“Amy, these aren’t your normal groceries,” announced Sarah, my favorite Kroger Pick Up lady. She was chatting with me as she loaded my order into my Mini Cooper last Wednesday morning (side note – Kroger Pick Up is a Godsend for busy folks who work full-time. Thank you, Sarah!)
“I know,” I replied, “My youngest son Jacob is coming home for the summer from college.”
This is the time of year where our kitchen cupboards and fridge transform from being partially full of rather healthy items into areas overflowing with, well, not so healthy stuff.
Sour cream and cheese potato chips, Rice Krispies Treats, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch compete for space with my black bean chips, almonds, steel cut oatmeal, and other “grown-up” items in the pantry.
Totino’s frozen pizza, one of the many foods invading our columnist’s kitchen this week. (Photo provided by Amy Shankland)
Our normally sparse freezer now has Totino’s Crisp Crust Party Pizzas, popsicles, and ice cream. The refrigerator gets rather crowded as well thanks to the return of not one, but two dozen eggs (my son is a breakfast fanatic) coffee creamer, and chorizo, a leftover passion from Jacob’s time working at El Camino.
Speaking of coffee, the normally silent, dusty coffee maker will soon return to life, as neither my husband John nor I drink it. Our sons, however, have loved coffee since they were in high school. Jacob’s medium roast coffee has now joined my assortment of loose-leaf teas in the beverage section of our cupboard.
Our meals in general have gotten rather tricky as well over the past year since I’ve given up eating meat. I’ve learned to make vegetarian meals with meat on the side along with various fish dishes that we all agree taste delicious.
It’s also challenging to plan meals in general. John sometimes has sales appointments in the evening and Jacob will most likely work some evenings this summer, too. The chalkboard menu I referenced in my leftovers column a few weeks ago is truly just a “guide.” I know that I may have to switch plans from day to day depending on my crew’s schedule.
Let me back up and explain that I did raise my sons on a heathy diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, etc. But we all know what happens when kids become teenagers and are out on their own. It’s rare that they stay with those healthy habits.
However, when my oldest son Jonathon visits, it’s gratifying to see him go straight to the fridge to grab a piece of fruit. Or two. Or three. And of course, Jacob loves the meals I prepare with roasted vegetables.
Our kitchen may have been invaded by “young people” food, but I think we’ll manage. Heck, I may very well indulge in a Rice Krispies Treat or popsicle this summer. I’m sure Sarah will get used to all the changes soon!