I spent most of last weekend batch cooking for my family while I’m gone in Texas to the Wise Traditions 2011 conference. Because my kids are pretty competent in the kitchen, my strategy was not to cook entire meals but rather to prepare meal components ahead of time (the idea behind my skillet dishes). Then they can mix and match and put together very simple meals according to a simple menu. The video above shares my strategy, or you can read more about it in this post.
I’ll be gone for 7 lunches and dinners. (Breakfasts don’t need any help.) I fixed two main proteins — cooked chicken and meatballs — and froze those in meal size portions. I made bunches of English muffins and sourdough bread, and put those in the freezer, too. On a simple menu, I have the kids using those components to serve sandwiches, rice bowls (they’ll have to cook the rice), skillet dishes, and simple meals like that.
C. will keep up with his sprouting and make lentil sprout salads as often as everyone wants them. I made two quarts of plum sauce — the girls can serve that with kefir for breakfast, snacks, lunches or dinners. I have a few gallons of kefir ready to go in the refrigerator, and our grains will take a break from making any more until I get back.
Ironically, I think the hardest part of me being gone will be that my daughters have to keep up with the milk. We get 3 gallons of milk a day at this time of year. B. and I usually share the milking chores; she’ll have to do it all on her own. I usually figure out where the milk goes each day (drinking, raw cream, kefir, cheese, clabber, sour cream, friends, etc.) — A. will have to cover that.
I know they’ll do fine. 
I hope so, anyway!
What meal prep do you do if you’re going away for a few days? Any tips or strategies to share? How does your family handle your absence?
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Nice work! Have a great time at the convention! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Katie Riddle recently posted… The Fifth Baby
This is so cool to hear about how your kids are embracing all the real food things you started. My kids are 2 and 6, so it’s fun for me to see how this might play out in my family in the future.
I also wish I would be able to attend the WAPF conference, but it just won’t work for me this year. I’m planning on coming next year though. It would be great to meet you
Kendahl recently posted… Smoked Salmon & Herb Cheese Pinwheels
Yikes, Wardee, I feel like a rotten Mom, I haven’t done anywhere near that much for my family! But they do always have lots of choices around, so they’ll be fine I’m sure.
Can’t wait to meet you!!!!!!!!!
Kel
Kelly the Kitchen Kop recently posted… Real Food Makes You Fertile: Overcoming Infertility
Kelly, you are not a rotten mom! I know your family will be fine! Plus, your husband does some cooking, right? Mine does not — he wants to but never has time because of work. I can’t wait to met YOU!
Wardee recently posted… Video: Batch Cooking for When I’m in Texas
Sounds like you’re going on a business trip. The thing I’d most look forward to is not cooking! And not carrying that responsibility even for just a few days. My family does okay when I’m away. It’s not the same as when I’m here but I think that’s because they’re men.
Marg recently posted… Scenes from Saturday
Marg — You mean because I’m a little over the top with my prep?
I do tend to overdo. I won’t argue with you there! I am looking forward to no cooking. And not milking. And not doing dishes. 
The whole thing is going to be great! Except I will miss my family so much. I am going to try not to cry when they drop me off at the airport. That will be hard.
Wardee recently posted… Video: Batch Cooking for When I’m in Texas
If you over prep, then I do too. It’s not like they’d go hungry but I do it because it gives me peace of mind. As mom, I think a lot about feeding my family whether I’m home or away. Wish I could turn that off.
Marg recently posted… Barn shoes
Exactly! It is hard to turn off, whether at home or away.
I’m going to try not to worry!
Wardee recently posted… Let’s Have Lunch! Let’s Worship!
What are Rice Bowls?
We top cooked rice with seasoned meat, beans and/or toppings (onions, olives, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, etc). Easy and delicious!
Wardee recently posted… Let’s Have Lunch! Let’s Worship!
I do batch cooking and freezing….if for no other reason, to preserve the food that I don’t want to go bad before I go back! Our vacations are usually camping trips (in a Camper) so I take it with me in camping-size portions!
Everything sounds great for your family at home…but what food/snacks did you bring for yourself travelling before you get to the great food at the conference? I’d love to hear what you brought for “on the road”, I’m always stumped for ideas!
Rhonda