We hope that everyone will come
down to our next delicious Pathfinder Produce fresh fruits and veggie market,
on this Thursday, September 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Village Commons.
We’re kicking off cider and apple season, and we’ve got some other great
harvest tastes for you to try from our Pathfinder Village Hoop House … YUM!
This week, our Director of
Education Maura Iorio serves up some timely ideas about balancing family meals
and busy schedules, now that school and youth sports are up-and-running!
Enjoy!
***
Last month I wrote about getting ready to send
the kiddos back to school, with healthy lunches in hand. Now that September is
here, and life is in full swing, things have been a bit busy, and
I'm sure many families out there can relate. Between work, school, Boy Scouts,
and football practices and games, our schedule has been a whirlwind of
activity!
When we are on the go constantly, fast foods
like pizza and McDonald’s can be pretty tempting dinner options. However, this
year I did things a little differently to make sure our family could eat quick,
easy meals that are on the healthier side—and don't kill the bank account like
take-out can.
For years, my grandmother has been telling me to
learn the art of making freezer meals. I always smiled and nodded politely, and
then promptly forgot every word, and went about trying to cook and eat dinner
in the 23 minutes between getting home and running out the door for football
practice. Note to self: Always take the advice of a
woman who raised four boys more seriously.
With a later work schedule, and a husband who is
trying to balance work, coaching, and being a Scout Master, plus keeping up
with two rambunctious boys who always seem to be hungry (and aren't even
teenagers yet!), I knew something had to give this year. So I gave
Grandma’s crazy freezer meal idea a try.
I researched recipes on Pinterest, shopped for
all of the ingredients, and got to prepping. For a little under $100, I was
able to make 16 freezer meals. Now instead of worrying about throwing
something together when I get home (or caving and ordering a pizza), I can rest
easy knowing that a healthy dinner is taken care of. (Essential items
include large freezer bags and a family-sized slow cooker. Meals are
thawed a day ahead in the refrigerator, and slow-cooked during the work day).
Check out these recipes (packed with veggies and
fruits) to kick start your freezer meal planning! We hope to see you this
Thursday at Pathfinder Produce to cross some fresh ingredients off your list.
Until next time, eat well, and enjoy special
times with your family!
Maura (and Lori)
