Friends Over for Dinner Tomorrow...need Ideas

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores dinner ideas for hosting a couple and their children, focusing on accommodating specific dietary preferences, particularly avoiding onions, mushrooms, and chunks of tomatoes. Participants share various recipe suggestions and personal experiences related to meal preparation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests Skillet Lasagna and Asian Pork & Noodle Skillet as potential dishes, noting the flexibility of the recipes to avoid tomato chunks.
  • Another participant shares a recipe for Pizza Casserole, highlighting its popularity with kids and ease of preparation.
  • Several users mention the Asian Chicken Noodle Skillet, with one participant emphasizing the dish's appeal to both children and adults when made without green onions.
  • One participant expresses a desire to include Mexican Chicken Lasagne but acknowledges the presence of onions, contemplating whether to include them regardless.
  • Another participant shares their Chicken Diapers recipe, detailing the preparation process and ingredients, while also considering the impact of green onions on the dish.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the inclusion of onions in recipes, with some participants suggesting alternatives while others consider the possibility of including them despite dietary preferences. No clear consensus emerges on a single recipe choice.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and recipes, reflecting a variety of cooking styles and preferences within the context of preparing meals for families.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for meal ideas that accommodate specific dietary restrictions may find the shared recipes and experiences beneficial.

babywings76
Gold Member
Messages
7,266
So we are having a couple and their kids over for dinner tomorrow. I'm trying to decide what to make. The husband doesn't like onions, mushrooms, or chunks/pieces of tomatoes. Everything I think of has onions or tomatoes as a crucial ingredient. Any ideas? I want something impressive, but not terribly time consuming.
 
Skillet Lasagna (no tomato chunks depending on the sauce you use) & garlic bites.
Asian Pork & Noodle Skillet (use chicken)

How about doing something with Power Cooking? Instead of making one recipe and getting 2 ready to freeze...perhaps make all 3 to serve. That way you could offer a variety. Just a thought.


Here's a non-PC one that is easy and everyone seems to love - esp. the kids:
PIZZA CASSEROLE

1 pound BOB EVANS® Italian Roll Sausage (the green packaged roll)
12 ounces wide noodles, cooked according to package directions
2 (14-ounce) jars pizza sauce
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
6 ounces sliced pepperoni

Preheat oven to 350°F. Crumble and cook sausage in medium skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain on paper towels.
Layer half of noodles in lightly greased 13x9-inch casserole dish. Top with half of sausage, half of pizza sauce, half of cheeses and half of pepperoni.
Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, reserving several pepperoni slices for garnish on top of casserole. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers.
 
Last edited:
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Thanks Kathleen! That sounds yummy.Any other ideas out there? :D
 
I was going to say Mexican Chicken Lasagne, and then I realised that it has onions...

But on the other hand, maybe you should just make it anyway, I don't think the onions are particularly noticable, and maybe he should learn to eat what's cooked for him... :D.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
AnnieBee said:
I was going to say Mexican Chicken Lasagne, and then I realised that it has onions...

But on the other hand, maybe you should just make it anyway, I don't think the onions are particularly noticable, and maybe he should learn to eat what's cooked for him... :D.

LOL I know! That's how I feel! :D I keep thinking if I dice them up super duper fine if he wouldn't notice. Then I wonder if I should ask my friend if she thinks her husband would be bothered by that. Is it a texture or taste thing? Then I thought I could make my Chicken Diapers (shredded chicken/cream cheese/milk/green onions/S&P..bundled in crescent roll dough and dipped in butter and bread crumbs.) But then I think maybe the green onions would be bad.

So this is why I'm looking for other ideas. :D
 
The Asian skillet is great with chicken ... just omit the green onions!
 
I agree the asian chicken noodle skillet is great... my 3 and 14 year olds both love it, as do the adults!!
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
The Asian skillet is great with chicken ... just omit the green onions!

