10-19-2009, 11:30 PM
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What are your favorite meals to make?
I hate coming up with ideas for dinner (aka supper)! I don't mind cooking, I just don't like thinking about what to make! What are your favorite meals that you make often for your family?
We eat tacos at least once every 10 days. I also make lasagna and freeze it. Homemade pizza is another fave. I look forward to hearing your ideas...Wednesday is grocery day and I like to plan meals and shop for the ingredients in one trip. TIA! 
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10-19-2009, 11:48 PM
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Ughh, meal planning SO the bane of my existence..
Here are our favorites Sweet and Sour chicken (out of recipe book called the Best of the Best) Chicken and Rice soup (from The Pioneer Woman - Ree Drummond check it out I get many great ideas from her) Cedar Plank Salmon (with Maple sauce) Spicy Noodle salad (with BBQ chicken) Chicken Spagetti Casserole (also pioneer woman) I can't wait to hear the others!
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10-19-2009, 11:52 PM
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My winter comfort food is Women's Bean Project 6 or 10 bean soup mixes. They are a bit pricey ($5 per tube) but the enclosed spices are the "secret" ingredient so t I just do it. Besides, they are packaged by homeless and disadvantage women in Denver so are for a good cause. I soak the beans overnight then put in a crock-pot in the a.m. and cook all day. Also, saute favorite veggies and add the last hour. If you can find them (Kroger and Safeway in CO), it's worth the effort. Check their website too.
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10-20-2009, 12:05 AM
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Got a good laugh when I was reading this. Sorry I know you are serious. Once when my dh was stilll living and was tired of eating the same old things he asked me what normal people eat. I told him I didn't know because I didn't know any normal people. My favorite meal would be ham, mashed potatoes, peas, dinner rolls, and homemade apple pie. Now if I could just find someone to cook it for me.
Good luck and I hope you get some good responses. Though it is a good time of year for soups of any kind.
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10-20-2009, 12:25 AM
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i have 2 sets of meals because dh is just a meat and potato guy and well, i am not!
my favs to cook, chicken cordon blue, my moms chicken enchilladas (she just posted the recipe on her blog , i like to make roast and then serve french dip sandwiches, i like to stir fry, my kids love the veggies from the wok, i will make lasagna rolls and freeze them....my kids came up with some food ideas so we now have wacky wednesdays where they have no idea whats for dinner but it wont be a usual - sometimes its breakfast for dinner, other times its a full course buffet representing another country, oh i am making my all time fav corn chowder this week. i always make my list for the week ahead and check the grocery ads so i can get the best deals around on what i need, i also make our own bread so i can have any variety i need without having to run out for something fresh. a friend taught a class and she gave us 12 recipes that can be cooked in 2 hours and then frozen for the next 2 weeks worth of meals, i LOVE that, and started doing that but only about 5 or 6 meals at a time on some sundays. cant wait to see what everyone likes, I love trying new recipes.
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10-20-2009, 08:06 AM
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Long ago when cooking for a family, I used to plan the week by category. Even overseas, Weds was Italian from some commercial that was on tv in the 50s? 60s? (Help me out you others of 'a certain age'.) It was usually some form of spaghetti, or lasagna or shells if I was in the mood. A simple one for Weds is also pasta carbonara or pasta puttanesca if the troops can take a bit more heat.
Make one day chicken day, and I will dredge up a recipe or two from the depths of my computer for another post. One day vegetarian, one day beef, and for us we often have soup on Saturday night. Here is a link to a crockpot oneCooking My Life: Portuguese Soupas I haven't made in a while. And to finally answer your question of our favorites? I don't like to cook the same thing twice. But he likes....meatloaf, mash and green beans. Posole. Most any kind of Indian curry, the hotter the better but often with halibut that he catches in Alaska. I used to spend a lot of time on the cooking forum Cooking - GardenWeb when I was still working and could think of something I was in the mood for. I am fortunate to be married to someone who'll eat most anything, tho he's not keen on couscous, orzo or mushrooms. btw, I too do what planning I do based on what's on sale that week. We are fortunate to have 3 major chains in one area in addition to a Whole Foods and Trader Jo's. I also have an Asian grocer that I can visit on Tues or Thurs when I'm tutoring.
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Maureen My Blog:Cooking My Life What do we live for if not to make life a little easier for someone? iPhone4G is my camera!/27" iMac/Macbook PSE10  
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10-20-2009, 08:16 AM
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Here is the recipe for Cooking My Life: Asian Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts. It is soo good and even better so easy when you consider you can keep portions in the freezer.
