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Daycare Menus, Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Ideas>Weekly Menus
Cat Herder 07:10 AM 08-10-2011
I thought if we all posted weekly menus NOBODY would be out of ideas again..
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Cat Herder 07:10 AM 08-10-2011
B: Strawberry Muffins, Diced Pears, Milk
S: Vanilla Yogurt, Fruit Cocktail, Juice
L: Ham & Cheese Casserole (mashed potato, topped with diced honey ham & shredded mozzarella/cheddar), Fresh Green beans, HM Applesauce, Milk
S: Warm Sugar Cookies, ˝ bananas, Juice (to perk them up for Mom “Monday Blues” at pick-up)

B: Cinnamon Oatmeal, Diced Peaches, Milk
S: Cheese Toast (Honey Wheat Bread), Diced Green Apples, Juice
L: Roast Turkey Breast (tossed in baking bag w/ olive oil, water and small onion for flavoring, very easy), HM Mac-N- Cheese, Baby Lima Beans (slow cooked in advance, takes about 6 hours), Honey Dew, Milk
S: Raw Sectioned Cauliflower, Sliced Raw Carrots, Ranch Dipping Sauce, Oyster Crackers, Juice

B: Belgium Waffles, Orange Sections, Milk
S: Caramel Rice Cakes, Mango, Juice
L: BBQ Boneless Chicken Breast (Baking Bag technique, KC Masterpiece Original since kids LOVE it), Broccoli, Seasoned Egg Noodles, Diced Watermelon, Milk
S: PBJ, Sliced Apple, Juice (to allow parents more time to get ready for church, here)

B: Cheese Eggs, Toast, HM Blueberry Jam, Milk
S: Trail Mix (cheerios, dried fruit, nuts), Juice
L: Sloppy Joes (Ground beef browned with a bit of taco seasoning, ketchup, mustard on a bun), Silver Queen Corn, Sliced Strawberries, Milk
S: Black Berry Popovers (Canned Croissants filled with fresh Blackberries, baked), Juice

B: Sausage Biscuit, Sliced Plums, Milk
S: Pretzels, Applesauce, Juice
L: HM Cheese Pizza, Tossed Salad, Pineapple, Milk
S: Graham Crackers, Cheese Cubes, Juice

(Most folks here have dinner during "Fellowship" at Church on Wednesdays, it is later that most kids are accustomed to eating, though )
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Cat Herder 07:49 AM 08-10-2011
B: Banana Nut Muffins, Diced Pears, Milk
S: Cinnamon Toast, ˝ Bananas, Juice
L: HM Chicken Pot Pie (w/ Carrots, Celery, Lima beans, Vidalia Onion, Corn), Garlic Rolls, Applesauce, Milk
S: Teddy Grahams, Mandarin Oranges, Juice (for Monday blues at pick-up)

B: Bagels & Cream Cheese, Sliced Grapes, Milk
S: Chex Mix, Blueberries, Juice
L: Beef Stroganoff (egg noodle recipe), Black Eyed Peas, Diced Peaches, Milk
S: Baked Home Fries, Ketchup, Juice

B: French Toast, Honey Dew Melon, Milk
S: Cheese It’s, Sliced Green Apple, Juice
L: Baked/ Seasoned Pork Chops, Saffron Rice, Brussels Sprouts, Sliced Grapes, Milk
S: Fiesta Hats (bologna topped with an Ice cream scoop of mashed potato, then shredded cheese, baked, the bologna rolls up creating a “hat” look), Fruit Cocktail, Juice (church night, here)

B: Sausage Quiche (Eggs), Sliced Strawberries, Milk
S: Croissants & Honey, Sliced Apple, Juice
L: Three Cheese Quesadillas’ w/ Refried Beans, Broccoli, Pears, Milk
S: Warm Pumpkin Bars (yellow cake mix w/ Pumpkin & Applesauce added, be sure to double eggs when adding fruit to a cake mix), Raisins, Juice

B: Bacon Biscuits, ˝ Banana, Milk
S: Baked Sweet Potato Home Fries w/ Cinnamon & Sugar, Craisins, Juice
L: HM Cheeseburger Pizza, Tossed Salad, Cantaloupe, Milk
S. Rice Crispy Treats, Tangerines, Juice
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Cat Herder 08:29 AM 08-10-2011
B: Cheese Grits, Kiwi, Milk
S. Cinnamon Roll, Applesauce, Juice
L: Chicken Broccoli Penne (w/ Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta, Garlic, Olive Oil, Vidalia Onion, Chicken Stock), Tossed Salad, Diced Pears, Milk
S: Dry Cereal, Fruit Cocktail, Juice

B: Blue Berry Muffin, ˝ Bananas, Milk
S: Jell-O w/Mixed Fruit, Ritz Crackers, Juice
L: Pot Roast (baking bag technique w/ Onion), New Potatoes, Collard Greens, Diced Pears, Milk
S: Oatmeal Cookies Orange Slices, Juice

B: Pecan Waffles (Crushed pecans & Brown Sugar in Standard Belgium Waffle Mix), Fruit Cocktail, Milk
S: Peanut Butter & Crackers, Crab Apples, Juice
L: Pigs in Blankets (Kielbasa wrapped in Croissants, Baked), Sweet Peas, Pineapple, Milk
S: Nachos, Sliced Mango, Juice (church night here)

B: Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Cantaloupe, Milk
S: Goldfish, Raisins, Juice
L: Black Bean Burritos, Turnip Greens, Applesauce, Milk
S: Banana Chips, Oyster Crackers, Juice

B: Banana Bread, Diced Pears, Milk
S: Biscuits & Blackberry Jam, Juice
L: HM Sausage Pizza, Tossed Salad, Mandarin Oranges, Milk
S: Warm Peanut Butter Cookies, ˝ Bananas, Juice
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Blackcat31 08:32 AM 08-10-2011
I am trying to add to this thread but goodness woman...you type fast!!!
I'll add my menu for this week when I am done pecking at the keys....LOL!!
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Cat Herder 08:58 AM 08-10-2011
B: HM Pumpkin Bread, Baked Apple, Milk
S: Ritz & Cheese Slices, Juice
L: 3- Bean Chili, Sweet Cornbread, Candied Carrots, Diced Pears, Milk
S: HM Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Juice

B: Sliced Hard Boiled Egg, Toast, Jam, Milk
S: Dry Cereal, ˝ Banana, Juice
L: Chicken-N-Dumplings, Baby Lima Beans, Applesauce, Milk
S: Vanilla Pudding, Mixed Fruit, Juice

B: Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, Honey Dew Melon, Milk
S: Cheese Toast, Raisins, Juice
L: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, Broccoli, Sliced Oranges, Milk
S: Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Diced Pears, Juice (Church night, here)

B: Country Ham Biscuits, Sliced Green Apples, Milk
S: Celery w/ Peanut Butter, Juice
L: Hamburger Steak, Baked Potato, Creamed Corn, Fruit Cocktail, Milk
S: HM Snicker doodle Cookies, ˝ Banana, Juice

B: Cinnamon Rolls, Kiwi, Milk
S: Apple Popovers, Juice
L: HM Pepperoni Pizza, Tossed Salad, Fruit Cocktail, Milk
S: String Cheese, Strawberries, Juice
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Cat Herder 08:58 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I am trying to add to this thread but goodness woman...you type fast!!!
I'll add my menu for this week when I am done pecking at the keys....LOL!!
No, I was asked to do it Monday so I have been gathering all my handwritten stuff and typing them up in Word to copy and paste...

