What meals are a HIT with your children...

[Jenny B]

...and you enjoy them too.:D

There are recipes I make that dh and I really like, but dc don't enjoy. I don't make separate meals, I just like everyone to eat the same thing together. Usually I have at least something, I know they will like and they NEED to at least try everything, it just seems like lately I haven't hit much on the mark...:unsure:

And to make it a little harder, I have been trying to cook healthier,, so maybe things aren't quite as tasty... do you have any loved "regulars", ideas that your family enjoys?:)

Would love to hear some!! Thanks!!

[Kristine In Indiana]

I just posted this on another thread, but my kids love it:

Mexicali Chicken (this is the original recipe)
2 boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
1 can stewed tomatoes or salsa
1 can chili beans
6 oz. frozen corn
2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups rice
shredded cheddar cheese
Cook chicken in olive oil and cut it up or shred. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pour rice and stock into a baking dish. Place chicken on top, add everything else except for cheese. Cover and bake 30 minutes or until rice is tender (depending upon the kind of rice, it may take longer) Remove foil, add cheese and let it melt. Serve.

Ok, this is what I did today: I used about two cups of chicken, 2 cups corn (that I froze from my dads farm), 1 pint salsa, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup rice (that was all I had or I would have added more, it was Basmati rice, about a cup and a half of chili beans that started out dry, but I cooked them the day before. I cooked it on the stove because I didn't have enough time in the crock pot. (I could have added everything to the crock pot and cooked for at least four hours on high, I have done it this way before and it turns out fine) I cooked it on the stove for about 45 minutes and then let it cook in the crock pot for an hour and a half. I added the cheese before I brought it. (it was a mixture of mozz. & cheddar cheese)

This recipe can really be several dishes, I like it best baked in the oven. We sometimes have it with sour cream, chips or corn bread. I will use leftovers and roll in tortilla shells. I have also used hamburger in place of the chicken and beef bullion instead of chicken. Anyway, hope all of that makes sense.


They also really like Friendship Soup (if you do a search on the soup thread the link will be there)

Kristine

[deleise]

All pasta dishes. And I serve the sauce and pasta separately so my really picky ones can just eat pasta with parm. cheese on top if they want.

[Robin in Colorado]

My family really likes meatloaf. I mean *really* likes it.

Some other "hit" meals include Ranch Style Spaghetti; Creamy Italian Chicken; and my really picky 7yo just luuvs Sausage & Sauerkraut.

[Jo in PRC]

Our family favorites are Chicken Pot Pie (any recipe :) ) and meatloaf with baked potatoes. My family is good about eating anything - very necessary skill where we live - but when I make either the pot pie or the meatloaf, I hear audible sighs of delight when they gather at the table. Ahh, music to a mother's ears....

[Amanda in RI]

Lemon Chicken Stir Fry--

Basically it's about a lb. of cooked, diced chicken, 8 oz. of cooked pasta plus whatever veggies you want to stir fry. (The actual recipe calls for carrots, red pepper, yellow squash & asparagus.)

The sauce is what makes it:

3/4 cup water
2 T. lemon juice (or to taste)
1 envelope of Lipton's Savory Herb with Garlic soup mix.

Mix sauce ingredients and simmer with the veggies until thickened slightly. Add chicken & pasta & toss.

DELISH!

Amanda

[DD in IL]

Pork chops marinated in soy sauce, rosemary, and garlic.

[MarieD]

I have found my dds will eat anything as long as there is a side of fresh bread, rice or pasta with the meal. So I can make the meat & veggie the way dh & I like it, and they will each eat a small portion of it with the promise of the starch to come. My oldest can have everything on her plate at once, but my youngest will start her meal with only the meat and veggie, and she gets her bread/rolls, rice, or pasta when she has eaten all or most of the main dish. ;)

The times I run into trouble is when it is a casserole. My youngest isn't a fan of her food all mixed together. :no: With the exception of Chicken Divan, and I think that is only because the chicken and broccoli (which she loves both) are drenched in the cheese sauce (another of her favorites).

