Dinner when you Just Can’t

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you make for dinner when you have no energy and are totally phoning it in? I’ll start:

Open-faced tuna melts, tomato soup from a can

Veggie “chicken” nuggets and oven fries, salad

Refrigerator-section ravioli or tortellini, jarred sauce, salad

Cavatappi with jarred light Alfredo sauce with frozen peas mixed in, asparagus

Make-your-own pizzas, salad

Each of these is a real dinner in my house. Not remotely phoning it in. Seriously, what do you consider a decent meal?

OP here. Fresh but simple:
marinated roast salmon, steamed spinach, rice
Homemade chicken pot pie (weekend)
Homemade chili, soup or stew with cornbread and a salad
Eggplant Parmesan, salad, garlic bread
Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, asparagus (weekend)
Lots of things that would be considered “30 minute meals” or Pioneer Woman-level effort

Basically, two fresh/homemade things and maybe one phone-it-in side like Rice a Roni or frozen rolls

Go to hell.

I’d tell you the same, but I think you’re already there if the salt from all that Chef Boyardee is making you this cranky. These are all dead easy meals, and some are indicated as “weekend” cooking.

I was only half serious. I'm an excellent cook. My comment was about the fact that you asked for simple dinner ideas when you "just can't" and then you're posting this list as a simple meal. I guess I should have said "Give me a break" instead of go to hell.

I’m not OP, just someone who saw your overblown comment and recognized the insecurity that lies beneath. You can try to backtrack now but “go to hell” in response to OP literally answering a question that was asked of her is beyond. Step away from DCUM, really.

I already said it was only halfhearted. I have no "insecurity that lies beneath" about what I make for dinner, or what anyone else makes for dinner. Oh brother.

You said it was “halfhearted” only after you saw that you were called out for going to an insane level over someone daring to mention that they occasionally a chicken pot pie.

NP. Not standing behind the go to hell comment, but seriously what was the point of this thread? OP wants suggestions for when she “just can’t”, which apparently means a normal dinner without homemade bread and a dessert course.

Pretty trollish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you make for dinner when you have no energy and are totally phoning it in? I’ll start:

Open-faced tuna melts, tomato soup from a can

Veggie “chicken” nuggets and oven fries, salad

Refrigerator-section ravioli or tortellini, jarred sauce, salad

Cavatappi with jarred light Alfredo sauce with frozen peas mixed in, asparagus

Make-your-own pizzas, salad

Each of these is a real dinner in my house. Not remotely phoning it in. Seriously, what do you consider a decent meal?

OP here. Fresh but simple:
marinated roast salmon, steamed spinach, rice
Homemade chicken pot pie (weekend)
Homemade chili, soup or stew with cornbread and a salad
Eggplant Parmesan, salad, garlic bread
Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, asparagus (weekend)
Lots of things that would be considered “30 minute meals” or Pioneer Woman-level effort

Basically, two fresh/homemade things and maybe one phone-it-in side like Rice a Roni or frozen rolls

Go to hell.

I’d tell you the same, but I think you’re already there if the salt from all that Chef Boyardee is making you this cranky. These are all dead easy meals, and some are indicated as “weekend” cooking.

I was only half serious. I'm an excellent cook. My comment was about the fact that you asked for simple dinner ideas when you "just can't" and then you're posting this list as a simple meal. I guess I should have said "Give me a break" instead of go to hell.

I’m not OP, just someone who saw your overblown comment and recognized the insecurity that lies beneath. You can try to backtrack now but “go to hell” in response to OP literally answering a question that was asked of her is beyond. Step away from DCUM, really.

I already said it was only halfhearted. I have no "insecurity that lies beneath" about what I make for dinner, or what anyone else makes for dinner. Oh brother.

You said it was “halfhearted” only after you saw that you were called out for going to an insane level over someone daring to mention that they occasionally a chicken pot pie.

NP. Not standing behind the go to hell comment, but seriously what was the point of this thread? OP wants suggestions for when she “just can’t”, which apparently means a normal dinner without homemade bread and a dessert course.

Pretty trollish.