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Maureen My Blog:Cooking My Life What do we live for if not to make life a little easier for someone? iPhone4G is my camera!/27" iMac/Macbook PSE10
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10-20-2009, 08:49 AM
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That meatloaf recipe Cooking My Life: Back to the Kitchen
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Maureen My Blog:Cooking My Life What do we live for if not to make life a little easier for someone? iPhone4G is my camera!/27" iMac/Macbook PSE10
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10-20-2009, 09:18 AM
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One of our staples now that it's getting cooler is a healthful chili recipe with lots of veggies and turkey in place of the beef. It's easy to make - just have to let it simmer for a while. Add some crusty bread or cornbread on the side and we're good to go. (Also good because it freezes well). My DH loves this recipe - I don't think he's figured out that it's good for him! If I recall, the recipe is from Weight Watchers, so I doubt it's available online. I'll see if I can find it.
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10-20-2009, 09:33 AM
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You guys are awesome! I am loving these ideas and recipe links! Thank you! Keep them coming!
Carol, I am going to look into finding the Women's Bean Project! Food + helping others = one more reason for me to eat!  Dorah, I would make you ham and the works! Come on over! Sarah, you put Martha Stewart to shame! WOW! I would love to know what your schedule looks like in one day! Not only do you do it all, but you do it all so well! You go girl!
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10-20-2009, 09:46 AM
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Yes, please....keep the links coming and home recipes, too. I'm having no mojo with winter coming on and cooking for ranch hands!
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10-20-2009, 10:25 AM
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Probably the thing my husband likes best that I make is Tracie's Couscous Salad. I saw it on Paula Deen, but it was a recipe someone sent her; you can tell it's not her recipe -- it contains no butter! I have made a couple of changes to it. I add olives, zest the limes, and usually use the juice of at least 4 limes. (We like it limey!) It's so good that my mouth waters when I'm making it. We usually have it as a meal.
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Linda My gear: Nikon D700; 24-70mm 2.8; 70-200mm 2.8; 105mm 2.8; 50mm 1.4; 150-500mm 5-6.3 My software: PSE9 on a PC; Lightroom 2; ACDSee 9  
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10-20-2009, 10:53 AM
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I rely on the KraftFoods site a lot! I try to make them as healthy as I can by changing some of them up a little, but I've had lots of success with the recipes there.
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Jodi LOVES it here!  Camera: Canon 30d Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3
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10-20-2009, 11:07 AM
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I rarely use a recipe and just tend to throw stuff together.
We do a lot of GF English style fish and chips Spaghetti Bolognaise Rotisserie Chicken (from Costco) Pork Chops with homemade Mango Salsa Chicken Curry (Chicken + Curry paste + Coconut milk) Chilli with homemade salsa, guacamole and corn chips. Fried Rice (with the leftover Rotisserie chicken) Steak, Greek Salad and baked Sweet Potato Grilled Salmon with Lemon Oil (Lemon juice, rind + EVOO) green veggies and new potatoes.
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10-20-2009, 11:13 AM
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I'm with you Joey. I don't mind cooking, it's the planning and figuring out something to make. I get a daily email from allrecipes.com and use the site when I'm at a loss for something to make. I like to make taco soup and casseroles in the winter because they are easy and there is little clean up. In the summer it's the grill and salads. My family is use to "mystery meals" from having to use things up in the cupboard before a move so they are not real picky. (lucky for me) Check out allrecipes.com :O)
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10-20-2009, 11:31 AM
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This is one of new recent favorites: Mini Lamb Burgers(Although I substitute hamburger for the ground lamb)
Our local store also sells marinated chicken breasts. I throw that in a crock pot and serve with rice, corn and black beans. Toasted subs Spinach salad (toppings depend on what's on hand) Breakfast stuff (omelets, pancakes etc.) tilapia (the only fish DS3 will eat and not complain about)
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10-20-2009, 12:58 PM
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Here's a few of our family faves:
Chicken Spaghetti Pad Thai Curried Chicken, Lamb or Beef Chicken Tortilla Casserole Beef Stew with dumplings Chicken Cacciatore Cabbage Roll Casserole We're also big on soup at this time of year - Potato Soup, Chicken Gumbo, Lentil Soup, Butternut Squash Soup (known to my kids when they were small as Golden Autumn Soup to get them to eat squash).
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Jane
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10-20-2009, 01:33 PM
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I am loving these links! Thanks, ladies!
Jane, would you be willing to share your chicken tortilla casserole? I am a big casserole fan as they tend to reheat/freeze well. Thanks, ladies! Keep them coming!
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10-20-2009, 02:07 PM
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me too Joey! I agonize over meal planning for the week...we tend to stick with what is easy, except on Sunday when I typically make a big dinner....
Taco Salad - We love this with the multi-grain chips...I usually end up making soft tacos for the kids Grilled chicken and rice with cucumber salad Chicken noodle soup Hayden love's hamburger helper beef noodle so I end up making that at least once every two weeks Lasagna Chicken w/veggies stir fry We also like breakfast for dinner once a month : ) - eggs, bacon, hash browns (especially since I don't make breakfast - usually cold ceral for us) I hate fresh fish, but Hayden & Will love it - so I do cook it once every couple of weeks and I have mini wheats : ) I ask my sil for the "Top Chef" cookbook for christmas (we draw names)....so maybe that will help, lol
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10-20-2009, 02:08 PM
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Sure Joey - I just have to run out to do some errands but I'll post it this afternoon - it's super easy!