[CyndiinOKC]

Terryaki Turkey balls with jasmine rice

tacquitos

stir fry

fried rice

egg rolls

tacos

gooey chicken burritos

pizza pockets!

cheeseburger pockets

sweet potato fries

whirly burgers

pizza burgers

chicken pockets

chili and cornbread

meatball lasagna

spaghetti and meatballs

meatloaf with mashed potatoes

fajitas

[Lisa in Ft. Worth, T]

Tater tot casserole
Link sausage w/baked beans on the side

[Barbra in FL]

Chicken and dumplings
Meatloaf
Burritos, tacos, enchiladas
Most anything with pasta (although the veggie pasta dish I tried last week was less than warmly accepted)
Pork roast with yellow rice
Beef tips in gravy
Chicken Cordon Bleu (think easy - out of the box from the frozen food section!)
Shrimp
Chicken Parmesan

My guys like to eat and aren't too terribly picky, except veggies, but they get them on their plates anyways. Now if only my grocery bill were lower!:unsure:

[Lisalyn]

We had Rotel Chicken last night and I was very surprised to see that everyone loved it! Even the picky ones. :cool:

It was very easy. The recipe called for boiling a 3 lb chicken, but I just boiled 5 chicken breasts and shredded them. 1 can of Rotel tomatoes, 1 can of Nacho Cheese soup, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup and 1 small box of spaghetti noodles ( I exchanged the noodles with 2 cups of rice).
*Note that I added the 2nd can of cream of chkn soup because of the rice.

Mix all ingredients and bake for 30 minutes at 375. I topped this with a little shredded cheese and had taco toppings (lettuce, tomato, sour cream).

I served this with flour tortillas and whole green beans.

This one is going on my 'rotation'. :clap:

[Merrilee Morse]

Well, when you have an autism spectrum child with sensory issues, I am afraid finding a meal everyone enjoys is almost an impossibility, esp. when his idea of a perfect meal is a pbj or hot wings at EVERY meal. About the only thing I can fix with zero complaints from anyone, I cannot afford very often. Rare grilled New York steaks with fresh corn on the cob and Caesar salad.

[Alicia]

~ Lasagne
~ Ravioli
~ Spaghetti Parmesan
~ Baked 7-Layer Dip and Tortilla Chips
~ Nachos
~ Taco Salad
~ Chicken Muenster
~ Chicken 'n Biscuits
~ Fajitas
~ Chili
~ Homemade Pizza
~ Chicken Tenders
~ Beef Stroganoff

[Paige Poland]

My kids eat almost anything as long as it's not a casserole. They just don't like things mixed together (except spaghetti). Like someone else mentioned, I usually serve a meat, veggies, a starch, and fruit, but nothing is mixed together.

We typically eat chicken, pork tenderloin, meatloaf, spaghetti -- basics.

They LOVE ham and don't even care when it lasts almost a week :)

A family favorite that I cook sometimes (and intent to cook tomorrow night when Angela Paige and her kids come to visit) is

Chicken Cutlets:

* boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into thin slices (I usually take a breast and cut it in 1/2 lengthwise and then cut that in half to make it thinner)
* beat a couple of eggs and dip the chicken into that
* roll the chicken in Italian Bread Crumbs until it's coated
* Pour olive oil into a pan (I usually use the Pampered Chef bar pan) and "move" it around
* Put the chicken on the pan and "flip" it until both sides have some oil on them
* Bake at 400 20-25 minutes -- flip the chicken after 10-15 minutes

This is scrumptious!!! My children and husband lap it up (well, me too) :yum:

[Jenny B]

These are just terrific!!!!

Thank you soo soo much. Some of the things you mentioned we have made....I just haven't made in while...maybe it is time to revisit some. Thank you also for those who have posted recipes!!! I will be trying some. I do love trying new recipes, I think that throws the kids off a little, because lately, I have been trying quite a few. Dh has been on WW since Jan. and I am working on it too!

Paige...yes...HAM, I think our family could do the same. Each time I am preparing it the kids are raving before it even gets to the table! And how simple could it get?? :D

Please keep more coming... I sure do appreciate them!!

[Jenny B]

Terryaki Turkey balls with jasmine rice



Cyndi, would you mind sharing this recipe? Sounds good!

I have to go through the rest and request some more :blush:

[Jen M]

A super easy one! :lol:

Our family favorite dish is Tortellini Alfredo!

I just buy it frozen at the store and mix it with a pre-made sauce. I am still trying to locate a brand/sauce on Feingold, but it is still our favorite!!!