Could you please show me where OP mentions making homemade bead and a dessert course? You can’t just lie and make things up to try to prove your fictional point.

OP’s examples of “just can’t” nights include canned tomato soup and open-faced tuna melts. Her example of regular, making an effort night include salmon, a vegatable and rice. That’s not exactly Cordon Bleu cuisine.

But please, I will wait. Show me where OP mentioned homemade bread. Maybe another poster did; OP mentioned literally FROZEN rolls. Are you really giving her crap for serving frozen rolls?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem I have is that when I need quick and easy, I only have so many ingredients on hand. Yes, salmon is quick but I don’t always have salmon. My quick and easy is rice and beans. Top it with pick de gallo and sour cream. Kids love it and it is minimal effort with ingredients I always have.

I make this, too. I use the Minute rice (cooks in like 5 mins) and canned black beans. I always have that stuff around.

[Anonymous]

I discovered that you can cook “baked ziti” in the instant pot and that is a new family favorite. You just basically just dump a box of pasta, some water, a jar of sauce, some Italian seasoning, and jarred minced garlic into the pot and cook for 7 minutes. Add mozzarella cheese at the end and put the lid on the pot to melt the cheese. Voila.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you make for dinner when you have no energy and are totally phoning it in? I’ll start:

Open-faced tuna melts, tomato soup from a can

Veggie “chicken” nuggets and oven fries, salad

Refrigerator-section ravioli or tortellini, jarred sauce, salad

Cavatappi with jarred light Alfredo sauce with frozen peas mixed in, asparagus

Make-your-own pizzas, salad

Each of these is a real dinner in my house. Not remotely phoning it in. Seriously, what do you consider a decent meal?

OP here. Fresh but simple:
marinated roast salmon, steamed spinach, rice
Homemade chicken pot pie (weekend)
Homemade chili, soup or stew with cornbread and a salad
Eggplant Parmesan, salad, garlic bread
Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, asparagus (weekend)
Lots of things that would be considered “30 minute meals” or Pioneer Woman-level effort

Basically, two fresh/homemade things and maybe one phone-it-in side like Rice a Roni or frozen rolls

Go to hell.

I’d tell you the same, but I think you’re already there if the salt from all that Chef Boyardee is making you this cranky. These are all dead easy meals, and some are indicated as “weekend” cooking.

I was only half serious. I'm an excellent cook. My comment was about the fact that you asked for simple dinner ideas when you "just can't" and then you're posting this list as a simple meal. I guess I should have said "Give me a break" instead of go to hell.

I’m not OP, just someone who saw your overblown comment and recognized the insecurity that lies beneath. You can try to backtrack now but “go to hell” in response to OP literally answering a question that was asked of her is beyond. Step away from DCUM, really.

I already said it was only halfhearted. I have no "insecurity that lies beneath" about what I make for dinner, or what anyone else makes for dinner. Oh brother.

You said it was “halfhearted” only after you saw that you were called out for going to an insane level over someone daring to mention that they occasionally a chicken pot pie.

NP. Not standing behind the go to hell comment, but seriously what was the point of this thread? OP wants suggestions for when she “just can’t”, which apparently means a normal dinner without homemade bread and a dessert course.

Pretty trollish.

Could you please show me where OP mentions making homemade bead and a dessert course? You can’t just lie and make things up to try to prove your fictional point.

OP’s examples of “just can’t” nights include canned tomato soup and open-faced tuna melts. Her example of regular, making an effort night include salmon, a vegatable and rice. That’s not exactly Cordon Bleu cuisine.

But please, I will wait. Show me where OP mentioned homemade bread. Maybe another poster did; OP mentioned literally FROZEN rolls. Are you really giving her crap for serving frozen rolls?

Go away already. You're ruining the thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you make for dinner when you have no energy and are totally phoning it in? I’ll start:

Open-faced tuna melts, tomato soup from a can

Veggie “chicken” nuggets and oven fries, salad

Refrigerator-section ravioli or tortellini, jarred sauce, salad

Cavatappi with jarred light Alfredo sauce with frozen peas mixed in, asparagus

Make-your-own pizzas, salad

Each of these is a real dinner in my house. Not remotely phoning it in. Seriously, what do you consider a decent meal?

