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Post by debmast on Apr 4, 2016 13:25:45 GMT
I hate this also!
My easiest dinner making time is when my older DD is home from college. She offers up tons of suggestions (I think she just wants home cooked food)
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Post by knit.pea on Apr 4, 2016 14:42:05 GMT
And just to clarify, I completely own that it makes *me* insane. The rest of my family is simply asking a question With DH, I have no idea if he will end up going out for lunch ... and really, who wants chicken twice in one day? So I understand the asking, in general. Everyone here is quite willing to YOYO (you're on your own) with either a sandwich or cereal. And DH is often asked to just bring home quick food (pre-made, heat it up) or fast food if needed. But still, that 3 pm text makes my blood boil
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Post by jassy on Apr 4, 2016 14:59:22 GMT
I meal plan for the week. It's essential to me because 1) our schedule is crazy - I need to cook appropriately for busy evenings and slower evenings and 2) to save money and not be wasteful. I HIGHLY recommend it. It also allows me hang a menu plan on the fridge. NO ASKING WHAT'S FOR DINNER because they know or should have looked.
This week for example: Saturday: Burgers, hasselback sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with bacon Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Ring, and veggie platter with and ranch dressing Monday - naan pizzas and salad Tuesday - Fish Tacos with cumin lime slaw Wednesday - angel hair pasta with peas and pancetta Thursday - Chipotle Night Friday – Sesame Tofu Carrot Stir Fry over rice
It's about 1 hour of prep time per week and takes ALL the stress out of dinner time.
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Post by Merge on Apr 4, 2016 15:32:33 GMT
I don't ask any more, either. Planning meals, shopping and cooking is my primary weekly task, outside of my job. I will sometimes ask if anyone has requests, but if they don't, I just make up my menu and go with it. Weekly meal plans are essential for me.
Now, I do get irritated when the kids turn up their noses at what I cook, but whatever. Eat some part of it or go hungry.
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Post by ilikepink on Apr 4, 2016 16:33:49 GMT
Another reason why I'm glad I'm single! I would occasionally ask if there were any requests, but for the most part I had to come up with something for those people to eat every night! You'd think if they ate yesterday, that would be enough..... I had some routines - Wednesday is always spaghetti night, and Friday is pizza night. Sunday was usually a nicer dinner, but the other nights? Ugg. Don't miss that! And with the XH second/night job, practice/games/meets for the boys - way more hamburger helper than should have been (and now I don't think you could pay me enough to eat it) Now, if I want say an omelet with asparagus for dinner (which no one would have liked), that's what I can have!
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mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
Jun 27, 2014 19:58:15 GMT
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Post by mlana on Apr 4, 2016 18:37:30 GMT
For my family, the best thing I ever did was make a list of meals they liked to eat. They were like me - never able to think of something good when someone asked me what I wanted to eat. Having a list of past meals gives me and them somewhere to start. I eventually made a Word file of the list and I would send it to them with a list of what meats I had on hand and with the dinners that could be made with what I had on hand. If they wanted something else, they had to do the shopping for it. since both DH and DD love to grocery shop, especially for something they want to eat, this was a win-win for all of us.
I use Paprika now and it's menu feature is the bomb for meal planning. When I find a combo we like, I make a menu with it, then DH can scroll thru the list of menus and choose which meals he wants. I can also make a menu of a week's worth of meals and the shopping list is pretty much generated from that. DH is a creature of habit, so he loves just choosing a week to repeat.
Both DH and DD have Paprika for their iPhones, so their phones are synced to my account so they can add to the shopping list or go do the shopping. Now that DD is in China, DH does most of the shopping. He really doesn't mind since not only does it give him a chance to stock up on goodies, it's for meals he knows he's going to enjoy.
Marcy
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mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
Jun 27, 2014 19:58:15 GMT
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Post by mlana on Apr 4, 2016 18:39:43 GMT
I hate this also! My easiest dinner making time is when my older DD is home from college. She offers up tons of suggestions (I think she just wants home cooked food) Agreed! I'm getting texts from China almost daily as DD thinks of another home cooked meal she'd like to have when she gets home. Nothing like being away from home to suddenly imbue Mom's old Corned Beef Stew with a special glow. LOL Marcy
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,775
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Apr 5, 2016 0:03:22 GMT
I meal plan for the week. It's essential to me because 1) our schedule is crazy - I need to cook appropriately for busy evenings and slower evenings and 2) to save money and not be wasteful. I HIGHLY recommend it. It also allows me hang a menu plan on the fridge. NO ASKING WHAT'S FOR DINNER because they know or should have looked. This week for example: Saturday: Burgers, hasselback sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with bacon Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Ring, and veggie platter with and ranch dressing Monday - naan pizzas and salad Tuesday - Fish Tacos with cumin lime slaw Wednesday - angel hair pasta with peas and pancetta Thursday - Chipotle Night Friday – Sesame Tofu Carrot Stir Fry over rice It's about 1 hour of prep time per week and takes ALL the stress out of dinner time. I do this as well, but nobody offers suggestions and then has the nerve to turn their noses up. Grrrrr
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Post by refugeepea on Apr 5, 2016 0:05:32 GMT
I am feeling a little taste of Italy on the menu for next week. I've thought of boiling chicken for dinner. If it doesn't get eaten, guess what's for dinner Tuesday? Not eaten on Wednesday? leftovers.
