So...DINNER TIME...Big Family and a Full-Time Job?
MEAL PREP FOR BIG FAMILIES
I've been asked numerous times what I do with meal times and a large family. Especially since I currently work full-time. How do I do it without going crazy? What are my secrets to having nice fully balanced meals for the kids, "most of the time?"
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a chef, nor do I aspire to be one. I am not even a real fan of cooking. But I am a big fan of feeding my children good home cooked food. Or at least edible food. LOL
It takes planning, but I make it work—meal prep, simple healthy options, and flexibility. Balance matters more than doing everything from scratch.
I like to think that I make enough food to feed an army. Because I literally have one. Well at least it feels like one. (I know there are much bigger families out there.)
So...THIS IS WHAT I DO!!!
You could use your own Tupperware containers, or use this link for disposable ones you can buy on Amazon.
Let’s say I’m making my mother’s chicken soup recipe—one of our family favorites. I make enough for the family to enjoy for dinner, and then I make extra so I can freeze a couple more family-size servings.
From there, I do two things. First, I put a large portion into a family-size container and freeze it for another full family dinner later on. Easy for me.
Second, I portion the soup into several single-serving containers that I purchased from Amazon (the link for the soup containers is right here). I store those in the freezer so the kids can grab one when they need something quick or when we aren’t all eating together. Easy for them.
This works for any dinner I’m making. I often freeze individual portions of lasagna, shepherd’s pie, or chicken dishes with vegetables and potatoes, using these containers.
With how expensive it is to feed families—big or small—these days, I feel that extra food shouldn’t go to waste. It should be shared with someone who needs it or saved for later. So when I know there will be a lot of leftovers, like after a holiday or a big family meal, I package everything properly together into individual meals and freeze it.
Make A Large Portion
FAMILY-SIZE
