Family-Friendly Meal Ideas

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The appetites of children and those of adults are very different, and pleasing both can be a challenge.  However, there is no reason to have two different menus to satisfy everyone at your table.  The next time you are planning to feed your extended family or have a celebration for any occasion, you can fall back on these tips for making something that will satisfy everyone (except maybe those meticulous eaters).  If you are going to be cooking with your kids, there are also some helpful hints for keeping them occupied in the kitchen.


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Comfort Food

There are many great comfort foods for all kinds of get-togethers, including big pots of steaming chili, savory chicken and dumplings and ever-popular dishes like pot roast and mashed potatoes. You can even make your mashed potatoes healthier by switching out russets for sweet potatoes; boil and mash them just like russet potatoes, but add a little crunch with chopped, toasted walnuts.  Short ribs are another great option, especially when paired with fun foods like corn on the cob. 


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South of the Border

Homemade nachos are a great option for family dinners; lay out the separate ingredients and let everyone build their own.  Stock the crock-pot with some Ro-Tel and Velveeta cheese; when it is all melted together, it makes a wonderful spicy queso.  With build-your-own options like nachos and burritos, everyone can make their favorite; make sure to offer a wide variety of ingredients to fit everyone’s taste.


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Italian Inspiration

Nothing says family dinner like a big pot of spaghetti and savory garlic bread.  This is one meal that is tough to mess up and just about everyone, loves a good spaghetti Bolognese and fragrant French bread with garlic and butter.  Meatballs are another great option for a family spaghetti dinner and can be made from turkey for a leaner option.  Serve up a family-sized salad in your trusty salad bowl and watch everyone dig in!  Other simply delightful Italian options include mouthwatering pans of lasagna and design-your-own pizzas.


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Great Grilling

When it is warm outside, why be stuck in the house slaving over a hot stove?  Instead, move the party outside and make use of that grill that has been waiting all winter to be used.  Grilled chicken breasts, hamburgers, roasted potatoes and grilled corn make outstanding fare for warm summer evenings.  Finish everything off with a couple of ripe watermelons and enjoy relaxing time with your family instead of worrying about making a big production of the meal.


Tips for Keeping the Little Ones Occupied

If you are going to have, little ones running in and out, you might be better off to keep them busy helping than to try to keep them out of the kitchen.  Kids can be a big help in getting things out of the refrigerator or using plastic measuring cups to measure out ingredients.  Depending on their age, they do not have to actually accomplish anything as long as you succeed in convincing them that they are being a big help.

 

 

What are your favorite go to meals?




6 Comments

  1. I love my crockpot just put some chicken in there this morning so I can fix some chicken tacos or nachos tonight for dinner. Easy Peasy

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    Replies
    1. I need to be coming to your house for dinner Kita! I love me some chicken nachos!

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  2. Crockpot meals in the winter and grillin in the summer - can't wait!

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    Replies
    1. Woot Woot! I can't wait until grillin' season!

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  3. We eat a lot of Mexican and I love my crockpot too! I also love when S helps me in the kitchen.

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    Replies
    1. Mexican foods are my favorite! It seems like that is all we eat in my household.

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