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Post by freecharlie on Apr 5, 2016 0:07:31 GMT
You are a genius! When my husband doesn't give me any idea, I say we will have tacos. The kids and I like them! But your idea is so much better. Tacos are very time consuming for me, opening a can of spaghetti is great! How are tacos time consuming? It is one of our fast go-tos. How do you make them?
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Post by freecharlie on Apr 5, 2016 0:13:36 GMT
I meal plan for the week. It's essential to me because 1) our schedule is crazy - I need to cook appropriately for busy evenings and slower evenings and 2) to save money and not be wasteful. I HIGHLY recommend it. It also allows me hang a menu plan on the fridge. NO ASKING WHAT'S FOR DINNER because they know or should have looked. This week for example: Saturday: Burgers, hasselback sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with bacon Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Ring, and veggie platter with and ranch dressing Monday - naan pizzas and salad Tuesday - Fish Tacos with cumin lime slaw Wednesday - angel hair pasta with peas and pancetta Thursday - Chipotle Night Friday – Sesame Tofu Carrot Stir Fry over rice It's about 1 hour of prep time per week and takes ALL the stress out of dinner time. I think she wants ideas for the menu, not for the night
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Post by refugeepea on Apr 5, 2016 0:14:17 GMT
Mine don't ask what's for dinner anymore because my answer was always 'food' That doesn't work in my house. What's for dinner? Food. What kind of food? Chicken. What are you doing with the chicken? Cooking it. How are you cooking it? Are you making tacos? Are you baking it? Are you grilling it? Are you making sticky chicken? Are you making enchiladas?.........................
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Post by 950nancy on Apr 5, 2016 0:36:12 GMT
I really shouldn't complain, but I do. My husband does the grocery shopping and puts it all away.
My friend saw something on Pinterest that helped her. She came up with 25-30 (or so) meals that went from hot dogs to crock pot meals to sunday dinner type meals. She also came up with a few favorite restaurants or take out places. Each of meals had list of ingredients on a 4 x 6 card. Then she made a cute decorative metal sign that went on her fridge. One day during the week, the family (before dinner) would pick a meal that they wanted for the next week. They were all on colorful laminated pieces of paper that had magnets on the back. It seems the kids did a better job of saying what they wanted when there was a choice in front of them. So she took the 4 x 6 cards and had the ingredients at her hands and planned the grocery list for the week and everyone knew in advance what they were having. Each week they would also go out once or have take out. I can see it being a few hours work to begin with, but would have its payoffs. Oh, I think one night was a leftover night too. One less night to cook.
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,775
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Apr 5, 2016 1:57:43 GMT
I really shouldn't complain, but I do. My husband does the grocery shopping and puts it all away. My friend saw something on Pinterest that helped her. She came up with 25-30 (or so) meals that went from hot dogs to crock pot meals to sunday dinner type meals. She also came up with a few favorite restaurants or take out places. Each of meals had list of ingredients on a 4 x 6 card. Then she made a cute decorative metal sign that went on her fridge. One day during the week, the family (before dinner) would pick a meal that they wanted for the next week. They were all on colorful laminated pieces of paper that had magnets on the back. It seems the kids did a better job of saying what they wanted when there was a choice in front of them. So she took the 4 x 6 cards and had the ingredients at her hands and planned the grocery list for the week and everyone knew in advance what they were having. Each week they would also go out once or have take out. I can see it being a few hours work to begin with, but would have its payoffs. Oh, I think one night was a leftover night too. One less night to cook. Completely brilliant! Thank you!
