Day 20: Social Plans and Ravioli

I have to admit that when faced with social plans my first thought is (from a food perspective) it would be easier just to stay home. But, I always talk myself out of taking the easy road and we end up going along with our bags packed full of our “approved” food. I was especially worried about what would happen at a get together yesterday with our playgroup friends.

After some sprinkler and backyard time all of the kids were being fed chicken nuggets, chips, and fruit as part of a little picnic lunch. I knew I had to pack something just as appealing for my children if I didn’t want any problems. I ending up bringing hot dogs (from a local farm), popcorn, and zucchini bread, and I also served them some of the same watermelon as the rest of the group. I was shocked that I had zero issues with feeding my children this separate meal, and I have to wonder…were they just starving or are they starting to get used to this? Every time I feel funny about having to bring our own food I remind myself that this is exactly what parents of kids with allergies do all of the time so I should stop feeling like it is so unusual. (Although I do of course admit that our “allergy” of choice is just a tad uncommon!)

Today, my girls and I were unexpectedly out running errands longer than I planned. I panicked a little when I realized they probably needed a snack and I had not brought anything with me. What is one to do when you can only eat whole foods? Luckily, there was a grocery store nearby and I picked up some bottled waters and Lara Bars for them. We just recently tried Lara Bars (similar to granola bars), and I almost fell over in the store when I saw that their Cashew flavor only has two ingredients! After all of the label reading that I do I just find it shocking (and wonderful!) that such a simple store-bought item could exist.

Tonight I ignored everything I know about the importance of eating “what’s in season” and decided to make some homemade butternut squash ravioli. Sometimes I just want what I want…not to mention that my girls love this dish! In addition to a big salad and some green beans, my husband and I each had three raviolis. My 3-year-old ate five of them if that tells you anything. I also conned her into eating some of the green beans by sprinkling them with soy sauce and sliced almonds. Most kids love to “dip” their food into something and the soy sauce ended up being the perfect bribery to get her to try some. Even though she was very much opposed to eating them at first (she threw the first one off her plate onto the table) I think she secretly ended up liking them. After tonight, I vow to cook more in-season dishes for the rest of the week!