What Should I Cook for a Multi-Generational Family Dinner?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores ideas and personal experiences related to planning a multi-generational family dinner, particularly for a special occasion involving both young and older family members. Participants share their challenges and preferences regarding meal choices, considering the diverse tastes and dietary restrictions of their guests.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about what to cook for a family gathering, mentioning past meals like roast and lasagna but seeking something new.
  • Another participant suggests a taco bar as a flexible option for picky eaters, accompanied by rice, beans, and salad.
  • Several users recount experiences of difficulty in pleasing family members with meal choices, highlighting the challenges of accommodating picky eaters.
  • One participant shares a signature dish, Chicken Ceciliani, and describes how it can be served with vegetables, salad, and bread.
  • Another participant mentions a Greek Lemon Chicken soup as an easy and popular dish for gatherings.
  • One participant highlights a recipe for Gruyere Chicken En Croute, noting its ease and appeal.
  • Another shares a simple meal of grilled chicken with seasonal vegetables and cornbread, emphasizing its informal nature.
  • One participant mentions meatloaf as a straightforward option, while another humorously notes the challenges of a picky niece.
  • Several participants express interest in a Chicken Divan recipe, with one sharing the ingredients and preparation steps.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on meal preferences and the challenges of accommodating picky eaters, with no clear consensus on a single solution or dish that would satisfy all attendees.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and recipes, reflecting a range of cooking styles and preferences, particularly in the context of family gatherings.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for meal ideas for family gatherings, especially those with diverse age groups and dietary preferences, may find the shared experiences and recipes helpful.

kcjodih
kcjodih
Gold Member
Messages
3,391
I'm having the outlaws over for dinner next weekend. They're coming for my mother in law's 79th bday and my son's 10th. It will be my DH, myself, my DD who's 12, my son who will be 10 and then my FIL who's 82, MIL who's 79, my SIL, BIL and my neice who's 16 and picky as hell.

I have NO idea what to make. From beginning to end. I usually do a roast or lasagna/manicotti but want something different. We just had turkey for thanksgiving, a ham last week, and roast pork this weekend. I even asked my son what he would like and he suggested Chicken Club Ring (which is his favorite) but I thought of maybe serving that on his actual bday for the four of us not with all 9 of us. But now maybe I will but with what else...HELP!!!!!!!!!:o
 
Do they like Mexican food? You can do a "fix your own" taco bar. Then make some rice and beans and a salad on the side. It's cheap, easy and if there are picky eaters, they can pick and choose what they want on it.

Just a suggestion though.....
 
My mother and sister visited, and I had ingredients to make a nice variety of great meals (pre-PC so I didn't have as many PC recipes then;) ) and complained and belittled everything I suggested. We ended up eating out. When you can't please them it's not worth the effort.

BUT, if you don't want to do that how about asking them what they enjoy these days. Even if it's ham or pork roast - they didn't just have it. If they won't tell you then just talk with your husband and son and decide. If they don't like it - their loss. ...if you aren't seeing them at Thanksgiving and they like turkey I'd make that (but then we LOVE turkey).
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
BethCooks4U said:
My mother and sister visited, and I had ingredients to make a nice variety of great meals (pre-PC so I didn't have as many PC recipes then;) ) and complained and belittled everything I suggested. We ended up eating out. When you can't please them it's not worth the effort.

BUT, if you don't want to do that how about asking them what they enjoy these days. Even if it's ham or pork roast - they didn't just have it. If they won't tell you then just talk with your husband and son and decide. If they don't like it - their loss. ...if you aren't seeing them at Thanksgiving and they like turkey I'd make that (but then we LOVE turkey).
Click to expand...

Thanks Beth but I'm in Canada and we just had TG and turkey a few weeks ago. It's just really hard with these two senior citizens (him being picky) and the picky neice.

I guess what I'm asking is what is everyone's signature meal to make for company? What does your company love having as a meal at YOUR house? I was raised by my father who wasn't a cook and now don't have any family left - no siblings, grandmother or mother to ask for advice. So I'm turning to my virtual family to help plan a menu if possible.........
 
My guests love stuffed shells or lasagna here....that's what i make in the colder months...a salad and some italian bread..yummm
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
See that's what I usually make too! However, now my son can't eat lasagna or spaghetti - mine, store bought or restaurant bought. The last few times he's eaten it he's ended up in the washroom with cramps, not sure why, spices maybe? Sorry if TMI LOL! It's not the cheese since he eats everything else with cheese. So between that and the fact we just had a roast, turkey and ham I'm stuck and looking for new ideas - PC or not. If I DID end up doing the ring whatelse could I serve with it (not that I am doing it but I will if I don't get other ideas)
 
Here is one of my "signature" dishes.....serve it with a veggie, salad and some warm crusty bread.....


