You are not in this Alone

As I’ve shared with many of our Members, I did not grow up with the best ’healthy eating habits’. With both parents working, I grew up with Hamburger Helper. It wasn’t a daily meal but definitely a staple in the cupboard.  We did not eat Kale, Chard or anything similar.

Since I started working at FFF, I’ve shared my experiments and experiences. Some good. Some not so good.  Sometimes it’s a story….

The Background:

I’m trying to utilize everything I receive in my weekly produce basket in addition to eliminating packaged food.  I also work full time and have three active children (band, soccer, track, drama, etc.) two of which are teenagers.  Everyone knows “planning” is key so last weekend I sat down and made our “menu for the week”.  I planned it according to what was already in the freezer and pantry, expected Produce Basket contents and time restraints.  (For example, Eggplant Sandwiches on Thursday when I had a little bit more time to cook.  Spaghetti on Tuesday when I did not……)

The Story:

Last Monday evening about 9pm, I prepared everything to make home-made spaghetti sauce for Tuesday’s dinner.  Everything went into my 2nd favorite electric kitchen utensil; the crockpot.  Blender is my 1st favorite.  Margaritas. 

I pulled everything out of my basket and spent a bit of time chopping: bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, etc.  I added Italian seasoning, tomato sauce and anything else I thought adequate.  Stir.  Taste.  Add more seasoning.  Stir.  Taste.  Perfect!  Place on counter.  Set on Low. 

This is cool.  Now dinner is ready for tomorrow.  One-less-thing-to-squeeze-in.  Yay me!

Tuesday morning:  Smells yummy!  I head over to the counter to check out my masterpiece with a smug grin on my face because I have a chance to regain the Mom of the Year Award (This is a very elusive award.  I’ve lost the title several times this year.)  I lifted the lid and stared at a black, crispy glob.  Yes crispy.  It was even pulling away from the sides of the crockpot.  It looked like a dried out lake.  A reddish black lake.  A lumpy reddish black lake.  With cracks and everything. 

Dumb crockpot.  You might become my 3rd favorite for that.  I just unplugged the crockpot and left it there to deal with later.  

We had canned spaghetti sauce that night.

Filed under: Pam's Flops | crockpot, CSA, home delivery, menu planning, seasonal produce|No Comments