I can't eat onions - so I always omit them. I don't think I have ever added the onions to the Asian Noodle Skillet and it is still delish!
 
ok share the "diaper" recipe please
 
kam said:
PIZZA CASSEROLE

1 pound BOB EVANS® Italian Roll Sausage (the green packaged roll)
12 ounces wide noodles, cooked according to package directions
2 (14-ounce) jars pizza sauce
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
6 ounces sliced pepperoni

Preheat oven to 350°F. Crumble and cook sausage in medium skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain on paper towels.
Layer half of noodles in lightly greased 13x9-inch casserole dish. Top with half of sausage, half of pizza sauce, half of cheeses and half of pepperoni.
Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, reserving several pepperoni slices for garnish on top of casserole. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers.
I am sooo making this for my nieces and nephews when they come to visit. Thanks for sharing.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Okay, so I decided to make my Bowtie Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Biscuit Bites.Here's how I make it:Bowtie Chicken AlfredoIn the 12 in. skillet, saute green onions and garlic (I'm going to omit the green onions this time :( )
Add diced chicken breast (about 3 or 4 breasts, depending on how much chicken you want really) and saute till chicken is done.
Add one jar of Alfredo sauce and cook on low till it's all heated through.
Meanwhile, cook a box of bowtie pasta and then drain.
Add pasta to the sauce and stir to coat.
Serve in dots pasta bowls and have the microplane adj. grater handy w/ a block of fresh parmesan for everyone to use to top their dish.Other options:
--Cook broccoli and stir in at the same time you add the pasta to the sauce.
--Cook bacon and crumble and add it to the sauce
--Saute proscuitto w/ the chickenAnd since someone asked, here's the recipe for the Chicken Diapers...Chicken Diapers (Bundles) (recipe serves 4, can double or triple just fine)1 can Pillsbury crescent rolls
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (use salad choppers or food choppers)
4 oz. cream cheese
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. chopped green onions (cut off root and then start at white end working up to getting some green)2 Tbsp. butter
dry unseasoned bread crumbsBlend cream cheese and butter first, then add milk, S&P, and green onions. Stir in cooked chicken. Open up crescent dough. Keep 2 triangles together making a rectangle, (you'll make 4 rectangles). Seal perforations. Measure 1/2 cup of mixture and place in center of one rectangle. Bring up the 4 corners to cover the mixture and seal the dough together to completely enclose it. Repeat for other 3 rectangles. Melt an additional 2 Tbsp of butter. Use silicone basting brush and brush bundles. Then pick up and place in bowl of unseasoned bread crumbs, roll all around coating everywhere. Place either on flat rectangle stone or metal sheet pan. Bake at 350 for 22-25 minutes (until golden brown)Serve with rice and vegetables or a salad.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy dinner ideas for a gathering?

Consider making a pasta dish, such as a creamy Alfredo or a hearty marinara with meatballs. You can also prepare a taco bar with seasoned meat, tortillas, and various toppings for a fun and interactive meal. Another option is a stir-fry with your choice of protein and seasonal vegetables, served over rice or noodles.

How can I make my dinner more interactive for guests?

Set up a DIY pizza station where guests can choose their own toppings, or create a build-your-own salad bar with a variety of greens, proteins, and dressings. This not only engages your guests but also allows them to customize their meals to their liking.

What appetizers should I serve before dinner?

Simple appetizers like a cheese and charcuterie board, vegetable platter with dip, or bruschetta are always crowd-pleasers. You can also prepare bite-sized appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or mini quiches that are easy to eat while mingling.

How can I accommodate dietary restrictions for my guests?

Ask your guests in advance if they have any dietary restrictions or preferences. Prepare a few dishes that are vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free. For example, a quinoa salad or grilled vegetable platter can be great options that cater to various diets.

What dessert should I serve to finish the meal?

A simple dessert like brownies or a fruit tart can be a hit. Alternatively, you can serve a make-your-own sundae bar with ice cream and various toppings for a fun and interactive way to end the meal. Another option is to prepare a light dessert like panna cotta or mousse that can be made ahead of time.

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