Dinner Melding

Being the home 'that people migrate too' to play and socialize, we found we were often 'excusing ourselves' and bringing our family inside for dinner.
This seemed a little rude.
The kids would get so upset.
The neighbor kids wanted to stay for dinner.
& the most reasonable solution emerged.

Twice per week (sometimes three) Each family brings out their 'normal' dinner and we eat a bit of each at one of the homes (often on the picnic tables).

You want to to talk about happy kids and adults!

'Ginger' may have made meatloaf (that her husband truley dislikes...but Sally has teryaki chicken ...that he apparently LOVES).
AHHH...I can hear the music now, & the harmony begins!
(Ginger, take no offense, Sally will share the recipe)

Now during all of this dining, you would think problems would emerge...children always going for the pizza, husbands dining on deviled eggs...etc.
Actually quite the opposite happens (at least in our group...that just acquired another family in the mix!) Everyone seems to be eating more of a variety. Children pick up on this QUICKLY and will eat the veggies (of course being a good role model is paramount!)

It ALWAYS works out that there is more than enough food and more often than not, a better choice of what to eat.
Just a little FYI...(Someone does (on occasion) have to play the devils advocate and bring the salad...it will disappear believe it or not!)

As easy as it seems, there are some ground rules to prevent an uncomfortable evening...

1.MAKE IT FRESH....OLD leftovers should not be shared. Would you want to eat someones cheese that tastes like the onions? Or meat that feels of old shoe leather...ick.

2. MAKE IT SIMPLE. This one is a toss up...Some of the greatest nights were with homemade pizzas on the grill. But occasionally we try something more difficult and new to have others taste...it's up to you .

And once you have an established a following of 'Guniea Pigs' you'll have a beter idea of what you can serve without the always grueling comment of...WHAT IS THAT!?

3. KEEP IT BALANCED.
Carbohydrate central from the same participant over and over again can be balanced by the others, but the frugality taken to a new extreme could get old FAST. Rotating some of the main components of the meal will get easier when you find you have done this for the 11th time this year. :)

4. IMPORTANT: 'SURPRISE' meats
These should probably be avoided, unless ALL parties are aware of what they are and where they came from. These tend to hit a sore spot UNLESS the information is shared IN ADVANCE...NOT after it has been eaten (gentlemen!)

5. and lastly...& most importantly (actually I think it may be tied with the surprise meat note...)...KEEP IT FUN!

The old stand by's are by far the most fun here!
This is a short list of quick summer treats that don't break the bank and EVERYONE loves.... (AND THEY CAN FEED A CROWD!)

1. Strawberry shortcake....simple delights like a large bowl of strawberries, a can of
whipped cream, ice cream, and the little shortcake cups
(or a simple cake from cake mix cut into squares) make
dessert great. **Note...ANY fresh fruit that is on sale
and in season can be used!! Cherries (yes, you'd have to
pit them) peaches, blueberries, raspberries by them selves or mix
them up!

2. Watermelon ... this super large fruit feeds an army!

3. Chocolate Chips cookies... home made (not with nuts) are the winners here!

4. Brownies ...a simple box mix can be purchased for less than $2.00.
These can be varied on occasion by metamophasizing them into brownie sundaes!
...more ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream anyone!?

5. Jello ... I always laugh at how many people forget about Jello.
It's inexpensive and FUN!
When we make a large punch bowl full, and the crowd SWARMs over it.
Add fruit to a batch for a little health kick!