At a loss

[HollyBearsMom]

What to make for dinner?

I am on vacation this week so I have time to really "cook"-meaning I can give my crock pot a rest and make something a little more complicated than our regular weekday meals.

I made a huge batch of meatballs last night. I have homemade sauce in the freezer along with a meatloaf, lasagna, a veggie casserole and few different kinds of soup so I don't even feel compelled to cook something that I can double and freeze which is my usual MO.

My 8 year old eats pretty much anything except super spicy and yellow curry.

So what should I make?

We haven't had fish in a while? Salmon, maybe? in dill sauce? Oven baked cod?

My pantry is stocked- I have a variety of pastas, beans, grains

Comfort food? Chicken and dumplings? Pot roast with mashed potatoes? Short ribs? I roast a chicken at least once a week so that is out…..

Why do I have such a block?? It is already 1 in the afternoon, I am still in my jammies and I am completely ignoring the treadmill.

Must get focused!

[ollyoxenfree]

I vote for fish! All your suggestions are yummy! My second pick would be chicken and dumplings, because I love comfort food.

We're having a Middle Eastern-style spicy ground lamb in pita with coriander and yoghurt, hummus and muhammara.

[HollyBearsMom]

Ooooh, I like middle easterm idea! share the recipe?? <files away for tomorrow>

I went with salmon. Here's the menu, anyone want to join??

Grilled Salmon w/ sesame and ginger
Jasmine rice
Stir Fried sugar snap peas w/ ginger and garlic

Salmon:
1 TBS soy sauce
1 TBS balsamic vinegar
1 Tsp freshly grated ginger
1 Tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs sesame seeds,lightly toasted
a pinch or two of sichuan pepper
3 small boneless salmon fillets

Whisk all but salmon together in a glass bowl. Add salmon and mariante for at least an hour and up to 4. Any longer and the texture of the fish will get mushy. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side.

[mamadelbosque]

Dh keeps requesting clam chowder so I have plans to make that on wed (the *one* night during the week when we don't have *something* going on in the evening!!), and that takes some time.

Otherwise, fish sounds great! Tonight I'm making Fra Diavalo Shrimp w/ linguini:

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
6 cloves garlic, crushed
3 cups whole peeled tomatoes with liquid, chopped
1.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta
1 pound small shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil with the garlic over medium heat. When the garlic starts to sizzle, pour in the tomatoes. Season with salt and red pepper. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat. Add the shrimp and scallops. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the shrimp turn pink. Add shrimp and scallops to the tomato mixture, and stir in the parsley. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce just begins to bubble. Serve sauce over pasta.

Personally, I know we like spicy stuff & garlic, so I double those amounts, but otherwise its great.