I'm not sure if you have this problem in your household, but around here, I feel like I'm constantly struggling to break the kitchen monotony. As the main food provider of the household, I am always (always) looking for ways to add variety to our meals, make things not only interesting to eat but good to eat and good for you. Some weeks I feel like I craft a fun menu. Other weeks I just give up and stick with the boring basics.
One thing I told myself I would not do as a mom and meal provider was turn into a a short order cook and prepare a meal for each of my family members. Welp, no such luck. I have one kid that likes meat and one kid that likes chicken. One kid likes eggs. One kid likes bread. Fortunately I have a husband who likes cereal or a Clif bar or could not care less. For me, though, I enjoy cooking...usually. So what I would like is if I were able to make one glorious item and have it be satisfactory to all.
Summertime is particularly challenging to find good things to eat. I think in the heat, it's just harder to get a good meal in mind. And with the amount of heat we are now presently dealing with, I feel like I am constantly striking out. As a matter of fact, the other night I just wanted to throw in the towel.
We try to be a family that eats most of the meals at home. Going out to dinner is a "privilege" (as we try to teach the kids). Well the other day, motivation was low around our house; and personally all I wanted to do was dial 1-800-bring-me-a-pizza. But I bucked up, and didn't whine, and hit the kitchen to make some grub. Since nothing was thawed, and it was already dinner time, I whipped up some bean burritos for the Hubby and I and some noodles, a veggie and some fruit for the kids. This was not a time consuming process, but I chopped items, got out a couple skillets, used seasonings. I didn't just stick a meal in the microwave.
So when I was all done preparing the food, the plates got plated and placed on the table. It was dinner time... and basically I should have ordered that pizza. I think maybe two bites of food were eaten collectively off of everyone's plate. I was so peeved. It's one thing to struggle to get ideas of what to make. It's another to get up and get it made. Then to see your thoughts and work be looked at with an "ewwww" face, big bummer.
Ever since that night, I've been a little apprehensive to make anything lavish. I know it's not really fair of me. I don't mean to seem so bitter. I know it's warm. I know people have different appetites. I get it. Sometimes I just wish I was wearing a "kiss the cook" apron...and they wanted to.
Tonight, though, the cook has the night off! Ya-hoo! I'm joining some friends for dinner. Tonight I get to order from a long list of yummy options while someone else is sweating for my approval. I cannot wait!