How To: Meal Prep and Playdate (Recipes Included!)

Hello and welcome to the Meal Prep and Play Date! I'm inviting you to step into my metaphorical kitchen, pull up a seat, and have a cup of coffee while we chat about the idea of having a morning of meal prep with a friend while your kids have a play date.

I'm going to take you step by step through our process so you leave here feeling encouraged and equipped to go do this in your own community. Odds are, you've seen this idea through my social media, but I wanted to provide a more permanent space for this whole thing. In this post you'll have a full rundown of how the day works, how we handle things logistically, and be provided with all of the meal prep ideas and recipes we use.

Are you ready? Okay, let's start from the beginning!

How did we come up with this idea?

This all sparked through a conversation where my friend, Allie, and I were expressing the same need to have more food prepped at home. We were tired of our husbands leaving without lunch or snacks and we were tired of reaching for the same food ideas all of the time for us and our kids. We wanted to have more whole food options that were healthy and easy to access. I knew I wanted to prioritize meal prep and so did she, so we finally just said- "what if we did this together and prepped food while the kids play?" TA-DA! The idea was born.

Let's talk about logistics.

We've gotten a lot of questions about the logistics of how this works. Who buys the groceries? Who plans the meals? Where do you go? What do the kids do? And so on . . .

I get it! There is a lot to think about, thankfully, we've already handled that for you! Here's a step by step process:

First: We pick a day for our meal prep, ideally a Monday or Tuesday morning.

Second: We plan out the meal prep menu by sending recipes through Instagram or Pinterest and we finalize a solid 3-4 manageable recipes, knowing that we will be doubling each recipe.

Third: We tackle the grocery shopping. Whether it's together or individually, we do our weekly grocery shopping and make sure that we are getting enough for us to each have all the ingredients for each recipe. She gets her ingredients, I get mine, and then we just add it all together for a large double batch. This is a great opportunity to look at what you already have at home and use what's there. Don't drive yourself crazy thinking that you have to each provide the same amount of food. I can't tell you how many times we've said, "don't get an onion, I have so many!" or "please don't buy peanut butter, I have a brand new jar." You do what works and you work together to limit food waste and unnecessary spending.

Fourth: We plan who will host the meal prep and the play date. We like to take turns, but we also both have funtional kitchens. If someone has a smaller or tighter space, it may be hard to have everyone cooking together- just consider the space while planning.

Fifth: We show up and make it happen! More details about the kids and hosting below.

Everyone has a commitment.

In order for these days to run smoothly, we have set up certain commitments for the host and for the person attending. This helps us to stay on track and make sure that these mornings can run like a well oiled machine.

Here are the commitments we make when we choose to host the meal prep and play date:

1) Brew a fresh pot of coffee or tea.

2) Have the dishwasher and sink empty and ready to go for dirty dishes.

3) Clean off the counter or island and create a solid workspace.

4) Get your mixing bowls and cutting boards ready!

5) Provide lunch. Don't freak out about this one and if it doesn't work for you, then don't feel like you have to implement it. Our lunch is usually very easy- a high protein smoothie, a salad kit with a protein, wraps, or some of the food that you're working to prep. Don't go crazy or over the top, keep it simple!

6) Cleaning up after the meal prep and play date. The best thing you can do is clean and do the dishes as you go, then work to clean up the toys when it's time to go.

The person coming to the meal prep and play date has a lot to do including loading up all of their kids and driving over so we try to lighten that load by making sure they don't have as much to do.

Here are the commitments we make when we choose to attend the meal prep and play date:

1) Packing up all food for the meal prep.

2) Packing storage bags or containers for the food you prep.

3) Packing snacks or water for your kids.

4) Cleaning up after the meal prep and play date.

*These commitments are easier when you take turns going to each other's house. If one person is not able to host, then you may want to tweak some of these commitments to make it fair for everyone.*

The reality and what you don't see, but fully expect.

Let's go ahead and address the elephant in the room. Yes, the kids are still there and yes, there are moments of tantrums or big emotions. It's not going to be a picture perfect moment where the kids play quietly on the floor and that's okay! If one of our kids is having a hard time, we take a step away to help them while the other person stays in the kitchen and continues working with the recipe and listening for timers etc. If you both need to step away, we encourage you to make sure that all of the food is off the stove, knives are put aside, and the kitchen is a safe space before leaving to help a child. The last thing we need is an accident in the kitchen that could be avoided!

We both have two kids and they are the same ages- 3 and 5. Our kids are seasoned players and tend to get along rather well, this is a huge aspect of why this whole thing works. When you're thinking about who you want to do this with, you want to consider how well your kids get along. If they're constantly butting heads or fussing at one another, this experience may not be what you want it to be.

