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What should I make for family dinner, for my inlaws and my family?

My family is very health conscience. My husband’s family likes the greasy southern food. Fried chicken, collard greens kind of things. How can I come up with a menu that makes everyone happy? Without me being in the kitchen forever.

How about a little something for everyone?

A scrumptious salad? Bean salads? I do not know just what makes up Southern cuisine besides grits n stuff so forgive my ignorance. But methinks pork innards are not something you should be dealing with!

A good old barbeque with ribs n sauce. Let them have their greasy meats, you stick to what pleases you. Let the guys bond over the fire, they love to do that stuff. Let your man give you some clues, and perhaps offer to do this part.

Potatoes in any way shape or form but fried.

Is fresh corn available yet? With so much summer goodness available, celebrate the season with good summer foods that are seasonal.

Remember, carrying a grandbaby can get you a LOT of brownie points! You might be able to even serve them a healthy meal if you remind them that you are concerned about what you eat considering your "condition".

To be honest, in the summer, how can one NOT just live off the best fresh produce around?

As for a desert, something that will go over big like a big old barrel of ice cream and sauce or fruit or pie or something special that his momma or poppa is extra fond of?

Good luck!

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8 Responses

  1. Barbara L :

    How about a little something for everyone?

    A scrumptious salad? Bean salads? I do not know just what makes up Southern cuisine besides grits n stuff so forgive my ignorance. But methinks pork innards are not something you should be dealing with!

    A good old barbeque with ribs n sauce. Let them have their greasy meats, you stick to what pleases you. Let the guys bond over the fire, they love to do that stuff. Let your man give you some clues, and perhaps offer to do this part.

    Potatoes in any way shape or form but fried.

    Is fresh corn available yet? With so much summer goodness available, celebrate the season with good summer foods that are seasonal.

    Remember, carrying a grandbaby can get you a LOT of brownie points! You might be able to even serve them a healthy meal if you remind them that you are concerned about what you eat considering your "condition".

    To be honest, in the summer, how can one NOT just live off the best fresh produce around?

    As for a desert, something that will go over big like a big old barrel of ice cream and sauce or fruit or pie or something special that his momma or poppa is extra fond of?

    Good luck!
    References :

  2. Alex_angel22 :

    put a whole kitchen in the oven with potatoes(jacket). then make a sauce that satisfies your husband’s side. it could be spice with tobacco etc. find spicy sauce’s recipes on webs. or a dipping so that when the chicken is ready anyone who wants to dip it in the sauce wont bother the others who want it clean and light. make two salads, each different ingredients. one healthy and one heavy(mayo, mustard etc, cheese, bacon). you can sort it out with my help i think!
    References :

  3. shiftace :

    I recommend a roasted meat with side dishes. It’s "traditional" and suits a family dining atmosphere. The side dishes allows you some flexibility with the "healthiness" of dishes. (Collard greens, btw, are pretty healthy, just need some ham hock to flavor it)

    A prime rib steak is a good choice, since you can buy a standing rib roast (abt 5-6 bones long) to feed everyone. Season with rosemary, salt, pepper, and some garlic, and you have a decent rib roast that’s relatively healthy. You can serve it with either the jus pan drippings, a gravy for your in laws, or a lowfat horseradish mayo made from scratch (very fast with a food processor). If you don’t want to be in the kitchen forever, I suggest eating out, because any meal for your family and your in-laws, especially with differing tastes like that, will take awhile, unless you plan on Mac and Cheese out of the box and weiners.
    References :

  4. punk_rawk_grrl :

    Make the Southern stuff for his family and a chicken caeser salad for the rest.
    References :

  5. littleheadcat :

    give yourself a couple of days to get this dinner together
    my best advice i can give you is—cook ‘your’ best dishes
    cook the special dishes that you prepare for yourself and your husband
    cooking what you know will save you so much time and stress
    you can add special side dishes in honor of your family
    collard greens, sweet yams, fresh green beans and salads
    are good dishes because they mix so well with other dishes

    dessert: just go to your favorite bakery or local restaurant—the number one way to save time, stress and money
    i always get my desserts for parties at my local bar-b-Que place
    the owner’s mother bake the pies and cakes for $12.00 each—homemade without the work
    keep your dinner simple and fun—and if you need help – ask!
    take care
    References :

  6. U2fanforever :

    Here’s a southern recipe that’s low in fat that will please everyone.
    Blackeyed Peas and Ham:
    1- 16oz. pkg. frozen blackeyed peas
    1 onion, chopped
    1 smoked ham steak, bone in or boneless, sliced and chopped
    Seasonings such as: salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves, cajun seasoning, soul seasoning, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes
    Place a few cups water in a large saucepan or stockpot and bring to the boil. Add in chopped onion and chopped ham. When water is boiling add in bag of frozen blackeyed peas and stir. Now add in all of your seasonings to taste. I happen to use all of the seasonings above but choose which you think you will like. Turn heat down to low and simmer covered for about one hour or until the peas are cooked through and soft but not mushy. Make sure not to boil this or they will be mushy. Serve over white or brown rice with chopped tomato and green onions on the side, hot sauce, cornbread, greens made without bacon grease, macaroni and cheese, and other veggies you like. It is a good southern meal that has something to please everyone in it.
    References :

  7. oli_jes :

    I make a big chicken casserole when I have company…it’s always a favorite.
    precook a bag of frozen chicken breasts (usually 5-6) I use a George Foreman grill.
    Meanwhile, mix 2 cans cream of chicken soup, 1 lb. sour cream, 1 to 1 1/2 c. milk, 2 c minute rice, and 2 c. shredded cheese (I usually do cheddar, but a mix of cheddar and mozz. is good too).
    Once the chicken is cooked, cut into cubes and put in the soup mixture. Spread this into a casserole dish and top with crushed crackers (club or ritz or saltine). Then drizzle a melted stick of butter over the top and bake at 375 until the crackers get nice and toasted…about 45min.-1hr. Serve w/ a veggie and biscuits, or whatever…ENJOY!
    References :

  8. shane c :

    Apple Tossed Salad
    INGREDIENTS

    * 1/3 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
    * 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
    * 3 tablespoons water
    * 1 garlic clove, minced
    * 1 teaspoon onion powder
    * 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    * 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
    * 1/4 teaspoon salt
    * 1/4 teaspoon pepper
    * 8 cups torn romaine
    * 1 medium red apple, thinly sliced
    * 1 small sweet onion, sliced and separated into rings
    * 1/4 cup sunflower kernels or walnuts

    DIRECTIONS

    1. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the first nine ingredients; shake well. In a salad bowl, combine the romaine, apple, onion and sunflower kernel. Add dressing and toss to coat. Let stand for 30 minutes.

    Chicken Noodle Casserole
    INGREDIENTS

    * 2/3 cup chopped onion
    * 1 garlic clove, minced
    * 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
    * 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
    * 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
    * 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
    * 3 celery ribs, chopped
    * 1/2 teaspoon dried savory
    * 3 tablespoons butter or stick margarine
    * 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    * 3/4 teaspoon salt
    * 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
    * 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
    * 1 1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
    * 8 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained

    DIRECTIONS

    1. In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add chicken; cook and stir until no longer pink. Add the broth, carrots, celery and savory. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
    2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Pour over chicken mixture. Add noodles; mix well.
    3. Transfer to a 3-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.
    References :
    http://meals.allrecipes.com/display/MealDetail.aspx?MealID=16034


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