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Post by maryland on Apr 5, 2016 2:44:18 GMT
You are a genius! When my husband doesn't give me any idea, I say we will have tacos. The kids and I like them! But your idea is so much better. Tacos are very time consuming for me, opening a can of spaghetti is great! How are tacos time consuming? It is one of our fast go-tos. How do you make them? I guess I just get lazy about washing all the vegetables, drying them off, cutting them up! I cook ground beef, add spices to it (or just the package mixes), cut up lettuce, peppers, onions, cilantro, olives, tomatoes, shredded cheese (we don't like the package shredded cheese, but will occasionally use it). Also cook beans and rice to add. Warm up the taco shells (have to get hard and soft shells to please everyone ). The kids love the cream of corn/cornbread mix so I make that too. I guess I am just lazy! And I do admit I hate to cook! So what is simple to others is a chore to me!
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Post by maryland on Apr 5, 2016 2:47:43 GMT
I meal plan for the week. It's essential to me because 1) our schedule is crazy - I need to cook appropriately for busy evenings and slower evenings and 2) to save money and not be wasteful. I HIGHLY recommend it. It also allows me hang a menu plan on the fridge. NO ASKING WHAT'S FOR DINNER because they know or should have looked. This week for example: Saturday: Burgers, hasselback sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with bacon Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Ring, and veggie platter with and ranch dressing Monday - naan pizzas and salad Tuesday - Fish Tacos with cumin lime slaw Wednesday - angel hair pasta with peas and pancetta Thursday - Chipotle Night Friday – Sesame Tofu Carrot Stir Fry over rice It's about 1 hour of prep time per week and takes ALL the stress out of dinner time. What is your recipe for fish tacos with cumin lime slaw? Sounds good!
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Post by freecharlie on Apr 5, 2016 2:49:19 GMT
How are tacos time consuming? It is one of our fast go-tos. How do you make them? I guess I just get lazy about washing all the vegetables, drying them off, cutting them up! I cook ground beef, add spices to it (or just the package mixes), cut up lettuce, peppers, onions, cilantro, olives, tomatoes, shredded cheese (we don't like the package shredded cheese, but will occasionally use it). Also cook beans and rice to add. Warm up the taco shells (have to get hard and soft shells to please everyone ). The kids love the cream of corn/cornbread mix so I make that too. I guess I am just lazy! And I do admit I hate to cook! So what is simple to others is a chore to me! Ah hell, you put me to shame. I cook up the meat, putting my spices in it, and then add the spice packet. I open a can of beans and put them on the stove. I turn on the oven and cook the taco shells or put the soft shells on the meat or beans to warm. I open a bag of shredded lettuce, put out shredded cheese, taco sauce, and sour cream on the table. DONE
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,637
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Apr 5, 2016 3:02:01 GMT
I am spoiled with a family who will eat whatever I make and on top of that they love leftovers!
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Post by maryland on Apr 5, 2016 3:19:06 GMT
I guess I just get lazy about washing all the vegetables, drying them off, cutting them up! I cook ground beef, add spices to it (or just the package mixes), cut up lettuce, peppers, onions, cilantro, olives, tomatoes, shredded cheese (we don't like the package shredded cheese, but will occasionally use it). Also cook beans and rice to add. Warm up the taco shells (have to get hard and soft shells to please everyone ). The kids love the cream of corn/cornbread mix so I make that too. I guess I am just lazy! And I do admit I hate to cook! So what is simple to others is a chore to me! Ah hell, you put me to shame. I cook up the meat, putting my spices in it, and then add the spice packet. I open a can of beans and put them on the stove. I turn on the oven and cook the taco shells or put the soft shells on the meat or beans to warm. I open a bag of shredded lettuce, put out shredded cheese, taco sauce, and sour cream on the table. DONE Your way sounds good to me!
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perumbula
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,439
Location: Idaho
Jun 26, 2014 18:51:17 GMT
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Post by perumbula on Apr 5, 2016 5:12:30 GMT
Mine don't ask what's for dinner anymore because my answer was always 'food' That doesn't work in my house. What's for dinner? Food. What kind of food? Chicken. What are you doing with the chicken? Cooking it. How are you cooking it? Are you making tacos? Are you baking it? Are you grilling it? Are you making sticky chicken? Are you making enchiladas?......................... Mine try the third degree with me, but I would say "why? you're just going to complain when I put it on the table, why should I have to listen to you complain while I make it too?" I have Pickies 1-5 at my house. There is no meal that everyone will eat. It got even worse when the middle one decided to be vegetarian.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,744
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Apr 5, 2016 10:47:43 GMT
I don't ask, I tell. Tonight we're having chicken soup and home-made flax bread. Unless you want to take me out sweetheart.
But I'm very lucky, because my DH will eat most things, and compliment the cooking afterwards. I've learned to tell the difference between "thank you, that was nice" and THANK YOU, that was DELICIOUS!"
