What to feed 4 college boys?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Make your tacos but Fajita style with grilled chicken and steak.

Or order two family meals from Uncle Julio's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. My mind also went to rotisserie chickens. (And pulled pork sandwiches.)

Get some salad in bags and boxes. Like spring mix (add cherry tomatoes) and "Steakhouse Wedge". Have Italian and Ranch dressing. Or Newman's Own Regular or Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Another side option is Birdseye garlic rotini with vegetables. It has broccoli, carrots, and a little pasta. Or get frozen green beans if you do not like the idea of a mix.

With 4 adult men, I'd get half a chicken for each and 2 bagged salads. You'll have leftovers but that's better than having too little.

You could get ice cream (Breyers Chocolate/Vanilla) and fruit to offer as dessert. So either a rich or a more natural food dessert. I'd suggest bananas, grapes, and mandarin oranges.

Mi was with you until the Breyers. You give them werthers too?

It's grocery store ice cream. That's my favorite brand of grocery store ice cream. I find that the "gourmet ice cream" at grocery stores is not special. I've never liked Ben&Jerry's, Haagen-Daz, or Dove. The local brands around here are too creamy and disgustingly sugary. I like an icier ice cream. I think Breyer's is fine and it's convenient that they have a chocolate/vanilla combo. Their mint chocolate chip is also pretty good. Ben&Jerry's is just greenwashed Unilever and the containers are smaller so OP would need more of it.

I have never had Werthers. I guess that's your definition of old person candy. I'll live. I got a Pearson's Coffee Nip habit from my grandparents that I'm not ashamed of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Baked ziti, salad and garlic bread!

I thought of something like that but I know my ds at least (and I think the others as everyone works out) is not a big carb person in that way (more like sweet potatoes and such) so worried they won't like it. I sort of hate this!!!

What!?

He does not eat pasta, pizza...

My dating profile 20 years ago literally said “If you don’t eat carbs I am simply not interested in spending time with you.” Carbs are delicious and I would not want to live with someone who didn’t agree. Hope it’s working out for you though!

A lot of kids these days are really health conscious and into working out. I think they tend to seek similarly-minded people. There is no wrong way, it's all about compatibility.

Actually most health enthusiasts will tell you completely restricting entire categories of food is never a good idea. Moderation has always been the key. I love cheesecake. It’s my favorite dessert of all time and of course it’s one of the most calorie dense desserts there is. I have it a couple times a year on my birthday and once over the holidays. To me that’s a lot more healthy than telling myself that I am not allowed to eat something amazing ever again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Baked ziti, salad and garlic bread!

I thought of something like that but I know my ds at least (and I think the others as everyone works out) is not a big carb person in that way (more like sweet potatoes and such) so worried they won't like it. I sort of hate this!!!

What!?

He does not eat pasta, pizza...

My dating profile 20 years ago literally said “If you don’t eat carbs I am simply not interested in spending time with you.” Carbs are delicious and I would not want to live with someone who didn’t agree. Hope it’s working out for you though!

A lot of kids these days are really health conscious and into working out. I think they tend to seek similarly-minded people. There is no wrong way, it's all about compatibility.

Actually most health enthusiasts will tell you completely restricting entire categories of food is never a good idea. Moderation has always been the key. I love cheesecake. It’s my favorite dessert of all time and of course it’s one of the most calorie dense desserts there is. I have it a couple times a year on my birthday and once over the holidays. To me that’s a lot more healthy than telling myself that I am not allowed to eat something amazing ever again.

Nobody is saying that, just that if you have people who generally don't eat many carbs then you probably should not serve a carb-heavy meal. No need to argue and judge people's food habits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, while I realize this is annoying for you to pull together. Just remember college kids might eventually stop coming by. It's a compliment he's bringing his friends to your home and a sign he feels safe and welcomed. So swallowing the critiques and throwing your arms wide open and being really glad they are there means A LOT to your kids at this age.

I watched my Mom be more than welcoming and it's paid off with lots of casual time with not only her children, but the people they are friends with. My MIL was always grumpy and would have complained and grouched about something like this and she has met ZERO friends her kids have made post-college. They are both local.

So yes, it's annoying because it's last minute and you feel stressed. But drop your perfection expectations, get a meal on the table, bulk up dessert if you aren't sure and just try to relax and enjoy your son and his friends.