I have a housefull so it is taking me a bit longer than expected.
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Meyou 10:40 AM 08-10-2011
What's an oyster cracker?
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Cat Herder 10:41 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
What's an oyster cracker?
Little round, puffy Saltines used most often with Oyster Stew in the South.
Attached: oyster cracker.jpg (3.7 KB) 
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Meyou 10:42 AM 08-10-2011
They sound yum! I love crackers.
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Cat Herder 10:44 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
They sound yum! I love crackers.
They are good, every now and again I mist them with Olive Oil, sprinkle some Seasoned Salt on them and bake..

The kids LOVE them.
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Meyou 10:53 AM 08-10-2011
S: raisin toast, apple slices, milk
L: hodge podge, ww bread and butter, peaches, juice
S: pb on ww crackers, mixes berries, milk

S: banana pancakes, strawberries, milk
L: chicken pepper stir fry, brown rice, apple sauce, milk
S: carrots, celery, zuchini sticks, dip, juice

S: bran muffins, yogurt, juice
L: ww pita cheese pizzas, pepper sticks and dip, grapes, milk
S: trail mix, bananas, milk

S: mulitgrain cheerios with milk, blueberries, juice
L: tuna casserole, pineapple slices, milk
S: pita chips, salsa, cheese, milk

S: scrambled eggs, toast, tomato, juice
L: pb and banana sandwiches, green beans, zuchini and dip, milk
S: cookies, fruit salad, milk
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Meyou 11:09 AM 08-10-2011
S: yogurt, pears, juice
L: quinoa greek salad, orange slices, milk
S: cheese, ww crackers, bananas, juice

S: tea biscuits, "jam" (mashed berries with honey), milk
L: chicken parm, garlic bread, broccoli, milk
S: animal crackers, watermelon ******, juice

S: oatmeal, milk, mixed berries, juice
L: ham and cheese sandwiches, tomato, apple slices, milk
S: granola squares, strawberries, milk

S: blueberry muffins, bananas, juice
L: veggie spaghetti, ww pasta, grapes, milk
S: multigrain cheerios, raspberries, milk

S: cheese toast, melon cubes, juice
L: minestrone, ww crackers, apple sauce, milk
S: cinnamon buns, frozen apple sauce pops, milk
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Cat Herder 11:12 AM 08-10-2011
What is a Tea biscuit and Hodge Podge?

This is going to be fun with all the different regions...
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Meyou 11:19 AM 08-10-2011
Tea biscuits are scones? This isn't my recipe but it's the same thing.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/tea-biscuits/detail.aspx

Hodge podge is vegetable chowder. You basically make a fish chowder but use a mess of veggies instead of any fish or meat products. The kids LOVE hodge podge. I throw everything into it. You can save dinner leftovers and throw those in too. They make a game of identifying all the different veggies. I have a vegetarian and two pescetarians so I do meat free at least twice a week to make cooking easier.
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Cat Herder 11:22 AM 08-10-2011
Sounds wonderful!!!

Thanks!!
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SilverSabre25 11:34 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
S: tea biscuits, "jam" (mashed berries with honey), milk
L: chicken parm, garlic bread, broccoli, milk
S: animal crackers, watermelon ******, juice
so what naughty thing are you doing with that watermelon that it bleeped it out?!
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Meyou 11:57 AM 08-10-2011
I didn't know s-p-e-a-r-s were so naughty!! No more sword fighting at snacktime I guess!
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BusyBee 12:03 PM 08-10-2011
Wow, thanks!!
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sharlan 08:23 AM 08-11-2011
Can I come to your house to eat?
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Cat Herder 11:08 AM 08-11-2011
B: Cinnamon Toast, Diced Pears, Milk
S: Mixed Berry Bars (white cake mix w/Fresh strawberries, Blue berries, Blackberries, be sure to double eggs when adding fruit to a cake mix), Juice
L: Cold Cut Subs, Tomato Soup, Orange Sections, Milk
S: Chicken Biscuit* Crackers, Apple Slices, Juice

B: Croissants, Honey, Mandarin Oranges, Milk
S: Crackling Oat Bran*, Sliced Strawberries, Juice
L: Grilled Chicken Kebabs (w/ Pineapple), Brussels sprouts, Cooked Carrots, Milk
S: Warm Pound Cake, ˝ Bananas, Juice

B: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Toast, Jam, Milk
S: Cashews, Raisin, Juice
L: Spinach & Cheese Calzone, Steamed Broccoli florets, Fruit Cocktail, Milk
S: Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Banana Chips, Juice (Church Night)

B: Buttered English Muffins, Cantaloupe, Milk
S: Home Fries, Ketchup, Juice
L: Vegetable Beef Stew (dry 15- bean mix, corn, celery, carrot, potato), Cornbread, Applesauce, Milk
S: Warm Brownies, Roasted Black Walnuts, Juice

B: Hash browns, Sausage Links, Diced Apple, Milk
S: Graham Crackers, ˝ Bananas, Juice
L: HM Veggie Pizza (cheese), Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad, Milk
S: Pretzels, Craisins*, Juice
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Cat Herder 11:10 AM 08-11-2011
B: Blueberry Muffins, ˝ Bananas, Milk
S: Chex Mix, Baby Carrots, Juice
L: Chili Mac (Beef, Kidney & Black Bean), Corn on the Cob, Diced Peaches, Milk
S: Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pineapple, Juice

B: French toast, Country Ham, Diced Pears, Milk
S: Ritz & Peanut Butter, Juice
L: Chicken Parmesan, Garlic Bread, Green Beans, Applesauce, Milk
S: Shortbread Cookies, Muscadine’s, Juice

B: Fig Bars (yellow cake mix with fig added, be sure to double egg when adding fruit to cake mix), Milk
S: Teddy Grahams, ˝ Bananas, Juice
L: Grilled Salmon, Saffron Rice, Zucchini, Honey Dew, Milk
S: Corndog, Tater Tots, Ketchup, Juice (Church Night.)

B: Cinnamon Oatmeal, Raisins, Milk
S: Apple Wedges w/ Caramel Dipping Sauce, Cheese Cubes, Juice
L: HM Chicken & Rice Soup (w/celery, onion), Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Creamed Corn, Pineapple, Milk
S: Raw Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots & Ranch Dip, Oyster Crackers, Juice

B: Sliced Boiled Egg, Cottage Cheese, Peaches, Milk
S: Cheese-It’s*, Orange Sections, Juice
L: HM Sausage Pizza, Tossed Salad, Pears, Milk
S: Trail Mix, Sliced Grapes, Juice
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meganlavonnesmommy 05:58 PM 08-11-2011
Thank you so much for sharing!
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Sprouts 02:46 PM 08-13-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
S: yogurt, pears, juice
L: quinoa greek salad, orange slices, milk
S: cheese, ww crackers, bananas, juice

S: tea biscuits, "jam" (mashed berries with honey), milk
L: chicken parm, garlic bread, broccoli, milk
S: animal crackers, watermelon ******, juice

S: oatmeal, milk, mixed berries, juice
L: ham and cheese sandwiches, tomato, apple slices, milk
S: granola squares, strawberries, milk

S: blueberry muffins, bananas, juice
L: veggie spaghetti, ww pasta, grapes, milk
S: multigrain cheerios, raspberries, milk

S: cheese toast, melon cubes, juice
L: minestrone, ww crackers, apple sauce, milk
S: cinnamon buns, frozen apple sauce pops, milk
Hi, do you buy the muffins or make from scratch????
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MarinaVanessa 09:05 AM 08-16-2011
I never got a chance to thank you for sharing your meal rotations. It has made my life sooo much easier. I literally copied and pasted your meal plans and Meyou's too and then just made little changes to it here and there to fit our needs (for example I don't serve juice so I replaced it with a fruit or veggie).

