A frenzied cooking afternoon

I have discovered something that works wonders for our family. In addition to the 8 of us, we also have 5 college students that live in our home and eat dinner with us. That means I prepare dinner for 13 every night. It really isn't that big of a deal -it isn't honestly much harder to cook for 13 than it is for 4. In some regards it may be easier. The only thing that makes it harder is the day when I don't get my act together to plan, take meat out to unthaw and get dinner going before 5:00. It gets pretty expensive to do Papa Murphy's or drive-thru or eating out for 13 people - 7 of which are adults!

So, I rediscovered the freedom and joy of once-a-month-cooking. So far I have only prepared 15 recipes (although 2 of each) in one day. It is so nice to have something all done each day. And, for the days that I feel like cooking (I LOVE to cook!), or have more time, then I don't have to use whatever is in the freezer. Today was my 3rd round of preparing meals and this time everyone helped. The kids were chopping onions, slicing sausage, opening tin cans, grating cheese and washing dishes. We just worked this afternoon, so didn't get everything done, but made a great start. The kids don't quite understand the idea that we are making all these meals to put in the freezer for later - they get so excited and keep asking if we are eating this or that or that for dinner tonight or tomorrow!


Well it's time to eat dinner. Guten Appetit!