Meal Prep at Our House

A few months ago, Keith and I talked about our girls' kitchen skills. Although they were quite skilled, they just weren't getting a lot of practice. Knowing what makes our 17yo daughter click, Keith decided to turn dinner prep over to her in its entirety--something I'd have had a hard time doing (not because I worry about her abilities, or that I don't want to let go; just seemed like a lot to put off on her--guilt, I guess?). However, I saw the wisdom in his decision.

Last night's dinner--a fruit, salad, and bread feast. A meatless dinner, at Keith's request. (We rarely go meatless.) The preparer, a devout carnivore, missed the meat the most; the rest of us reveled in the feast before us. It was truly delicious, like all the dinners we've been experiencing around here lately.

She now provides gourmet-quality dinners for us almost every evening. (My mother has certain days when she cooks dinner.) She plans menus, adds items to the grocery list that she needs, and prepares dinner entirely on her own most of the time. Among other things, she has grilled, used the crock-pot and pressure cooker, roasted, fried, and often makes bread. Absolutely marvelous food, and a wonderful change from my cooking.

Our 15yo daughter has taken over lunch prep. Granted, lunch is very casual around here. I think the best thing this provides her in the way of skills is to learn to be creative in the use of left-overs and to simply become accustomed to coming up with ideas for lunch. (Lunch ideas are always a problem around here!) Eventually, the girls will probably swap meals. However, with 17yo officially finished with school (although education is never truly over, we hope), she has more time to devote to this effort than 15yo, and since dinner prep definitely takes more time, she's the one with it for now.

Mary Susan