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Cooking For a Large Family

Keep the Cupboards Full and the Plates Empty

By Amy Rawson

Cooking for a large family can be difficult. If you take into consideration palates, appetites and budgets, it can seem daunting. Here are some ideas that will make both cooking and shopping easier on you.

One of the cardinal rules of cooking for kids is "keep it simple." You've heard the old adage, "You can always add more." Consider putting the spices and sauce on the side. Some children will eat anything if there is sauce in which to smother it. Don't be offended if they bury everything on their plates with ketchup or gravy. It may not be aesthetically pleasing, but you will have accomplished what you intended by making the broccoli disappear.

Keep a basic meal plan. It is easier to have a few standby meals that your family enjoys. Not only is it faster for you to prepare when real life gets in the way and you are pressed for time, but it is also easier to see at a glance what you need to buy at the store. You can save money if you have a standard list of items that you keep on hand.

When following a recipe, don't be afraid to leave out an ingredient that no one likes. An alternative is to hide the offending food. My sons have no idea that their spaghetti sauce contains broccoli, carrots, onions and mushrooms all finely ground into oblivion. Finally, keep trying. Your daughter may refuse fish the first five times you put it on the table, yet the sixth time may be the charm. If you don't remind her of how much she never liked it before, she may become the fish dinner's biggest fan.

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