets, fries, carrots
grilled cheese and grapes
pb and j with yogurt
A big lifesaver for me to keep us out of the chips is to keep a huge tray of chopped vegetables and a separate one of fruit in the refrigerator and demand they eat that before they go into the cabinets. I also buy gogurt yogurt and string cheese so Kassi can grab that whenever she wants. If you keep the vegetables chopped up then you always have them to throw in with rice or whatever. Comes in handy.
I just typed too much didn't I.
What kind of stuff do you guys like? Meat eaters or vegans? I can get some recipes up here you might like.
Quick and fairly healthy that we like-
Baked Salmon, baked potatoes, fried squash (i just slice it then lengthwise and use a little olive oil on low to fry it). that takes less than 45 mins.
baked chicken strips (there's a bisquick recipe to make them taste kinda like fried) and rice with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, some shredded cheese and a little cumin seasoning. Another less than an hour recipe
pork roast thrown in the crockpot overnight seasoned with a pack of mcormick baja citrus stuff (i never follow the directions, I just throw it in there with some water). Then just open a can of vegetables and maybe some rice a roni. Takes less than 30 mins to put together the next day.
I love my crockpot. Embrace and love the crockpot is my best advice LOL
Super quick stuff for when hubster's at work and i'm not hungry
mac n' cheese, apples
chicken nuggets, fries, carrots
grilled cheese and grapes
pb and j with yogurt
A big lifesaver for me to keep us out of the chips is to keep a huge tray of chopped vegetables and a separate one of fruit in the refrigerator and demand they eat that before they go into the cabinets. I also buy gogurt yogurt and string cheese so Kassi can grab that whenever she wants. If you keep the vegetables chopped up then you always have them to throw in with rice or whatever. Comes in handy.
I just typed too much didn't I.
xboxmom
Active member
I have been a stay at home mom for 13 years and I tell ya I get tired of the same old foods every single week. But there is one thing that my kids LOVE and ask for all the time and I don't mind cooking just because its simple.
My kids call it "yummy rice" but what it's really called is Blue Cheese Chicken. (sorry Amanda B. I know you hate this recipe because of the blue cheese) Anyway you take boneless skinless chicken breasts I usually use about 8 but thats because I have to feed 7 people. 1 and it has to be this or its just GROSS 1 bottle of Light House Blue Cheese Salad dressing (chunky is the best but not required) and just for emphasis it has to be Light house! Then 1/4 cup of butter and about 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Bake the chicken with the butter and vinegar til the chicken is done then drain off about half the liquid and then add your entire bottle of light house dressing mix til combined and serve over rice. If you like a little spice you can add some Tabasco sauce too. Then serve with some sorta green veggie like broccoli or asparagus. My kids love love love this and I love it cuz I put it in the oven and walk away. cooks on 350 degrees for about 45 to 60 mins. pending on your chicken.
Also I have found it must be chicken breasts or the flavor is just off.
My kids call it "yummy rice" but what it's really called is Blue Cheese Chicken. (sorry Amanda B. I know you hate this recipe because of the blue cheese) Anyway you take boneless skinless chicken breasts I usually use about 8 but thats because I have to feed 7 people. 1 and it has to be this or its just GROSS 1 bottle of Light House Blue Cheese Salad dressing (chunky is the best but not required) and just for emphasis it has to be Light house! Then 1/4 cup of butter and about 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Bake the chicken with the butter and vinegar til the chicken is done then drain off about half the liquid and then add your entire bottle of light house dressing mix til combined and serve over rice. If you like a little spice you can add some Tabasco sauce too. Then serve with some sorta green veggie like broccoli or asparagus. My kids love love love this and I love it cuz I put it in the oven and walk away. cooks on 350 degrees for about 45 to 60 mins. pending on your chicken.
Also I have found it must be chicken breasts or the flavor is just off.
nesser1981
Sweet Shoppe SugarBabe
Sheri, I have lots of recipes on my blog for dinners and such.
I'll be a new SAHM in a few weeks and I can't wait!
I'll be a new SAHM in a few weeks and I can't wait!
clearskies
New member
I, too, confess I resort to the same ole same ole week after week.
Family Favorites...
"Red" Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (btw 4 and 6ish)
One can of WHOLE BERRY cranberry sauce
One bottle of Russian salad dressing
Mix the cranberry sauce and dressing and pour over chicken
Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.
I serve it with mashed potatoes.
(In a pinch you can use frozen chicken breasts, it just makes the sauce a little runnier...)
Chicken Pot Pie
4-6 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (love the food processor...)
