What's on the Menu for the Last Family Dinner Before College?

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Discussion Overview

The thread revolves around participants sharing their dinner plans for the last family meal before college, with various personal experiences and preferences expressed regarding food choices and cooking methods.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal, Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions planning to bake and serve Smashed Potato Soup and sandwiches for dinner.
  • Another participant is uncertain about dinner plans due to scheduling conflicts with school registration and piano lessons.
  • One participant is considering tacos or a stroganoff using leftover hamburger meat, awaiting confirmation from a family member.
  • Several participants discuss their desire for Italian food, with one expressing a wish to eat at a nearby Italian restaurant.
  • One participant shares their excitement about having breakfast for dinner, specifically bacon and blueberry pancakes.
  • Another participant mentions opting for delivery pizza after a long day at an amusement park.
  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for fair food, listing various items they hope to enjoy.
  • Several participants share their experiences of enjoying Chicken Marsala and Italian dishes, with some expressing plans to cook similar meals.
  • One participant describes a simple dinner of salad and grilled sausages due to time constraints.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

No clear consensus emerges, as participants share a variety of personal dinner plans and preferences without agreement on a specific meal.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing their last family dinners before college, reflecting a mix of personal experiences, scheduling challenges, and culinary preferences.

Who May Find This Useful

Members of the consultant community interested in meal ideas and personal cooking experiences may find this thread engaging.

rennea
Gold Member
Messages
3,662
Today is a little cooler so I'm doing my baking:thumbup::thumbup:


For dinner we are having Smashed Potato Soup and sandwiches:chef:
 
Uh, don't know yet...probably a late dinner...have to register the kids for school and drop off all the paperwork and supplies...DD has piano lessons...Then we'll FINALLY get home...
 
Probably tacos unless I find something else to do with left over brown hamburger meat from spaghatti last night.

I am waiting for Russell to email me whether ot not he will try stroganoff with it but no word yet. He is so picky it drives me nuts!

Any other suggestions?
 
JRSTEPHENS - How about the chuckwagon cassarole? I liked this as something different but it needed a little extra BBQ Sauce! :-)
 
Last edited:
We have Chiro. appts at 5pm....and right across the parking lot is our new favorite Italian Restaurant...Ciao Bella's. I'm hoping DH suggests we eat there. If not, then it will be leftovers for us!:D

I really want Chicken Marsala & Italian Roasted Potatoes.
 
PamperedCaniac said:
JRSTEPHENS - How about the chuckwagon cassarole? I liked this as something different but it needed a little extra BBQ Sauce! :-)

Is that in one of our books? Where can I find it to look at?
 
ChefBeckyD said:
We have Chiro. appts at 5pm....and right across the parking lot is our new favorite Italian Restaurant...Ciao Bella's. I'm hoping DH suggests we eat there. If not, then it will be leftovers for us!:D

I really want Chicken Marsala & Italian Roasted Potatoes.

Surely you can throw some sublte hints his way?
 
jrstephens said:
Surely you can throw some sublte hints his way?

That's my plan!;)

I'm thinking if I say leftovers again...he will get the hint!:D
 
jrstephens said:
Surely you can throw some sublte hints his way?

It is in the Stoneware Sensations book on pg 63.... It is a "hearty" meal! LOL
 
ChefBeckyD said:
That's my plan!;)

I'm thinking if I say leftovers again...he will get the hint!:D

Russell would. He would be like "So are you wanting to over there to eat - just say it!" HAHA!:D
 
Not so sure---have some leftover salad needs to be eaten, maybe just a frozen meal. I have ameeting tonight for our block party this weekend, and DH is finally going back to work tomorrow.
 
We are having bacon, blueberry pancakes, toast, and scrambled eggs for dinner! I LOVE breakfast for dinner!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
PamperedCaniac said:
We are having bacon, blueberry pancakes, toast, and scrambled eggs for dinner! I LOVE breakfast for dinner!


Sounds yummy, that's what DH is making for me right now for breakfast, minus the blueberries! LOL

Breakfast foods are my favorite and I could eat them any time of day.
 
