this is a great idea from my friend jill the farmer (and inspiring photo by her, too). to keep your kids snacking healthy use a muffin tin and fill with good options. leave it out/ in the fridge all day for their grabbing pleasure!
as for dinners this week: i just did inventory to see what i had in the fridge as far as produce and perishables so i can use it all up along with staples from the pantry. i spent the budgeted grocery money on our fun holiday weekend, so i'm not grocery shopping this week. but we have plenty to eat. simple meals, including some breakfasts for dinner- my favorite and cheap! the menu:
monday: grilled cheese, caesar salad, baby carrots + dip
tuesday: cheesy eggs with salsa, apples, bran muffins
wednesday: rice and broccoli casserole*, canned pears
thursday: blueberry flax pancakes, banana smoothies
friday: whole wheat pasta + marinara sauce, garden salad
*rice + broccoli casserole (one of our oft made dinners): cook some brown rice and spread it in the bottom of a 9x13. steam lots of broccoli and spread it on top of the rice. mix in a bowl: one can cream of mushroom, a cup or two of mayo, some lemon juice, and salt and pepper. spread on top of broccoli. cover with shredded cheddar cheese. tear bread (stale is great) into bite size pieces and spread on top of the cheese. bake in a hot oven till cheese is bubbly. especially yummy for lunch the next day.
I'm eating down my pantry this week too! Just a trip to the Farmer's Market to make sure I have some fresh veggies. Your dinners sound great!
Posted by: Amy | July 06, 2009 at 03:29 PM
The muffin tin is a genius idea!
As kids, my sister and I hated having to sit down for lunch on the weekends because we were so busy playing. My dad compromised by loading up a tray with nuts, fruit and veggies and leaving it out for us to snack on all day. It was a great solution.
Posted by: Rachel (Heart of Light) | July 06, 2009 at 03:32 PM
i think you should take a photo of the rice and broccoli casserole for us to see!
Posted by: leni | July 06, 2009 at 03:38 PM
add a tablespoon of curry to that mix for the casserole - you won't regret it. promise.
Posted by: liko | July 06, 2009 at 04:46 PM
i dig this idea. LOVE it.
Posted by: CherryTreeLane | July 06, 2009 at 06:03 PM
I love this idea of the muffin! In our house this kind of meal is called "a little bit of this and a little bit of that" and it happens often (especially during the summer)!
Posted by: HomegrownLife | July 06, 2009 at 07:25 PM
I'm feeling a pantry raid for this week's menu as well. Casserole sounds yummy. I'm a lime freak though... I'll try that instead of lemon. Thanks for the awesome snack idea!
Posted by: Kasie | July 06, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Love the muffin tin idea for myself, I don't even have kids.
Posted by: Kristen | July 07, 2009 at 07:55 AM
There'a a whole Muffin Tin Monday group, just google it. :) Last year I did one as an ocean theme for my ocean-loving girl... http://intermissions.typepad.com/snapshots/2008/09/she-sells-seashells.html
Ps- Cate is so cute.
Posted by: shawn | July 07, 2009 at 10:35 AM
I second the addition of curry to your broccoli rice caserole (chicken is yummy in it too!). Sounds just like a favorite at my house.
Posted by: Erin | July 07, 2009 at 11:57 AM
The muffin tin is a great idea!
Posted by: erica | July 07, 2009 at 06:33 PM
This is a great idea! My kids will love it!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 07, 2009 at 11:06 PM
To your broccoli & rice casserole try adding some parmesan cheese & curry powder (1/2 - 1 tsp depending on your taste - I like a lot!)
It really adds something special to that recipe. We love it.
Posted by: Tamara Mathews | July 09, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I love this idea! Also, they look so pretty!
Posted by: TeaRoseHome | July 09, 2009 at 01:43 PM
I'm TOTALLY DIGGIN' this muffin tin snack idea!!!!!!
Posted by: Sarah | July 09, 2009 at 05:43 PM
OOh, hey, I see our muffin up there :) Gad you're joining in!
Posted by: Susie | July 09, 2009 at 07:28 PM
ooh I love that snack idea! fantastic! I'm with you on the "where have I been?" such a great idea.
Posted by: kristen Van Dyke | July 10, 2009 at 05:31 PM
What a great idea... Sometimes it is all about the presentation. Thanks! Going to check out the flicker link now...
Posted by: PS~Erin | July 12, 2009 at 08:14 PM
i love this post and i love your blog. i am also a utah-ite so i love it even more. thanks for sharing these great tips.
Posted by: amy little | July 23, 2009 at 08:58 AM
What a wonderful idea! You are awesome! Love your blog and shop!!
Posted by: Miss M | July 27, 2009 at 02:17 PM