As an adult, you tend to know what you like and what you don't like. When you're a kid, everything is up in the air. One minute you love something because it "tastes sooooo yummyy!!", then the next minute its "ughhhh, this is disgussssstttinng!!". You can never win when it comes to your child's ever-growing palette. Enter OFF GRID LIFE.
So now what do you do? Stick with your best go to's! Its a matter of survival people!! (And I mean for you as the parent, its for your own mental well being!) Well if you have a few more years of off gridding under your belt, then I'm sure you have figured out a system that works for your family. But if you're anyone like me, who is taking it as it comes & learn as you go - well you pretty much just got smacked in the face with a massive dose of reality. Newsflash! There are NO MIRCOWAVES! Your "easy" has just gone right out the window.
Luckily, my oldest's tastes for food has expanded, but the 3 young kiddos- well its pretty much chicken nuggets, mac n cheese, waffles, mac n cheese, french toast sticks, mac n cheese.. you know the usual. So what do you make for them with limited appliances?Obviously, you can do the simple pasta, that's easy -just boil water. But if you are interested in getting some flavors in there, its time to get creative!
What is helping me as we start to transition our kids from suburban life to off grid life, I am prepping a lot of food at home, and started preserving foods by canning! Simple, yet easy ingredients to can - cubed chicken breast, ground beef, taco meat, fajita chicken, pasta sauces, even deserts like apple pie filing! Canning saves on freezer space in normal every day life, but in Off Grid Life- its a major life-savor (literally and figuratively). Canning meats, veggies, soups, and sauces are a great way to save money, build up a food supply for winter time, or if you need a quick weeknight meal. Cans can last up to a year sometimes even 2 years depending on what is preserved, and as soon as you pop that seal...Mmmm! It smells like you just made it a few minutes ago! Your meal prep just went from 30-45 minutes down to 5, with simple Heat & Eat directions!
Now that we got canning out of the way, the next best thing is homemade breads! Oh man, the smell of bread cooking is the epitome of homesteading, at least in my eyes. Homemade breads are great for quick meals- sandwich bread for the kiddos, dipping breads for the adults. I'm still new to the Sourdough genre, but my tried and true go-tos are what my kiddos like, and that's the bread from my bread machine! All you need to do is throw all the ingredients in then walk away. 3 hours later - BAM! Delicious homemade bread! If you're off grid and have some sort of power source, the bread maker is a great appliance to have on hand. #1 reason - YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR KIDS ARE EATING! No preservatives, no ingredients you can't pronounce, just clean pure 4-6 basic ingredients that make delicious breads.
Another great option if you have figured out refrigeration on your homestead, or even a cooler with ice for that matter- Fruits are EASY and DELICIOUS! And the best part, they are already made!! All you have to do is clean and cut! Boom- Done!
Also don't forget: THE BASIC GO TO for camping! Hot Dogs and Hamburgers on the grill or campfire is easy, and the kiddos love it! Anything that gets them involved in making their own food, and helping the cause gives them a sense of purpose and also creates lasting fond memories. While you're at it, get out your s'more supplies and toast up some desert while telling kid-friendly ghost stories by the campfire, or doing a little star gazing.
Believe me, I am not above "easy" and less is more for kid food. As long as their stomachs are full and they have a smile on their face, then that's all that matters in the end right?
With Love & Light,
Kelly
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