Back to Basics

We all have basic needs: oxygen, water...food. It's a no brainer on the oxygen, water gets a bit more complicated with all the flavorings and sparklings available; but, deciding what food will satisfy is often troublesome.  Especially when you're responsible for feeding more than yourself. 

I don't know about your family, but mine likes to give input, are very independent and likes to "help" when I'm in the kitchen.  (I think it has something to do with licking the beaters...)  I imagine that's pretty typical of most families.  And, like most kids, my girls like to build things, make their own choices and have plenty of variety.  So, I have a ROCKSTAR trick that gets your family back to basics and satisfies everyone's hunger.

The Ploughman's Lunch 

(or dinner...or snack...)

According to Wikipedia, the Ploughman's Lunch can be dated back to World War II and typically consisted of bread, cheese and pickles.  Different variations include salad, some protein (like eggs) and fruit.  Although we would all love to eat bread and cheese for lunch, the addition of the other items really balance the meal out.  Now, add some dip and you are puttin' on a show! 

Irregardless of how many mouths you are feeding, the Ploughman's Lunch can help you feed everyone while keeping your sanity.  My suggestion is to load your platter with a combo of meat, cheese, fruit, veggies and a dip (or two).  My platter is a lazy susan we purchased at Sam's Club.  It spins around to minimize reaching AND it even spins on carpet (if you elect to eat your Ploughman's Lunch "picnic style" in the living room, like we often do).  I did find a similar one on-line at Brylane Home Lazy Susan Server Set (CRYSTAL,0).  It retails for $29.99. 

Little hands will enjoy building their own meal and you will enjoy seeing them get the nutrition they need to keep on ROCKIN'.  Even if their shows last a bit longer than your energy!   Everything you need to make a delicious Ploughman's Lunch is already in your fridge.   Cut up those cheese slices, use up that left over pepperoni, polish off those blueberries...the combinations are endless. It's also a great way to use up all those snacks...you know, when you don't quite have enough to give everyone an equal serving.  Or, fill it up with left overs and clean out your fridge.   

For dips, try:

peanut butter

ranch

cream cheese (add some food coloring for some real fun!)

fruit dip

hummus

salsa

queso

cheese dip

caramel

mustard

ketchup

For protein, try:

lunch meat  (dice the slices)

left over turkey, chicken, beef

pepperoni

hot dogs    (slice them width-wise)

hard boiled eggs

For carbs, try:

pretzels

crackers

tortilla chips  (try baking your own - it's fast, easy and cuts down on salt!)

chips

graham crackers

popcorn

And, of course, don't forget the FRUITS and VEGGIES!