Moxy Thoughts

Here in the summer, it can be extremely hot during the days.  Today it’s up to nearly 101!  For us, that means that we get outside early to be active, riding bikes and gardening before 11 and then it’s time to hit the pool.  With our schedules being as busy as they are these days, this type of Sunday has become my favorite type of day and that means that lunch is generally some version of salads and sandwiches that are easy, fresh and healthy for everyone.  The kids are both well into their swim team schedule, so they’re incredibly fit and super fun to race in the pool.  I get a great workout trying to chase them down in all the different strokes that they’re working on.  I can’t really beat our 9 year old anymore and within a few months, I’m guessing our 6 year old will out-swim me as well!  Good news, when I’m exhausted, my husband takes over and starts throwing the ball around with them and we all end up having a great laugh and cooling off together as a family.

On these kinds of days, lunch needs to be easy, convenient and most of all FAST!  When those boys get out of the pool, I have 10 minutes tops before I start hearing the sounds of “I’m SOOOO hungry mom!!”  Today was no exception.  So, I like to get out a few minutes before them and get the panini maker out.  If you don’t have one of these little gadgets, the stove top works just fine.  The one we have had for years is the Cuisinart Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press.  Quite honestly, I like the panini maker mostly because it allows the boys to make warm sandwiches for  themselves.   We keep it very simple for them at this point – 2 slices of whole wheat bread, a slice of mozzarella, white cheddar or gouda and some shredded Mexican cheese.  Then, whatever sliced meat is in the fridge goes in the sandwich.  When I’m feeling a bit indulgent, I’ll drop in a pat of butter as well, but I honestly don’t think it makes a big difference to the taste.  The other nice twist to add is some yellow or dijon mustard, it becomes a bit like a Cuban sandwich with the little kick of the mustard.  That’s really it, super easy and fun for the kids to make and eat!

For the adults, I also like to make it simple and healthy.  We had some leftover rotisserie chicken from this week’s taco night and a hard boiled egg leftover from the swim meet snacks we packed yesterday which inspired me to make a take-off of Nicoise salad.  I love a great Nicoise salad but don’t usually have all the ingredients at home to make it, so this is one I almost always order in a restaurant.  But at home, my version is made with the pre-packaged Kale and Broccoli salad you can buy at the store.

I just use whatever vegetables are coming out of the garden – today’s bounty was tomatoes, green beans and of course zucchini – always zucchini!

Toss it all together with the leftovers and batch up a quick and easy vinaigrette.  Voila!  Lots of protein and vitamins but filling enough for a day of play with the kids.  Enjoy and let me know how you made yours