It saves me sooo much planning and shopping time it's not even funny. I use minute menu to add the pre-planned meals into it so it's easier and quicker to claim my meals too. Once I've added my meals into MM I print it out and post the week's menu plan. I also attach copies to my newsletter. The parents love being able to what they are eating, a few even looked at the week's menu and brought us fruit and muffins because she knew we were eating them . So thanks again, I really appreciate it!
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Cat Herder 09:18 AM 08-16-2011
I am so glad you like them. I will keep adding from time to time.

I don't like serving so much juice, I am still required to. I am not supposed to cut it with water, but I do and just give them more access to their cups during the day.

It isn't about being "cheap"...it causes acidic diaper rash in littles with very little nutritional benefit...

Most of the time they choose their ice water cups (they use them as maracas, too) over the juice ones... I just have to "offer" them.

I make my muffins myself with fresh produce.. Just double the egg when adding fruit to any bread product recipe (grandma's advice). I add applesauce to my cinnamon rolls to sweeten instead of frosting.
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Meyou 09:22 AM 08-16-2011
Originally Posted by Mstein:
Hi, do you buy the muffins or make from scratch????
I make them from scratch. I use a basic recipe and just throw in the flavor of the day.


2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup apple sauce
1 egg

You can add any fruit pretty much. I flour the fruit if it's frozen.

Bake for 20 min @ 400.
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dEHmom 09:39 AM 08-16-2011
wow you ladies are amazing!

My daily menu changes with whatever I can afford, have on hand, or whatever last nights dinner was (i know most of you can't do that, but I can )

I keep track of what I serve in excel for breakfast, snack, lunch, snack and supper if I have supper timers.

you ladies might like this, and it's super easy to make.... I make it in huge batches and freeze in single serving and family sized portions.

fry up bacon pieces w/ onion (cut into bite sized pieces)
add to cooked rice
dill, salt and pepper

I add a little scoop of butter because I LOVE BUTTER

mix all together and you've got bacon dill rice (basically the inside of a cabbage roll)

of course you can add anything else you like, like sausage, veggies etc, but I just like it bacon dill rice
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Meyou 09:50 AM 08-16-2011
Granola Squares (bars)

4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup ww flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups raisins

You can omit the raisins and add crasins, choc chips, sunflower seeds or any other dried fried or nut.

Press into 9x13 pan. Bake at 325 for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let the bars cool all the way then remove them from the pan. They are still yummy if you take them out warm but they fall apart.
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squareone 12:00 PM 08-16-2011
Wow, thanks a lot for this ladies. This will help me tremendously with new menu planning ideas because we have definitely been in a food rut.
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godiva83 01:37 PM 08-16-2011
Wow- I'm worried I'm going to have to fill put an accident form when one of the dck's slip in all this drool. Everything sounds delicious.
I love quinoa and so do my kiddies we make a chicken, black bean, corn and red leper quinoa salad that they love
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Meyou 01:39 PM 08-16-2011
Originally Posted by godiva83:
Wow- I'm worried I'm going to have to fill put an accident form when one of the dck's slip in all this drool. Everything sounds delicious.
I love quinoa and so do my kiddies we make a chicken, black bean, corn and red leper quinoa salad that they love
Recipe please?
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Sprouts 09:16 PM 08-18-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
I make them from scratch. I use a basic recipe and just throw in the flavor of the day.


2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup apple sauce
1 egg

You can add any fruit pretty much. I flour the fruit if it's frozen.

Bake for 20 min @ 400.
Thank you! I am copy and pasting and printing! All of these recipes sound awesome and can't wait to try! I just started so when I come up with something to add I will post!
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Abigail 09:12 PM 08-20-2011
Originally Posted by Catherder:
Most of the time they choose their ice water cups (they use them as maracas, too) over the juice ones... I just have to "offer" them.
OK, so offer some juice in an ugly plain sippy and offer water in the pretty attractive new sippy! Are you on the food program? If you are, what is your food program requirements for each meal type?



Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I am trying to add to this thread but goodness woman...you type fast!!!
I'll add my menu for this week when I am done pecking at the keys....LOL!!
Thank you so much for posting this, for some reason it just cracked me up! I didn't realize all of those postings were all from catherder. I'm bad a reading who posted what so I guessed she just did the layout she wanted to see and everyone else followed. Then saw your post about trying to add to it, LOL
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Kaddidle Care 04:35 AM 08-21-2011
I'm about to shrink myself and go visit Catherder! Your menu's are glorious!
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Unregistered 07:15 PM 08-23-2011
What a great idea and resource!

Catherder, I'm getting hungry reading your menus.
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countrymom 06:16 AM 08-24-2011
Originally Posted by Catherder:
Little round, puffy Saltines used most often with Oyster Stew in the South.
my kids love these and they are cheap, I buy them at meijers all the time (I'm lucky I live close to the border)
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countrymom 06:21 AM 08-24-2011
thanks for the idea, yesterday I made the lazy lasanga that someone posted in the thread and the kids loved it, they didn't even flinch that it had cottage cheese in it. I did put mine in a glass baking try and baked it a bit and it was great.
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Cat Herder 06:30 AM 08-24-2011
Originally Posted by Abigail:
OK, so offer some juice in an ugly plain sippy and offer water in the pretty attractive new sippy! Are you on the food program? If you are, what is your food program requirements for each meal type?
No food program, BUT I am still required to offer milk with meals and 100% juice with snacks. Water is to be available at all times.

I will get back to typing up some more menus later in the week.. I am catching up on attendance and curriculum planning now.
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Cat Herder 06:43 AM 08-24-2011
Originally Posted by Kaddidle Care:
I'm about to shrink myself and go visit Catherder! Your menu's are glorious!
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
What a great idea and resource!

Catherder, I'm getting hungry reading your menus.
Aww...Thanks, guys!!

Most of it is easy to make in advance and freeze. That is my ultimate goal.

I store/freeze everything in oven safe tin catering dishes with lids (think party supply store ) so I can just toss them in the fridge to thaw the night before and reheat in the morning to be ready in time for lunch.

The waffles, biscuits, muffins, croissants, popovers and pancakes freeze well, too. I toss the Belgium waffles into the toaster and they come out crisp and fresh for a fraction of the cost of Ego's. The rest go on a cookie sheet for reheating/browning.
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graham.shellbell 08:32 AM 08-24-2011
I am so so impressed with these menus..now I am not licensed and I have parents that are ok with the basics I do but I have been in such a rut.. y'all would rip me a new one if you could see the stuff my kiddos get. My question is do the kids really eat most of that or does it go to waste?? I have to be careful with my spending for groceries and would hate to waste $$ on things mine won't eat but at the same time I would like my kiddos to eat some of things on the menus I am seeing here. I have kids that get the same things at home that they do here..pizza, nuggets, goldfish, cheese sticks..etc. We seldom do veggies cause no one will eat them.. I usually do banana with breakfast and mixed fruit at lunch and that is about as good as it gets. This summer has been tough with most of my younger kids having older siblings so my food bill has been really high but with school starting next week and my preschool porgram starting I would love to also liven up our meals.
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Cat Herder 09:48 AM 08-24-2011
Originally Posted by graham.shellbell:
I am so so impressed with these menus..now I am not licensed and I have parents that are ok with the basics I do but I have been in such a rut.. y'all would rip me a new one if you could see the stuff my kiddos get. My question is do the kids really eat most of that or does it go to waste?? I have to be careful with my spending for groceries and would hate to waste $$ on things mine won't eat but at the same time I would like my kiddos to eat some of things on the menus I am seeing here. I have kids that get the same things at home that they do here..pizza, nuggets, goldfish, cheese sticks..etc. We seldom do veggies cause no one will eat them.. I usually do banana with breakfast and mixed fruit at lunch and that is about as good as it gets. This summer has been tough with most of my younger kids having older siblings so my food bill has been really high but with school starting next week and my preschool porgram starting I would love to also liven up our meals.
I have to admit I have an advantage most don't about the picky eaters... I only enroll newborns.

