What do you make for dinner?

[branv]

In the weeks before you leave make a batch of chili (we have a lighter white bean turkey chili recipe we love that reheats great) or stew. Just double it and freeze the second half. When you show up after vacation, microwave the frozen chili until hot.

You could also freeze a batch of cornbread, if you don't mind defrosting it in the microwave and then toasting it to take out some of the mushiness. You could just as easily serve it with some freezer rolls.

 

[*BTMRR*]

I like to make a batch of chili and freeze it sometime before the trip, and I make sure to have a bag of Fritos in the pantry and one of those refrigerated jars of sliced fruit in the refrigerator. That makes a pretty decent meal to come home to.
Or stop by the grocery store for milk, bread, a rotisserie chicken, and a deli salad and pre-cut melon. Not exactly homemade, but it tastes better than McDonalds or pizza to us after a long trip.

 

[joliesmom]

We also traditionally order pizza when we get home. But for people that need milk when they get home buy organic milk it lasts much longer than regular milk.

 

[PrncesKMW]

It sounds crazy, but quiche. I've made this recipe, frozen it, and given it to people coming back from honeymoons, hospital, etc... It's also great to make before a trip because you can use up eggs/sausage or bacon you might have in the fridge.

4 eggs, well beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 16-oz container cottage cheese
Your choice of filling - cooked breakfast sausage, sauteed spinach and onions, cooked bacon, etc....
Optional: crushed croutons sprinkled on top.

Bake at 350 for around 40 minutes in a pie pan, pop it in the freezer, and when frozen put in plastic. When you get home, just pop it in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes or so. Gives you time to unpack, get situated, go through the mail.

I know the recipe is simple, but people RAVE about it!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

We drive staright through from Disney (21 hours) so we are worn out. Usually we get in really late (cause we are dragging our feet leaving ) and eat along the way and then put the kids to "bed" since they have school the next day. But IF I were to be in your shoes and I didn't want to just order a pizza (which we probably would cause we'd miss our local pizza place) then I would make a frozen meal at home that could just be microwaved. I make lots of these for busy dance/basketball/softball type nights. It can be chili, spaghetti sauce, lasagna, a casserole, pulled pork, anything you make before you go, make 2 of and freeze one. In fact yo umay want to do a few, if yo uare anything like me, when yo uget back you are super busy unpaking and catching up on life that it makes it easier when you come home. I don't do that on purpose (my freezer is always stocked like that) but I do use is when we get back cause I always feel so busy.

 

[letstalkboutdisney]

All great ideas. Making two meals at once and freezing one sounds like a good idea. thanks again everyone!

 

[justdisneyme]

Can you stick something in the freezer ready to go and have someone stop by and pop it into the crockpot for you so it is ready when you get home? Maybe something like frozen chicken breast with tomato sauce, peppers and onions. Then you would only have to make the rice when you get it.

This is exactly what I do. When I come home from vacation the only thing I want is a comforting, home cooked meal. Plus, I leave $$ with in laws and they purchase the staples (milk, juice, bread, etc.) for us and have it waiting for us upon return so that the next morning is easier, too.