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Jane
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10-20-2009, 02:12 PM
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I love the idea of crock pot cooking - I need to invest in a good one so my dh doesn't worry all day about the house catching on fire while we are at work....
and chicken anything, we eat a ton of chicken because it is about the only meat Madison will touch....
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10-20-2009, 02:15 PM
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Linda, thanks for the couscous recipe! I have 6 (yes 6) boxes of couscous on my shelf and need to use them up! Our problem is that DH travels a lot and eats at restaurants most of the week, while I stay at home and find whatever is to be had. When he comes home, I want to go out to eat and he wants to eat at home....
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10-20-2009, 02:25 PM
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What a great thread! GREAT idea Joey!
At our house I am lucky to have a dh who usually cooks up a storm, but I am the sous-chef. I will get back with a few ideas.
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10-20-2009, 03:15 PM
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Quote:
I remember pre-kids when I cooked for fun & loved it. Now I hate to cook & to plan. But I have to so, here's my plan for the next couple of weeks though (nothing set in stone, mind you) cabbage rolls with the brown gravy risotto with butternut squash Chili leftover chili with baked potato for me & hot dogs for everyone else Seafood fest Seafood enchiladas (with the leftovers from above) Chickpea, garlic and spinach soup Italian Tuna Melts (Rachel Ray cookbook) Mahi Mahi grilled fish tacos (adapted from Bobby F) Chicken Pot Pie (can make enough to freeze on this one) Chicken pita pockets Staple quick meals: Pan seared Salmon, rice and vegie spaghetti with sauce Ravoli with cream sauce and left over sauce. tacos we're also going away next week and with a few additions from everyone else here, I think I may now get through all of November.
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10-20-2009, 06:09 PM
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Here's the recipe for the chicken casserole. I've had it for 20 years now so I have no idea where it came from originally!
Chicken Tortilla Casserole 2 tbsp. olive oil 3 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite sized pieces 1 chopped onion 1 cup medium salsa 1 cup plain yoghurt 1 can cream of chicken soup 8 soft tortillas 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Saute the chicken pieces and onion until the onion is golden and the chicken cooked through. Add chili sauce, yoghurt and soup, and stir until heated. Take spoonfuls of chicken (leave most of the sauce) and spread in center of tortillas. Roll up and place seam side down in a greased casserole. Pour remainder of sauce over top and sprinkle with grated cheddar. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
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Jane
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10-20-2009, 07:06 PM
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Wow...can I come to your house for dinner? So many great ideas. Sarah, your mom's enchiladas look great. I am so going to try those. I get Rachel Rays magazine and use a lot of her recipes as well as the internet.
My husband won't eat any frozen or prepackaged meals (ie;hamburger helper ) and he won't eat left overs! This thread is such a help as I always need ideas. Great thread.
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Michele Captures Sunlight Sketches: A 365 Project My Gear: Nikon D60 w/ 18-55 VR lens & 55-200 VR lens My Software: Photoshop CS4, Lightroom, 
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10-20-2009, 07:47 PM
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yum yum....these ideas sound so good!
We grill out a lot during the summer/warm months. My son's favorites are pasta carbonara, pastitsio, spaghetti, salsbury steak, baked chicken. Oh and taco soup. My husbands favorites--roast pork, egg rolls, fried rice, chicken adobo. My favorite--when someone else cooks!
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10-20-2009, 07:54 PM
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Anna, do you use Patak's Curry Pastes? or are you talking about Thai curry pastes? DH doesn't like coconut milk but I love it. If I'm making it more for him, I'll use, yes, a can of undiluted cream of mushroom for the coconut milk.
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Maureen My Blog:Cooking My Life What do we live for if not to make life a little easier for someone? iPhone4G is my camera!/27" iMac/Macbook PSE10
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10-20-2009, 10:05 PM
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So many yummy ideas here! We eat lots of stir frys, pastas & BBQ. Come winter we love roasts & slow cooker meals.
One of our favourite lunch ideas (or makes a great appetizer also) is this easy & healthy pizza. 2 pkg crescent rolls flattened onto a cookie tray, bake at 350 for 10-12 min or until golden, let cool. Top with a mixture of cream cheese & mayo (we use flavoured cream cheese whatever we have) then top with whatever cut up veggies we have on hand. (ie shredded carrots, broccoli, peppers, cherry tomatoes, green onion) Easy peasy & Spencer LOVES it.
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10-20-2009, 11:36 PM
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Love all these tips ladies.
I found this link tonite Frenchie and Flea: What's For Dinner? It's a weeks worth of recipes and a meal planning template.
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