Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 (edited) I’m in a rut and need some good ideas. Especially for light, quick and easy summer fare. We’ve had grilled chicken, Italian beef sandwiches, and stuffed eggplant so far this week. Today is bolognese, pasta and salad (variation the same theme). What on your table? Edited June 10, 2021 by Sneezyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildflowerMom Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Tonight is grilled brats and cole slaw. Tomorrow is burgers, tater tots (dh likes those ridiculous things) and hopefully corn on the cob, if I can get my hands on some This weekend, herbed chicken (crockpot) with potatoes and green beans (all thrown into crockpot) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Tomorrow we're having Dairy Queen Blizzards for dinner! 😛 "Light, quick and easy summer fare" - it counts, right? 3 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 6 minutes ago, WildflowerMom said: Tonight is grilled brats and cole slaw. Tomorrow is burgers, tater tots (dh likes those ridiculous things) and hopefully corn on the cob, if I can get my hands on some This weekend, herbed chicken (crockpot) with potatoes and green beans (all thrown into crockpot) I might do burgers again. Did that last week but it’s always a crowd pleaser. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I have no idea. I am distinctly uninspired and have been wishing that I could retire from cooking or at least take a long vacation. Maybe stir fry, if I can scrounge enough veggies; I haven't been to the store this week, but I think I have some broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage in the fridge. I told the teens that they each need to cook once a week, but I haven't even had the gumption to make sure that happens, and we've been doing a lot of take out. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 We're in a way-too-early heat wave right now, and our dd and her dh are staying with us because their AC is broken. Her dh made a dish that always tastes so good on hot nights: canned tuna mixed with a little mayo, lots of lime juice, lime zest, chopped avocado, chopped onion, chopped tomato, parsley, hot sauce... And you dip soda crackers into it. Other hot weather foods that my kids loved: Chowmein noodles mixed with canned tuna, a little mayo, grated carrots, chopped onions, lots of lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper. Make sure it has time to cool in fridge. Right before serving, add frozen peas! Those are key. 🙂 On nights that I didn't feel like cooking at all: do-it-yourself granola parfaits. We used granola layered with nonfat plain yogurt, frozen berries, and a juice like cherry juice. Also, oven pancakes. (Sometimes called Dutch pancakes.) Super easy to make. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Serve with fruit on the side. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildflowerMom Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 9 minutes ago, Sneezyone said: I might do burgers again. Did that last week but it’s always a crowd pleaser. Yeah, I'm not particularly crazy about them, but they will get eaten and they're easy enough. I hate cooking. Easy is always better for me! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 6 minutes ago, J-rap said: We're in a way-too-early heat wave right now, and our dd and her dh are staying with us because their AC is broken. Her dh made a dish that always tastes so good on hot nights: canned tuna mixed with a little mayo, lots of lime juice, lime zest, chopped avocado, chopped onion, chopped tomato, parsley, hot sauce... And you dip soda crackers into it. Other hot weather foods that my kids loved: Chowmein noodles mixed with canned tuna, a little mayo, grated carrots, chopped onions, lots of lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper. Make sure it has time to cool in fridge. Right before serving, add frozen peas! Those are key. 🙂 On nights that I didn't feel like cooking at all: do-it-yourself granola parfaits. We used granola layered with nonfat plain yogurt, frozen berries, and a juice like cherry juice. Also, oven pancakes. (Sometimes called Dutch pancakes.) Super easy to make. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Serve with fruit on the side. Breakfast dinner with yogurt parfaits!! Winning!! I can do that. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanin Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I've been having some kind of meat, a salad, and another veggie every night for... months now. I'm so over making completely different dishes every night. It requires way too much thought! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 4 minutes ago, Kanin said: I've been having some kind of meat, a salad, and another veggie every night for... months now. I'm so over making completely different dishes every night. It requires way too much thought! I’m thinking maybe build your own panini and pasta salad will work too. No stovetop except the noodles since we have a press and everything can go right back into the fridge/on the counter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 We fell into an enormous rut with food in early 2021 and I started ordering Hello Fresh for 3-4 nights a week. My sons and husband prepare the meals for the most part. Not the cheapest option but I don’t have to shop, meal plan or, as it turns out, cook it so I’m good. Since we do pizza and salad on Fridays, I now only have to cook dinner 2-3 nights a week. This is what my older son is cooking for dinner tonight: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 (edited) 2 minutes ago, LucyStoner