Dinner & Main Dishes

20-Minute, One-Pot Dinner Ideas

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:30:32 +0800

Making dinner for your family can be a chore, especially when you are left with a sink full of pots and pans to clean. There are ways, however, to make a delicious dinner that your kids will love without committing yourself to spending all day cooking -- and all night tidying up. Make your preparation and cleanup easier with a variety of quick dinners prepared in a single pot.

Quick, Cheap Dinner Ideas

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:32:39 +0800

At the end of a busy day, the last thing you want to do is cook a complicated dinner with lots of steps and ingredients. Not only are such meals time-consuming, they can also be tough on your wallet. With a bit of preparation and planning -- and the help of some kitchen tools, such as pressure- and slow-cookers -- you can cook quick, easy dinners for your family that won’t break the bank.

Dessert for Breakfast & for Dinner

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:31:32 +0800

If they could, most kids would probably choose dessert for every meal. Dessert has the exciting reputation of being a treat that kids only get after they finish their more boring and healthy dinners. On a special occasion or to make any day a little more sweet, serve up dessert for breakfast or dinner.

Vegetarian Dinners to Make at Home That Are Easy

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:31:32 +0800

When you’re short on time, coming up with balanced vegetarian meals can be a challenge. To meet the recommended daily servings of each of the food groups -- six grains, five proteins, four vegetables, two fruits and two fats -- try to incorporate at least one grain, one protein-rich food and one vegetable into your family’s dinners. Opt for quick-cooking grains, such as pasta and rice, and proteins, such as tofu and beans.

Fast & Easy Dinner Ideas

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:46 +0800

When you want to get dinner on the table quickly, take a few shortcuts with prepared foods or one-pan cooking. Keep ingredients on hand that will let you assemble a meal without a lot of fuss. Pre-baked pizza crusts, cooked meats, instant rice and mashed potatoes, canned fish or chicken, dressings and pasta sauces can make your cooking chores easier. Have fresh produce available to round out your meals, for quick salads and fresh-fruit desserts.

Protein for Dinner

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:11 +0800

Lean protein is a vital part of any well-balanced dinner, as it provides fuel for your body and brain. The human body doesn't store protein the way it does fats. Once your body runs out of protein, it's out, which is why it's helpful to incorporate a little with each meal. Meat-filled or meat-free, there are many ways to include protein in your family dinner.

Quick Dinner Ideas for Toddlers

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:31:03 +0800

If your toddler is a finicky eater, whet her appetite with quick and creative dinner options. Although it may be tempting to serve your family packaged convenience foods, such as chicken nuggets and French fries, on busy nights, it's healthier to prepare your own meals. It's possible to make nutritious, toddler-friendly dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.

Beverages Served During a Dinner

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:46 +0800

Dinner beverages not only sate your family's thirst, they help cleanse your taste buds and enhance the flavor of the meal. Beverages can also be a great way to sneak extra vitamins and minerals into your family's daily diet. Although some drinks work best with other meals, such as orange juice with breakfast, several beverage selections are well-suited for your family dinner.

Light Dinner Idea

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:44 +0800

Whether you are watching your weight or your family ate a big lunch, a light dinner doesn't have to leave you hungry an hour later. Go light on carbohydrates and make vegetables the centerpiece of your dinner instead. Add some protein, which will keep you feeling satisfied until morning, and fill the dish with light and bright flavors such as citrus and garlic.

Easy Dinner Party Food Ideas

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:30:44 +0800

"Easy" may not be the first word that comes to mind when contemplating an elegant dinner party menu, but it is possible to create convenient and delicious appetizers, main courses and desserts. Classic appetizers that require little preparation and uncomplicated entrees and desserts that look and taste gourmet will trick guests into thinking you spent more time in the kitchen than you actually did.

