Dinner ideas for my ageing parents who seem to like mostly meat & potatoes. Help!

[applegrove]

I'll start. Pork Roast, lamb chops, pork tenderloin, fish & chips, ???

[david13]

1. How bout meat & potatoes. Of whatever variety, I would recommend

beef, not pork; as pork is the flesh of swine.
dc

[Gormy Cuss]

2. Would they like Shepherd's Pie? Beef Stew?

Baked fish (seasoned with onions, white wine, tomatoes, herbs -- whatever works for them) with roasted potatoes.

Change up the taters: mashed, baked, baked stuffed, oven roasted wedges.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Just give them food they are used to.

My 90-year-old dad is in a meat-and-potatoes rut, too, but he likes them. I want him to have food he likes, otherwise he loses weight. So meat and potatoes it is.

[Capn Sunshine]

4. Slow Cooked Pot Roast bourguignon

Use a seven bone roast and cook it just like Beef bourguignon.

[MissMillie]

27. I'm coming to your house for dinner

wow... that sounds really good

[triguy46]

5. In one's last years, one should eat what one likes.

[applegrove]

8. Yup. I'm just looking for variety. Over the years they've forgotten about

some foods they like and I'd like to bring back some of those things because right now they are on a two week cycle. I agree they should only be eating what they like.

[seemunkee]

6. Stuffed flank steak

Take a flank steak and pound it as flat as you can. Roll it into a tube and seal fold over one end. Pour a can of Campbells vegetarian alphabet soup into it. Fold over the other end and bake.
Serve with mashed potatoes

[auntAgonist]

7. would they like meatloaf? My 84 year old Dad would

Meatloaf, mashed taters, peas and a side salad.

Simple stuff. Easy on the digestion and maybe even the false teeth :)

aA
kesha

[applegrove]

9. They used to eat meatload. Eons ago. I'll ask.

[flvegan]

16. Meatload sounds kinda gross.

[Flaxbee]

19. lol. that was my thought. some typos just

really get me laughing :rofl:

"Meatload" Yuk.

[auntAgonist]

22. only YOU! LOL

that IS funny and gross :rofl:

[applegrove]

32. Silly me. Too late to fix it now.

[Flaxbee]

42. I'm glad you didn't fix it -- the typo gave me a huge bellylaugh!

(I love language mess-ups; for some reason they always make me laugh). :D :hi:

And flvegan's deadpan comment only added to it. Thanks.

[applegrove]

47. It is a pleasure to make you laugh.

[Raffi Ella]

10. Beef Stroganoff

:D

[applegrove]

11. That's a good idea. My mom used to make that.

[Raffi Ella]

12. !

It's pretty simple to make too. :thumbsup:

[busybl]

13. sounds good to me

I live in the midwest. That's normal stuff. My brother used to hassle my 83 year old mom about
eating Polish sausage and ice cream. At 83 I think you can finally relax. No extra points for eating
tofu.

[Swede]

14. Try the easy brisket recipe

Ingredients1 5 pound Beef brisket
2 14 ounce cans Swanson's Beef Broth
1/2 cup Lemon juice
1 1/2 cups Soy sauce
3 cloves Garlic minced
2 tablespoon Liquid smoke
2 medium Onions quartered
Montreal Steak Seasoning as required


PreparationCombine broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and liquid smoke in a roasting pan. Place brisket in the pan, fat side up, and drizzle some of the marinade over the top. Sprinkle liberally with Montreal steak seasoning, and place the onions along the sides of the brisket. Cover pan with foil, and marinate in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Preheat oven to 300 degrees, and place the brisket on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes per pound of meat you are preparing. I baked my five pound brisket for 3 1/2 hours. The meat should be fork tender.

Transfer the brisket to a cutting board, and slice against the grain. Place the slices back into the marinade. This marinade is delicious drizzled on top of the meat and some mashed potatoes.

[applegrove]

38. Oh that sounds good.

[Patiod]

15. my dad likes: hot roast beef sandwiches

Baked chicken coated in sour cream and ranch dressing mix + bread crumbs (with rice and chicken gravy)
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches
Mushroom omelets
Meatball sandwiches
Hot turkey sandwiches
Meatloaf

I came here for ideas, and folks offered good ones

[question everything]

17. Lasagna tastes good, is enough for several meals

Just follow the instructions on the box of the pasta.