I "raise" all my littles from birth on eating this (I puree my own baby foods, too) so I have never really had too many true "dislikes".

I'd just start backwards like you did with new infants...introduce one new veggie at a time to develop a taste for them...

Nan is better than me with food issues.

I just stack the deck of cards in my favor and prevent the problems....
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blueclouds29 10:07 AM 08-24-2011
Originally Posted by graham.shellbell:
I am so so impressed with these menus..now I am not licensed and I have parents that are ok with the basics I do but I have been in such a rut.. y'all would rip me a new one if you could see the stuff my kiddos get. My question is do the kids really eat most of that or does it go to waste?? I have to be careful with my spending for groceries and would hate to waste $$ on things mine won't eat but at the same time I would like my kiddos to eat some of things on the menus I am seeing here. I have kids that get the same things at home that they do here..pizza, nuggets, goldfish, cheese sticks..etc. We seldom do veggies cause no one will eat them.. I usually do banana with breakfast and mixed fruit at lunch and that is about as good as it gets. This summer has been tough with most of my younger kids having older siblings so my food bill has been really high but with school starting next week and my preschool porgram starting I would love to also liven up our meals.
Same here, they would rip me if they saw what i feed the kids... Veggies go to waste here too a lot i still offer though...
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Cat Herder 06:27 AM 08-26-2011
B: Silver Dollar Pumpkin Pancakes, Blueberries, Milk
S: Cheerios, Cinnamon Applesauce, Juice
L: Seasoned Chicken Breast Strips, Corn on the Cob, Watermelon, Buttered Roll, Milk
S: Broccoli and Cauliflower Trees* , Cheese Dip, Pulled Hawaiian Bread, Juice

B: Sausage and Cheese Sandwich on Texas Toast, ˝ Bananas, Milk
S: Warm Apple Crumble Cake, Fruit Cocktail, Juice
L: Lasagna, Asparagus Tips, Pears, Garlic Roll, Milk
S: Chips & Salsa, Juice

B: Crackling Oat Bran Cereal (dry is best, tastes like oatmeal cookies, Yum!), Sliced Strawberries, Milk
S: Turkey & Cheese Roll Ups, Carrot Sticks, Juice
L: Black Beans & Rice w/ Kielbasa, Brussels sprouts, Pears, Cheese Biscuit, Milk
S: PBJ, Sliced Apple, Juice (Church Night here)

B: English Muffins, Blackberry Jam, Milk
S: Graham Crackers w/ Nutella, Peaches, Juice
L: BBQ Chicken Quarters, Black Eyed Peas, Orange Slices, Yellow Cornbread, Milk
S: Cheese Combo’s (prepackaged, "cheesish" filled pretzels as treat), Raisins, Juice

B: Scrambled Eggs, Buttered Grits, Honeydew Melon, Milk
S: Warm Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Fruit Salad, Juice
L: HM Cheese Pizza, Tossed Salad, Sliced Grapes, Milk
S: Fresh Coconut Chunks* (fun to break open), Pineapple Chunks, Vanilla Yogurt, Juice

* I wanted to add that I teach them to eat Broccoli, Carrot Sticks and Cauliflower raw the same way I unwittingly taught my own toddlers to love fast food french fries. I allow them to suck the dipping sauce off of them. True they won't eat much the first few times, but after a while they do.

* The Coconuts we add to our curriculum, like breaking geodes in the science portion...then we get to eat it for snack. Just a fun way to kick off a Summer weekend.
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mema 12:26 PM 09-21-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
Granola Squares (bars)

4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup ww flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups raisins

You can omit the raisins and add crasins, choc chips, sunflower seeds or any other dried fried or nut.

Press into 9x13 pan. Bake at 325 for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let the bars cool all the way then remove them from the pan. They are still yummy if you take them out warm but they fall apart.


We made these this morning for tomorrow's afternoon snack! We put dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips in them! I just tried them out while the kids are napping-they were WONDERFUL! Thanks soooo much for sharing! My kids will also like them for school snack!!!
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wdmmom 07:20 AM 09-23-2011
Some of those meals sound expensive! Salmon for kids?! Mine would never eat it. I just got my own to start trying it and they are 7-15 years old!

My daycare kids are great little eaters. I just don't think they would appreciate (or eat) big lunch meals like that.

They are more of the homemade pizza, homemade mac & cheese, hamburger kind of kids.

Although you did give me some new ideas! I'm going to try the ham and cheese casserole, pot pie, chicken broccoli penne, chicken fettucini alfrredo, and tuna casserole. They sound inexpensive and easy to make and I think they would eat it.
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Cat Herder 10:15 AM 09-23-2011
Originally Posted by wdmmom:
Some of those meals sound expensive! Salmon for kids?!
We love Salmon here. It is so good for you.

It does not have to be expensive, they also sell it in packaging just like Tuna. Usually it sit's right next to it. You can add it to casseroles, etc.

It also comes in cans that you can blend to make into Salmon Patties (I always pick out the bones and skin if I use canned).

We prefer fillets so we can grill them and do that most often. I only have 6 dck's so it really does not cost me much more than if I was just feeding my family.
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Cat Herder 11:12 AM 09-23-2011
B: Sausage & Cheese Puffs, Honeydew Melon, Milk
S: Vanilla Yogurt, Sliced Red Grapes, Juice
L: Brunswick Stew, Corn on Cob, Cheese Biscuit, Milk
S: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Pears, Juice

B: Peach & Walnut Loaf, ˝ Banana, Milk
S: Cheese It’s, Tangerine, Juice
L: Chicken Parmesan, Angel Hair Pasta, Spinach, Milk
S: Trail Mix, Sliced Apple, Juice

B: Cheese Eggs, Bacon, Jelly Toast, Orange Slices, Milk
S: Graham Crackers, Plums, Juice
L: Beef & Cheese Nachos, Sliced Black Olives, HM Salsa, Banana Chips, Milk
S: PBJ, Chex Mix, Fruit Cocktail, Juice

B: Oatmeal, Pineapple, Juice
S: String Cheese, Strawberries, Juice
L: Grilled Cheese, Chicken Noodle Soup, Pears, Milk
S: Animal Crackers, Mandarin Oranges, Juice

B: Croissants, Butter, Jam, Fruit Salad, Milk
S: Goldfish, Applesauce, Juice
L: Pepperoni Pizza, Tossed Salad, Nectarines, Milk
S: Celery Stalks, Baby Carrots, Ranch Dressing, Cashews, Juice


Come on, guys.... Add some of yours. Maybe if more folks added, we could hit every budget, program and regional kid "likes". (Thank you, Meyou )

I only know what my kids like, how I cook and what I can afford, YKWIM? I like new ideas, too....
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daycare 11:30 AM 09-23-2011
OMG thank you so much for starting this.
I am 100% vegan and I dont know how to cook. I have never learned becuase I eat just about everything raw....

