Dinners for when you feel more like a taxi service than a parent

Back to school means lucky parents across the country get to spend more time than they’d strictly like out doing what they do best; running a taxi service. Extra curricular activities are fantastic, but scheduling them so you’re not in the car for the majority of your day can be tricky. And cooking dinner for the family after? Forget it. Tip: Carpooling is a wonderful thing, if you’re not involved get in!

Sometimes it is inevitable that your kid’s schedules will collide and you’ll have no choice but to be in the car from 3pm to 7pm running here, there and everywhere. And for days like that, we feel you, mums! We really do, so take a breath and don’t feel like you have to provide and meticulously crafted meal made from scratch each and every night. You’re only human, and all humans need their cheat days. These are our yummy meal ideas for those days when you’re more taxi service than a mum.

Toasted cheese sambos and a can of your favourite soup

This one’s great for a treat and is super easy to make and clean up; leaving more time for you and the kids to relax after a long day of school, gallivanting and activities.

Scrambled eggs on toast or beans on toast

Yes, we’re running with a theme here. Need something quick, warm and hearty? Work with what you already have in your cupboard and fridge and avoid an overly long prep time. Both of these quick and delicious snacks can be ready in two minutes flat and when served with a side of chopped fruit or veggies escalate from snack to wholesome meal.

Lucky dip

When all else fails, put it all out on the table or a platter if you’re being fancy and call it what it is; a free for all. Cheese, veggies, cold cuts, crackers, toast or bread, fruit and some tasty dips will do the job, and your kids will enjoy making up their plates by themselves!

Pancakes

Yep, when in doubt do breakfast for dinner! And you can even make some savoury crepes by grating in some cheese and sprinkling tomatoes over it for an ‘alternative pizza’. Just whip up your favourite batter and keep ‘em coming until there’s no batter left. If you’ve some left over, keep them for the morning! They’ll work a treat to get the guys down and ready for school in a jiffy. 

Stir fry

One thing about stir fry is it’s quick to make and as easy as you like. Simply throw what you want into the wok, pop your rice or noodles on and you’ll have your fresh, hot stir fry in about 10 to 15 minutes flat.

Our perfect stir fry sauce goes a little like this:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 inch of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

Whisk all of the above together and pour on top of your stir fried meat and veggies for a sizzling, tasty dish! 

maternity & infant

Originally posted 2017-08-29 16:12:15.