What's on the Menu for Dinner Tonight?

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Discussion Overview

The thread features participants sharing their dinner plans for the evening, with a variety of meals being discussed. Some participants express their current cooking moods, while others share specific recipes or ingredients they plan to use.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions making bread for sandwiches and potato soup, expressing a lack of cooking motivation.
  • Another participant shares plans to roast a turkey tenderloin with butternut squash and steamed vegetables.
  • One participant discusses having leftover pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, rice pilaf, and steamed broccoli, noting they are experiencing mild contractions.
  • A participant plans to make tuna noodle casserole, mentioning a previous cooking failure with burgers.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for takeout due to feeling unwell and having contractions.
  • One participant asks for suggestions on how to use chicken broth, listing several recipe ideas but expressing disinterest in most of them.
  • Another participant shares their plan to make chicken and pastry, inviting others to join for sweet tea.
  • One participant mentions having homemade spicy chicken corn chowder or chicken pot pies as options for dinner.
  • Several participants discuss the use of cookbooks for inspiration and recipe suggestions for sauces to accompany pork chops.
  • One participant mentions being sick with strep throat and plans to have soup and sandwiches with their children.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

No clear consensus emerges, as participants share a variety of personal experiences and preferences regarding their dinner plans.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their current cooking moods and personal circumstances, such as health issues and family dynamics, which influence their dinner choices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for meal inspiration or those interested in how others manage cooking amidst personal challenges may find this discussion relevant.

rennea
Gold Member
Messages
3,662
Well I think today I am going to make some bread so tonight we will have sandwiches and potato soup.


I know doesn't sound to exciting, haven't been in a cooking mood this week. I need some motivation!
 
I am roasting a Turkey Tenderloin w/ butternut squash, and steamed vegetable blend (carrots,green & yellow beans), and Kings Hawaiian Rolls.
 
I'm having leftover pulled pork bbq (sandwiches) from last night's meal, rice pilaf, and steamed broccoli.

I'm having mild contractions, so not feeling up to cooking a big dinner tonight.
 
I think we're going to have tuna noodle casserole tonight. My burgers last night were a flop (I think the patties I found in the freezer were badly freezer burned). DH likes things made with mushroom soup, so casserole will be good.
 
ChefJoyJ said:
I'm having mild contractions, so not feeling up to cooking a big dinner tonight.

Girl don't cook at all!!! That's a perfect excuse for take out!!!:D
 
Becky and Ann, what are you going to make with your chicken broth? I really don't have room for those three cartons. I have a list of ideas below so I can reference this later, but none of them are really peaking my interest. We don't like rice or strange ingredients. What do you think?

From Stoneware Inspirations: Harvest Cream Soup pg 53 (prob won't make this)
From Main Dishes: Chicken Tortilla Soup pg 29, Baked Potato Soup pg 7,White Lightning Chicken Chili pg 45
From It's Good For You: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup pg 35
From 29 Minutes to Dinner: Hot and Sour Souppg 107 (prob won't make this), Tuscan White Bean And Sausage Stew pg 89, Chicken Posole Verde pg 37 (not sure about this one)

I think I'll make the Chicken Tortilla Soup because I have all the ingredients. I'll just skip the tortilla part.
 
Either left over homemade Spicy Chicken Corn Choweder or left over hHomemade Chicken Potpies.

Whatever DH is in the mood to reheat is what we'll be having! :)
 
Pan-seared butterfly pork chops, some type of mushroom sauce from the chops fond, pasta house salad, roasted veggies

I just got my 12" SS skillet & want to make a sauce. :) Any suggestions would be appreciated!
 
jrstephens said:
Girl don't cook at all!!! That's a perfect excuse for take out!!!:D

ROFL!! I would use that as an excuse...but I've been having contractions since Friday. Been using it as an excuse to get out of housework. :D Well, as much as my slightly compulsive self can stand, anyway... :p DH cooked dinner last night, all I did was put the pork in the crock pot. He'll do dinner again tonight.

