With July coming to an end, it’s the perfect time to spend a day at the beach. Have the kids put on their swimsuits, grab any toys they want, pack some snacks, and we’re off for a day of fun. Everyone enjoyed the day. The kids get to boogie board and jump through the waves. Even the oldest kids in the group have fun building a sand castle. The grown-ups get to divide their time between cooling off (i.e. being lifeguards) and reading on a blanket in the sun.
The ride home is fairly quiet, as the four kids are tired from all the fun. Everyone needs to take a shower when we arrive home, and everyone is hungry. After eating chips, fried dough, and assorted beach food, everyone needs a quick and healthy dinner. Something that works for most of the group is lettuce wraps, named for my oldest who is particularly fond of them. (The same oldest who I created these cookies for.)
I introduced my kids to lettuce wraps a year or two ago and got a raised eyebrow to the suggestion. “No bread or sub rolls?” they asked. Since that time, they have begun to enjoy creating their own combinations. While one parent overseees the shower-taking process, the other easily can handle the prep work for dinner. The best suggestion I have for this meal is to offer a variety of fillings, so that everyone can find something that they like.
- 2 hearts of romaine lettuce
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, sliced
- 8 mushrooms, washed and sliced
- 4 ounces gorgonzola cheese
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounce can water chestnuts
- 1/2 pound shredded carrots
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- barbecue sauce*
- Rinse lettuce leaves and place on paper towels to dry.
- Broil or grill chicken breasts.
- Cool and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- While chicken is cooking, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Place enough olive oil in pan to coat bottom.
- Add onions and mushrooms, cooking until tender.
- Place lettuce leaves on a plate.
- Put chicken, mushrooms and onions, gorgonzola, cheddar, water chestnuts, carrots, and tomato each in separate bowls.
- Give each diner a plate and a lettuce leaf.
- Have them place their desired fillings in the center of the leaf, leaving enough room at the edges so the leaf can be folded or rolled.
- Top with barbecue sauce, if desired.
- CAUTION! These wraps can be very messy. Have lots of napkins or forks available.
- *You can substitute whatever sauce pleases your diners, such as hoisin or salsa.