One bag of frozen mixed veggies (32 oz)
One can of cream of chicken soup
1 1/4 c chicken broth
mix
then top with a mixture of
1 c milk
1 c pancake mix (I use Krusteaz)
1 stick melted butter
Bake at 400 for 40-45 minutes.
Sometimes I just make half a batch if I don't want leftovers or DH is gone.
Welcome to SAHMhood. I hope you love it!!! :thumbup:
Family Favorites...
"Red" Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (btw 4 and 6ish)
One can of WHOLE BERRY cranberry sauce
One bottle of Russian salad dressing
Mix the cranberry sauce and dressing and pour over chicken
Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.
I serve it with mashed potatoes.
(In a pinch you can use frozen chicken breasts, it just makes the sauce a little runnier...)
Chicken Pot Pie
4-6 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (love the food processor...)
One bag of frozen mixed veggies (32 oz)
One can of cream of chicken soup
1 1/4 c chicken broth
mix
then top with a mixture of
1 c milk
1 c pancake mix (I use Krusteaz)
1 stick melted butter
Bake at 400 for 40-45 minutes.
Sometimes I just make half a batch if I don't want leftovers or DH is gone.
Welcome to SAHMhood. I hope you love it!!! :thumbup:
rachaelsscraps
New member
I make a large pan (1 box of pasta) of stuffed shells for dinner one night (tonight actually!) and there's always so much that the leftovers cover 2/3 lunches. My son (almost 4) is somewhat of a picky eater- but he LOVES them and eats 4 of them at a time! I can't even eat that many at once!!! 
AnnieBananie
New member
Not a recipe... just a fun lunch thing we do here...
"Do it yourself" lunches. I put a bunch of lunchy stuff on the table and step away... they make their own sandwiches/wraps... or whatever. They really get a kick out of it. And yes, I have them clean up their own messes... LOL!
"Do it yourself" lunches. I put a bunch of lunchy stuff on the table and step away... they make their own sandwiches/wraps... or whatever. They really get a kick out of it. And yes, I have them clean up their own messes... LOL!
SeattleSheri
Sweet Shoppe SugarBabe
Thank you all so much for the wonderful suggestions!
Emily, I love the meatloaf suggestion, I will definitely add that to my repertoire!
Jennifer, thank you for all of the ideas!!! I've never heard of an applesauce sandwich!
Amy, I love my Crockpot, it doesn't get used as much as it should, it's definitely coming out of retirement! Thanks for all of the ideas!
Jodi, I will definitely check out the Kraft website! I spent about an hour going through cookbooks yesterday.
Annie, I'm totally diggin' the make your own lunch. That is an awesome suggestion! Thanks!
xboxmom, your blue cheese chicken sounds Divine! We will definitely try it!
Vanessa, I will definitely check out your blog and congrats on being a SAHM too!
Rachael, stuffed shells sound so yummy!
clearskies, thank you for the recipes, I know my DH loves chicken pot pie!
ETA: I noticed my post got cut off, how weird.
Emily, I love the meatloaf suggestion, I will definitely add that to my repertoire!
Jennifer, thank you for all of the ideas!!! I've never heard of an applesauce sandwich!
Amy, I love my Crockpot, it doesn't get used as much as it should, it's definitely coming out of retirement! Thanks for all of the ideas!
Jodi, I will definitely check out the Kraft website! I spent about an hour going through cookbooks yesterday.
Annie, I'm totally diggin' the make your own lunch. That is an awesome suggestion! Thanks!
xboxmom, your blue cheese chicken sounds Divine! We will definitely try it!
Vanessa, I will definitely check out your blog and congrats on being a SAHM too!
Rachael, stuffed shells sound so yummy!
clearskies, thank you for the recipes, I know my DH loves chicken pot pie!
ETA: I noticed my post got cut off, how weird.
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meganmecrazy
New member
I love making Low-Fat Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas! OMG! They are so good!!!!
1 8 oz. container light sour cream
1 8 oz. container nonfat plain yogurt
1 10 3/4 ounce can fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 4 oz. can diced chili peppers
12 (7 inch) white corn tortillas
4 ounces lowfat cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13x9" baking dish with nonstick spray. In medium bowl combine sour cream, yogurt, soup and chiles. Heat a flour tortilla until soft. Spoon 3 tbs. sour cream mixture down center of each tortilla (reserve some for garnish). Top with cheese, chicken and onions. Roll up and place seam side down in baking pan. Spoon remaining sour cream mixture over top. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup reserved cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered another 5 minutes. Garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes or salsa.