[CyndiinOKC]

Jenny, here is the Terryaki Turkey balls with jasmine rice recipe:


1/3 c. terryaki marinade
1 T. cornstarch
1/2 t. grated fresh ginger
1/2 t. sesame oil
1 lb. ground turkey or chicken

Mix marinade, cornstarch, ginger and sesame oil together and pour onto turkey and shape into meatballs. Bake at 500°F for 10 minutes. Serve over rice. Such a hit!


HINT: I just started doing this recently and it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE!!! While the second pan of meatballs is broiling I make another recipe of the sauce and roll the meatballs in the sauce. Then, after all meatballs are done cooking I put them back in just to put a little sizzle on 'em. This glazes them really nicely and they have a lot more flava'. (turkey can be so bland without a little somethin-somethin, kwim?)

I serve it over Jasmine rice, availabe in most stores.


ETA: I quadruple this recipe and we have it in pita pockets the next day. Oh, and sprinkle fresh cilantro over it. Sooooo good!

[Oney]

scares the bejeebers out of me. :lol:

It's strange looking for one thing and for another, I have no idea what to do with it.

However, so many recipes I've seen lately (here and other places) call for fresh ginger. So, can someone give me a cyber lesson on fresh ginger? :D

[Jo in PRC]

Oney, You're cracking me up! Just repeat to yourself, "It can't hurt me, It can't hurt me, It can't hurt me." I hope you don't mind if I share this post with my househelper. She loves ginger and thinks all foreigners are weird! When buying it, look for ginger that isn't too shriveled and dry. A little goes a long way, so you don't need to buy much. Just peel it with a sharp knife (or you can use a peeler-thingee) and then chop or grate or mince it according to the recipe's instructions. Hope that helps, ~Jo

[Merrilee Morse]

Ummm...Oney, you never had pumpkin pie? Or gingersnaps? It is the same substance as the powdered, only fresh and so much more flavourful. I grate it and use it in stir fry to add an extra flavour punch to whatever I am cooking.

[Robin in Colorado]

Oney, a little sliver will help clear your sinuses in a delightful way!

[Oney]

Oh ground dried ginger is my friend. :yes: I love the taste and smell of it. It's just when it's in its original, God-given form that I don't know what to do with it. Do you peel it? If so, how much is taken off before you get to the good stuff. Shred it? Mince it? Pieces? How much?

[Robin in Colorado]

Try this (http://www.seedsofknowledge.com/ginger.html)

[Sheri]

Spaghetti with mild rotel and cheese. I made it one night when we were out of groceries, and everyone downed it. I was in shock! Mike and I liked it too.

Enchiladas with ground turkey: another shocker. I always make it with chicken breast, but threw some together one night with ground turkey and the kids didn't stop until it was all gone. Although Mike and I prefer the chicken enchiladas this was good too.

Beef Stew: Gav prefers to eat it because, unfortunately he saw Benchwarmers and there is a scene about "Beef Stew"...so everytime I make it he giggles nonstop and eats it so he can say "I ate beef stew"

Breakfast Casserole: EVERY single one of us loves it.

cheese soup: I don't have any recipe but some potatos, cheese, milk all cooked together.

tator tot casserole: It's always a big hit.

[Jenny B]

scares the bejeebers out of me. :lol:

It's strange looking for one thing and for another, I have no idea what to do with it.

However, so many recipes I've seen lately (here and other places) call for fresh ginger. So, can someone give me a cyber lesson on fresh ginger? :D

Oney, it looks like you have gotten some good therapy here for this "ginger fear" you are dealing with. Hope you are making progress! :D

Really though, my mom used to cook with it...yummy chinese recipes. She would peel a small section, then very finely slice it with a knife (kind of ended up grated) but now I have seen these tiny little hand graters that look pretty slick. And the fresh ginger sure adds flavor...right now and lots of it! Like Jo said, a little goes a long way. I think that is why I don't use it much, because I use it once and then it just sits in my refrigerator...but...

isn't it possible to freeze fresh ginger? Maybe not? Maybe someone knows?


I sure do appreciate all of the recipes and ideas!! Cyndi...thanks so much for posting the recipe for the meatballs!! I may give that one a whirl!! :)

[CyndiinOKC]

Oney, I don't even bother to grate it anymore, I just buy it already minced in a jar. (yes, fresh ginger in a jar!)