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,350
Location: Dallas Texas
Jun 26, 2014 12:16:22 GMT
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Post by SabrinaP on Apr 5, 2016 11:17:23 GMT
Spaghetti week is genius! I think I need to do a mom's favorites week and cook things I love that others in the family don't particularly care for.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Apr 5, 2016 13:58:43 GMT
I hate to cook. Just hate it. And I am also the one who has to do all the shopping and prep work too. It drives me nuts when I prepare a big meal only to have half of my family choose not to eat it or complain about it. Seriously, if they want to complain, then they should be doing the cooking themselves. I rarely ever ask them what they want because with a family of 7 no one can agree to anything.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 5, 2016 14:20:32 GMT
I hear "I don't know" too much and the DH does not understand why it drives me nuts. The kids do this and I'm like "um, I'm going in there now and whatever I make you're eating" gets their butts to move to decide! I'm usually the one saying "I don't know" because DH usually does the cooking these days. It's hard to come up with an idea when I don't know what (if anything) he has pulled out of the freezer. He's not a very good advance meal planner. He'll either take four things out of the freezer and then we won't be home at dinner time for the next three nights, or he takes nothing out and we're home all week. It never seems to work out right. Before DD, I did most of the cooking and meal planning and I probably will end up in that space again at some point. I kind of stopped because he's been on a string of different diet kicks for a while (Let's only eat fish! Let's cut back on carbs! This week I'm only eating chicken... Ugh. Whatever!) and I couldn't keep track of what he was or wasn't eating that week, LOL, so I told him it was on him to cook what he wanted then. Besides that, he likes being left alone for a bit after work and doesn't like having help in the kitchen, so I entertain DD or help her with her homework, etc. while he goes in there by himself. Lately when he asks me what I want for dinner, I've started saying, "Waffles" every time.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 5, 2016 14:38:12 GMT
I meal plan for the week. It's essential to me because 1) our schedule is crazy - I need to cook appropriately for busy evenings and slower evenings and 2) to save money and not be wasteful. I HIGHLY recommend it. It also allows me hang a menu plan on the fridge. NO ASKING WHAT'S FOR DINNER because they know or should have looked. This week for example: Saturday: Burgers, hasselback sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with bacon Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Ring, and veggie platter with and ranch dressing Monday - naan pizzas and salad Tuesday - Fish Tacos with cumin lime slaw Wednesday - angel hair pasta with peas and pancetta Thursday - Chipotle Night Friday – Sesame Tofu Carrot Stir Fry over rice It's about 1 hour of prep time per week and takes ALL the stress out of dinner time. This sounds great in theory, but in our house it wouldn't work because we'd have a ton of leftovers that would end up getting tossed.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Apr 5, 2016 17:50:39 GMT
They gave me the "I don't know" again last night, so they got Mac&cheese, cucumbers & carrot with dip, blood oranges and yogurt pretzels . I call them down and said their dinner was on the counter and went into the other room. Not.a.peep! They are in total silence lol!!!
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Post by librarylady on Apr 5, 2016 21:05:18 GMT
I wonder if we would get a better response from our families if we said, "I'm having trouble coming up with what I want to cook. I have some HB thawed. What do you think would be good tonight with that?"
It suddenly dawned on me that they are drawing a blank when I ask "What do you want?"--just like the blank I have when I ask them what they want.
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Post by cade387 on Apr 5, 2016 21:33:41 GMT
this is why we started freezer batch cooking. I also have a slew of fresh & fast recipes that I can make from the same core ingredients. Super easy. I used to do it all on my own but now I use set bundles. My problem is that I could do spaghetti night every night I love pasta. I am trying to get healthy alternatives so I'm switching to mostly organic and gluten free stuff when I can and just trying to eat a bit better. It is easier when I have a plan - otherwise pasta it is.
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Post by deekaye on Apr 5, 2016 21:57:24 GMT
For several years now, first one and then the other daughter planned the menu, shopped (we paid) and cooked dinner every single night (and cleaned up afterwards!). I truly know how fortunate we've been.
Daughter #2 will be moving away to college in the Fall and I seriously don't know how DH and I are going to survive, LOL! I don't like to food shop or cook... and DH thinks he is doing his part by grilling, but of course that means I buy the food, prepare the food for grilling, clean up afterwards while he stands at the grill with his big ol' tongs in one hand and a big ol' drink in the other...
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Apr 5, 2016 22:01:18 GMT
I get the dreaded 3 pm text from DH "Dinner plans?" Makes me insane! Now DS has taken to asking when he arrives home from high school. We have planned the next two nights of dinners, so I get a break for a couple days Mine don't ask what's for dinner anymore because my answer was always 'food' haha that is what my Mom always said... I usually say you'll find out when I figure t out
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