As a parent of two young kids, I have found I have a pretty limited menu in regular rotation at my house. We tend to default to the usual suspects because they get the job done. Raising a young family is busy and chaotic, and planning dinner menus can easily get pushed to the back burner. Nuggets and buttered pasta help me avoid a chorus of complaints about what’s for dinner from the kids. Carrot sticks and cucumbers ensure everyone maintains a semi-balanced diet. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches sure are quick and easy to make. Sound familiar?
But what about special occasions? What about those rare occasions when the kids want to help make something new for dinner? What about when you just don’t want to eat nuggets of any kind, and seemingly have had enough pasta for ten lifetimes? The following are a few options we have tried recently at my house when we were looking to break out of our rut.
Crispy Potato Salad with Goat Cheese
For a fun and delicious side dish or snack we love this crispy potato dish that combines goat cheese and sweet peppers. The potatoes have amazing texture with both crispy and soft bits, the goat cheese is creamy, and the peppers provide crunch. This sweet and salty treat is a crowd pleaser and fun to eat!
Learn how to whip up this safisfying side here.
BBQ Salmon Filets
with Peach Salsa and Avocado Cream Sauce
When you have an occasion to cook something new and unexpected, try this salmon recipe that is fun for the whole family to prepare, tastes delicious, and allows for a beautiful presentation. The salsa has a little added heat that is optional and can easily be omitted, and it can be made up to one day ahead of time. (Hint: Need a shortcut? Pick up our Peach Salsa!) The BBQ glaze is a great way to introduce salmon to someone who has not had it before, and is simple to prepare. The fish can be served over rice with your family's favorite vegetables, or you can elevate taco night by gently breaking up the fish and serving it on tortillas along with the sauce, salsa, and any other toppings your family loves
Learn how to make this new family favorite here.
Baked Truffle Mac & Cheese
For another sure-to-please side dish that can even be a meal on its own, look no further than tried-and-true maccheroni. I know, I know, we are here to escape kid’s food for dinner, but this will please even the most discerning palate. Upscale and polished does not have to mean difficult and time-consuming. If you start with great ingredients, sometimes simple is the best way. This truffle mac ‘n’ cheese is easy to make, and so delicious. We have done all the heavy lifting with our Truffle Alfredo Sauce, which simply needs to be combined with cooked pasta, then topped with cheese and bread crumbs to create something that will keep everyone asking for more.
Learn how to make this Maccheroni with a truffle twist.
I don’t want to fill anyone with false hope, but I do want to inspire you to try something new. Kids will always be kids, and pasta and pizza will always rule. Nuggets will never die. Not everything you try will be a success. But, I will tell you from experience that meals do exist that will satisfy everyone. Good luck and keep cooking!
Be sure to share your favorite creations with #MyStonewallKitchen on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook!
