I Can Do Better

A few days ago, as I dished up Annie's shells and cheese (from a box) with added broccoli tops (from a frozen box), I thought, "I can do better, and in the same amount of time, too." I could cook dried pasta shells, or any easy-to-pick-up shape, then toss it with either cubed cheese or some ricotta, parmesan and pasta water and diced tomatoes, cooked veggies or cooked meat.

The New York Times magazine's food column addresses the issue this week, kind of. Why do parents who like good food give their kids prepackaged foods? I simply don't want to make two meals every night for dinner, so I want August to eat what we eat. Or rather, it seems like I want to be able to eat what I make for him. Without sacrificing my eating habits in the process. He's doing a pretty good job with adult food so far, but I've been steering clear of any kind of spice and any kind of nut.