Blog
Katy’s Go-To Summer Meal
My family’s schedule is picking up now that summer is in full swing. Even though my kids are little (4.5 years & 10 months), I find that we are constantly on the go. Whether we are at the pool, a playground, or simply playing outside after naps, having quick dinners that don’t take a lot of time to prep and clean-up is a must!
What’s for Breakfast at Anna’s?
Breakfast at my apartment is my favorite meal of the day. I have always been a big fan of all things breakfast food, so planning what I am going to eat to start my day is important to me. As a senior year dietetics student, breakfast most days needs to be quick and portable as I am off to work or class. I also need something filling to sustain me through my morning classes until I have time for lunch.
“More Green Trees, please”
Broccoli is a staple vegetable in both the fridge and freezer at my house. My preschooler has always loved broccoli- especially if it is steamed or roasted. When she was younger, she would request broccoli with her meals by asking for the “tiny green trees”. Thankfully all of us enjoy broccoli so it is an easy request to fulfill. Below are a few ways that we include tiny green trees into our meals and snacks.
Meals from a Dollar Store
In my home state of Iowa, there are a lot of us who have a significant drive to get to a big grocery store with a wide variety of food. Trips into larger cities take time and money for transportation. In small towns and certain areas of larger cities, we are more likely to find a dollar store that sells a variety of items including some food. Most dollar stores have shelf-stable foods and some have refrigerated or frozen foods too. I gave some thought to what I could make with the shelf-stable foods my local dollar store carries. Here are some of the products that stood out to me as particularly useful and how I would make them into a meal.
Spaghetti Squash
I always look forward to this time of year. As the summer break from school winds down, I like to take some time off work and simply enjoy the end of summer with my children. Sometimes we go on adventures, but a lot of the time we just relax around home. And, to be honest, I do not cook much. This means I am probably not going to make our August recipe of the month – Spaghetti Squash – until this fall.
What Fruits and Veggies do You Like?
This past year, we have been asking people about their favorite seasonal produce. We are going to continue sharing this month, starting with my family. I decided to ask my three children what fruits and veggies they like to eat in the summertime. We are very lucky to have a small garden at our home and access to larger gardens at grandpa’s and grandma’s homes, which you will see reflected in their answers below.
Peppers on Parade!
It has been a fun month reading all about our favorite summer produce items. It is a real joy to have summer produce from the grocery store, farmers market or even your own back porch. I enjoy nearly all summer produce, but I would say peppers rise to the top for me. They are delicious raw and cooked and they can be sweet or spicy.
Go to Quick Meals
Recently my neighbor asked me what my go-to meals are for supper. I was quick to reply tacos and scrambled eggs. I keep the ingredients on hand for both, they come together quickly, and everyone likes them. In the summer, I like to spend time outside after work and not in the kitchen. And I’d rather not turn on the oven and heat up my house. Tacos and scrambled eggs allow me to do both.
Quick Meals for a Relaxed Summer
This week we are kicking off a new series all about our go-to meals for summer. In the summer I like to have more time outside looking after my plants and flowers and I tend to travel more often as well. I’ve shared before that cooking is something I really enjoy, but I also like to have quick meals that do not require much cooking so that I have time to relax and enjoy a slower pace.
What’s for Breakfast at the Gatewood’s?
Breakfast at our house it low key and includes lots of easy to prepare options. I don’t plan breakfast like I do our evening meal but I make sure there are a variety of options on hand for us to choose from. Some of our go-to items include pancakes, toast with peanut butter, smoothies, eggs, oatmeal, and muffins.
It’s Time for Asparagus!
It’s Spring! And that means asparagus is in season. I remember growing up on the farm and cutting wild asparagus in the ditch by our house. Now I buy it in the grocery store. My husband loves asparagus so he gets excited for me to make it when it’s in season. His favorite way to have it is roasted. I also like to grill it.
Cucumber Salsa
Our June recipe of the month is Cucumber Salsa. Jody shared this recipe with me after she tried something similar at a party. This recipe is perfect for June because cucumbers are in season and plentiful. To make this recipe you combine chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and peppers with a homemade dressing made from sour cream, lemon juice, lime juice, and some seasonings. This salsa is best when eaten right away.