Can you put on the TV? WHY NOT? Listen, there's no screen time shame here. You are welcome to do whatever you would like to do and if your kids watching a movie with their friends works, then by all means- go for it! Obviously, I will say that you will always want to make sure that you and the other parent are on the same page before turning on the TV. I would encourage you to have that conversation ahead of time and make sure you both agree on a show or movie that is suitable for all children. Another thing we want to avoid- tiffs with another mom over screen time or the movie choice.

Post meal prep connection.

After everything is all said and done, we love to set aside some time for us to all connect together. Whether that's going for a walk, reading a book, or playing outside. We take 30ish minutes to just connect as a whole group!

Then- the dreaded clean up from the play date. All hands on deck, let's work together to get the house put back together.

The moment you've been waiting for . . . recipes and meal prep ideas!

Let me guess- you scrolled all the way down here, just to see the recipes. Don't worry, I don't blame you. Just know that if you ever have a question or need some encouragement, our full breakdown is above and it's always available to you. Moving on with the recipes, I'll first give you a quick list of everything we do that does not require a recipe and then the recipes (in all their glory) will be after that!

*find all of our fun meal prep tools and gadgets here!*

Meal Prep- No Recipe Needed

1) Wash, cut, and store all fruit and veggies. I use the fruit and veggie wash from Rowe Casa Organics (use code: STEPHANIEBOOE20) and it's a game changer. Add a couple of sprays, let it soak, then wash off, dry, and enjoy!

2) Wash and bake sweet potatoes. They make a great and healthy option for breakfast or lunch, just reheat and eat.

3) Uncrustable PBJ sandwiches (cutter linked here).

Meal Prep- Recipes Needed- we double every recipe and then split it up evenly!

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS- find recipe here

MAPLE CINNAMON BANANA MUFFINS- find recipe here

HOMEMADE HUMMUS- find the recipe here

BANANA PUDDING- find recipe here

PROTEIN RANCH DIP by _haleyhendel

16 oz cottage cheese

splash of milk

1 tsp parsley flakes

1 tsp dried dill weed

1/2 tsp drived chives

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 onion powder

1-2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until combined. Add milk if needed.

FUNFETTI DIP

3/4 cup plain greek yogurt

1/4 cup whipped cream cheese

splash of vanilla

drizzle of honey

dye free sprinkles

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Once they're all mixed together, store in the fridge to keep cold. Serve with fruit or graham crackers.

ENERGY BALLS

-1 cup oats

-1/2 cup peanut butter

-1 scoop protein powder (optional)

-1/3 cup honey

-1/4 cup chocolate chips

Mix everything together in a large bowl and then roll it into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer to harden for 15 minutes. Take them out and put them in a storage container of your choice and keep them in the fridge.

CHICKEN SALAD

-1 pound of chicken

-Mayonaise

-Dill

-Red Onion

-Salt

-Pepper

-Garlic

-Pickles

Boil your chicken for about 15-20 minutes or until done. Shred your cooked chicken by using a hand mixer and place it into a large bowl. Add in all of the other ingredients and we don't provide specific measurements here because it's all to taste! Store in the fridge.

CARROT SALAD

-1 bag of whole carrots

-Apple Cider Vinegar

-Olive Oil

-Pumpkin Seeds

-Sunflower Seeds

-Salt

Wash your carrots and then shred off the outer skin of the carrot and throw away. Grab a large bowl and shred your carrots into long, thin strips. Once all of your carrots are shredded, add a splash of olive oil and apple cider vinegar and mix well. Sprinkle the salt and seeds over the top and mix again. Take a taste and see what it needs. If it needs more olive oil or ACV, add to taste! Store in the fridge.

COLD VEGGIE SALAD

-Cucumbers

-Grape Tomatoes

-Bell Peppers

-Red Onion

-Drained and Rinsed Chickpeas

-Red Wine Vinegar

-Juice of Lime

-Olive Oil

-Feta Cheese

-Salt

-Pepper

Wash and chop all of your veggies (except the chickpeas, leave them whole). Add all of your veggies to a large bowl and dress them with the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lime juice. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and feta cheese. Take a taste and see what it needs. We don't provide specific measurements because this was a spontaneous recipe where we used what we had on hand. Try to have equal parts of your veggies and cater it to your own taste. Store in the fridge.