I have been wanting to learn how to cook and have never really knew what to cook. My husband is the meat eater and he is the one who makes most of the food for DC. I need to learn becuase he will be back to school in a few weeks..

I am so stealing all of your menus!!!

and when I learn to cook more foods I will share some of mine with you....
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Meyou 11:44 AM 09-23-2011
Can you post the recipe for peach and walnut loaf, puhlease?? I have drool on my computer.

I'll post some more menues and I have a few recipes I've been meaning to add that freeze well and the kids love. I really love this thread too. I've gotten some good ideas.

We eat salmon here too and I either buy canned or I stock up when the filets are on sale and freeze them. I only have 6 DCK's as well so it doesn't take much but they love it.
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Cat Herder 12:07 PM 09-23-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
Can you post the recipe for peach and walnut loaf, puhlease?? I have drool on my computer.
As embarrassing as it is, I mostly do it by sight.

I do the simple yellow cake recipe, add whatever fruit I have handy, add nuts/raisins/sunflowers seeds if I have them (after putting them in a baggie and crushing them up a bit for my littles) then double the eggs to keep it from coming out runny (grandma's trick; makes brownies more cake like, too ).

I don't know that I ever really measure anything. When I add peaches I usually add 4-5 (peeled and diced). I also tend to omit the sugar and add applesauce instead. This last batch I added black walnuts along with the regular ones (1ish cups total) and it ROCKED.

If the mix looks too runny, I add flour. If it looks to dry, I add applesauce. Occassionally I will grab some powdered sugar, mix it with a bit of warm water and drizzle it on top as a glaze (when the majority of the group are being grumps, other times adding more sugar would send them into orbit so I skip it.

Simple Yellow Cake Recipe:

2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 stick of margarine (I use Land O Lakes with Omega 3)
1 cup milk
3 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs

I will also tell you that I have just grabbed a box mix at times because they are under $1 on sale, I can't buy the ingredients that cheap, and I was feeling unmotivated....
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Meyou 12:17 PM 09-23-2011
Thank you! That's how I cook too most of the time. I've started measuring my DC recipes because the parents ask for them though. lol I put a recipe in my monthly newsletter along with freezing and microwave directions. I WILL get good food into these children.

The loaf sounds delish and my brain is already thinking.....pecans? blueberries? blackberries? mmmmmmmmmmm.......yep...more drool.
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Cat Herder 12:26 PM 09-23-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
Thank you! That's how I cook too most of the time. I've started measuring my DC recipes because the parents ask for them though. lol I put a recipe in my monthly newsletter along with freezing and microwave directions. I WILL get good food into these children.

The loaf sounds delish and my brain is already thinking.....pecans? blueberries? blackberries? mmmmmmmmmmm.......yep...more drool.
My husbands favorite is still pumpkin, sweet potato, apple and cinnamon all mixed in. Give that one a whirl served warm... It makes the whole house smell so good.

Great way to kick off a "Fireplace Weekend". Just sayin'
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Meyou 04:02 AM 09-26-2011
Originally Posted by Catherder:
My husbands favorite is still pumpkin, sweet potato, apple and cinnamon all mixed in. Give that one a whirl served warm... It makes the whole house smell so good.

Great way to kick off a "Fireplace Weekend". Just sayin'
Do you puree the pumpkin and sweet potato or leave it in chunks?? That one sounds like pumpkin pie in a loaf. mmmmmmmm!
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Meyou 04:35 AM 09-26-2011
My menu this week:

S: raisin toast, peaches, milk
L: lasagna, carrot, green pepper, celery sticks, milk
S: pb oatmeal granola bars, grapes, milk

S: apple cinnamon french toast muffins, milk
L: corn chowder, ww bread and butter, milk
S: graham crackers, apple sauce, milk

S: trail mix with raisins, juice boxes (snack on route to puppet show)
L: ham sandwiches. yogurt, strawberries, milk
S: cheese, brocolli, cauliflower, dip, juice

S: mulitgrain cheerios with milk, bananas, juice
L: cheesy veggie bake, garlic bread, grapes, milk
S: animal crackers, peaches, milk

S:bagel with butter, berries, yogurt, juice
L: Make your own veggie pizza, apples, milk
S: Block Contest Cake!!! Milk.

We had a block tower building contest with another dayhome last week and we won!! They're baking us a cake as our prize and delivering it Friday.
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Meyou 07:01 AM 10-06-2011
French Toast Muffins

10 slices multigrain bread cubed
6 eggs
1 cup milk

Beat eggs and milk together and pour over bread that is cubed in a bowl. Turn to coat all the bread and then add toppings. Some I like are:

1 cup cheddar and 1 cup diced ham
2 cups blueberries, 1 tsp vanilla
1/2 sliced bananas, 1/2 cup raisins, 1 tsp vanilla
2 cups diced apples, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup mozza, 1 tsp oregano
1 cup feta and 2 cup spinach


Turn in toppings and let sit about 10 minutes or until all the egg is absorbed. Put in lined or muffin tins (the eggs make it stick) and bake for about 20 minutes at 350.

This makes 10 large or 20 small muffins. I do 20 small so each one is an appropriate grain serving.

These freeze well and are just as yummy the next day.
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Cat Herder 07:14 AM 10-06-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
Do you puree the pumpkin and sweet potato or leave it in chunks?? That one sounds like pumpkin pie in a loaf. mmmmmmmm!
I actually use an old manual potato masher...

Those muffins sound wonderful!!
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dave4him 10:01 AM 10-20-2011
Wonderful! Just what i needed as i was sitting here thinking about how im going to plan my meals... need to compile my list and head to the grocery store
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Unregistered 04:15 AM 10-26-2011
Originally Posted by Catherder:
They are good, every now and again I mist them with Olive Oil, sprinkle some Seasoned Salt on them and bake..

The kids LOVE them.
Or with Ranch packet seasoning. Yummy
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athomemommy 11:13 AM 10-26-2011
I do not have weekly menu, but have been meaning to. Thanks for posting your and lighting a fire my butt to do it. Will post soon!
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queenbee 07:39 PM 10-26-2011
I run a vegetarian daycare (unheard of in my area!) but I figured someone may find my menus useful as I usually can transform any meat or meal into a meatless one.

Just an fyi, all "meat" I have on my menus are vegan/veggie, all cheese is vegan, all yogurt is soy yogurt, and all milk is Almond, Soy or Rice milk.

B: English muffin w/ (veggie) sausage and vegan cheese, grapes, Milk
L: Quesadillas w/ tomatoes, black olives and vegan cheese, refried beans (for dipping, yum), peaches
S: Pita Chips w/ Hummus, Juice

B: Whole Wheat Banana pancakes, blueberries, Milk
L: HM Three cheese ravioli w/ Marinara sauce, mini breadsticks, pineapple chunks, tomato slices w/ a sprinkling of Dash
S: Fruit salsa, Cinnamon chips, Juice

B: Soy yogurt w/ organic granola, Apple slices, Milk
L: Baked potato w/ ranch beans & vegan cheese, side salad, pears
S: Applesauce w/ cinnamon, graham crackers, Juice

B: Biscuits & "Gravy", mixed fruit, milk
L: Banana & chocolate panini, Strawberry soup, carrot sticks
S: Raspberry peach bread, milk

B:Gorilla Munch cereal, toast w/ blackberry fruit spread, smoothie
L: Vegetable stir-fry, bread w/ "butter", mango slices
S: Chocolate chip pie, milk



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athomemommy 04:32 AM 10-29-2011
Using your menu as a guide thanks you so much for doing this. So HELPFUL!!!