This is going to maybe be controversial but as I am getting older I don't really get why I need to be welcoming and also need to enjoy being welcoming or else I am an inferior person...I don't enjoy it and don't really want to meet my kids' friends? To me it's just a whole lot of work piled on top of work and the reward seems to be for extroverts who actually love the company and chit chat, which is not me at all. It just feels like you're a mom of little kids and must entertain and do playdates, then you're a mom of teens and you're a driver, and then you're an empty nester and you are the crash pad. And that's not to say I am acting like a grouch or I'm rude. No, I make the house nice and I make a meal and I try my best, but it is hard for me and my enjoyment of it is 0%. I am so thrilled the minute everyone leaves.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the suggestion for tacos. They’re easily customizable. You can make a few pounds of seasoned beef ahead and put out with shredded lettuce (you can buy it preshredded if you don’t want prep), shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole from WF and a can of refried beans. You can have the entire thing on the table in 15 min if the meat is already cooked. If you have more time, make your own guac, chop some jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, while I realize this is annoying for you to pull together. Just remember college kids might eventually stop coming by. It's a compliment he's bringing his friends to your home and a sign he feels safe and welcomed. So swallowing the critiques and throwing your arms wide open and being really glad they are there means A LOT to your kids at this age.

I watched my Mom be more than welcoming and it's paid off with lots of casual time with not only her children, but the people they are friends with. My MIL was always grumpy and would have complained and grouched about something like this and she has met ZERO friends her kids have made post-college. They are both local.

So yes, it's annoying because it's last minute and you feel stressed. But drop your perfection expectations, get a meal on the table, bulk up dessert if you aren't sure and just try to relax and enjoy your son and his friends.

This is going to maybe be controversial but as I am getting older I don't really get why I need to be welcoming and also need to enjoy being welcoming or else I am an inferior person...I don't enjoy it and don't really want to meet my kids' friends? To me it's just a whole lot of work piled on top of work and the reward seems to be for extroverts who actually love the company and chit chat, which is not me at all. It just feels like you're a mom of little kids and must entertain and do playdates, then you're a mom of teens and you're a driver, and then you're an empty nester and you are the crash pad. And that's not to say I am acting like a grouch or I'm rude. No, I make the house nice and I make a meal and I try my best, but it is hard for me and my enjoyment of it is 0%. I am so thrilled the minute everyone leaves.

PP, I'm also an introvert so I totally get where you're coming from. I'm also relieved when everyone leaves!

That said, those who've said it's meaningful that your kid wants to come home and bring friends are right. If you have kids, this is what it's all about. Make it as easy on yourself as possible, require them to be somewhat self sufficient, but grin and bear it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Roast chicken. Grilled chicken thighs. Steak with a baked potato bar. Taco bar. Slowcooker a pork but and make bbq pulled pork sandwiches. Basically make a protein centered dish.

I’d also stock up on eggs. My college student sons eat a ton of eggs for breakfast.

Yes I have eggs. I'm just upset because this is very last minute and one of them might stay for days. I hate having guests so much and especially because I now have to rush and do a bunch of things and still work all day. Would you all feel this way or be thrilled? I am a reluctant hostess, it's a nightmare for me.

Hosting tires me out, but I love having more kids around, I always wanted to be the house where the kids came and I fed them and they felt welcome here. When my teens do bring friends over I feed them and make them feel welcome, but they don’t come around that often!

Just remind yourself it’s only for a few days. Don’t hesitate to ask the boys to clear their plates and enlist them in taking out the trash and helping with dishes. Get paper plates (not usually my thing but may save your sanity in this situation!) and try to focus on the positives. Seeing your kid. Knowing he has friends. Being a welcoming home when not every kid has a welcoming home.

Oh and you didnt mention breakfast but I would get a lot of bagels and cream cheese and more eggs on top of the eggs you already have. Also, assuming your son can drive to the store, just send him out if you need something else! Basically don’t hesitate to delegate!

My house has always been that sort of house but not overnight: just kids coming in and out all the time. I don't mind that part but I do mind feeding people formal meals, enormously so. I find it very hard and ime people often have hidden dos and don'ts they don't mention and then I feel terrible. My ds is a pretty good breakfast cook so I think he's going to handle that part and make them eggs and protein pancakes.

OP you have permission to lower your own expectations of what’s being asked of you. These are college boys coming to your home for a free home cooked meal! You’re not a personal chef. If no food preferences or allergies are relayed in advance, you have no obligation to accommodate them. If any of these boys voice anything but gratitude you are allowed to (gently, kindly) let them know that there are social norms around being a guest in someone’s home - it will serve them will in the future if this has never been made clear to them.

I think your meal plan sounds wonderful, and much more effort than I’d put forward. Next time have you DS give you ideas of what they might like (esp if he’s so particular around carbs) and also tell him he has to help out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Roast chicken. Grilled chicken thighs. Steak with a baked potato bar. Taco bar. Slowcooker a pork but and make bbq pulled pork sandwiches. Basically make a protein centered dish.

I’d also stock up on eggs. My college student sons eat a ton of eggs for breakfast.