1 8 oz. container light sour cream
1 8 oz. container nonfat plain yogurt
1 10 3/4 ounce can fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 4 oz. can diced chili peppers
12 (7 inch) white corn tortillas
4 ounces lowfat cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13x9" baking dish with nonstick spray. In medium bowl combine sour cream, yogurt, soup and chiles. Heat a flour tortilla until soft. Spoon 3 tbs. sour cream mixture down center of each tortilla (reserve some for garnish). Top with cheese, chicken and onions. Roll up and place seam side down in baking pan. Spoon remaining sour cream mixture over top. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup reserved cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered another 5 minutes. Garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes or salsa.
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SeattleSheri
Sweet Shoppe SugarBabe
Yummy Megan, I'm definitely going to have to make that! I've been looking for a similar recipe! Thanks!
xboxmom
Active member
Cool let me know when you try the Blue Cheese Chicken I would love to know what you think of it. I gave the recipe to a neighbor, she tried to make it and then asked me what did I do wrong it was terrible. LOL So she told me what she put in, she had used Cider Vinegar and "kraft" blue cheese dressing. So again make sure you use Light house! and White Vinegar.
this sounds yummy.
SeattleSheri
Sweet Shoppe SugarBabe
xboxmom, I will definitely let you know! I love blue cheese!
Pam, I love Rachael Ray's meals (well, most of them). Stuffed meatballs sound awesome. I pretty much like anything with cheese! I need to check out the recipes on the PW website too!
Pam, I love Rachael Ray's meals (well, most of them). Stuffed meatballs sound awesome. I pretty much like anything with cheese! I need to check out the recipes on the PW website too!
krystalhartley
New member
Chili's To Go :thumbup:
SeattleSheri
Sweet Shoppe SugarBabe
Unfortunately, there are no Chili's in the Seattle area
*sniff* (unless you count the Chili's Too at the Seatac airport)we had lettuce wraps tonight!
I don't really use a recipe, just change it all the time
Basically
- cut up chicken breasts
- hoisin sauce
- cilantro
- red peppers
- peanuts
- steam fried noodles
cook it all and then just scoop it into big iceberg lettuce leafs and wrap em up. delicious!
I don't really use a recipe, just change it all the time
Basically
- cut up chicken breasts
- hoisin sauce
- cilantro
- red peppers
- peanuts
- steam fried noodles
cook it all and then just scoop it into big iceberg lettuce leafs and wrap em up. delicious!
SeattleSheri
Sweet Shoppe SugarBabe
That is such a good idea Kristin! I have two jars of Hoisin sauce I need to use up!
Leila
New member
My kids love Salsa Chicken. It's very easy too.
Lightly oil bottom of baking dish. Coat chicken breasts (4-6 boneless/skinless) with taco seasoning, place in dish. Cover with 1 cup jarred salsa (seriously, it works better with jarred salsa). Bake at 350° until nearly done. Remove from over, top with cheese. Place back in over for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
The boys love to have this as a taco filling. I use corn tortillas since D's gluten-free, but flour work just as well.
Lightly oil bottom of baking dish. Coat chicken breasts (4-6 boneless/skinless) with taco seasoning, place in dish. Cover with 1 cup jarred salsa (seriously, it works better with jarred salsa). Bake at 350° until nearly done. Remove from over, top with cheese. Place back in over for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
The boys love to have this as a taco filling. I use corn tortillas since D's gluten-free, but flour work just as well.
clearskies
New member
Unfortunately, there are no Chili's in the Seattle area
Heehee. I've eaten there. I can't believe that Alaska has something that Seattle doesn't. Guess we're movin' up in the world.
xboxmom
Active member
I know what the heck Seattle has no Chilli's I want my baby back ribs 
hahah
Lets see another favorite at our place and another really easy one is Apricot pork chops.
Half a jar of apricot preserves
1 packet of onion soup mix
half a bottle of Russian Salad dressing
and about 6 to 8 boneless pork chops
Combine first 3 ingredients in a 9 X 13 dish once all well mixed together place the pork chops in make sure you coat them really well with the mixture and put them in the oven at 350 degrees til done. usually about 50 mins.
hahahLets see another favorite at our place and another really easy one is Apricot pork chops.
Half a jar of apricot preserves
1 packet of onion soup mix
half a bottle of Russian Salad dressing
and about 6 to 8 boneless pork chops
Combine first 3 ingredients in a 9 X 13 dish once all well mixed together place the pork chops in make sure you coat them really well with the mixture and put them in the oven at 350 degrees til done. usually about 50 mins.
MelissaL88
New member
I'm not a SAHM, but I found subscribing to allrecipes.com and myrecipes.com gets you daily emails with dinner suggestions! It's a lifesaver! When I see something I like, I just email it to the hubster (who is a SAHD) and we file it away for dinner that night or on a night when we're cooking. In fact, this is what was in my inbox today: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/r...ayRecipe&recipe_id=1206217&iid=edit-dt-052109
Sherri, you didn't say how old your kids are. Mine are 8 & 10 and I find that they eat just about anything I put in front of them unless it's 1)Spicy or 2) Potatoes! Go figure!