said: We fell into an enormous rut with food in early 2021 and I started ordering Hello Fresh for 3-4 nights a week. My sons and husband prepare the meals for the most part. Not the cheapest option but I don’t have to shop, meal plan or, as it turns out, cook it so I’m good. Since we do pizza and salad on Fridays, I now only have to cook dinner 2-3 nights a week. This is what my older son is cooking for dinner tonight: I did the same thing with Purple Carrot last year. I LIKED them and DD did too for the most part but the men folk here are anti-vegan food (and one...the big guy...wrinkles his nose up at fish). lol. The man-child will eat everything he’s given and still top it off with a trough of cereal. Edited June 10, 2021 by Sneezyone 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 My favorite summer meal is salmon with a mango mint salsa, whatever green veggies we have and some fruit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Oh, the blackened shrimp tacos on the Budget Bytes recipe site is another summer fave here. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acadie Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I've been grilling a big portion of chicken, beef, lamb or whatever, along with veggies. First night is grilled platter. Second and third or either a big salad or make-your-own grain bowl topped with leftover protein and veg. Sometimes I get inspired to make a homemade dressing like chermoula or tahini lemon. Or bacon, boiled eggs or whatever seems like an interesting addition. But even when it's just the same basics, my family has not complained about the reappearances from night to night, because it's different enough. I'm also sick of cooking and longing to be nurtured myself. Some restaurants in our area have continued offering lovely family-style takeout at reasonable prices, so we're doing more takeout too. I hope they continue family-style to-go options forever. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 3 minutes ago, Sneezyone said: I did the same thing with Purple Carrot last year. I LIKED them and DD did too for the most part but the men folk here are anti-vegan food (and one...the big guy...wrinkles his nose up at fish). lol. The man-child will eat everything he’s given and still top it off with a trough of cereal. For Hello Fresh, I usually pick 1 fish and 1 veggie meal per week. Then 1-2 chicken or other meat options. Sometimes I toss in a second veggie meal and use it for lunch for me and my husband a couple of days. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 19 minutes ago, LucyStoner said: For Hello Fresh, I usually pick 1 fish and 1 veggie meal per week. Then 1-2 chicken or other meat options. Sometimes I toss in a second veggie meal and use it for lunch for me and my husband a couple of days. I might try this. As much as I love the more veggie forward options, they don’t get rave reviews here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I was going to force everybody to eat leftover chili, but then the milk curdled so the soup I was making for lunch was a no-go, because it curdled IN THE SOUP, so it's chili for lunch and idk what for dinner 😞 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danae Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I am also bored of cooking, so I made a cross-city trip to the giant pan-Asian grocery store and got a bunch of dried noodles and jarred sauces. Stir fry a protein and whatever veggies are around, dump in a sauce, serve over noodles or stir in the noodles at the end of cooking, depending on the dish. DH’s fave is Singapore rice noodles, and that sauce comes as a jar of concentrate that you can keep in the fridge and use by the tablespoon. Work-wise it’s the same as Italian pasta and jarred sauce, but it adds another palate of flavor options. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 We have been grilling out a lot. So I am changing it up tonight. I am putting A whole chicken in the oven to roast, and will have steamed broccoli, buttered carrots, mashed potatoes, and mixed fruit. Not exactly light fare. But something we have done recently is grilled pizzas. I bought nan breads, and each person made up their pizzas, and we put them on the charcoal grill with a low set of coals. Very yummy and easy peasy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjffkj Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 no idea. I jsut went grocery shopping so I have a fridge filled with fresh fruits and veggies, a variety of thawed meat, and tons of options and I just don't know what to make. I have a whole turkey that has been thawing so it it is ready that is what we'll have for dinner. If not, most likely oven roasted chicken fajitas since it is easy and I'm exhausted from swimming and painting yesterday. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 (edited) 18 minutes ago, Faith-manor said: We have been grilling out a lot. So I am changing it up tonight. I am putting A whole chicken in the oven to roast, and will have steamed broccoli, buttered carrots, mashed potatoes, and mixed fruit. Not exactly light fare. But something we have done recently is grilled pizzas. I bought nan breads, and each person made up their pizzas, and we put them on the charcoal grill with a low set of coals. Very yummy and easy peasy. So have we!! It’s getting hot tho so I’m looking for some indoor but light options. On the grill, we (I) do huli huli chicken, sausages/brats (both Asian, German, and Italian-style), turkey and beef with peppers and onions. This usually lasts two-three days as described above. I just can’t see myself, in the heat of summer, standing over my grill. I have to wash the smoke away too before I go to bed. Edited June 10, 2021 by Sneezyone 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danae Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 One of my favorite cold summer salads is shrimp macaroni slaw. 3/4 cup (uncooked measurement) elbow macaroni 12 oz pre-cooked salad shrimp, 3 c shredded cabbage 1/4 c canola oil 2 T distilled white vinegar 1 1/4 tsp each salt & pepper You can add other chopped veggies too, but I like the basic version best. The plain vinegar and pepper give it a little bite. It’s not as good using fancier vinegars. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanax6 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Blackened Mahi Mahi, keto coleslaw and broccoli with lemon butter. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Will your family eat cold pasta salad? I have an easy, but yummy and filling one, and usually tell anyone who is still hungry to go eat some fruit. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 Just now, Faith-manor said: Will your family eat cold pasta salad? I have an easy, but yummy and filling one, and usually tell anyone who is still hungry to go eat some fruit. Yes, they will, and I’m always open to variations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanin Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 1 hour ago, Sneezyone said: I’m thinking maybe build your own panini and pasta salad will work too. No stovetop except the noodles since we have a press and everything can go right back into the fridge/on the counter. Definitely! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 3 minutes ago, Sneezyone said: Yes, they will, and I’m always open to variations! Okay, so I have posted this before. Forgive me if you have already seen it in another thread. Bow tie pasta Olive oil and apple cider vinegar Garlic, basil, oregano Broccoli buds Grape tomatoes Pepperoni (optional if going meatless) Celery Red pepper Feta cheese crumbles First I cook and entire box of bow tie pasta and then rinse and cool. While cooking, finely ( and this is key so it mixes really well and gets coated with the dressing), dice all of the veggies though you can just half or quarter the grape tomatoes or toss on later as a garnish if someone is not a fan. Chop the pepperoni into smaller pieces. Half cup olive oil 2/3 cup vinegar - or more importantly mix proportions to taste based on how tangy your family likes there dressings, and then add powdered or minced garlic to taste with about a tsp of basil and tsp of oregano. My family really likes basil so sometimes I chop up fresh basil leaves from my garden. Mix it thoroughly and let chill a couple of hours so it really gets flavorful. Lasts up to 48 hours in the fridge, but is best in the first 24 because bow tie pasta doesn't last as long as penne. However, due to shape, the veggies and herbs stick to it better if finely diced. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 1 minute ago, Faith-manor said: Okay, so I have posted this before. Forgive me if you have already seen it in another thread. Bow tie pasta Olive oil and apple cider vinegar Garlic, basil, oregano Broccoli buds Grape tomatoes Pepperoni (optional if going meatless) Celery Red pepper Feta cheese crumbles First I cook and entire box of bow tie pasta and then rinse and cool. While cooking, finely ( and this is key so it mixes really well and gets coated with the dressing), dice all of the veggies though you can just half or quarter the grape tomatoes or toss on later as a garnish if someone is not a fan. Chop the pepperoni into smaller pieces. Half cup olive oil 2/3 cup vinegar - or more importantly mix proportions to taste based on how tangy your family likes there dressings, and then add powdered or minced garlic to taste with about a tsp of basil and tsp of oregano. My family really likes basil so sometimes I chop up fresh basil leaves from my garden. Mix it thoroughly and let chill a couple of hours so it really gets flavorful. Lasts up to 48 hours in the fridge, but is best in the first 24 because bow tie pasta doesn't last as long as penne. However, due to shape, the veggies and herbs stick to it better if finely diced. Sounds delish, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 It's hot here. Smoothies and salads! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, Selkie said: It's hot here. Smoothies and salads! Not a bad idea. 🤔They do eat (loaded) salads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Though I am no fan of the microwave for cooking, I have been known when it is hot and I feel entirely lazy, to toss big baking potatoes into the the wave, quick steam some broccoli, and whip out a bag of bacon bits, shred some cheddar cheese and leave the salt, pepper, and sour cream and chives on the island. Filling, and I seriously did not do much. I really don't enjoy cooking on a good day. Viciously hot? I am in full on hate it mode! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, Faith-manor said: Though I am no fan of the microwave for cooking, I have been known when it is hot and I feel entirely lazy, to toss big baking potatoes into the the wave, quick steam some broccoli, and whip out a bag of bacon bits, shred some cheddar cheese and leave the salt, pepper, and sour cream and chives on the island. Filling, and I seriously did not do much. I really don't enjoy cooking on a good day. Viciously hot? I am in full on hate it mode! LOVE THIS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 SO does the majority of the cooking. Tonight we're having toasted turkey & cheese sandwiches on sourdough bread. Other things he has made recently: grilled salmon with peppers & onions and breakfast burritos with ham & sausage, egg, and cheese. I was thinking of doing baked meatballs & peppers one day this week. He also does a lot of wrapa with tortilla, spinach, cheese, & either chicken or pork. The other night I made refrigerated pesto pasta(rotini) with cubed mozzarella for a side with burgers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 1 minute ago, elegantlion said: SO does the majority of the cooking. Tonight we're having toasted turkey & cheese sandwiches on sourdough bread. Other things he has made recently: grilled salmon with peppers & onions and breakfast burritos with ham & sausage, egg, and cheese. I was thinking of doing baked meatballs & peppers one day this week. He also does a lot of wrapa with tortilla, spinach, cheese, & either chicken or pork. The other night I made refrigerated pesto pasta(rotini) with cubed mozzarella for a side with burgers. The pesto pasta sounds delish. DH would definitely love that and I have some (fresh) pesto in the freezer! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildflowerMom Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I envy you people who aren’t afraid of the oven right now. If I turned mine on, the temp in this house would rival the temps of hell. 🥵🥵🥵 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeAgain Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Just now, WildflowerMom said: I envy you people who aren’t afraid of the oven right now. If I turned mine on, the temp in this house would rival the temps of hell. 🥵🥵🥵 It has its downsides, too. Highs this week are in the low 70's, which means my kid is playing baseball in 56 degrees at night. Our menu for the next few days: Tonight: bbq chicken, German potato salad, watermelon Tomorrow: leftovers, or pasta, salad, and bread Saturday: lamb kabobs, falafel, arugula salad with dates, Sunday: caprese salad, fettucini with pesto, green salad and bread Monday: tacos Tuesday: nachos (our traditional, use up all the taco leftovers, dish the day after.) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
math teacher Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I'm making salmon with rosemary. I just brought home a ton of vegetables from my parent's garden, so I'll probably fix some squash and zucchini as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfknitter.# Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 (edited) @math teacher Tangential... How the Chat board displayed to me... I think it answers your question. 🤣 Edited June 10, 2021 by Elfknitter.# Adding tag 3 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjffkj Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 roasted turkey, salad, asparagus, fruit salad and potatoes is whats for dinner tonight! I love turkey dinner 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynamite5 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 My dh just asked for peanut noodles. We've not had those in a while, so they'll be served at some point this week. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 1 minute ago, Dynamite5 said: My dh just asked for peanut noodles. We've not had those in a while, so they'll be served at some point this week. DD loves this too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Tuna sammiches, asparagus smothered in butter and herbs, homemade sweet potato fries. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I found some inexpensive-ish steak today, so we are grilling that, along with esquites (Mexican street corn salad - made with frozen corn) and some form of frozen potatoes (unfortunately we are out of tater tots 😎 but we always have some sort). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynamite5 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 13 minutes ago, Sneezyone said: DD loves this too. Have you ever made it with zoodles? I'm not eating any gluten (and don't really care for gluten free substitutes) so I'm wondering if zoodles would work as well as they do with spaghetti sauce? I may try and report back if no one here knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 3 minutes ago, Dynamite5 said: Have you ever made it with zoodles? I'm not eating any gluten (and don't really care for gluten free substitutes) so I'm wondering if zoodles would work as well as they do with spaghetti sauce? I may try and report back if no one here knows. I haven’t but I suppose it’s possible. Zoodles tend to be kinda liquid-y tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmandaVT Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Salad with gardein "beef" tips and broccoli salad. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookbard Posted June 11, 2021 Share Posted June 11, 2021 I love these threads, and the fact that most people are on the other side of the world means I'm introduced to lots of foods I haven't heard of or at least haven't thought of (eg had to google huli huli chicken). It is literally freezing here, we got snow y'day, so I will be using the oven tonight in order to warm the house; I think I'll cook up a thick meaty stew. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted June 11, 2021 Share Posted June 11, 2021 I'm making this crockpot chicken with black beans and corn tonight. I shred the chicken before adding the cream cheese. https://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-chicken-with-black-beans-cream-cheese-89204 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlsdMama Posted June 11, 2021 Share Posted June 11, 2021 Stuffed peppers I think.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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