OP here. Fresh but simple:
marinated roast salmon, steamed spinach, rice
Homemade chicken pot pie (weekend)
Homemade chili, soup or stew with cornbread and a salad
Eggplant Parmesan, salad, garlic bread
Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, asparagus (weekend)
Lots of things that would be considered “30 minute meals” or Pioneer Woman-level effort

Basically, two fresh/homemade things and maybe one phone-it-in side like Rice a Roni or frozen rolls

Go to hell.

I’d tell you the same, but I think you’re already there if the salt from all that Chef Boyardee is making you this cranky. These are all dead easy meals, and some are indicated as “weekend” cooking.

I was only half serious. I'm an excellent cook. My comment was about the fact that you asked for simple dinner ideas when you "just can't" and then you're posting this list as a simple meal. I guess I should have said "Give me a break" instead of go to hell.

I’m not OP, just someone who saw your overblown comment and recognized the insecurity that lies beneath. You can try to backtrack now but “go to hell” in response to OP literally answering a question that was asked of her is beyond. Step away from DCUM, really.

I already said it was only halfhearted. I have no "insecurity that lies beneath" about what I make for dinner, or what anyone else makes for dinner. Oh brother.

You said it was “halfhearted” only after you saw that you were called out for going to an insane level over someone daring to mention that they occasionally a chicken pot pie.

NP. Not standing behind the go to hell comment, but seriously what was the point of this thread? OP wants suggestions for when she “just can’t”, which apparently means a normal dinner without homemade bread and a dessert course.

Pretty trollish.

Could you please show me where OP mentions making homemade bead and a dessert course? You can’t just lie and make things up to try to prove your fictional point.

OP’s examples of “just can’t” nights include canned tomato soup and open-faced tuna melts. Her example of regular, making an effort night include salmon, a vegatable and rice. That’s not exactly Cordon Bleu cuisine.

But please, I will wait. Show me where OP mentioned homemade bread. Maybe another poster did; OP mentioned literally FROZEN rolls. Are you really giving her crap for serving frozen rolls?

Go away already. You're ruining the thread.

So because you can’t backup your fictional, made-up accusations, you want the person calling you out on your made-up accusations to “go away.” Got it.

Don’t think I will, though. If you have any truth to back up your false narrative, by all means, set the record straight. Otherwise, it’s OK to admit you were totally wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I discovered that you can cook “baked ziti” in the instant pot and that is a new family favorite. You just basically just dump a box of pasta, some water, a jar of sauce, some Italian seasoning, and jarred minced garlic into the pot and cook for 7 minutes. Add mozzarella cheese at the end and put the lid on the pot to melt the cheese. Voila.

Yum. I love this baked in the oven, but 7 minutes??? Can't beat that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you make for dinner when you have no energy and are totally phoning it in? I’ll start:

Open-faced tuna melts, tomato soup from a can

Veggie “chicken” nuggets and oven fries, salad

Refrigerator-section ravioli or tortellini, jarred sauce, salad

Cavatappi with jarred light Alfredo sauce with frozen peas mixed in, asparagus

Make-your-own pizzas, salad

Each of these is a real dinner in my house. Not remotely phoning it in. Seriously, what do you consider a decent meal?

OP here. Fresh but simple:
marinated roast salmon, steamed spinach, rice
Homemade chicken pot pie (weekend)
Homemade chili, soup or stew with cornbread and a salad
Eggplant Parmesan, salad, garlic bread
Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, asparagus (weekend)
Lots of things that would be considered “30 minute meals” or Pioneer Woman-level effort

Basically, two fresh/homemade things and maybe one phone-it-in side like Rice a Roni or frozen rolls

Go to hell.

I’d tell you the same, but I think you’re already there if the salt from all that Chef Boyardee is making you this cranky. These are all dead easy meals, and some are indicated as “weekend” cooking.

