To make a "packed lunch" dinner

[PearlyWhites]

My dc's all have a hot dinner either at school or nursery and my dh has a canteen at work. Evenings can be very stressful due to dd2 hfa. WIbu to serve sandwiches etc on paper plates for dinner monday to Friday and only

It's a good idea especially in the summer.

I've just started using a slow cooker as both me and dp work full time now. Dss are teenagers though and they take packed lunch to school so prefer a cooked dinner at night. Sometimes they have to help themselves as I can work until 10pm and dp works nightshift.

Cous cous with chopped peppers, cherry toms, spring onions etc.. and some feta cheese is lush. I drizzle over some balsamic vinegar. Things like that are nice for a cold tea.

Things like quiche, pizza, sandwiches, pies, cooked meat, can all be batch cooked/ made, portioned and frozen. Then each am defrosted in the fridge ready for the evening.

Lazy plates here are pieces of kitchen roll which can be used for a quick wipe of any crumbs on the table at the end of the meal and then binned.

Kitchen roll is a great idea thanks

In your situation I would honestly do whatever it takes to get you all through as stress free as possible! Food is food and once you're all going to bed full after a variety of food across the day- hot/cold, China/paper -who cares!

I woudent do it every week day night, sometimes is ok. How would you know tat te school dinners are adequate or that tey are eating them up!

Nothing wrong with cold food, as long as it's a balanced meal.

I wouldn't like paper plates though. That's bad for the environment and not a good lesson in wasting things, for the children.

Are you planning on preparing all the food on 'disposable' plates too? You'll not be using disposable cutlery will you? Plastic really is bad for the environment.

There is nothing wrong with 'picnic food' nor making life as easy as you can, especially given your circumstances. For most families I would say that eating off of paper plates is very wasteful etc but in your situation, I'd cut any corner that stuck out!

I would have had sandwiches every night, but I'm low carbing now and I do feel better for it - so maybe try to have some salads, cold meats, cheese etc rather than just sandwiches.

No one needs a hot meal, not even once a day, let alone twice! (Yes it's nice in winter and we enjoy them, but we don't 'need' them).

Hey - and look lawner is offering to come and do your dishes!! Win/win.

This is the old fashioned way of doing things. We all know it's not that healthy to be eating substantial evening meals anyway... so if you are confident their cooked lunches are good then I'd go for it.
When I were a young 'un us kids all had school dinners and a bread and butter "tea", with cheese, various spreads and one slice of cake. I can't help thinking that's why we all ended up healthily slim?

I would too! Really I will! Whereabouts are you, OP? I have environmentally friendly washing-up liquid. :-)

A cold collation I think it's called. As long as it's healthy, eg there is fruit and veg and protein involved I cannot see any problem.

Personally I like getting a ready made green salad and a ready made bean salad with a bought quiche. Also v simple like sandwiches but healthy too.

Nothing wrong with that Pearly. Wish you had said about disability at the start though - may have saved a few comments about washing up.

We have a cold dinner once or twice a week in summer and winter. We have tuna, chicken, cheese, fruit, cucumber, bread, cold meats (obv not all of them )

And could you not buy a healthy hot meal anyway? Like rotisserie chicken?

We have "packed lunch without the lunchbox" on school dinner days - just sandwich, fruit, crisps, choc bar, exactly what would be a substantial, balanced packed lunch. It's easier TBH because I can chivvy them to eat up and also serve things that don't travel well. The DC love it.

If you are struggling at the moment perhaps try for a few weeks and see how it goes. I agree though, what's on the menu for hot dinner and what they actually eat are two different things!

LuisST she did say hfa and I knew what it meant. I'm sure it's used on here?

I love this way of eating. Wee picky things towards the end of the day. I would also mix it up with wraps, cheese and ham with nibbly bits. Lovely and very civilised I think. I would have that for tea every night if I could!

Thanks for the responses I didn't mean to drip feed, I think I will give it a go for a few weeks and see how it goes.

Pearly you do what suits your family and don't worry you didn't drip feed.

Juniper - OP said about the dd having autism, but not that the op herself was unable to wash up - I think that makes quite a difference.

BG I just noticed that bit, thanks yes it does.

Am glad you've had good responses OP sounds like you have a lot on.

OP when mine were little I'd often do a 'picnic tea' and put a picnic blanket on the floor of the living room.

yes we do this quite often in this weather. Nice bread, cous cous, veg rice, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, quiches & cold meats. My ds is a fussy eater so giving him a choice actually improves his appetite.

I think it's the 'disposable' plates suggestion that's the problem. OP, you're not planning on using plastic cutlery/ cups for eating and food preparation too, are you? Is your DH unable to help with a bit of washing-up? Would only take a few mins.

Use paper plates/ cutlery/ disposable cups
Paper cloth
Picnic tea
Then when finished gather it up in the cloth & chuck

Not environmentally friendly but if anyone on here complains at this then let them come to your house & live your life for a week

Enjoy your picnics

But these bit of this and bit of that, oh so simple picnic foods are much harder work than a pan of pasta.