I Need Meal Help ASAP

[GOOFY4DONALD]

My college kid told me she was bringing a friend home for a night over Thanksgiving, while he was waiting for his friend to come back to town.... turns out friend cannot have him stay and he's with us for 2 weeks...everything is fine except for the food. please help with ideas for a college kid houseguest for 10 days...thank you so much!!

 

[kymom99]

What does your college kid eat?

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

What does your college kid eat?

My daughter is quite picky but I know her tastes... I asked her friend and he's so polite all he says is whatever is fine.... I guess I'm looking for ideas that can please the masses

 

[Canooknic]

Lasagne, chilli, tacos, burgers, mac & cheese....to be honest (if they're anything like my nephew when he comes home) they'll just be happy to have a 'proper' meal instead of cafeteria/quick meals

 

[ldo]

above plus steaks on the grill would be a super treat, as it's not something they get in the dorms. Also kabobs on the grill, even made with chicken (cheaper) are good. Some boys are big breakfast eaters, others are not. I would set out cereal, bagels, etc. and then ask if he wants some eggs the 1st day. One DS is a huge AM American breakfast eater, other DS would just assume have a bagel.

 

[Southernmiss]

All of the above my kids also like spaghetti, Alfredo, white chicken enchiladas, chicken parmesan, beef roast with potatoes and carrots, soup and grilled cheese, salads. Is friend on a health kick? My boys are sometimes and want low carb and salads.

Thanksgiving dinner and the sides

 

[TwoMisfits]

I'd make what your daughter likes, but with 2 extra servings to account for your guest. I think a nice huge Thanksgiving feast works for 2 days (1 as main, 1 as leftovers), and after you see him eat 2 days, you can get a feel for what he likes and what he doesn't (and how much he likes - does he load up on meats/proteins, is he a sucker for sweet desserts, does he love or not touch veg, etc). For the Saturday, I'd probably plan a nice pot of chili that again would work for 2 days (it's great football food and can be served over nachos, mac and cheese, baked potatoes, burgers, etc). Then you could go shopping and figure things out...

 

[Mizzoufan]

I wouldn't make anything special at all .

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I think I will start with something simple like spaghetti and salad and go from there.

 

[ronandannette]

My daughter is quite picky but I know her tastes... I asked her friend and he's so polite all he says is whatever is fine.... I guess I'm looking for ideas that can please the masses

What masses? It's one more person if I'm understanding this correctly. You would be cooking for your own family anyway, right? Guests (especially unexpected ones) would not generally have any expectations - I'm sure he'll happily eat whatever you serve. Maybe I didn't understand the question correctly because I just don't understand the problem.

 

[Bree]

I wouldn't worry too much. My DH & I were raised that a guest eats what is served to him or her without complaint or they do the cooking. We are raising our kids the same way. The only exception I would make is for food allergies.

 

[usnuzuloose]

Homemade chicken tenders.
Spaghetti
Zitti
meatloaf
soup and grilled cheese
fried chicken
lasagna
pulled pork sandwiches

Many recipes for crockpot. I agree college kids love home cooking over the cafeteria food for a change

So many snack ideas.
Look on pinterest, so many ideas for cooking stuff that is so easy and quick as well.

 

[moniqueand2]

I think you need lots of snacks. Pretzels, hummus, cheese, bananas, nuts, cookies. Sounds like the friend is really polite but in the case you make a meal he doesn't really like, there are snacks available.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I am stuck on an unplanned houseguest for 10 days! You are nicer than me

 

[HeatherC]

French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole...my teens/college kid loves this...just google recipe

I would also do a center cut pork roast one night....cheap and easy. I just roast it at 350 with a can of sauerkraut in the pan and seasoned with Kitchen Bouquet and serve with green beans and mashed potatoes. Everyone loves it and it can be less mess than spaghetti. Plus college kids eat a lot of past and it's a nice change.

Or Roast Chicken...Purdue Oven Stuffer Roaster..even picky eaters seem to eat roast chicken.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I guess I'm not seeing much of an issue here, beyond you kind of getting caught by surprise. I presume you're serving turkey and the trimmings for Thanksgiving--that gives you a couple days' worth of meals. It also gives you a chance to chat with your guest and find out what he likes. I would just make a little more than usual, and stock up on extra snacks. I'm a fan of having stuff available, like pretzels and cereal and bagels, and tell the guest he is more than welcome to raid the pantry and fridge.

I would ask your DD if there are any special dietary needs and try to keep those covered, otherwise, I would just chill. Another thought, though--he might want to cook for himself. I would just ask what ingredients he'd need. I know when I lived in a dorm, I missed cooking.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Breakfast for dinner - waffles or pancakes or eggs, plus bacon or sausage and toast or Eng Muffins.

 

[Vijoge]

My son had a friend who became unexpectedly homeless. She live with us for at least 8 months. I never made anything special for her, except on her birthday. She never complained.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

What masses? It's one more person if I'm understanding this correctly. You would be cooking for your own family anyway, right? Guests (especially unexpected ones) would not generally have any expectations - I'm sure he'll happily eat whatever you serve. Maybe I didn't understand the question correctly because I just don't understand the problem.

SOrry for the confusion. I sometimes use that phrase when I really meant people pleasing. He's very sweet I just wanted a few ideas. My family tends to enjoy spicy food and we make it a few times each week...I was just looking for some options

 

[McKelly]

My guess is they will probably go out a few nights as well. So, that lets you off the hook a couple of times!