By Heather Lang
Hamburger, roasts, pork chops, bacon, or sausage served with either mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, fries or hash browns – sound familiar? This is what my family’s meals would be if it was up to my husband. Now don't get wrong, I love meat and potatoes (we are beef and pork producers after all), but my figure needs more variation.
As a mother and a rancher who has the privilege of raising our own meat, I tend to feel guilty when it is supper time and the family is all asking,“What’s for supper???! I’m STARVING.” In that moment I resort to “quick meals” because I didn’t plan ahead and take meat out of the freezer.
Please, tell me I’m not alone in this. And, if I am alone in this, please don’t judge me. I just need to feed my family and I need to feed them NOW. I have already had a full day: chores, get the kids to school, do a full day of work, come back home to tend to the animals, and then barely step foot in the door by 8 p.m. (or way later in the summer time).
So, what is a person to do if your family only wants meat and potatoes?
Over the past years I have adopted a few ways to infuse our food and table with more vegetables and fruits.
1. The secret is in the disguise!
- Finely chopped onions, peppers, mushrooms, extra tomatoes and spinach are always added staples into dishes like spaghetti, chili, sloppy joe or hot dish recipes.
2. If you cooked it at home it is home-made.
- Semi-homemade tomato soup is a family favorite
3. Get the family involved.
- Have a fresh fruit or vegetable try and/or a fresh made salad available at every meal.
- Make smoothies for breakfasts, quick on the go lunches or for a healthy snack.
- Top your oatmeal with fruit
I have found that my whole family, myself included, eat more fruits and vegetables when my children get involved. They have always enjoyed being in the kitchen helping out, so a lot of times it is their job to make those trays, salads and smoothies for us. They get to pick what goes on each tray, they prepare the fruit and veggies plus cut them up. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or ingredients. It is like bringing a bit of science into our kitchen with our kids being the scientists getting to make the experiments to see what they think goes best together plus, they get to be in charge. And what kid doesn’t like that?!
I am happy we have fresh nutritious options on our table along with being thrilled that it is one thing less I personally have to do. My kids have a sense of pride for their work and in return we all eat more of the veggies and fruit. It is a win, win, win.
Here's my recipe for Semi – Homemade Tomato Soup
1 large can of Tomato soup
1 can of diced up tomatoes or 1-2 cups fresh diced tomatoes
Italian seasoning
Fresh Parsley to garnish
Combine all ingredients in to a large pot and heat through. Serve hot with grilled cheese, crackers, or butter bread
Lang is a wife, mother of three and is known as "The Crazy Pig Lady." She serves as the Dist. 7 NDFB Promotion and Education Committee representative and is a member of the AFBF P&E Committee.
(This post first appeared on the OYT blog on March 26, 2018)