Yes I have eggs. I'm just upset because this is very last minute and one of them might stay for days. I hate having guests so much and especially because I now have to rush and do a bunch of things and still work all day. Would you all feel this way or be thrilled? I am a reluctant hostess, it's a nightmare for me.

Your son is in college. Have him go to the grocery store and get what he wants to eat. They can grill or you can cook for them but this shouldn't be a stress for you, he's an adult so he can be the host here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Baked ziti, salad and garlic bread!

I thought of something like that but I know my ds at least (and I think the others as everyone works out) is not a big carb person in that way (more like sweet potatoes and such) so worried they won't like it. I sort of hate this!!!

What!?

He does not eat pasta, pizza...

My dating profile 20 years ago literally said “If you don’t eat carbs I am simply not interested in spending time with you.” Carbs are delicious and I would not want to live with someone who didn’t agree. Hope it’s working out for you though!

A lot of kids these days are really health conscious and into working out. I think they tend to seek similarly-minded people. There is no wrong way, it's all about compatibility.

Actually most health enthusiasts will tell you completely restricting entire categories of food is never a good idea. Moderation has always been the key. I love cheesecake. It’s my favorite dessert of all time and of course it’s one of the most calorie dense desserts there is. I have it a couple times a year on my birthday and once over the holidays. To me that’s a lot more healthy than telling myself that I am not allowed to eat something amazing ever again.

Nobody is saying that, just that if you have people who generally don't eat many carbs then you probably should not serve a carb-heavy meal. No need to argue and judge people's food habits.

The OP said her husband DOESN’T EAT Pasta, pizza etc…She did not say he limits it or tires to eat it only on occasion. If that were that case, normal people would consider this particular instance an occasion where he would eat it. So yeah it was implied that he never eats these things at all and that’s why the OP can’t make it.

And yeah I judge people’s food habits when they are absolutely ridiculous and infringe on other’s people’s experience AND makes more work for the person cooking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, while I realize this is annoying for you to pull together. Just remember college kids might eventually stop coming by. It's a compliment he's bringing his friends to your home and a sign he feels safe and welcomed. So swallowing the critiques and throwing your arms wide open and being really glad they are there means A LOT to your kids at this age.

I watched my Mom be more than welcoming and it's paid off with lots of casual time with not only her children, but the people they are friends with. My MIL was always grumpy and would have complained and grouched about something like this and she has met ZERO friends her kids have made post-college. They are both local.

So yes, it's annoying because it's last minute and you feel stressed. But drop your perfection expectations, get a meal on the table, bulk up dessert if you aren't sure and just try to relax and enjoy your son and his friends.

This is going to maybe be controversial but as I am getting older I don't really get why I need to be welcoming and also need to enjoy being welcoming or else I am an inferior person...I don't enjoy it and don't really want to meet my kids' friends? To me it's just a whole lot of work piled on top of work and the reward seems to be for extroverts who actually love the company and chit chat, which is not me at all. It just feels like you're a mom of little kids and must entertain and do playdates, then you're a mom of teens and you're a driver, and then you're an empty nester and you are the crash pad. And that's not to say I am acting like a grouch or I'm rude. No, I make the house nice and I make a meal and I try my best, but it is hard for me and my enjoyment of it is 0%. I am so thrilled the minute everyone leaves.

It’s ok to not want to be the entertainer. I have a small house and we have nowhere to go when our young adult kids are here with friends as they don’t want us on top of them. That means we need to be upstairs in our bedroom or outside except when I’m actually greeting the friends or setting out the food. As a compromise, I ask for my kids to give me plenty of notice with the right of refusal if it won’t work for DH and me. I do like meeting their friends and significant others so I try to be welcoming but I can’t do it all the time and don’t feel guilty when I can’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Baked ziti, salad and garlic bread!

I thought of something like that but I know my ds at least (and I think the others as everyone works out) is not a big carb person in that way (more like sweet potatoes and such) so worried they won't like it. I sort of hate this!!!

What!?

He does not eat pasta, pizza...

My dating profile 20 years ago literally said “If you don’t eat carbs I am simply not interested in spending time with you.” Carbs are delicious and I would not want to live with someone who didn’t agree. Hope it’s working out for you though!

A lot of kids these days are really health conscious and into working out. I think they tend to seek similarly-minded people. There is no wrong way, it's all about compatibility.

Actually most health enthusiasts will tell you completely restricting entire categories of food is never a good idea. Moderation has always been the key. I love cheesecake. It’s my favorite dessert of all time and of course it’s one of the most calorie dense desserts there is. I have it a couple times a year on my birthday and once over the holidays. To me that’s a lot more healthy than telling myself that I am not allowed to eat something amazing ever again.

