The start of the 2014-15 school year is off to a good start. Transition to 4th grade and Kindergarten has been pretty smooth, and after-school activities are starting to pick up. Plus things here and here have definitely been picking up. So I'm relying on weekly meal plans to keep me on track to cook as many family dinners as possible.

So what's on the menu this week?

Monday: Pasta with Cauliflower, Bacon & Breadcrumbs - we love cauliflower, especially browned on a cast iron skillet. We love bacon even more. 

Tuesday: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Potato and Carrot Hash - From Dinner: The Playbook. this looks to be a good mid-week meal - hearty, warm-your-bones good.  

Wednesday: Prince Spaghetti Day - to kick off National Pasta Month, we're going old school with spaghetti and meatballs. What's not to love? 

Thursday: Asian Chicken Slaw - From Dinner: A Love Story, this one is a winner in our house. Lots of kid-friendly flavors, plus it comes together quickly. And it's healthy to boot.  

Friday: Loaded Fried Rice - end of week, fridge clearing recipe. Plus I have some delicious Chinese sausage from DePasquale's of Newton  I'll toss in for good measure. 

Have a great week!

(photo credit: wikipedia)

My 9-year-old came home from school yesterday, dropped his bag in the hallway (why can't he remember to hang it up is beyond me), and strolled into the kitchen for his usual after-school snack. I joined him as this is often the best time for us to catch up and talk about his day.

While he's munching away on some grapes, I ask him about his new snack routine at school. "Do you have it before lunch? Are there assigned seats? Is it a working snack?" You know, nosey mom questions. That's when he told me the kids said they felt bad for him.

Me: "Why do they feel bad for you?"

9 yo: "Because they asked why I never bring chips or Doritos for a snack and I told them we never have that at home."

Me: "That's true. It's okay to have it once in a while, but too much junk food is not good for you."

9 yo: "I told them that. Then they asked if I've ever had Burger King or McDonald's and I told them never. They couldn't believe it and that's when they said they felt bad for me."

Me: (wheels turning) "They just don't understand because maybe that's what they have often. We just never go to those places when there are so many great restaurants to choose from around here. It's okay to have that stuff once in a while. But like junk food, too much fast food is not good for you."

9 yo: "I know. Then they asked what is my favorite thing we have for breakfast. I told them Belgium Waffles. They all agreed... Food from scratch is the best, right?"

Me: "Right. And yeah, it's hard not to like Belgium waffles."

My 9-year-old really doesn't care what others think or say and will be the first to set you straight. I know his classmates were probably more curious than really shaming him for never eating that crap. We don't deprive our kids of treats and we try to limit how much processed foods they eat. This is just another sad reminder why there's a childhood obesity problem. I'm now scheming ways we can start getting these other kids excited about real food.

So after a brief summer hiatus, I'm back to blogging and hope to as regularly as I can! Starting with this one.

last packed lunch of the 2013-14 school year