Chicken Ceciliani – serves 4
4 large boneless Chicken Breast
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 garlic clove, pressed
2 scallions, sliced thin (including green)
2 teas. Pantry Italian Seasoning
4 slices bacon
In small batter bowl, thoroughly mix together cream cheese, garlic, seasoning, and scallions. Make a slit ¾ of the way through the chicken breasts, and using a small scoop, fill with cream cheese mixture. Pull top half of chicken over bottom and place in bar pan or deep dish baker. Slice bacon in half and place in an X over the top of each chicken piece. Bake at 375◦ for 30-40 minutes or until internal temp reaches 160◦.

This recipe may be frozen before baking. Prepare as directed, place in freezer containers and freeze. To thaw, place container in refrigerator overnight, and bake as directed.
 
What about doing a soup, like the Greek Lemon Chicken? I've made that to take to neighbors and such and everyone has really liked it. It's easy and feeds a lot.
 
4 words -- "Gruyere Chicken En Croute". Sooooo good. So easy & it's a PC recipe:) Yum!
 
My favorite meal, for informal company meal:Grilled chicken breast (skinless) , with Southwest Seasoning. Big tossed salad (trifle bowl), low carb veggie (probably fresh green beans, steamed). Another seasonal veggie, this time of year, Kabocha squash (a very tasty easy microwaved winter squash).Plus sliced or quartered tomatoes as a side dish , perhaps with a sprinkling of thinly sliced green onions. Bread and/or cornbread for the people who can eat the carbs with impunity. You can bake the squash in the oven, add the cornbread for last 20-25 minutes.Dessert: Fresh fruit and some delicious PC bar cookie recipe.BTW, the SW seasoning isn't 'hot' but flavorful :)
 
Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes (you can even do them in the Rice Cooker Plus)
Broccoli or green beans
rolls
tea

pretty simple and plain. If the niece is too picky to eat she just won't eat that night. Know what I mean?!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
LOL...my feelings exactly! Guess I'd starve too though since I HATE meatloaf! :D

The niece will eat corn niblet by corn niblet chewing 100 times in between until everyone else is done and she hasn't eaten ANYthing! No potatoes, meat, nuttin'! She weighs about 80 pounds wet but has her parents wrapped around her finger - that's a whole other thread!

Keep them coming please - I'm really intrigued with the two chicken dishes - the PC one and the signature one from Becky. I'll try the southwest chicken tomorrow night for us Mary. Sounds like a nice change from the same old. I haven't even heard of the gruyere chicken - better go look that one up. Is it easy? Which cookbook?

Anyone else have a favorite meal they make for friends and family they'd be willing to share?

Thanks to ALL that have helped already. I'm starting to feel less panicky!

Hugs,
 
How about a chicken divan dish? I'll share the recipe if you're interested. Serve it up with warm dinner rolls and a fruit medley...delish!
 
Share the Chicken Divan recipe, please...Haven't had that in ages. Would be great for cooler weather.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
I'd love the recipe as well. Thanks so much!
 
No problem. I had this recipe at a bridal shower a few years back and it was a huge hit. I've made this many times and always get lots of compliments. I believe it's a Campbells Soup recipe. The recipe serves 4, so adjust accordingly.

1 lb cooked broccoli spears (or a bag of thawed frozen broccoli is fine)
1 1/2 c cubed cooked chicken
1 can broccoli cheese soup
1/3 c milk
1/2 c shreded cheese
2 T dry bread crumbs
1 T butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400. In a 2 qt shallow dish, arrange broccoli and chicken. Mix soup and milk and pour over broccoli and chicken. Sprinkle cheese over soup mix. Mix bread crumbs and butter. Sprinkle over cheese. Bake for 25 minutes.

Enjoy!
 
This would make an AWESOME power cooking recipe. Just don't add the milk, bread crumbs or butter till you bake. YUM!

Thanks for sharing Diane!
 
I have to admit that as I was typing it I was getting hungry for some. Guess what we're having for dinner tomorrow night? LOL.
 
Yummy! Brocolli cheese soup is a fav here :)Thanks!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy meal ideas for a multi-generational family dinner?

Consider dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes, such as a classic lasagna, roasted chicken with vegetables, or a taco bar where everyone can customize their meal. These options allow for variety and cater to different dietary preferences.

How can I accommodate dietary restrictions for a multi-generational family dinner?

To accommodate dietary restrictions, ask family members in advance about their needs. Prepare a main dish that is gluten-free or vegetarian, and offer sides that are dairy-free or nut-free. Label dishes clearly to help everyone make informed choices.

What cooking methods work best for feeding a large family?

Batch cooking methods like roasting, grilling, or slow cooking are ideal for feeding a large family. These methods allow you to prepare larger quantities of food at once, ensuring that everyone is served hot and fresh.

How can I involve family members in the cooking process?

Involve family members by assigning them specific tasks, such as chopping vegetables, setting the table, or mixing ingredients. This not only makes the cooking process more enjoyable but also creates a sense of togetherness and shared responsibility.

What desserts are suitable for a multi-generational family dinner?

Opt for desserts that are crowd-pleasers, such as a classic apple pie, brownies, or a fruit salad. These options are generally well-received and can cater to various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone has a sweet treat to enjoy.

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