[Oney]

Robin, see what I mean? That thing looks like a wizened hand that lost its fingers. :lol: :eek2:

I like your idea Cyndi. :thumb: But I'm willing to give fresh ginger a try. :D

[Merrilee Morse]

Yes, you can freeze it. Matter of fact, it makes grating it easier. Peel it with a vegetable peeler and throw it in a Ziplock bag in the freezer, and when you want some, just grate it frozen and replace in the freezer. Got the idea from a Food Network cooking show.

[MichelleTN]

We had Rotel Chicken last night and I was very surprised to see that everyone loved it! Even the picky ones. :cool:

It was very easy. The recipe called for boiling a 3 lb chicken, but I just boiled 5 chicken breasts and shredded them. 1 can of Rotel tomatoes, 1 can of Nacho Cheese soup, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup and 1 small box of spaghetti noodles ( I exchanged the noodles with 2 cups of rice).
*Note that I added the 2nd can of cream of chkn soup because of the rice.

Mix all ingredients and bake for 30 minutes at 375. I topped this with a little shredded cheese and had taco toppings (lettuce, tomato, sour cream).

I served this with flour tortillas and whole green beans.

This one is going on my 'rotation'. :clap:

I fix a Chicken Rotel. Boil chicken pieces (boneless skinless breast or whatever I have on hand). When it is done take the chicken out and put spaghetti noodles in chicken water and cook. While spaghetti is cooking cut up chicken and cut up some velvetta. After noodles are done, drain, add cheese and stir until melted (sometimes I go ahead and kinda melt the cheese). Add a can of rotel and the chicken, stir and eat. :yum:

[Katie]

:hi: Hi Friend!

Tonight, I made dinner that the WHOLE family loved! It's a German recipe passed down from my mom. I think the whole name is Fleischbrok (or something like that). We pronounce it bra + a sound that you make in the back of your throat.

Brach

Thaw two frozen bread doughs
Brown ground chuck
Add 1/2 to a whole green cabbage, shredded (sometimes, I just use a bag of cole slaw) and drain
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions: Roll out one of the thawed frozen bread doughs into a rectangular shape (maybe 8"x10" or so). Cut into six equal pieces. Add a few spoonfuls of meat/cabbage mixture to center of each. Bring corners up of each and pinch shut, then other two corners, pinching together to form a "pillow." Place seam side onto greased baking sheet. With two bread doughs, you will probably make 12 pockets (of course, our kids like the mini's and dad likes the BIG ones, so it's fun to experiment :) ). Let rise for 30 minutes (this step is optional).

Bake at 350 for approximately 30 minutes or until brown on top.

Brush with melted butter.

We like to serve with a variety of salt on the table ~ some of us like onion salt while others like celery salt.

Enjoy! :yum:

(You can freeze before baking!)

P.S. ~ These are also good cold or at room temperature and make a good lunch for our husbands the next day! It's funny because Joel has a friend at work who tried one once and LOVED it, so each time we have them, I send one along with Joel for his buddy!

[Shannon]

Katie,
Your German recipe sounds yummy - and something different for us to try too!:clap:

Here's a quick and easy one that my kids always really like.

Easy Ranch Chicken

4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (at least cut in half to make thinner strips)
Ranch Dressing
Bread Crumbs (I like Italian) mixed with grated parmesan

Dip chicken strips into Ranch dressing and then coat with the bread crumb/cheese mixture. Bake in a greased 9x13 casserole (uncovered) at 375 F. for 45 minutes.
(If your chicken is very thick, you might want to flatten with a meat mallet before coating.)
Enjoy!

[Victoria]

Thanks Gals!! Thanks Paige for the link. I appreciate it. Keep the recipes coming. Here's another hit with my kids, that yours might like too.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cda/recipe_print/0,1946,FOOD_9936_34728_PRINT-RECIPE-FULL-PAGE,00.html:yum: :yum:

[Victoria]

Here's the link again-sorry

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_34728,00.html

[Jenny B]

Hi Victoria~ :hi:

I was surprised to see my thread back up again! :) I hope you have gotten some good ideas to try. :thumb:

Here is a new one that I have tried lately that has been a hit...and it is very easy too!

