What's For Dinner?

These everyday ideas for dinner are ones you definitely already know. The problem is that it's easy to forget that you know them.

For instance, we all know it's important to come together for dinner as a family to share our day and regroup.

Part of the problem is making this a priority. It seems even a 6 year old can have a very busy schedule. If you don't make it a priority it won't happen.

Then when you do manage to get everyone to come together you wonder why you bothered. Something burns, something gets spilled or broken, or a little one throws a fit.

Not quite what you imagined as your family dinner.

The fact is, that being together isn't always a Martha Stewart event. When you share your lives you share all life's imperfections as well. The act of being together transcends these.

Easier said than done. When something ugly happens it's natural to want to react with ugliness. Everyone's tired and hungry and maybe even still thinking about things they've left undone.

That's another problem. When you sit down to the dinner table leave your "to do" list someplace else. Enjoy the meal. Enjoy your family.

When something unforseen happens try to be the one who reacts gracefully to fix the problem. Some days, you might be the one who can manage this. Other days, maybe someone else will step up to the plate (LOL - a little pun for you).

At any rate, this is just the set up. The meat of the matter is - what are you going to eat?

Ever feel like you're fixing the same 3 meals over and over? You know there has got to be something else but you can't think what it is.

Yes - a dinner rut - that's what they call it.

This is where our everyday ideas for dinner come in.

Start With An Appetizer

Chicken wings, a vegetable tray, shrimp cocktail, cheese sticks, or nachos with salsa are all fairly easy to make and usually on hand (except maybe the shrimp).

Not only does it tide everyone over until dinner is ready. It also stretches out the meal and makes it more social. I like to keep it as a buffet type set up. As everyone comes in they can get settled in the house and mingle in the kitchen.

It's a splurge to get an appetizer if we are out to eat, but at home it's affordable.

Soup is another good meal starter. Try our French Market Soup

Don't Forget the Salad

Salads don't take much effort to include, but again, they stretch out the meal. (Not to mention it's not a bad place to add fruits or vegetables).

Applesauce, cole slaw, and cottage cheese couldn't be any easier. Use separate little dishes for these to give them a little more glory on the table.

These guys can be jazzed up in other ways too. Try a little a sprinkle of cinnamon on top the applesauce. Put the cottage cheese on a tomato with a sprinkle of black pepper.

See, these are simple everyday ideas you already know. Sometimes a person just stops taking the time to do them. Then they just kind of get forgotten.

Tossed salads aren't hard. Throw some toppings on your lettuce. Get out the dressing. You're good to go.

I like to keep some hardboiled eggs on hand. As well as a box of croutons and a bag of shredded cheese. If you happen to have olives or tomatoes on hand, great.

On nights when you've taken a shortcut (you know, like ravioli out of a can) making a salad or appetizer is a good way to redeem yourself. In fact, your family probably won't even notice.

What's better? Ravioli? ... Or ravioli with garlic bread and a tossed salad? ... If you really want to go all out whip up some brownies (from a mix of course) for dessert.

The Main Event

Tonight's dinner menu is spaghetti and meatballs. Make plenty of sauce and meatballs. Then bring it back out as meatball hoagies with cheese and black olives (or toppings of your choice).

Turkey is another one of these leftover meals that we love. Turkey dinner the first night (you know... turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, salad...etc.) can easily be made over into turkey and noodles later in the week (with some diced carrots, celery and mushrooms).

Still some left over? Turn it into "chicken salad" on croissants for a lighter third meal.

Chili is another one of these meals that is easy to recycle. Bring it back another night as chili spaghetti, chili dogs, or walking tacos.

Irish? Try corned beef and cabbage tonight.

What about sandwiches?

In my mind I don't think I've cooked dinner if I serve sandwiches. But why not?

How many times when you go out do you order sandwiches?

Yet at home we don't let ourselves get away with it.

The reuben sandwich is one of my favorites.

Philly beef and swiss is easy.

Grilled ham and cheese is another crowd pleaser.

Tuna fish can make a nice sandwich or add it with some peas to macaroni and cheese for an easy casserole.

Usually I call this "Tuna Surprise". Which reminds me of another everyday idea - give your dish a title.

We've decided that the title is part of the appeal to a restaurant's menu. So why not give your creations a title?

When someone chirps up with, "What's for dinner?" Don't just say, "Hamburgers."

Say, "Wildfire Burgers." (This is a hamburger with a little chili on it.) Or say, "Aloha Burgers." (This is a hamburger with pineapple topping.) Don't forget the ever popular, "Mushroom, Swiss and Bacon Burgers." (Obviously this is a burger with mushrooms, swiss cheese, and bacon.)

A little planning can make dinner easier when you get home from work or errands (or when your done with chores around the house).

Start marinading your meat when you get started in the morning.

Or get everything together in the crock pot to cook itself while you're busy with other things.

Save Room for Desserts

It is also an opportunity to have fun baking with your children or each other.

Desserts are also a nice treat to bring to a party.

Remember those brownies we suggested earlier? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Desserts don't have to be difficult or extravagant to add a finishing touch to your meal.

So next time you're scratching your head wondering what's for dinner browse over our everyday ideas and prepare a plan for the week.