I have hit a freaking brick wall with meals ideas to serve my little girl. Add in her picky palate (which came out of NOWHERE!) its beginning to become a chore trying to figure out what to feed her. And I have plenty of chores, I surely don’t need to add another to the list.
Now, I know I have addressed this in my post last week, but its getting to become extreme. One day she eats the entire plate full of food, then like Cybill, she switches gears the next day and my floor is covered in her dissatisfied meal. I have become quick to her game and decided to keep a list of go-to meals in my back pocket in case when I hit another wall.
Breakfast
- Pancakes. Simple and easy! Some days I will add mashed bananas, blue berries, even cooked apples. The best part, wrapping them up and freezing them for another morning.
- Waffles. Whether it be Eggo or homemade these always hit a home run. When I cut them up, I toss them in a light drizzle of maple syrup to add a little flavor.
- French Toast. Can’t beat some french toast. Sprinkle the egg wash with some cinnamon then top with cut up berries.
- Egg in a Frame. This was my fave as a child. Take a piece of bread, use a cup or small cookie cutter and cut right in the middle of the bread. Then break the egg right in it, fry it up and your done!
- Yogurt with Fruit Puree. I like to do this with my little one. Take some vanilla Yo-Baby yogurt and add some freshly chopped or pureed berries to it. I usually pair it with a nice scrambled egg.
Lunch & Dinner
- Turkey Roll-ups. This has been a new favorite in our house. I buy Hormel Natural turkey (they have no preservatives) and take a piece of cheese and roll it right up. Steam some frozen organic peas or mixed veggies on the side.
- Cream Cheese & Jelly Sandwich. This is our version of a PB&J. If I don’t have much in the house, I always fall back on this one and she loves it.
- Homemade Mac & Cheese. Make a roux with some butter and flour then add milk, cheese and mac. Easy, simple and always is a crowd pleaser. You can even try this quinoa mac & cheese.
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs. I usually prepare a bunch of mini meatballs and freeze the ones I don’t use. Just get some ground turkey, bread crumbs, 1 egg, some grated cheese and I usually add some type of veggie in it like spinach, broccoli or peppers. Gotta sneak some veggies in!
- Pasta. With or without sauce. If you don’t have sauce, mix in some butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Pastina. My secret weapon. I ate this stuff as a kid and naturally mine will as well! Cook the 2-3 tbs of pastina in some chicken stock, drain, mix with butter, cheese and a dab of milk. Another one of my go-to’s when I don’t have anything in the house.
- Rotisserie Chicken. I love making a chicken then using it in about 5 different ways. Cut up pieces with mashed potatoes and some veggies, make some chicken and cheese quesadillas or chop the chicken into tiny pieces, add grapes, small pieces of apple and a dab of mayo for a chicken salad sandwich. Or you can go all out and make a pot pie!
- Pizza Bagels or English Muffin Pizzas. So simple and the plate is always empty. Take either a bagel or English muffin, top with some sauce and mozzarella cheese, bake and serve!
- Meatloaf Cupcakes. Great size for kids and packed with yummy spinach and cheese. Don’t forget the potato “frosting” and corn “sprinkles”!
- Corn Dogs. Get some dogs or veggie/organic ones, whip up some corn muffin mix, cut up the dogs and place them in a muffin tin. Pour some of the corn muffin mix in each cup and bake. Easy corn dogs minus the frying.
- Chicken Nuggets. Cut some chicken breast, dip in egg wash and coat with panko, regular break crumbs or even Corn Flakes. Bake for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees and voila! Easy, homemade chicken nuggets that beat any fast food joint. Pair it with some sweet potato fries and corn and peas.
- Veggie Burger with cheese. Pan fry a Morning Star (or other brand) veggie patty with some Pam, add a piece of cheese and you have a healthy alternative to a regular greasy cheese burger. Make some sweet potato tots or zucchini fries for a yummy side.
- Lasagna Rolls. Newest to my recipe box and easy! Roll cooked lasagna noodles with a layer of ricotta, cheese and spinach mixture, top with sauce and bake for 40 min. My little one devoured this!
- Baked Fish Sticks. Bread some fresh cod with panko and bake. Make some yummy dipping sauce and steam some veggies for a nutritious meal.
Snacks
- Bananas & PB. Slice up half a banana and spread some peanut butter on each slice.
- String Cheese
- Fruit Smoothie. Blend some juice, berries or what ever kind of fruit you have in the house (fresh or frozen), some yogurt and milk for a sweet and healthy treat.
- Fruit Salad. Cut up a melody of fruit, squeeze some lemon juice on it to keep everything from browning and store in the fridge. Great for after school or a sweet treat after dinner.
- No Bake Energy Balls. These are so yummy! Make them into smaller balls for toddlers.
- Cream Cheese & Crackers. Or some peanut butter. Great for on the go.
- Avocado. Sliced and diced! My little one likes lemon and lime for some odd reason. So we squirt a little lime on them and she gobbles them up. But they are great plain!
- Graham Crackers
- Hummus & Veggies/Crackers
- Banana “Soft Serve”
Got any to add? Would love to hear!
– Amanda