BBQ Chicken Pizza

1 pkg refrigerated pizza crust (the Pillsbury kind by the crescent rolls...)
1 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 c. cooked shredded or cubed chicken
3/4 cup chopped green pepper (I don't add this one)
3/4 cup chopped or sliced red onion (seems to go over better when I don't add this. :D )
1/2 c. your favorite BBQ sauce

Press pizza crust into greased pan. Bake at 425 degrees for 5-7 minutes. While crust bakes, cook onion and pepper until tender. Spread bbq sauce over baked crust, top evenly with chicken. Arrange vegetable mixture evenly over chicken, sprinkle with cheese. Bake 8 additional minutes or until crust is golden and cheese melts.

[Jenny B]

Here's the link again-sorry

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_34728,00.html

That sure looks good, Victoria! Thanks for posting. I just loooove water chestnuts! :yum:

[Kendra AU]

Spaghetti.. dh prefers his with meat so I either pull a pack of meatballs out of the freezer or we bread chicken breasts and bake those and slap 1/4 -1/2 of a chicken breast on each plate and top with cheese. We go through a LOT of spaghetti sauce, I have to quadruple the sauce recipe each time I make it...

Tacos.. I think it's building them on their own that appeals the most, but they do eat them too..


Chicken Kebabs, which are an Aussie staple to some degree. We make our own by buying chicken breast and cutting it into bite size pieces. I thread those onto wooden skewers, place them all in metal pan (you know those cheap-e disposable ones) and topping it with a marinade. The boys personal favorite would be Honey Soy.

Pork chops, just about anyway we fix them. We throw them breaded in the oven or cook them up the stove top with apples and onion. Either way pleases everyone, including my apple hater!

Chicken Veggie Alfredo.. this is a BIG hit with everyone (most pasta dishes are) I do NOT, however, use linguine noodles because dh (no joke) chokes on them everytime! The kids have once or twice, but it gets dh regardless.. Recipe follows:

Yields 6 Servings

8 oz hot cooked pasta (we tend to use whatever shape the lucky winner picks from the cupboard)
2 teaspoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 pint (2 cups) fat free half and half
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 1/4 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips or chunks
1 jar (7 oz) roasted red pepper strips
1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. Keep warm. In a 2-quart saucepan melt the butter over medium heat, add shallot and garlic; cook and stir for one minute. In a medium bowl whisk together half-half and flour with a wire whisk; add to saucepan. Heat to boiling stirring frequently. Beat in sour cream with wire whisk, reduce heat to low and cook 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of cheese, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet and cook chicken, add chicken and bell peppers to the sauce and toss with the pasta. Top with extra cheese

Note: It's easiest to make this if you measure everything out and have it sitting next to the stove ready to go. I find it easier to have my chicken cooked before I make the sauce. I also roast my own bell peppers for various reasons. You just cut them in half, remove stem and seeds and slip them under the broiler until the skin is black. Toss them in a plastic bag and close the bag. Give them five minutes or so and the skin will slip right off. I also add cooked carrot, broccoli, and peas to our Alfredo which makes it go farther. Australia takes their cream-y stuff VERY seriously so there's no such thing as half-&-half here, at least not in our neck of the woods. I use 1% milk mixed with light cream. I usually just mix all the cheese in, because otherwise our cheese lover complains that he didn't get enough "extra" on top of his plate! ;)


Home Made Pizza -- we top our's, sections off, with what each person wants. Generally each person has chicken, pineapple, red pepper and cheese. Some of us have other toppings (like broccoli or asparagus) and some don't.


Hamburger Goulash -- I brown up a pound of ground beef and an onion, mix in a can of tomato paste, a sprinkle or two of Italian seasonings, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, a shake of garlic powder, and a couple of sprinkles of Stevia. We add a bag of cooked pasta and a can of corn, drained. We serve it topped with shredded "Tasty" cheese (ie, cheddar). It lasts for a few lunches as well.

Anything that requires using "pork chops", or as most of us say Chop Sticks! ;) Our four year old refers to them as pork chops and no amount of prodding from his very confused grandfather changed the fact either! :lol:

Orange Apricot chicken served with rice (you can get the recipe from www.lightandtasty.com) is a big hit too.

Kendra