Went to the doctor today and found out I'm 2-3 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and the baby is engaged...and low. So, the doctor would like me to make it to 37 weeks (next Monday), but thinks it could happen any time in the next week or so! :eek:
 
crystalscookingnow said:
Pan-seared butterfly pork chops, some type of mushroom sauce from the chops fond, pasta house salad, roasted veggies

I just got my 12" SS skillet & want to make a sauce. :) Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Do you have the 29 Minute to Dinner cookbook? I think you use the 12 Stainless for Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice Skillet. Page 31. Or Shrimp Orzo on page 61. (It uses the 10".)
 
Thanks, JAE - I actually just need suggestions for the sauce... ;) I've got the pork chops & everything ready, just not sure how to get a sauce started.
 
JAE said:
Do you have the 29 Minute to Dinner cookbook? I think you use the 12 Stainless for Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice Skillet. Page 31. Or Shrimp Orzo on page 61. (It uses the 10".)
And Brown Butter Tortellini with Spinach & Ham on page 87.
 
crystalscookingnow said:
Thanks, JAE - I actually just need suggestions for the sauce... ;) I've got the pork chops & everything ready, just not sure how to get a sauce started.
Oh, sorry. I didn't read about the pork chops, or I should say I didn't remember that part. I just happen to have my cookbooks out because I'm trying to get inspired.
 
I've got a 12 qt. stock pot of Chicken & Pastry going! YUM!
And Kasey... there will be lots of sweet tea! Can you come?
 
JAE said:
Becky and Ann, what are you going to make with your chicken broth? I really don't have room for those three cartons. I have a list of ideas below so I can reference this later, but none of them are really peaking my interest. We don't like rice or strange ingredients. What do you think?

From Stoneware Inspirations: Harvest Cream Soup pg 53 (prob won't make this)
From Main Dishes: Chicken Tortilla Soup pg 29, Baked Potato Soup pg 7,White Lightning Chicken Chili pg 45
From It's Good For You: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup pg 35
From 29 Minutes to Dinner: Hot and Sour Souppg 107 (prob won't make this), Tuscan White Bean And Sausage Stew pg 89, Chicken Posole Verde pg 37 (not sure about this one)

I think I'll make the Chicken Tortilla Soup because I have all the ingredients. I'll just skip the tortilla part.

I keep broth/stock on hand all the time, just in case I decide I want to throw something together. And so many great PC recipes use it, including the Creamy One Pot Pasta and the Greek Lemon Rice Soup. I also use broth instead of water when I make white rice to add some flavor. I might be in charge of mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, so I'll use some then (add a little when mashing to add some flavor).
 
I am sick with strep throat, DH is out of town and DS is going to a concert so the little ones and I will have soup and sandwiches most likely.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when planning dinner for tonight?

When planning dinner, consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of your family, the time you have available for cooking, and the ingredients you already have on hand. It can also be helpful to think about the season and what fresh produce is available.

How can I make dinner preparation easier?

To make dinner preparation easier, try meal prepping on weekends, using a slow cooker or Instant Pot for quick meals, and keeping a well-stocked pantry with versatile ingredients. Simple recipes that require minimal prep time can also help streamline the process.

What are some quick dinner ideas for busy nights?

Quick dinner ideas for busy nights include stir-fries, pasta dishes, tacos, or sheet pan meals. These options typically take 30 minutes or less to prepare and can be customized based on what you have available.

How can I involve my family in dinner preparation?

Involve your family in dinner preparation by assigning age-appropriate tasks, such as washing vegetables, setting the table, or stirring ingredients. Cooking together can be a fun bonding experience and can help teach kids valuable kitchen skills.

What are some healthy dinner options I can make tonight?

Healthy dinner options include grilled chicken or fish with steamed vegetables, quinoa salads, vegetable stir-fries, or whole grain wraps filled with lean proteins and fresh veggies. Incorporating a variety of colors and textures can make meals more appealing and nutritious.

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