BREAKFAST BURRITOS

-1 pound of ground sausage (cooked)

-1 dozen eggs

-1 bag of shredded cheese

-1 pack of wraps (your choice)

Scramble the eggs with some of the shredded cheese. Once the sausage is cooked and eggs are done, lay out your wraps. Start dividing the eggs and sausage into each wrap and then slowly start folding the wrap to keep all of the contents inside. Wrap the burrito in a small piece of parchment paper then store in a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat,remove a burrito from the bag and put it in a toaster oven to reheat!

BREAKFAST SANDWICHES

-1 pack of english muffins

-1 pack of cheese slices (your choice)

-1 pack of bacon or sausage patties

-1 dozen eggs

-salt

-pepper

Preheat your oven to 350F. Crack all of the eggs into a bowl, add a dash of milk, sprinkle salt and pepper then whisk it all together. Pour the egg mixture into a greased 9x13 or 8x8 casserole dish and place it in the oven for 15 minutes until the eggs are completely cooked.

Cut the english muffins in half so that you have a top and bottom, set aside.

Cook your protein of choice (bacon or sausage) and once it's done, set aside. Once the egg mixture is fully cooked, pull it out of the oven and using a spatula, slice the egg into six equal squares.

Start preparing your sandwiches by stacking a slice of egg, a slice of cheese, and a piece of protein on the bottom half of your english muffin. Put the top half of the english muffin on top and wrap the sandwich in parchment paper. Place your sandwiches in freezer bags (3-4 sandwiches per bag) and make sure you label the bag with the protein (ex: bacon sandwiches, sausage sandwiches). Store in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat, pull out one sandwich at a time and pull the top half off the sandwich laying it open face on a baking sheet. Re-heat your sandwich in the toaster oven or standard oven for 5-10 minutes or until completely cooked.

BREAKFAST BISCUITS by @jenneatsgoood

-1 1/2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil

-1 medium yellow onion, diced

-1 medium red bell pepper, diced

-1 pound 90% lean ground pork

-2 teaspoons kosher salt

-1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

-1/2 teaspoon ground sage

-6 eggs

-6 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (1 1/2 cups)

-1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour

-1/3 cup coconut flour

-2 teaspoons baking powder

Preheat oven to 400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Heat the oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and cook until softened, 6-8 minutes.

Push the onion and pepper toward the sides and add the ground pork to the center and cook, breaking up any large chunks, until the pork is browned and onions are translucent, about 8 mins.

Remove from the heat and season with salt, pepper, and sage and mix well. Carefully pour off any excess oil and set aside to cool.

Whisk the eggs in a bowl. Add the pork mixture and 1 cup of the cheese and mix well. Add the almond flour, coconut clour, and baking powder and mix until just combined.

Scoop about 12 balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 1-2 inches apart. Lightly coat your palms with oil and press gently down on top of each ball to form a biscuit. Evenly sprinkle each with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and bake for 12-14 minutes until the cheese is melted and the biscuits are baked through and lightly browned. Store in the freezer or fridge, reheat when ready and enjoy!

HOMEMADE GOLDFISH by anabelle.vangiller

-8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

-4 tbsp unsalted butter cut into cubes

-1 cup flour

-1/3 tsp kosher salt

-2 1/2 tbsp cold water

In a bowl or food processor- add cheese, butter, flour, and salt. Pulse until a crumble is formed. Then add the water. Pulse until a dough is formed. Gather dough into a ball and flatten into a disk. Place in the fridge for 30 min.

Take it out and then roll the dough out to 3/8" thick. Use goldfish cutter (linked here) to cut out the shapes and set little fishies on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven at 350F for about 12-15 min until they are golden and puffed up. Remove from the oven and store in a container, keep in fridge or pantry.

*disclaimer: this recipe was great, but we did end up adding more water- trust the process!

HOMEMADE GUMMIES by Farmhouse on Boone

-1 cup juice of choice

-2 tablespoons honey

-1/4 cup gelatin

Measure and add juice and honey to small saucepan on the stovetop. Whisk to combine then bring the mixture to a light simmer over medium heat.

Once it begins to simmer, remove the saucepan from the heat. Slowly and evenly sprinkle the gelatin into the juice mixture, whisking thoroughly.

Once fully blended, use a dropper to fill the gummy molds (linked here). Place the molds directly into the fridge for 30 min or until firm.

Pop the gummies out of the molds and enjoy! Keep in a container in the fridge for up to one week.

THINGS WE WANT TO DO, BUT HAVEN'T TRIED YET

1) Homemade Poptarts

2) Salad in a Jar

3) Pancakes and Waffles

4) Homemade Teddy Grahams

5) Breakfast Casseroles

Stay tuned and keep this page saved because I will continue to add recipes as we try and love them. Thanks for being here!

Until next time,

SAB