You know when you have about a gazillion things running through your head and you're trying to mentally organize all of them and figure out how and when to do them all or if they are even worth doing, ie meal planning, unpacking, laundry, cleaning, phone calls, showering...you know, the daily stuff? Well, that's where I'm at. We just returned from a 5 day trip to Virginia and it was quite an adventure, to say the least and the next 2 weeks are busy, busy, busy. So, right now, I'm trying to figure out everything I need to do to prepare. My husband has a new board member that is coming in to town with his family. At first I thougt "they can stay here" but, then after I thought about 7 people staying here, I figured it may get a little cramped so, we decided to have the ministry put them up in a hotel across the street from us and just have meals with them. So, I am in the process of trying to decide how to feed 11 people. They will be here for 2 dinners and a lunch. So, I figured the first night we could order a pizza or pizzas rather, and I'd make a salad because, who doesn't like pizza? I thought for the second night we could have chicken on the grill but, I'm not sure about that yet. I'd love any suggestions you have. If any of you are used to feeding large families...please help.
I currently have 3 loads of laundry waiting to be folded and two waiting to be washed. And they will probably continue to wait because I am just too tired to do it right now. My body is currently asking for caffeine via a slight headache which tells me I shouldn't have been drinking so much regular coffee on the trip. Should I or shouldn't I (have coffee)...another random thing running through my brain. I could make decaf but, it wouldn't have the same effect. Anyway, I digress. Or at least I will try.
Oh, and what to make for my family this week. Meal planning has become something that leaves me stumped week after week. I sit in front of mounds of cookbooks and the computer screen searching for meals my family will enjoy. I have this thing about cooking the same stuff all the time. I just don't like it. I enjoy variety. But, variety takes work. I usually save my weekly menus so I can go back to them but, none of them appeal to me at this moment in time. I know, I'm being a pain.
I also realized I haven't posted a recipe for Good Food Friday in awhile. I promise one will come soon. I also mentioned a giveaway a few weeks ago...that is also in the works and I'm making something very pretty for you to win!
Thank you for listening to my ramblings. And again, I welcome any ideas for the large family meals.
4 comments:
Hi Gina! I couldn't ignore your "big family" food idea request. :)
A favorite of mine for feeding a crowd is soup. This isn't always ideal in the summer, but this week is supposed to be a bit cooler (at least around here-- 50s and 60s) so a big pot of soup might be perfect. I love soups because they're inexpensive, can use ingredients that are in your home, and most people like them! One of our favorites around here is a pasta & sausage sort of recipe: some chewy pasta (ie elbows or something like that), cooked & crumbled sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference), frozen spinach, and a white bean (like navy or cannellini). Saute some onions & garlic, add water and the cooked sausage and a couple cans of beans, favorite spices (basil is always wonderful in this!) and salt & pepper, let it cook for several hours, then add pasta and spinach just enough before serving to cook the pasta. Yum. Along with chewy bread and a tray of veggies, it's a great meal that's simple to serve many!
Other favorites are chicken pot pie (of the "drop" biscuits on top variety for simpler prep!), homemade mac & cheese (love this because you can make it ahead), 2 roast chickens w/ simple sides like rice & salad, etc.
Anyway, I'm like you in that I get bored with making the same things over and over. :( I'm always on the lookout for new economic (time and $!) yummy recipes!
You should check out Owlhaven's blog - I have the link in my sidebar. She just did a frugal meal post. And she has 10 children too!!
Have a wonderful time!
Oh, I'm glad your trip went well. I know you were stressin'!
-Andrea
Well, I don't have a large family to feed...but I do have one very hungry husband. ;-) One of the things I cook that he really likes (and I do, too!) and which always leaves us with a ton of leftovers is the Slow-Cooker Pizza recipe I found:
http://www.completelyincomplete.net/blog/2007/12/30/slow-cooker-sunday-5/
I know what you're thinking...you don't have time to slow-cook anything! But, since everything is cooked first, you really only need to heat it through to get the cheese to melt...and you can do that in the oven if you want!
I've also made these, which are easy and very yummy:
http://kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/RecipeDetail.htm?recipe_id=95162
And, this is great if you need a big side that everyone will love!:
http://kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/RecipeDetail.htm?recipe_id=62578
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