From one day to the next I never know how dinner is going to be received in my house. That can be a frustrating thing. You go to all that work and then the kids stick their noses up at it. Not that they are permitted to be rudely critical, but if they don't eat, then that's a pretty clear criticism.
I can take the criticism, but I hate wasted food. Period.
I also hate to fight over food, so I gave up a long time ago making kids sit at the table until their plate is clean. My sanity is more important than my pride.
Anyway...short story long, the other day I was asked, as I am every day, "What's for dinner?" When I said, "hotdogs and potatoes," I was met with mixed comments. I told them all to "Shut it" and they could eat it or not. They all ate it. It was good, simple, and really easy to make food.
The bottom line is, kids like hotdogs (and I use good beef hotdogs) and fried potatoes (and just dice the onions really small and encourage them to cover it in ketchup -- hey, it has lycopene!). So what's not to like? Serve some fresh fruit on the side, like sliced watermelon, or bing cherries, and some yummy buttermilk biscuits with strawberry jam. It's a good, easy meal. And it's cheap. Yey.
Hotdogs and potatoes
oil for frying (I use canola for this dish)
one large white Idaho potato for each person, peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced across in 1/4 inch pieces.
1 to 2 T. minced onion for each person
1 to 2 sliced hotdogs for each person
salt and pepper
In a large skillet (non-stick or cast iron, I use non-stick for easy clean up) heat oil over medium high heat.
When oil is hot, add potatoes and then onions on top of the potatoes. Arrange them in a single layer (or as close as possible) and them leave them alone for about five minutes. Toss the hotdogs on top and then stir, attempting to get the potato pieces flipped over. Cook for about 30 minutes, until potato pieces are tender and everything is lovely and browned.
You've got absolutely the correct attitude about feeding kids. You give them tasty food, presented nicely as part of a balance meal and then step aside. They can take their complaints to the Complaint Department (or that's what I told my kids...and now the grands)! :) Stay happy!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Why have I never thought of this? I try to make a well rounded menu each week that includes new things along with the food I know will be complaint free. It's getting better... They'll learn eventually to just try it and get on with it, right? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the ones that reads and never comments. :) BUT, I made this earlier this week and it was a big hit. Thanks!
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