Can you explain the Roast Turkey Breast? Is this like a big turkey breast? Sorry don't think I have made a turkey. Looking forward to it though. Can I freeze the extra I know we won't eat it all?
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Cat Herder 06:29 AM 10-29-2011
Originally Posted by athomemommy:
Using your menu as a guide thanks you so much for doing this. So HELPFUL!!!


Can you explain the Roast Turkey Breast? Is this like a big turkey breast? Sorry don't think I have made a turkey. Looking forward to it though. Can I freeze the extra I know we won't eat it all?
Sure!! I buy Butterball Cutlets when I don't have time or cash for a whole turkey.

I just toss them in a baking bag with about a cup of chicken broth and a bit of olive oil (because they have little fat and come out dry otherwise. Talk about kids hiccups ).

Occasionally after I take them out of the bag, I lay them in a shallow pan and toss back into the oven, uncovered, to brown (it comes out kind of pale). It depends on if I am dicing it up to add to pasta/rice/sauce or serving it as a "whole". YKWIM?

Sometimes I even toss in a diced vidalia onion into the baking bag for a bigger flavor kick. IME, Most kids will like vidalia because it is kind of sweet, even those die-hard kids who "Hate" onions.

I do boneless chicken breast the same way.
Attached: TP_cutlets2.jpg (34.6 KB) 
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Meyou 07:29 AM 10-29-2011
Originally Posted by Catherder:

Sometimes I even toss in a diced vidalia onion into the baking bag for a bigger flavor kick. IME, Most kids will like vidalia because it is kind of sweet, even those die-hard kids who "Hate" onions.
I use leeks for the same reason. Onion flavor but much milder. They eat them right up even if I leave them in larger pieces.
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athomemommy 06:12 AM 10-31-2011
oh that is great. Easy. thanks again for posting this.
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Sunchimes 07:15 AM 11-06-2011
My kids are all 13-14 months old. I love these menus, but I'm finding that I can't use many of them. My kids don't like me to feed them, they want to do it themselves, so soups aren't possible. They also don't have many teeth, so no sandwiches or wraps, and one is allergic to peanuts and milk, with a minor egg sensitivity. sigh

To compound it, I don't have a freezer, except the one on my refrigerator, which I don't trust for much food storage.

I'm not whining, we manage, and my kids and parents are happy, but I feel like I'm in a rut. Any ideas for toothless, newly independent toddlers?
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Jewels 09:22 AM 11-06-2011
Originally Posted by Sunchimes:
My kids are all 13-14 months old. I love these menus, but I'm finding that I can't use many of them. My kids don't like me to feed them, they want to do it themselves, so soups aren't possible. They also don't have many teeth, so no sandwiches or wraps, and one is allergic to peanuts and milk, with a minor egg sensitivity. sigh

To compound it, I don't have a freezer, except the one on my refrigerator, which I don't trust for much food storage.

I'm not whining, we manage, and my kids and parents are happy, but I feel like I'm in a rut. Any ideas for toothless, newly independent toddlers?
I don't ever pay much attention to teeth or no teeth except when baby, by the time kids are 1, they eat what everyone else eats, I just make sure its cut into small pieces, Kids are able to do alot with their gums, they can chew, and by 1, they should have some teeth in there, I don't often do soup, but we do oatmeal and malt o meal alot, and by the time they wont let me feed them, I just drape them in towels, and give the kids the bowls and spoons, and let them figure it out. you can easily cut up a sandwich into pieces, and they will pick at them and eat them....at that age, its just a messy experience!
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Sunchimes 11:13 AM 11-06-2011
I have turned them loose on mashed potatoes and oatmeal a few times, but it usually involves washing their hair afterwards. ;-)

By the time I cut up the sandwiches, you can't even tell they were sandwiches. I guess I'm just trying to simplify something that can't really be simplified yet. ;-)

And I'm envying the raisins and trail mix and peanut butter. ;-)
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Meyou 02:19 AM 11-07-2011
Originally Posted by Sunchimes:
My kids are all 13-14 months old. I love these menus, but I'm finding that I can't use many of them. My kids don't like me to feed them, they want to do it themselves, so soups aren't possible. They also don't have many teeth, so no sandwiches or wraps, and one is allergic to peanuts and milk, with a minor egg sensitivity. sigh

To compound it, I don't have a freezer, except the one on my refrigerator, which I don't trust for much food storage.

I'm not whining, we manage, and my kids and parents are happy, but I feel like I'm in a rut. Any ideas for toothless, newly independent toddlers?
For sandwiches I cut them into cubes with a pizza cutter. If we had wraps which may be too tough a texture for a baby I would make their with bread.

For soups I drain out most of the liquid and add some bread cubes or crushed crackers to absorb the rest. Then they're perfect for little fingers. My babies love soup. I make all my soup so the pieces are a nice size for little fingers.
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texasmama2010 09:48 AM 11-15-2011
I've worked in day care for the past 28 years. I tried to list meals I didn't see on the other posts. We do not put these combinations together. We have the usual cheese toast, Tuna Noodle Cass, Grilled Cheese etc. as well.
Here are a few of our favorites:

B-Breakfast Burrito, Orange Juice, Milk & Water
L-Baked Chicken, Green Beans, Diced Peaches, Wheat Bread, Milk & Water
S-Zucchini Bread, Milk & Water

B-Soy Butter on Toast, Apple Slices, Milk & Water
L-Turkey Enchiladas, Seasoned Peas, Apricots, Milk & Water
S-Garlic Sticks, Marinara, Milk & Water

B-Banana Bread Oatmeal, Orange Wedge, Milk & Water
L-Homemade Meatloaf, Corn Casserole, Mixed Fruit, Wheat Bread, Milk & Water
S-String Cheese, Ritz Crackers, Water

B-Breakfast Pizza, Sliced Grapes, Milk & Water
L-Grilled Ham & Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Pineapple Tidbits, Milk & Water
S-Fruit & Yogurt Parfait, Water

B- Toasted Bagel, Kiwi, Milk & Water
L-Tuna Melts, Mixed Veggies, Diced Pears, Milk & Water
S-Taco Chex Mix, Milk & Water

B-Fruit Smoothie, English Muffin, Milk & Water
L-Soft Chicken Taco, Lettuce Salad, Tropical Fruit, Milk & Water
S-Ham & Cheese Rollups, Saltines, Water

B-Apple Cheddar Muffin, Grape Juice, Milk & Water
L-BBQ Chicken Pizza, California Veggies, Diced Pears, Milk & Water
S-Graham Crackers, Fresh Pear, Water

B-Raisin Toast, Bananas, Milk & Water
L-Cornbread Taco Bake, Corn, Mandarin Oranges, Milk & Water
S-Apple Slices & Soy Butter, Star Crackers, Water

B-Egg & Cheese English Muffin
L-Pizza Burger, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Plums, Milk & Water
S-Fruit Pizza, Water

