Cooking blues

[tink20]

Do you sometimes, just draw a blank, and have no idea what to cook for dinner. I just feel like I am cooking the same things every week. I don't really enjoy cooking, so its like a chore, which I guess is why I'm not excited about "what to cook" Any helpful advice?

 

[anniemae]

Two words: Crock Pot!

Also, what helps me is to make a big meal on Sunday so it lasts for two nights. I love the nights when supper consists of pulling something out of the fridge and into the microwave!

 

[marmalade]

I feel this way all the time. I always make a homemade dinner. Cooking is therapy to me and I don't follow receipes, I more or less just put things together.

When I am in a rut I watch the food network to get new ideas. Even if I don't follow exactly what they are making it ususally inspires me to come up with something.

Tonight for dinner, I am making a venision roast (not my 1st choice but DS is sick and can't get to store) in the crockpot with red potatoes, and will serve with broccoli and salad.

 

[moburg]

You could try e-mealz.com. They provide a weekly menu with recipes and a shopping list. Its $5 a month, but the grocery savings more than makes up for that. Lots of menu types to choose from.

 

[cabanafrau]

I've tried to combat this by keeping a list of recipes I come across that look interesting and then sifting through the list when I'm in a rut.

When I'm really, really, down low, can't come up with anything, don't want to cook, shop for it, etc., I try to remind myself that a good portion of the world would love to have my "problem". That usually shuts my complaining lips.

 

[MIGrandma]

I collect cookbooks, so when I'm in a cooking rut I go through a couple of those and find some new things to try. I prefer basic recipes, nothing fancy with ingredients that I would have trouble finding in a grocery store.

Tonight we're having hobo pies. We usually make them when we're camping, as they cook over the open fire. But I make them during the winter months at home too. You just take pieces of extra large aluminum foil and on each one you put a boneless chicken breast (cut up in bite-size pieces) then lots of fresh vegetables. Tonight I'm using potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, broccoli, green beans, pea pods, and corn. Then I dab on a little butter, seasonings, and drizzle on some Italian dressing. Wrap them up and put them in the oven at 375 for an hour - hour and a half. Delicious! And easy clean up because there are no pots or pans. You could use other kinds of meats as well, and really any vegetables are good too.

 

[mamacatnv]

This is generally when we will have "breakfast" for dinner

 

[DisneyScraps]

I love Food Network when I watch a show one of the dishes usually ends up on my table that week.

Their web site is full of recipes. You can search what type of food you want to make. You can also save recipes in a recipe box, I find that really useful when I see something that I want to go back to another time.

One thing we do is about once a week we have appetizers for dinner. I make little bits of things we love. We usually do that with a movie.

Sandwiches? I don't just mean regular ones but maybe awesome pannini? Nights when I am really busy cooking non dinner stuff (maybe precooking for a holiday etc) I make designed grilled cheese sandwiches, we put all kind of yummy cheeses and whatever else each person loves.

Why not try to make something you love eating in a restaurant? Something special might excite you or maybe something you loved as a child.

I especially like Ina Garten the Barefoot Contessa on Food Network. I find her food easy, fresh and just tastes delicious.

Lisa