Russell agreed to the stroganoff. I am going to use the hamburger meat instead of the meat it calls for.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/beef-stroganoff-recipe/index.html
 
I will be eating at THE FAIR!! Could be fresh cut french fries with vinegar....funnel cake...lemonade shakeup...corn dog...sausage sandwich...MMMMMmmmmm....

Can't wait, I will decide once we are there and I see what sounds the best to me then!!
 
KellyTheChef said:
I will be eating at THE FAIR!! Could be fresh cut french fries with vinegar....funnel cake...lemonade shakeup...corn dog...sausage sandwich...MMMMMmmmmm....

Can't wait, I will decide once we are there and I see what sounds the best to me then!!

Oh Man! We have the fair this week too! We are going tomorrow for sure, and possibly tonight.

I have Fresh Cut Fries w/ lots of salt and vinegar one time a year....and it's this week! YAHOOOOO!

(and I am pms'ing, so it will be the perfect meal for me!)
 
It's delivery pizza for us from our favorite place. We were at an amusement park all day and I am too tired to cook.
 
ChefBeckyD said:
We have Chiro. appts at 5pm....and right across the parking lot is our new favorite Italian Restaurant...Ciao Bella's. I'm hoping DH suggests we eat there. If not, then it will be leftovers for us!:D

I really want Chicken Marsala & Italian Roasted Potatoes.

Ahhhhh! I had a wonderful mixed greens salad, Chicken Marsala, Roasted Potatoes, and half of a small stuffed red pepper. AND a teeny tiny helping of Tiramisu for dessert. Yum Yum Yum!
 
ChefBeckyD said:
Ahhhhh! I had a wonderful mixed greens salad, Chicken Marsala, Roasted Potatoes, and half of a small stuffed red pepper. AND a teeny tiny helping of Tiramisu for dessert. Yum Yum Yum!

YUM!!!! and I mean YUM that sounds wonderful!! That made me think of something to cook tomorrow night! Thanks! Chicken Parmesan served over Roasted Red Potatoes!!!;) Thank you for the idea!
 
PamperedCaniac said:
YUM!!!! and I mean YUM that sounds wonderful!! That made me think of something to cook tomorrow night! Thanks! Chicken Parmesan served over Roasted Red Potatoes!!!;) Thank you for the idea!

I love Italian food!

I was actually thinking of making Chicken Parmesan tomorrow too!:chef:
 
Guess what I had....salad. Family had turkey cheddar brat/sausage things on the grill. They're all hot dogs to me. Roasted potatoes (thank you Ore Ida), and corn. I washed the kitchen/laundry/dining/bathroom floor after vacuuming it and shaking all the doggone rugs. No time to think about much more dinner than this.
 
italian food at our favorite rest before the boys leave for college tomorrow.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy and quick recipes for a family dinner before college?

Consider preparing a one-pan meal like sheet pan chicken with vegetables. It’s simple to make, requires minimal cleanup, and can be customized with your family's favorite veggies. Another option is a pasta dish, such as spaghetti with homemade marinara sauce or a creamy alfredo, which can be made in under 30 minutes.

How can I incorporate Pampered Chef tools into our family dinner?

Pampered Chef offers a variety of kitchen tools that can make meal prep easier and more enjoyable. Use the Rockcrok for stovetop-to-oven cooking, or the Mix 'N Chop for ground meats. Their cutting tools, like the Chef's Knife and the Food Chopper, can help you prepare ingredients quickly and efficiently.

What side dishes pair well with the main course for a family dinner?

Side dishes like garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables complement most main courses beautifully. You can also consider a classic potato dish, such as mashed potatoes or a loaded baked potato bar, where everyone can customize their toppings.

How can I make the dinner special for my college-bound family member?

To make the dinner special, consider creating a themed menu that reflects your family member's favorite foods or cuisines. You could also set the table nicely, include a toast to their future, and encourage everyone to share their favorite memories with them. Personal touches like a dessert featuring their favorite flavors can also add to the celebration.

What dessert should I serve to end the family dinner on a sweet note?

A great dessert option is a homemade pie, like apple or chocolate cream, which can be made ahead of time. Alternatively, consider a fun dessert bar with ice cream and various toppings, allowing everyone to create their own sundaes. This interactive dessert can be a hit and adds a festive touch to the evening.

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