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:
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:
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)
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
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
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.
Tuna Pea Wiggle – super easy, super fast and can be made ahead of time
Mini Pizzas- sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, chopped veggies, etc – these can be made on Bagel halves, english muffins
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).
I use Gathered table to plan my meals! They have a great budget filter that helps me keep on track. I can even clip in my own favorite recipes to combine with their great recommendations.
I use Gathered table to plan my meals! They have a great budget filter that helps me keep on track. I can even clip in my own favorite recipes to combine with their great recommendations.
I use GroceryBudget101.com and the Weekly Menu Forum here at budget101.com! I really can’t see spending close to $100 a year to figure out a menu plan when I’m trying to save money to begin with. Although I suppose one could create a free account every week with a new fake email address with that service to avoid paying the fee.
In any case, you should check out the Weekly Menu Plans Forumthere are a few Years worth of free menu plans there. You can pick and choose based on what you have in your own pantry, fridge and you don’t have to spend any money to use it.
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:
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).
Great ideas that I had forgotten about!! Thanks!!
I use Gathered table to plan my meals! They have a great budget filter that helps me keep on track. I can even clip in my own favorite recipes to combine with their great recommendations.
I use GroceryBudget101.com and the Weekly Menu Forum here at budget101.com! I really can’t see spending close to $100 a year to figure out a menu plan when I’m trying to save money to begin with. Although I suppose one could create a free account every week with a new fake email address with that service to avoid paying the fee.
In any case, you should check out the Weekly Menu Plans Forumthere are a few Years worth of free menu plans there. You can pick and choose based on what you have in your own pantry, fridge and you don’t have to spend any money to use it.