Nobody is saying that, just that if you have people who generally don't eat many carbs then you probably should not serve a carb-heavy meal. No need to argue and judge people's food habits.

The OP said her husband DOESN’T EAT Pasta, pizza etc…She did not say he limits it or tires to eat it only on occasion. If that were that case, normal people would consider this particular instance an occasion where he would eat it. So yeah it was implied that he never eats these things at all and that’s why the OP can’t make it.

And yeah I judge people’s food habits when they are absolutely ridiculous and infringe on other’s people’s experience AND makes more work for the person cooking.

I'm the op and it's my ds. I never said he never eats those things, but if given a choice he usually will not unless it's special for some reason. We went out yesterday and had this ridiculous big delicious dessert because it was the restaurant's specialty. But if we're at home, we're not going to eat that way and even less so if I know the guests coming also don't like it. If he said his friends are crazy about spaghetti I'd make that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Roast chicken. Grilled chicken thighs. Steak with a baked potato bar. Taco bar. Slowcooker a pork but and make bbq pulled pork sandwiches. Basically make a protein centered dish.

I’d also stock up on eggs. My college student sons eat a ton of eggs for breakfast.

Yes I have eggs. I'm just upset because this is very last minute and one of them might stay for days. I hate having guests so much and especially because I now have to rush and do a bunch of things and still work all day. Would you all feel this way or be thrilled? I am a reluctant hostess, it's a nightmare for me.

Your son is in college. Have him go to the grocery store and get what he wants to eat. They can grill or you can cook for them but this shouldn't be a stress for you, he's an adult so he can be the host here.

He's not home now because he went to get the friends. He has not prepared the room, and he's not grocery shopped. Of course he said it's no big deal, whatever, they just need a place to crash...But ultimately that is not how I am comfortable hosting and I know i'd be judged if I did nothing at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, while I realize this is annoying for you to pull together. Just remember college kids might eventually stop coming by. It's a compliment he's bringing his friends to your home and a sign he feels safe and welcomed. So swallowing the critiques and throwing your arms wide open and being really glad they are there means A LOT to your kids at this age.

I watched my Mom be more than welcoming and it's paid off with lots of casual time with not only her children, but the people they are friends with. My MIL was always grumpy and would have complained and grouched about something like this and she has met ZERO friends her kids have made post-college. They are both local.

So yes, it's annoying because it's last minute and you feel stressed. But drop your perfection expectations, get a meal on the table, bulk up dessert if you aren't sure and just try to relax and enjoy your son and his friends.

This is going to maybe be controversial but as I am getting older I don't really get why I need to be welcoming and also need to enjoy being welcoming or else I am an inferior person...I don't enjoy it and don't really want to meet my kids' friends? To me it's just a whole lot of work piled on top of work and the reward seems to be for extroverts who actually love the company and chit chat, which is not me at all. It just feels like you're a mom of little kids and must entertain and do playdates, then you're a mom of teens and you're a driver, and then you're an empty nester and you are the crash pad. And that's not to say I am acting like a grouch or I'm rude. No, I make the house nice and I make a meal and I try my best, but it is hard for me and my enjoyment of it is 0%. I am so thrilled the minute everyone leaves.

It’s ok to not want to be the entertainer. I have a small house and we have nowhere to go when our young adult kids are here with friends as they don’t want us on top of them. That means we need to be upstairs in our bedroom or outside except when I’m actually greeting the friends or setting out the food. As a compromise, I ask for my kids to give me plenty of notice with the right of refusal if it won’t work for DH and me. I do like meeting their friends and significant others so I try to be welcoming but I can’t do it all the time and don’t feel guilty when I can’t.

In this case he told us yesterday for today. One of his friends literally has nowhere to go (he is not from the US) during spring break, and apparently his plans failed through which is why he is coming to us. It's at least tonight, but possibly the whole week? Anyway I am sort of spiraling in my head because it feels like a lot to ask and I have zero choice in the matter. I'm obviously not going to have the kid go back to college (which is very far) and be all alone. But I am mad about it. I am working all week and my dd is also home and I was hoping for just quiet time with my kids and relaxing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Baked ziti, salad and garlic bread!

I thought of something like that but I know my ds at least (and I think the others as everyone works out) is not a big carb person in that way (more like sweet potatoes and such) so worried they won't like it. I sort of hate this!!!

Well your son just sprung this on you last minute and the friend might be there the whole week-so you make what is easiest for YOU and if they don’t like it they can leave and get their own food. I’m sorry but you don’t get to be picky when you are bringing another person home for a an extended period of time that you are expected to lodge and feed.

Also don’t assume peoples food preferences just because “they work out”. Come on.