I was only half serious. I'm an excellent cook. My comment was about the fact that you asked for simple dinner ideas when you "just can't" and then you're posting this list as a simple meal. I guess I should have said "Give me a break" instead of go to hell.

I’m not OP, just someone who saw your overblown comment and recognized the insecurity that lies beneath. You can try to backtrack now but “go to hell” in response to OP literally answering a question that was asked of her is beyond. Step away from DCUM, really.

I already said it was only halfhearted. I have no "insecurity that lies beneath" about what I make for dinner, or what anyone else makes for dinner. Oh brother.

You said it was “halfhearted” only after you saw that you were called out for going to an insane level over someone daring to mention that they occasionally a chicken pot pie.

NP. Not standing behind the go to hell comment, but seriously what was the point of this thread? OP wants suggestions for when she “just can’t”, which apparently means a normal dinner without homemade bread and a dessert course.

Pretty trollish.

Could you please show me where OP mentions making homemade bead and a dessert course? You can’t just lie and make things up to try to prove your fictional point.

OP’s examples of “just can’t” nights include canned tomato soup and open-faced tuna melts. Her example of regular, making an effort night include salmon, a vegatable and rice. That’s not exactly Cordon Bleu cuisine.

But please, I will wait. Show me where OP mentioned homemade bread. Maybe another poster did; OP mentioned literally FROZEN rolls. Are you really giving her crap for serving frozen rolls?

Go away already. You're ruining the thread.

So because you can’t backup your fictional, made-up accusations, you want the person calling you out on your made-up accusations to “go away.” Got it.

Don’t think I will, though. If you have any truth to back up your false narrative, by all means, set the record straight. Otherwise, it’s OK to admit you were totally wrong.

Nope, different poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I discovered that you can cook “baked ziti” in the instant pot and that is a new family favorite. You just basically just dump a box of pasta, some water, a jar of sauce, some Italian seasoning, and jarred minced garlic into the pot and cook for 7 minutes. Add mozzarella cheese at the end and put the lid on the pot to melt the cheese. Voila.

Yum. I love this baked in the oven, but 7 minutes??? Can't beat that.

That does sound perfect for a low-energy night—will be trying this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I discovered that you can cook “baked ziti” in the instant pot and that is a new family favorite. You just basically just dump a box of pasta, some water, a jar of sauce, some Italian seasoning, and jarred minced garlic into the pot and cook for 7 minutes. Add mozzarella cheese at the end and put the lid on the pot to melt the cheese. Voila.

Yum. I love this baked in the oven, but 7 minutes??? Can't beat that.

That does sound perfect for a low-energy night—will be trying this.

I make an elaborate version that involves roasting the tomatoes. I think that's a waste of time. it's fun to do but I don't think it actually adds any flavor.

[Anonymous]

I have a deep freezer just for this purpose. I do a bunch o frozen meals every few months so I have emergency food in hand. I lost a ton of weight a few years ago and last second unplanned eating for me always results in bad decisions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a deep freezer just for this purpose. I do a bunch o frozen meals every few months so I have emergency food in hand. I lost a ton of weight a few years ago and last second unplanned eating for me always results in bad decisions.

Same, but it’s where I keep all the frozen storebought dumplings I eat when I have no other plan 🥟

[Anonymous]

Boxed mac n cheese in the instant pot. Dump 1 c of water and the pasta together, set it for 4 min, and then release pressure and stir the cheese/milk in. I do this so frequently its embarrassing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I almost can’t but have a little energy, sausage stir-fry with vegetables over pasta. A little less energy, big pot of oatmeal. When I really just can’t, cereal night. That’s the kids’ favorite. I’ve only done it a couple of times in the summer when we’ve been on the water all day and everyone is exhausted. We don’t allow sugar cereal and use whole milk, so there’s some fat and protein in there.

Cereal night is the best! It's what I do when I don't have the energy to make a pbj.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kids to figure it out themselves. Eat whatever they want that's healthy. By age 6 they could put together something simple. Maybe they needed me to cut something or pour boiling water out.

What heathy meal can a 6 year old make? An apple?

A sandwich. Let your 6 year old make one -- you'll be surprised at how capable your kid is.