Shrimp Over Potatoes

Okay…so I have been out. of. control behind on blogging.  I have felt just a little bit guilty about it, but quickly realized that no one really notices.  My lazy and rebellious tendencies have taken over my kitchen duties lately.  I have become bitter against the responsibility and turned to mac and cheese and microwave popcorn as my sanctuary.  It’s strange that my family still seems happy and healthy.   Did I think we would wither into malnutritioned slobs?

I had become so obsessed with the balance of evening dinners that I was missing out on this kind of fun……..

My pedi assured me that RL can easily get the necessary nutrition that she needs without gourmet dinners every night.  Did you know that  a toddler only needs 600 calories a day and just 4 G of protein.  Hearing this info lifted a tremendous amout of pressure from my shoulders and replaced it with a fend for yourself type outlook (geared toward my husband not for my 17 month old J)

I still make an occasional weekday dinner for old times sakes such as……

Shrimp over roasted crushed potatoes.

I previously blogged about the shrimp and pots.  I added mushrooms and remoulade sauce.

My next venture will be once a week/month cooking for the freezer.  I have already marked it on my calendar and placed a reminder in my phone.  I am really going to try it out and see what happens. 

RL update:

We recently took a family vacation and had a great time…..

Our play focus lately has been pretend play…….we love to pretend cook and go grocery shopping (while waving and blowing kisses)

I have a confession to make.  The last two nights I have eaten an entire candy bar after 9:00 oclock at night.  It was delicious.  It was on sale.

MORE TURKEY BURGERS

It is really unfortunate for my "loyal readers" that I have commited myself to a cooking blog, but have somehow lost my motivation to cook.  I would have never expected this, but it is true.  I find myself battling demons that say things like "pop a frozen pizza in the oven" or "heat up a microwave meal for RL".  I most certainly obey these orders at times which is simply the reality of life.  I have no problem with these foods, I just feel guilty about serving them to RL.  These are the types of foods she is served at school (understandably), therefore, I feel it is my duty to provide fresh and less processed food at home.

One of the problems with being a full-time working mom that also maintains part-time chef and housekepper employment, is the time available to have fun.  I am admittedly jealous of the time D gets to spend with RL when I am in the kitchen creating master pieces for the family's enjoyment.  I miss out on that very little weekday time slot before the dinner, bath, bedtime routine begins.

Changes are on the horizon, I am just not sure what they will be.  I need a new meal plan.  I am leaning toward giving the Once a Month cooking a try. 

One of my go to meals at all times is a good ole turkey burger.  It's such an easy choice since you can cook them from frozen. I plopped them straight on the grill. 

I chose a ranch and parmesan flavor and seasoned with ranch powder and dried chives and then melted grated parm cheese.

Mushrooms are cheap at this time of year, so I try to use them often.

 I know....so exciting.  :(

RL has been sick, therefore, we have spent sometime at home.  Welcome to my home....

 We have continued to stick to our "directive play" plan and typically do something everyday.  Here is a dance party we had during music play.

Put your hands up! Put your hands up! Woot! Woot!