B-Rice Krispies, Blueberries, Milk & Water
L-Ham Supreme Casserole, Peas & Carrots, Apple Slices, Milk & Water
S-Cranberry Applesauce Muffin, Milk & Water
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JennyBear 10:19 AM 11-29-2011
Originally Posted by countrymom:
thanks for the idea, yesterday I made the lazy lasanga that someone posted in the thread and the kids loved it, they didn't even flinch that it had cottage cheese in it. I did put mine in a glass baking try and baked it a bit and it was great.
How do you make your lazy lasagna? Sounds like a great idea for my daycare kids!
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Abigail 01:18 AM 12-20-2011
THANK YOU for everyone in this thread who posted menu items! I just created a 3-week menu for the food program lady to look at tomorrow. It was HARD for me to come up with simple items that didn't get repeated too much. I need to learn to cook as I go and then I can add more adult-friendly items to my menu. thanks....time for bed!
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dave4him 08:46 AM 12-28-2011
Im just staring like a deer in the headlights trying to figure out where to start....
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jenn 10:48 AM 01-10-2012
Breakfast:
*Waffles with syrup, Banana Slices, Milk
*Cereal, Pears, Milk
*Bagel with cream cheese, Applesauce, Milk (or use raisins to make a face on the bagel)
*Breakfast burrito (tortilla, cheese, ham, eggs), Pineapple, Milk
*Oatmeal, Blueberries, Milk

Lunch:
*Tater tot casserole, Peas, Mixed Fruit, Milk
*Finger Food Day- Ham cubes (chopped up for littler ones), Cheese cubes (chopped up for littler ones), Crackers, Pineapple, Celery, Milk (or skip the crackers and stick a pretzel stick into each ham/cheese cube-kid friendly kabob)
*Mac & Cheese with hot dog pieces, Green Beans, Apple Slices, Milk
*Turkey and cheese on croissant, Carrots with Ranch (cooked carrots for littler ones), Sliced grapes, Milk
*Chicken and Cheese Roll ups (tortilla, cheese, shredded chicken), Snap Peas, Mandarin Oranges, Milk

Snacks:
*Fruit & Yogurt Parfait (layer crushed graham crackers, yogurt, berries in clear cup), Water
*Ants on a log (celery, peanut butter or cream cheese, raisins), Water
*Sliced Grapes, Cheese, Water
*Granola Bar, Milk
*Apple Slices with cinnamon and sugar (put a little cinnamon & sugar in a ziploc, add apples and take turns shaking), Milk
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MorenoLorene 12:17 AM 03-14-2012
Hello, Catherder!

Thank you a lot for this post! that's a great job to create this rationaly menu. What I really loved is that it doesn't repeat much. I should confess now I try it) have been trying for a week already) and it has made my daily routine much easier. I copied your menu and hung that on my fridge to follow it. So thanks again
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Meyou 07:10 AM 03-28-2012
A favorite lately so I thought I would share.

Raspberry Walnut Banana Bread

1 cup white flour
3 cups whole wheat flour
3 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 apple sauce
4 eggs
5 cups mashed bananas

3-4 cups raspberries (blueberries, blackberries and diced peaches work too)
1-1.5 cups half or whole walnuts

Mix dry ingredients together.
In separate bowl cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add apple sauce, beaten eggs and bananas. Mix well. Stir in dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in berries and nuts. Bake in loaf pans or muffin tins.

Makes 4 regular loaves. Freezes well.

Sometimes I take out enough batter for one loaf and stir in some dark chocolate chips. Mmmmm!
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MissK 10:49 AM 04-04-2012
Thanks everyone for the wonderful ideas! Between the ideas here and those I have gotten from my food program I should never run out of ideas and/or rotations! lol
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Meyou 12:52 PM 08-28-2012
Originally Posted by Meyou:
I make them from scratch. I use a basic recipe and just throw in the flavor of the day.


2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup apple sauce
1 egg

You can add any fruit pretty much. I flour the fruit if it's frozen.

Bake for 20 min @ 400.
I now make this recipe with 1/4 cup less milk, 1/2 cup of honey and no sugar.
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adoreachild 11:27 PM 01-09-2013
This recipe chart is made where more kids are there but during initiating a childcare center when 5-6 kids are there in that case such charts will not work. Because initially parents demand whatever their kids like give that to them. So, for all kids different items are needed to prepare.
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melilley 11:45 AM 01-10-2013
Originally Posted by adoreachild:
This recipe chart is made where more kids are there but during initiating a childcare center when 5-6 kids are there in that case such charts will not work. Because initially parents demand whatever their kids like give that to them. So, for all kids different items are needed to prepare.
You should make a menu and that's it! I couldn't imagine making something different for each child!
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My3cents 06:59 AM 01-22-2013
Originally Posted by JennyBear:
How do you make your lazy lasagna? Sounds like a great idea for my daycare kids!
bump bump bumping this up because this sounds interesting to me


I just stumbled across this thread and am loving it. I probably have seen it but never entered it- The main forum is slow so I went venturing out, and on my end I have the chance too-

Thanks everyone for posting menus and recipes- love getting new ideas.

Would love Good but simple recipes for a basic muffin mix.
Simple easy to put together dinners-

Anyone using the Ninja cooking system and if so how do you like it?

Thanks-
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MarinaVanessa 07:27 PM 01-03-2014
Bumping this because someone asked about rotating menu plans not too long ago but I couldn't find that thread. I found this so without reading above posts to check if it's already posted here are a bunch of completed weekly meals plans that all follow the USDA CACFD. There are at least 32 weeks of meal plans here.

National Food Service Institute - CARE Connection: Menu Planning for Child Care
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TaylorTots 10:23 PM 01-05-2014
Originally Posted by My3cents:
bump bump bumping this up because this sounds interesting to me


I just stumbled across this thread and am loving it. I probably have seen it but never entered it- The main forum is slow so I went venturing out, and on my end I have the chance too-

Thanks everyone for posting menus and recipes- love getting new ideas.

Would love Good but simple recipes for a basic muffin mix.
Simple easy to put together dinners-

Anyone using the Ninja cooking system and if so how do you like it?

Thanks-
My muffin mix recipe:

8 cups all purpose flour
3 cups sugar
3 tbsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients, keeps for 6-8 months in an airtight container.

To make:
Preheat 400

2 3/4 cups muffin mix
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted

In bowl mix the muffin mix with egg, milk and butter. Stir till moistened, should be a little lumpy. Mix in 1 cup of diced peaches OR 1 smashed banana OR 1 cup blueberries OR 1 cup of any dried fruit. Fill muffin pans 3/4 full. Bake 18 to 20 minutes till golden brown. Makes 10-12 muffins.


I like it because one bit mix makes 4 batches of muffins and I can throw in whatever I have (or nothing at all - they are still yummy).
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leelee 02:09 PM 01-18-2014
some good ways to mix it up on here!. i'm a new cook at a center and i am pretty sure i cant serve pork
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quirkycolors 08:38 PM 04-15-2014
-Breakfast-
Peaches & Cream Parfait w/ granola
Apple juice Breakfast Bread with butter
Bananas with cream & cinnamon Whole grain pancakes
Scrambled eggs, Apple slices
Oatmeal with milk and ground almonds*, Strawberries
Cold cereal w/ milk, Fruit Cocktail

-A.M. Snack-
Rice pudding with cinnamon
Cheese stick, Fruit & yogurt smoothie with protein powder
Goldfish crackers, Orange
Mango, Ritz crackers
“Ants on a log” -Celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins

-Lunch-
Turkey sandwich, Sun chips, Beet salad
Shepherd’s Pie, Chocolate pudding
Vegetarian Chili with sour cream & cheddar cheese over rice
Cobb salad with grilled chicken, avocado, balsamic dressing
Sloppy Joes, Baked beans, Potato chips, Cole slaw

-P.M. Snack-
Bagel with cream cheese, Strawberries
Applesauce, Toast with peanut butter & jelly
Grilled cheese, Pineapple
Pears, Yogurt
Banana, Animal crackers
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ColorfulSunburst 09:14 AM 12-09-2018
Breakfast: organic apple juice (1oz), milk&water provided daily

1 Farina, Strawberries, crackers w/cream cheese
2 Rice porridge, strawberries, hard boiled egg, French toast
3 Oatmeal, banana, crackers w/tofu spread
4 Scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, banana
5 Pancakes w/syrup, strawberries

Lunch milk, water, (hot kompot for snow days).