Cheap Dinner Plans for Two

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:36 +0800

Most moms aren't used to cooking for two, but kids' schedules often keep them away from home at meal time. Cooking for two can be trickier than cooking for a big family. You find yourself with a lot of wasted food, which wastes money, or you can get in a rut of eating the same dish over and over because the small portions are convenient. Take time for a little creative menu planning and cook budget-friendly dinners for two that will not get boring or leave leftovers to rot.

High School Graduation Dinner Ideas

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:30:52 +0800

Your ravenous teenagers will be thinking about food long before the last strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” play at their commencement programs. Prepare for the hungry stampede with some practical but healthy high school graduation dinner ideas. Let your graduate choose the foods to be served at his party but keep the soiree simple. Basic standbys such as pizza and tacos can fill up a crowd while offering nutritious choices.

Quick Summer Dinner Ideas

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:33:47 +0800

Because warm-weather appetites tend toward cooler and lighter foods, you don't need to cook elaborate summer dinners. Cold meats, cheeses, vegetables and pasta are as nutritious as the heated versions. Save time by using some prepared foods such as cooked chicken from the supermarket, incorporating canned beans, tuna or chicken into your meals and cooking twice as much food so you can freeze half for another day.

Easy Summer Dinners on the Grill

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:33:47 +0800

Grilling gives you and your family a chance to enjoy a summer evening outdoors while also reducing the mess of pots and pans. Dinner on the grill helps you lower the amount of fat you consume, too, because grilling requires no frying or sauteing in oil or butter. A few basic ideas will get you started. Simply adapt them to suit your family and you’ll have easy, grilled dinners through the summer.

Boiled Dinners

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:50 +0800

Busy moms often rely on slow cookers to prepare dinner when they are at work or engaged in other chores, but the idea is hardly a new one. Colonists knew about the convenience of one-pot meals, as well. From those early settlers come the traditional boiled dinners -- a misnomer, since they are actually simmered for hours. Whether you choose a "low and slow" boiled dinner or a quick meal that really is boiled, this method of cooking in liquid lets you create tomorrow's family favorites to add to those of old.

Steak & Vegetable Dinner

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:37 +0800

Steak and vegetables is a timeless dinner that suits anyone from renaissance kings to rowdy kids. More importantly, it provides the protein, fiber, carbohydrates and other nutrients required for a well-balanced family meal. The dish is versatile enough to work with many seasonings and flavors, so you can alter the recipe to fit your family and your budget.

Quick & Cheap Dinner Ideas for Kids

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:31:36 +0800

Between after-school activities, dance recitals and homework, you'll need plenty of quick and cheap kid-pleasing dinners on hand. Easy-to-make, inexpensive food can still be healthy if you get creative with fresh, nutritious ingredients. Combine prepackaged food items with homemade touches to create a simple and tasty dinner menu.

The Best Sunday Night Dinner to Make the Family

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:34 +0800

Make Sunday dinner for your family a special time each week where you all sit down to connect with each other. It is important to establish the Sunday dinner tradition with your family, especially if schedules don't permit family dinners during the week. Make comfort food that the entire family looks forward to but that won't knock you out during preparation.

Suppers With Leftover Meatloaf

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:33:46 +0800

Save time and money by turning your meatloaf leftovers into future suppers. Enjoy the leftovers the next day, or freeze them for several months. Prepare the leftover meatloaf in traditional slices, or transform it into a creative and tasty meal your whole family will love.

Quick, Easy Supper Ideas

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:34:57 +0800

Although "dinner" and "supper" are often used interchangeably, supper can refer to a lighter meal in the evening, after a main meal taken at midday. Because supper is lighter than dinner, finding quick ideas for your family is easy. Assemble ingredients after a quick run to the grocery store. Or even better, incorporate leftovers or kitchen staples to help you make a delicious supper for your family without spending half your day in the kitchen. If you are smart about the ingredients you use, you can prepare healthy and light meals in a jiffy that satisfy your kids and keep your stress level to a minimum.