Planning nutritious and appetising meals for a large or blended family can seem daunting, especially when trying to stick to a budget. However, with some creativity and advance preparation, it is possible to pull together meals that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters without breaking the bank. Whether you have a brood of your own children, are fostering children short or long-term, or are blending two families together, you can make mealtimes enjoyable while being kind to your wallet.
Take Inventory and Map Out a Plan
The first step is taking an honest look at what food you already have available and then mapping out a weekly meal plan based around those ingredients. Check your fridge, freezer and pantry for foods that can be used in multiple meals. For example, a large pack of chicken thighs can be baked, sauteed, shredded into casseroles or soup, etc. Make a list of recipes you would like to make using the ingredients on hand, aiming for at least 2-3 meals using each main ingredient.
Embrace Slow Cookers and One-Pot Meals
For busy parents trying to feed a crowd, slow cookers and one-pot meals are real sanity savers! Economical cuts of meat like chicken thighs or pork shoulder become fall-off-the-bone tender after 8 hours in the slow cooker. Meanwhile, dishes like chilli, soup, baked pasta and stir fries allow you to prepare an entire meal using just one pot or pan. This saves time on cleanup too! Double or triple recipes and freeze leftover portions for quick lunches or dinners later on.
Buy in Bulk and Freeze Extras
Buying food in bulk quantities saves money and allows you to always have ingredients for meals on hand. Useful staples include 20kg bags of rice and pasta, family packs of mince or chicken, blocks of cheese, loaves of bread and bags or boxes of frozen vegetables and fruit. Cooked extras like muffins, savoury pies or individual serves of spaghetti Bolognese can be frozen for up to 3 months, giving you quick go-to meals when you are stretched for time. If you are fostering in Coventry, be sure to check with the social worker what kind of comfort foods your foster children prefer.
Let Older Children Help with Planning and Prep
Giving teenagers or tweens responsibility for planning and preparing certain meals builds valuable life skills while giving you a break. Young teens can follow recipes to make simple dishes like tacos, salad or nachos for the whole family. Older teens can plan out an entire dinner, including grocery shopping for ingredients within a set budget. Encourage children to work together, including fostered children. As well as teaching cooperation and kitchen skills, it helps foster children feel a sense of belonging.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Having a large family means always having a fridge full of leftovers! Adding leftover roasted chicken or ham to salads, sandwiches or pasta turns boring leftovers into tasty second-chance meals. Likewise, leftover veg like pumpkin or potatoes can be whizzed into soups. Stale bread becomes breadcrumbs or croutons, while fruit scraps get turned into smoothies. Let family members unleash their creativity by inventing their own leftover recipes.
With some organisation and creativity, it is possible to deliver meals that satisfy all palates and appetites in a large, blended household while sticking to a grocery budget. Involving children in planning and preparation also makes them more likely to enthusiastically eat new dishes! The key is being resourceful with ingredients, embracing helpful cooking methods and adding little touches to elevate humble leftovers into something special.
