Stay at Home Dad's Guide to the Kitchen

It was not my wife telling me that, but rather myself. We had both gotten laid off about the same time. She took the first thing that came along, I wanted to wait for a little better pay, a better opportunity. With three kids in the nest, and one too young to be in day care, someone needs to be home. While we're still waiting to see whether that was a good or bad decision, a lot has come to pass.

The kids don't get frightened when they see me in the dark morning or evening hours anymore. They know I'm "daddy" and not just some random stranger with glasses and a beard. Homework is getting done, the house is clean, and bedtimes are being met. This isn't to say their mother couldn't do it, but when we were both working, it was very difficult.

Everywhere I go to look for work now, I have to consider everyone else's schedule. I look at line, and find "WorkAtHome MOMS." Hey, what about us dads?!? It doesn't really matter to those people, be it a scam or real deal, but it is a little weird for me. I came from the same lifestyle I think most of us did-if someone is going to stay home with the kids, it has to be Mom. Well, I chuckle to myself, and remember the old Michael Keaton movie when I'm pushing around a mop, or cleaning the stove, and am thankful I don't have a child-eating vacuum. On the other hand, a child eating vacuum....

But, I digress. Having either Mom or Dad home is always a real treat for the kids (and the parents). You have to look at it in the right way, though. In our house, Mom came from a big family on a shoe string budget. She cooked for six to eight people a night and could do it for about the same price as an Extra Value Meal. There would be leftovers, too. I, on the other hand, came from an average-sized family and have sustained myself so long on those same value meals; I had almost completely forgotten what a stove was used for.

For dads out there like me, who find themselves in a pinch, or for moms who have all the cooking finesse of Chef Whatever-Goes-in-the-Microwave, this article is for you. These are a few rules to live by.

Clean the kitchen-ALWAYS: After a long day and getting dinner ready, and kids ready for or off to bed, trudging back into that kitchen is NOT something any of us is looking forward to. Alas, it needs to be done. There are a few reasons for this. Kids bring home enough germs from school, day care, the outside. There is no reason to start a breeding pit somewhere in the house. Secondly, have you ever tried to cook in a kitchen that isn't ready to be cooked in? Pots and pans are all over the place, dishes and silverware galore. Sure, some people cut back by using disposable dishes and utensils, but that's not really an answer, just being lazy. Get the kitchen cleaned, so when you want to use it, you don't have a long list of things to get done. For couples, this can be done after the kids go to sleep. It gives you some alone time, some time to feel like your both contributing, and who knows what a little playful splashing of sudsy water can lead to.

Keep the kitchen stocked. There is little that ruins my day more than to go make the kids dinner after running late in the day to find there is very little that can be made. Here is a small list of things I try to never run out of: hamburger meat (turkey meat, or whatever your equivalent is) there is so much that can be done with this one food item, it is a necessary staple, chicken (usually skinless/boneless) almost as utilitarian as ground chuck, another must have, rice (basic white is fine), bread (white/sandwich), potatoes (instant are okay, but real ones are better), hot dogs, mac & cheese, other simple, kid friendly foods, some snack type foods (granola bars, fruit, and fruit snack are some of my faves for the kids), some microwavable dinners (I hate to do it, but sometimes, time is a factor and you need something fast!).

Don't be afraid to experiment. There often is a new recipe you've read about or simply an idea you have. Sometimes it works out and it is a big hit. Other times, you have just wasted groceries. Try this, though. Having the same thing all the time on some monotonous routine can actually ruin our taste for even some of our favorite foods. Here are some examples of meals I've made in a pinch, ones that haven't failed miserably at the dinner table.

Corniuk Stew (My daughter named that one): Take 1 to 1 ½ pounds of hamburger meat, brown it. Boil some white rice (I usually use 1-2 bags of Minute Rice or equivalent). When the meat is properly cooked, drain it. Put it back in the pan, throw some eggs in with it, and mix them together. Take off the burner, pour in the rice. Mix with a combination of steak seasoning and garlic seasoning salt. This is relatively cheap, easy and filling.

Cameron's Po' Boy Taco Salad: The kids and I like this, but some people's stomachs don't (just like spicy food). It looks awful, like a gray, sloppy gruel, though. I usually use left over taco meat-it's been in the fridge a day or two and has already been cooked and seasoned. Toss that with a healthy portion of shredded cheese into the microwave until mostly melted cheese. Remove, add Ranch dressing, and mix.

Chicken Burritos (sorta): Boil frozen chicken until done. Cut up and place of tortilla. Add some cheese, sour cream, and salsa (optional).