I have 2 dogs...Zoleigh & Zendyle. They are both rescued rottweilers and Zendyle is a certified therapy dog. I do cook for them. They eat 3 meals a day (I work from home, so they get lunch). I work closely with my holistic vet to ensure that their nutritional needs are met. They eat a wide range of meats and fish, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, kefir, some grains, fish oils and a few supplements. I will be adding raw meat to my boy dogs diet soon. They are both very healthy, get a lot of exercise and maintain a healthy weight. I've learned through the years that there are many diets/food options that people use to feed their pets and no "one" diet works for all. So, I believe that if your animal is healthy and thriving then you are doing something right.

Bittersweet Chocolate Brownies!

I try to respect others viewpoints about culture and food. We grew up with a lot of traditions, but my grandparents were very open to all types of food. They taught me to have respect for where food comes from. As for variations on a theme...I think food has evolved and blended as cultures have done so. My family is Italian and my grandparents made "gravy" every Sunday...it was delicious and that was my idea of gravy. Over time, I've had many different variations....some of which I quite enjoyed.

I love fresh bananas...but I won't eat anything with banana in it...ice cream, bread, etc.

It varies. We work from home, so some days we eat our "dinner" meal early afternoon. Other days, we eat between 6:30PM and 7:30PM. I like eating earlier in the day and having a snack in the evening.

It was just.my husband and myself. I baked some chicken drumsticks with a cherry bourbon sauce and served it with some couscous & cranberries. For dessert, we had blueberry pie. Not quite Superbowl food.

I live on the MA NH border and while I've never tapped a Maple tree, I have a friend who does so annually to make maple syrup. He lives in the White Mountains. He talked about the process and just how much sap it takes to make a decent amount of syrup. He usually gives us about a pint, which is great since he gets maybe a gallon. It sounds like quite the project and I believe it can get expensive due to the heating process required. That explains the cost of good maple syrup. My husband loves it, but I don't care for it...so our supply is all his.

I am generally happy to have people drop by and depending on the time, I will offer coffee and something sweet or wine and something savory. As for a meal, I generally cook with having left overs in mind, so there is usually enough to include a person or two. That being said, I do have my limits. We have a good friend who it seemed managed to always show up just about dinner time. So, of course he joined us. This would happen 3 or 4 times a week. I would also send him home with some leftovers for lunch and cookies or whatever else I baked. I was happy to do this. Fast forward a year or so of this and he is finally in his new place. He happens to mention that his girlfriend was over for the weekend and they had a cookout with some of her family. I said "Gee you should have called us, we would have loved to join you". He said "I am on a fixed income and cannot afford to have you come over for supper." I was floored. I didn't say anything, thinking maybe he was being funny. Well, that about 8 months ago and we've never been invited over. We have also stopped adding a third plate to the dinner table too. I still enjoy having people drop in, but I won't be taken advantage of.

I don't have any children, but was talking with my sister about this (she has 2 kids). Her son is very picky...so most sandwiches are out.

My suggestions: (some needing the use of an ice pack in their lunch box)

Hard Boiled eggs, carrot sticks, crackers and fruit
cereal with milk, fruit
yogurt, crackers, fruit
cheese (cut chunks or sticks), crackers, fruit
Soups (in a thermos)
chicken tenders, fruit

If they are more adventurous:
hummus, with vegetables and crackers
california rolls

I would pack lunches that avoided junk food which I don't think provides good fuel for kids to learn.

Good Luck!

We shop for organic too. I also do my best to buy local. My grocery store carries a lot of local organic produce and they feature local & organic meats and poultry, which is great. We feel better eating food that is produced minimally & naturally without hormones, antibiotics and other junk. Our dogs also eat organically. I know it costs more, but I feel that it is better for the environment, supports sustainable farming, etc. We also use natural cleaning products and soap.

Can you taste the difference...we think so. The food tastes much better. We have friends that always comment how much better the food is when they come to our house to eat.

Brownie...in live in Massachusetts too. Not sure where you are located, but there is a place in Salisbury MA called the Herb Farmacy. They sell all organic herbs, plants, etc. It's where I get all my stuff! The ladies who own it are amazing and a wealth of information. I've learned so much from them. I just put in my herbs and tomatoes this weekend (or rather my husband did my garden). I do container gardening and they have been so helpful in recommending what plants will work well and how to care, etc.

Tracey

A variety of beverages...mostly water which is from our Brita or O Water (all flavors)
No soda for me and I usually avoid seltzer.
I like coffee...strong and black
Tea...various types...all without milk or sugar
Iced espresso on occasion
Small amount of juice in the morning mixed with water.
Wine...red or white...a glass in the evenings...a few nights a week.