September 15, 2010
Make Ahead Babysitter Meals
When your preparing for a babysitter to come and watch your kids over dinner it's important to plan ahead for what your children will eat so that the babysitter doesn't have to scrounge around at the last minute. Keep in mind:
- Most babysitters are young teenage girls who probably haven't done a lot of cooking in their lives, so you will most likely need to get most of the work done ahead of time.
- Keep things simple so that there is minimal work for the babysitter to do. If you have trouble cooking with the kids running around your feet imagine how much harder it will be for them.
- Make sure you have something that you know your children will love so you don't have to worry about the babysitter trying to force feed your kids.
Below I have listed two different ways to tackle the meal planning dilemma along with some ideas of what to serve.
Make Ahead Meals
When making meals ahead you want to really think about the cooking skill set of your babysitter. It's probably best to go with meals that are basically just heat up and serve.
Some great ideas are:
- Soup - Such as this Creamy Ham and Rice Soup. You can make it the night before and the babysitter will just need to heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Casseroles - such as Lasagna or this Layered Taco Bake. Write out the heating instructions and tack it onto the fridge.
- Sloppy Joes - This one's real simple. All they will have to do is heat it up in the microwave and serve over buns.
- Pancakes - If you make some pancakes earlier in the day then the babysitter just needs to toast them in the toaster and make some scrambled eggs. These Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes are a surefire hit with the kiddos.
- Grilled Cheese or Quesadillas - Make up some grilled cheese or quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the fridge. They will then just have to heat them up in a frying pan until the cheese is melted. Why not give these Chicken, Bacon and Black Bean Quesadillas a try.
- Slow Cooker Meals - Pop something in the slow-cooker in the morning and have it ready for the babysitter to just spoon out and serve in the evening.
- Sandwich Melts - Stuff some buns with ham and cheese and maybe a bit of pineapple. Wrap in tin-foil and store in the fridge. Heat in a 400ºF oven until toasted and cheese is melted (10-15 min.).
Activity Meals
If your kids are old enough activity meals are a good option. This will give them a project to do, plus the benefit that they are more likely to eat something that they've had a hand in creating. Make sure the meals are simple and that they just have to worry about assembly.
- Nachos or Taco Salad - the night before cook up some chicken or beef, grate the cheese and get all toppings ready. Leave a list for the babysitter of all the different toppings. This way the kids can make their own nacho/salad plates to suite their tastes.
- Pita Pizzas - prepare favourite pizza toppings the night before. Leave a note of instructions for assembly and heating for the babysitter.
- Waffles - get some waffles ready with all the fixings: whipped cream, berries, peanut butter, etc. Toast the waffles to serve and the kids can choose their toppings.
- Sandwich Spread - prepare your kids favourite sandwich toppings and let them make their own right at the table.
And, if all else fails make a double batch of the supper the night before and they can just reheat the leftovers. :)
What foods would you add to the lists?
