Overcoming a Summer Dilemma- Feeding Teens on the Cheap

Over the years one subject always seems to be revisited by our members at the start of the Summer . . . "Just how am I supposed to feed these Teenagers?!" It wasn't until last summer that I realized just how daunting this task can be! Perhaps the most difficult part of keeping them filled up is realizing that at some point, you're not only going to be feeding your own children, but half of their friends as well.

If you're beginning the summer with woes of how to keep your kids (seemingly hollow legs!) filled, here are a few suggestions on cheap eats:

1. Meatballs- These can be made up ahead of time and frozen in ziploc bags. They can be warmed up in seconds and are excellent, use them in:
   1. Meatball Subs
   2. Ramen Noodles
   3. Quickie Calzones
   4. Sweet & Sour Meatballs
   5. Meatball Stroganoff
2. Ramen Noodles- These can be prepared a plethora of ways. They're dirt cheap and the kids love them. They're a great way to use up small bits of leftover "anything" (ham/bacon/pork/beef,etc)
3. Tortilla Wraps - Just about anything can be wrapped into a tortilla. They're dirt cheap, virtually mess free, healthy and delicious. I particularly like that the kids can throw one together without making a mess of my kitchen. Here are a few examples of ingredients that I keep on hand in the fridge
   1. Black Olives
   2. Chopped Veggies (green peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, celery bits)
   3. Tuna Salad
   4. Egg Salad
   5. Ham (diced or sliced)
   6. Crumbled Bacon
   7. Cooked Chicken- diced or shredded
   8. Lettuce
   9. Cheeses (various kinds,
      sliced, shredded, diced)
   10. Broccoli (raw flowerettes, chopped small)
   11. Salsa
   12. Peanut Butter - Jam's - Jellies (fruits/berries goes well w/ peanut butter too)
   13. Pepperoni
4. Breakfast Burritos- made up ahead of time and frozen (scrambled eggs,bacon,sausage,cheese,veggies,etc) Simply toss into the microwave for 30 seconds and enjoy
5. Muffins- various kinds made up ahead of time and frozen individually. Simply toss into the microwave for 20 seconds and enjoy. These are particular great for when the kids friends come over unexpectedly.
6. Tuna Pea Wiggle - super easy, super fast and can be made ahead of time
7. MYO 100 Calorie Snacks - dirt cheap snack Ideas to have on hand
8. Mini Pizzas- sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, chopped veggies, etc - these can be made on Bagel halves, english muffins
9. Veggie Sandwiches- "poor gwrls" - (toasted wheat bread with fresh sliced tomatoes & sliced Mozzarella cheese melted under the broiler). One of my favorite lunches as a teenager was fresh cucumber sandwiches- sliced cukes fresh from the garden with a little miracle whip salad dressing and a tiny dash of salt. While these may sound strange, the taste is simply delicious and kids love them.

Some other ideas, make your own cereal bars, cinnamon rolls, soup in a cup mixes, recipes that use eggs such as souffles & quiche (eggs are often very cheap & high in protein).

Photo Credit:
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / monkeybusiness