scrapbookbuzz Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I find myself NOT wanting to cook or plan or even figure out what's for dinner. Part of that stems from not having planned ahead! At least, I didn't plan ahead for dinner, like I did for schooling. Part of me just wants to say, "We're eating out!" The other part of me (the part my husband agrees with) says, "It's cheaper to eat at home. There must be SOMEthing I can make." But honestly, I'd rather just go out to eat so I don't have to worry about it. Any suggestions for what I should do tonight for dinner?:confused: Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in CA Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Well, what do you have in your pantry/freezer? Anything? The gals here are pretty good about helping with ideas to make "something" out of "nothing" if you list some things you have! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 In my pantry/freezer: frosting :) crackers rice instant mash potatoes stuffing mix jello chicken nuggets taquitos (had chimichangas at lunch) tater tots ice cream in my 'fridge, I have: milk cold coffee lunch meat Ideas, anyone? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I felt like you tonight. I had some thinly-sliced chicken breasts in the freezer, so I started with that. I cut it into bite-size pieces and sauteed it with diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley and a little balsamic vinagrette. I julienned some baby carrots and chopped some fresh baby spinach and tossed in. Then, I boiled some whole-grain thin spaghetti. When the pasta was tender, I drained and added some butter. I cooked some frozen peas as well as a side. Then, I opened a can of pineapple slices. I always keep several whole grain pastas in my pantry and staples like baby carrots, onions, diced garlic in a jar and herbs on hand. I also keep some canned fruit on hand and frozen veggies in my freezer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 How about chicken nuggets, stuffing, and mashed potatoes? Pretend it's Thanksgiving. Um, sort of. ;) Do you have any veggies at all?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 I guess I COULD pull something together after looking at what I had. The real problem is that I just don't WANT to! :^) Thanks for the suggestions! We'll see what happens... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdie Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Maybe you need a menu planning break. Check out e-mealz.com. I like the points option best, (I've tried the vegetarian and low-fat too). I agree with your dh. Not only do you save money eating at home, but you consume 30% fewer calories and the food is more nutritious too. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I find myself NOT wanting to cook or plan or even figure out what's for dinner. Part of that stems from not having planned ahead! At least, I didn't plan ahead for dinner, like I did for schooling. Part of me just wants to say, "We're eating out!" The other part of me (the part my husband agrees with) says, "It's cheaper to eat at home. There must be SOMEthing I can make." But honestly, I'd rather just go out to eat so I don't have to worry about it. Any suggestions for what I should do tonight for dinner?:confused: Thanks! Yes please. I'd like pizza delivered. I am sitting on my couch with my freshly operated on toe elevated. I will not be cooking tonight. :tongue_smilie: What about breakfast for dinner? It is always a hit. Add some veggies to an omlette (ok I have no idea how to spell that.) with a couple pieces of toast and call it a night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 Okay, NOW I've gone to and come back from the grocery store. A SLEW of groceries (including veggies). Tell me your favorite dinners made from what's 'on hand' please! :^) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Tonight I cooked a "hash." I made biscuits first and stuck them in the oven. Then I nuked potatoes. While the potatoes nuked, I diced onions and ham. Then I cut up the potatoes and fried everything in some olive oil. I had some lettuce to make salad, but ended up skipping that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 (edited) Just start simple. I love to cook, but i also don't think eating good food out of the home frequently is the end of the world. As long as you're eating healthy and can afford it, i think it's fine. The problem is when cheese fires, soda, and fatty entrees are the main foods of your days. Oh! My kids love soups, and I make a lot of veggie soups and veggie or bean stews with a little meant thrown in for deeper flavor. There is some great food out there. It can be very satisfying to take control of your family's health this way. I rarely do complicated food unless we are on vacation or we happen upon a period of time where it's nice to linger. For me, chopping onions , garlic and veggies each night is my meditation. But beyond that I try to keep it manageable. And chopping as meditation is not everyone's cup of tea! lol I'd start with food your kids like and then tweek them to be healthy, but i wouldn't talk a lot about it. Sliced apples on a plate asyou prepare dinner is interesting to hungry children, some strawberries with some lettuce and shrdedded cheese sticks are all tempting enough at dinner. My kids aslo like bits of shredded chicken tossed onto whole wheat soft tortillas, warmed in a skillet & topped with some shredded cheese and another tortilla. Flip once to warm and blister a little, & cut into triangles like a pizza. These are very 'fastfood' looking and kids might go for it.:lol: Edited January 7, 2010 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I feel your pain. I am so burned out on having to get dinner ready. I've been doing it since I was 14. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 You could always devise a simple plan. Perhaps I'll even do this. Choose one of these each night (and supplement as necessary with side dishes, fruit, salad and/or bread): breakfast (pancakes, waffles, quiche, etc.) pasta meat as main dish (meatloaf, chicken, steak, pork chop, etc). "child-friendly" (pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.) soup or stew sandwiches (tuna, chicken salad, egg salad, cold cuts, grilled cheese, etc) potato bar stir fry with rice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 You all have such good ideas! I guess part of me just knows how worn out I am at the end of the 'school day' and sometimes I just want to go out to eat, darn it! Even grocery shopping was a bit of a shocker tonight; I think the stores all raised their prices come Jan. 1! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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