1 rice, fishburger, sliced tomato, cucumber, pepper)
2 mashed potato, chicken vegetable stew, oranges
3 spaghetti, beef vegetable stew, pineapple
4 Yellow rice, chicken in bean sauce
5 Raviolli, steamed vegetables

PM snack: kefir ( https://milkandeggs.com/products/kef...BoCligQAvD_BwE ), water

1 cereal bar, apple
2 mozzarella stick, grapes
3 pretzels, pear
4 crackers, tofu spread, vegetables (tomato, celery, cucumber)
5 veggie straws, applesauce
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lovemykidstoo 10:54 AM 12-10-2018
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
Little round, puffy Saltines used most often with Oyster Stew in the South.
I love oyster crackers. We use them here in Michigan for clam chowder or just by the handful lol
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springv 06:05 PM 01-26-2019
Here's our menu:
***lunch rotates weekly***
Monday:
Breakfast: waffles, fruit, milk
Afternoon snack: graham crackers& milk
Tuesday:
Breakfast: cereal, fruit milk
Afternoon snack: goldfish & juice
Wednesday:
Breakfast: pancakes fruit milk
Afternoon snack: animal crackers & juice
Thursday:
Breakfast: biscuits, fruit & milk
Afternoon snack: cheez its and juice
Friday:
Breakfast: cereal, fruit & milk
Afternoon snack: whole wheat crackers with cheese & juice



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Jo123ABC 07:41 PM 01-28-2019
B: Scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon
Ww Toast buttered
Tomatoes
Milk
L: Cheese ravioli
Marina sauce
Beef sausage
Green beans
Milk
S: Bananas
Teddy Grahams
Milk

B: pb and j on ww toast
Grapes
Milk
L: Spaghetti with meat sauce
Peas
Milk
S: fresh pears
Animal crackers
Milk

B: peanut butter pankakes
Bananas
Milk
L: tatertot hotdish with gr. beef and corn
Cucumbers
Ww bread with American cheese
Milk
S: goldfish crackers
Applesauce
Milk

B: brown sugar oatmeal
Fresh pears
Milk
L: Chili with ground beef
Saltine Crackers
Raw matchstick carrots
Milk
S: String Cheese
Red and yellow bell pepper slices
Milk

B: Cheerios
Apple slices
Milk
L: Corn dogs
Hm Mac n' cheese
Steamed peas
Steamed baby carrots
Milk
S: popcorn
Honeydew and cantaloupe
Milk
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Jo123ABC 07:59 PM 01-28-2019
One of my all time quick, easy, and favorite lunches is a pork roast that I put on low in the slow cooker overnight with onion soup mix, butter, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. I toss some baby red potatoes and baby carrots in the steamer pan and some biscuits or crescent rolls in the oven and voila! Lunch is served

I also love doing French bread pizzas: I take a loaf of French bread for $1. Cut it lenthwise. Melt butter and add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley and spread on the cut part. Bake for a few minutes. Add pizza toppings ( turkey pepperoni and mozzarella cheese for us). Bake until cheese is melted. Boom! Kids LOVE it... Especially with ranch dip
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flossie 03:05 PM 02-07-2019
Don't know if Meyou is around, but have you substituted anything in for the honey in your granola squares? I feed babies through preschoolers and try to avoid honey because of the youngest ones. The only thing I could think of was real maple syrup, which will cost more than I can spend on these, ha ha... Maybe this is a case where applesauce or mashed banana would work?
Reply
Blackcat31 06:35 AM 02-08-2019
Originally Posted by flossie:
Don't know if Meyou is around, but have you substituted anything in for the honey in your granola squares? I feed babies through preschoolers and try to avoid honey because of the youngest ones. The only thing I could think of was real maple syrup, which will cost more than I can spend on these, ha ha... Maybe this is a case where applesauce or mashed banana would work?
Meyou hasn't checked in since 2015
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Red 06:57 PM 04-15-2020
B: Homemade French toast (nutmeg is secret ingredient) on whole wheat, Broccoli and American cheese frittata, Oatmeal w/frozen blueberries, Avocado toast, Peanut butter toast, strawberry/banana smoothie, Boiled egg w/wheat toast

AM Snack: Cottage cheese and whole wheat crackers, avocado slices and pretzels, cheerios and strawberry smoothies (the kids help), peanut butter on wheat thins, granola w/peanut butter on flour tortilla rolled up (pinwheels)

Lunch: Turkey chili (McCormick chili seasoning, ground turkey, tomato sauce), lemon pepper baked chicken w/baked sweet potato, peas and quinoa, Black bean and cheddar quesadillas w/taco seasoning, fresh clementines, shelled edamame, homemade chicken noodle soup

PM Snack: Low fat vanilla yogurt and fresh strawberries, low fat cottage cheese and wheat thins, natural peanut butter spread on Gala apple slices.
The school agers and older toddlers love to help!
Reply
flossie73 12:02 PM 05-12-2020
I've tried to summer-ize my 5wk rotating menu so that I don't need to use the oven so much. I'd love to experiment more and use a greater variety, but this is in a daycare center setting with many kiddos.

Italian sub, w/lettuce & tomato, melon
Taco pasta salad, mixed hot vegs, banana
Fish sticks/portion, bread w/butter, green beans, pears
Sloppy turkey joe, celery sticks, apple slices
Waffle'wich w/ham & cheese, hashbrown, veg sticks

Bean & cheese tostada, lettuce & tomato salad, peaches
Chicken patty sandwich, mixed hot vegs, applesauce
Beef stroganoff w/'shrooms, egg noodles, Normandy blend vegs
Chicken nuggets, fries, bread w/butter, apple slices
Pb&j, bell pepper sticks, assorted fruit (use up leftovers)

Chicken noodle soup w/celery & carrots, string cheese, cherry tomatoes
Hot dog, green beans, pineapple/mandarin oranges
Chicken tator-tot hotdish, French bread slice, peaches
Pepperoni pita/English muffin pizza, cooked broccoli, orange slices
Turkey & cheese sandwich w/lettuce, carrot sticks, baked chips

Chicken Caesar pasta salad, corn, peaches
Soft shell taco w/gr turkey & beans & cheese, peas, banana
Hot ham'n'cheese, carrot sticks, melon
Meatballs in bbq sauce, brown rice, cooked carrots, pears
Cook's Choice:day to use up leftovers from freezer or special purchases

Corn dog w/honey mustard dip, baked fries/tots, orange slices
Chicken alfredo, lettuce & cucumber salad, cooked broccoli
Turkey wrap w/cheese & spinach, carrot sticks, banana
Bacon ranch tortellini salad, bell pepper sticks, applesauce
Cook's Choice:day to use up leftovers from freezer or special purchase
Reply
BadU123 12:20 PM 05-14-2020
How many children do you have at your daycare?
Reply
Cat Herder 01:52 PM 05-14-2020
Originally Posted by BadU123:
How many children do you have at your daycare?
Personally, I have 6. That is all we are legally allowed to keep in my state. Family Childcare.
Reply
Cat Herder 04:09 AM 06-29-2021
Bumping back up for new menus.
Reply
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