Good luck!
Sherri, you didn't say how old your kids are. Mine are 8 & 10 and I find that they eat just about anything I put in front of them unless it's 1)Spicy or 2) Potatoes! Go figure!
Good luck!
Jenn Barrette
Sweet Shoppe Designer
I just tried this new recipe yesterday, it was tasty!
Portabella Mushroom and Turkey Sausage Orzo w/ Creamy Garlic and Basil Sauce
couple portabella mushrooms chopped
one onion chopped
3 links of turkey sausage
couple garlic cloves
1/2 cup chopped basil
1/4 cream cheese
1/4 parmasan cheese (I just use the Kraft stuff)
1/2 cup milk
orzo pasta
Saute the mushrooms, and cook sausage (I braised/poached them in a little water) and set a side, get the orzo pasta cooking. Saute an onion in a little oil or butter, add garlic (2-4 cloves chopped/minced depending on what you like) and 1/2 cup chopped basil. To make this into the sauce add 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup parmasan cheese, and 1/2 cup of milk. Mix the sauce with the orzo, and add the mushrooms and sausage.
Portabella Mushroom and Turkey Sausage Orzo w/ Creamy Garlic and Basil Sauce
couple portabella mushrooms chopped
one onion chopped
3 links of turkey sausage
couple garlic cloves
1/2 cup chopped basil
1/4 cream cheese
1/4 parmasan cheese (I just use the Kraft stuff)
1/2 cup milk
orzo pasta
Saute the mushrooms, and cook sausage (I braised/poached them in a little water) and set a side, get the orzo pasta cooking. Saute an onion in a little oil or butter, add garlic (2-4 cloves chopped/minced depending on what you like) and 1/2 cup chopped basil. To make this into the sauce add 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup parmasan cheese, and 1/2 cup of milk. Mix the sauce with the orzo, and add the mushrooms and sausage.
mummytothree
New member
Here are a ton of recipes I've posted here over the lat year....I'll jut link you o the posts!! I feed a wide range of people with these: 2 adults, older kids (11 & 7), toddler (4) and a baby (1).
My best advise would be to find a recipe source you LOVE!!! i personally use a magazine by Taste Of Home called Simple and Delicious. I've had the subscription since 2000 and it never fails me or my family!!! So find a book, magazine, website ect.....and make it your "go to"guide for cooking. Then my second bit of advise would be to make a menu......for how ever many days work for you....weekly, every two weeks, once a month. It's so nice to "know" what your cooking before hand and I find it virtually cuts out those spur of the moment out to eats and the hectic 4PM rush of "WHAT THE HECK AND I GOING TO MAKE FOR DINNER!" hysteria!!!
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=448939&postcount=42
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=422336&postcount=2
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=409904&postcount=4
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=409908&postcount=5
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382537&postcount=32
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382540&postcount=33
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382541&postcount=34
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382543&postcount=35
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=368264&postcount=11
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=340270&postcount=22
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=257190&postcount=25
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=432328&postcount=1
My best advise would be to find a recipe source you LOVE!!! i personally use a magazine by Taste Of Home called Simple and Delicious. I've had the subscription since 2000 and it never fails me or my family!!! So find a book, magazine, website ect.....and make it your "go to"guide for cooking. Then my second bit of advise would be to make a menu......for how ever many days work for you....weekly, every two weeks, once a month. It's so nice to "know" what your cooking before hand and I find it virtually cuts out those spur of the moment out to eats and the hectic 4PM rush of "WHAT THE HECK AND I GOING TO MAKE FOR DINNER!" hysteria!!!
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=448939&postcount=42
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=422336&postcount=2
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=409904&postcount=4
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=409908&postcount=5
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382537&postcount=32
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382540&postcount=33
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382541&postcount=34
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382543&postcount=35
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=368264&postcount=11
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=340270&postcount=22
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=257190&postcount=25
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showpost.php?p=432328&postcount=1
livelys
New member
My son has always loved omlettes - which are great fast food. His favourite combo is ham, cheese and sundried tomatoes (he doesn't like them fresh). But his all-time fav meal/ packed lunch is pasta with green pesto, ham or bacon, sd tomatoes again, peas and extra parmesan.
A variation of the 'make your own sandwiches' theme is to do something similar with a plain pizza base - messy, with interesting combinations, but fun to do.
A variation of the 'make your own sandwiches' theme is to do something similar with a plain pizza base - messy, with interesting combinations, but fun to do.