This week I am doing my take on Bonny’s post from last week and that eternally dreaded question: “What’s for dinner” …
That question is the equivalent to nails on the chalkboard for me.
But, sometimes all you need is a bit of inspiration!
Inspiration One:
I pulled from my blog annals the recipe for Sichuan Pork Noodles from The Splendid Table. I want to tell you all how easy and good this meal is, and it is equally good with ground turkey. It makes a hearty amount, so if there is just two of you, there will be leftovers! Add a bit of the noodle water to the leftovers and it reheats beautifully!
Inspiration Two:
Vicki shared an Instant Pot recipe for Lentil Soup. I made it yesterday and wow! It is super easy and good! And, if you are making this in the Instant Pot, in less than 30 minutes you have dinner on the table! Changes I made: I only had French green lentils (Le Puy Lentils) in the house, so next time I would reduce the Instant Pot cooking time as these lentils need less cooking time. No spinach in the house either, but I did have frozen asparagus. I cut the spears up and added them in after the cooking time was done, covered and waited for them to warm through. You could make this soup on the stovetop easily and in about an hour. This soup was a big winner and will be in the rotation again this winter!
Inspiration Three:
Pizza! I make a pizza dough from a recipe from Peter Reinhart’s free Craftsy class that is really very good. But, you need to think in advance to make it, which is not always plausible in my household. However, TJ’s to the rescue. They have these WONDERFUL pizza crusts that come 2 in a package. Brush them with olive oil, toast them in the oven for a few minutes, top them with your favorite toppings from traditional to not so traditional. We love them topped with pulled pork, barbeque sauce, a bit of cheese, and sliced jalapenos. They are so good with anything you top them with and so easy!
Want to see what other things people are talking about? Head over to Carole’s to find more!
TRADER Joe’s pizza dough is also good. We usually keep a bag of it in the freezer just in case.
I also hate when dinner is almost done and everybody wants to know what I’m making. Why? Is it because if they don’t like the sound of it there going out? What does it matter what I’m making? It’s good they don’t have to make!
I’m so glad you tried & liked the lentil soup! It really is good — and I love your mods!
Sometimes Im willing to make a big meal. Many times I’m not. Some of our standybys are:
Pancakes and bacon
Meatloaf
Turkey burgers
quesedillas with black beans and lowfat cheese
crepes
order out pizza with half the cheese please
We haven’t had chinese food since I went on weight watchers 2 1/2 years ago.
Sometimes dinner makes me crabby to think about!
My kids loved cheese, fruit and bread nights when their dad was at work.
Those Trader Joe’s pizza crusts are wonderful! I use them a lot. I also like their garlic pizza dough…but the ready made crusts are easier for sure. Your other recipes sound great! Thanks for sharing.
You answered the dinner question I’ve been mulling over for a few hours! We don’t have a TJ’s nearby, so I’ve now got pizza dough started that will end up as buffalo chicken pizza tonight. Thanks, Kat!
…longing for a Trader Joe’s…
This question is the bane of my existence! I end up doing most of the cooking (usually because I’m the first adult home) and while my husband will eat just about anything I put in front of him, I have a very picky child to feed as well. I try not to make two dinners if I can help it, but sometimes it’s necessary. I really hope she gets a more interesting palate as she gets older!
LOL, If my husband & I ever divorce, it will be over what’s for dinner. I am SO not a morning person & don’t want anyone speaking to me before noon… and instead of saying good morning when we meet up by the coffee pot, dearest hubby asks what’s for dinner. Makes me Insane! I have lentils in the pantry & a IP, so I’m off to check out your recipe. 🙂
What’s for dinner has been a 3-day detox from Cooking Light, not for ”cleansing” but for a slight weight loss and just regenerate the body. No sugars, no alcohol, mostly fruits and veggies and fish. (Dec. 5, 2017 issue- though I got it online) Anyway, the recipes are there, even snacks included, no guessing, simple to make, and tasty! One, the Quinoa Tuna Toss was almost too much food for a lunch. They seem to use up leftovers and have a filling feel. My husband was even impressed.
So, we thought to try it every 2-3 weeks.
It doesn’t have any soups so that’s what for supper tonight, a minestrone with whatever is in the fridge.
Great dinner ideas! I usually have grocery store pizza crust in the freezer and I use my Instant Pot a LOT.
Marc is way more comfortable with our Instant Pot than I am (which is a good thing!) – thank you for reminding me about Vicki’s Lentil Soup link. I do have spinach, but no turmeric and no lentils, so there will be shopping … because Marc agreed to try it! HUGE WIN!!
The Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a Day has a great pizza dough recipe that keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks and freezes well. I mixed up a batch yesterday, I’ve been missing our regular pizza nights. I love anything that makes dinner easier!
I successfully wrote a menu plan for the ENTIRE week. It’s about time! Today is dinner out so I don’t have to think hard about that. However, we are slowly eating up left overs from the freezer and various items from the bursting pantry.
Great inspiration!
YUM.
🙂
I’m on the fence about getting an Instapot. Your post is full of inspiration!