[applegrove]

33. Oh I have a good lasagna recipe. I just don't have the pans for that.

[Ineeda]

44. Go to Goodwill for old Pyrex

(new made-in-China stuff explodes!) for three or four dollars. Naturally, the 8x10, 9X12 can be used for other dishes besides lasagna. I use mine all the time.

[applegrove]

48. I'm going to have to half the recipe and do it in a bread pan. My parents just don't

have enough room in their freezer for any leftovers bigger than that.

[nolabear]

18. Shepherd's pie.

You can find a good recipe on the 'net I'm sure. Meat and veggies (lamb or beef) cooked in the oven beneath a crust of mashed potatoes. It's easy and fabulous, anad makes for great leftovers.

[busybl]

20. I'll bet if you made different things as suggested here

they would like them. The suggestions mostly have meat with them but varied. In fact, I'm taking down the brisket recipe.

[applegrove]

34. Yup that brisket recipe does sound delicious.

[Mopar151]

21. Dinner omlets

Dice leftover ham, boiled potato, sweet peppers, onions, tomatos, as you like.. Saute' the fixin's for each omlet with a teaspoon of oil, then add beaten egg mixture. Cook a couple minutes, add cheese if...., I always try to fold 'em, but they break apart, so "Scromlets"!

Hungarian Goulash hasta be the best way ever to cook cheap beef - maybe google a recipie? Best with fresh paprika, too.

Any ethnic or old family dishes they really like? Golumki, lasagna, "Country French", Carribean... WallyWorld, oddly enough, is a treasure trove of this stuff - where else can you get collards north of Dixie? And succotach....

[Patiod]

23. I'm in the same boat

My 87-yo dad is Mr Meat & Potatoes, and doesn't like the food I like. So meat and potatoes it is.

I came to this board a few months ago, and got suggestions. The ones we incorporated:

Meatloaf (lots of tasty recipes for making it less dry out there)
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches
Hot roast beef or hot turkey sandwiches
Dinner omelets (with mushrooms, tomatoes, ham, cheese or whatever)
Meatball subs
Cchili without much spice

[Iggo]

24. Are your parents even looking for more exciting meals?

I ask because I'm a meat & potatoes guy. Well-meaning people occasionally try to suggest ways to make my meals more exciting, but I really don't want or need my meals to be that way. A slab of flesh, some potatoes (baked, mashed, or fried), and something green. Then the meal's over and I get back to my life.

Anyway, just thought I'd throw it out there...

EDIT: Now that I've read through the thread, I see you've basically addressed this point. I have a habit of responding to the OP without perusing the responses first. Sorry!


:hi:

[AwakeAtLast]

25. Pork barbecue is really easy in a crockpot

and delicious!

[Lars39]

26. A good Ham and Potato Casserole might hit the spot.

Or a thick vegetable stew made from leftover roast. Both of these can be frozen,too.

[GOPisEvil]

28. Have you thought about baked pasta?

I make a pretty darn tasty baked ziti (or penne) with four cheeses that can be made vegetarian or with meat. Sometimes I stick vegetarian meatballs in mine to have a little fun with my friends (FTR I am not a vegetarian, but I have meat-free days).

It's rich, filling, tasty and makes great leftovers for the next day. It also takes about 10 minutes of prep and an hour in the oven, so it's simple as well.

[applegrove]

35. Sure what is your recipe for baked penne?

[GOPisEvil]

40. Here goes:

1 lb. penne
24 oz. tomato sauce (this is usually a jar of Newman's Own for me)
15 oz. container of Ricotta
12 oz. shredded Italian Blend of cheese (usually Mozzarella, Asiago and Parmesan)
Additional Parmesan Cheese to place on top
1 9x13 baking pan
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350. Start by cooking the pasta to al dente. While the pasta is cooking put the tomato sauce, Ricotta and shredded cheeses into a large bowl. Mix to combine. When the pasta is finished, drain well and add to the sauce/cheese mixture. Mix to combine. Spray the cooking spray into the baking dish to prevent sticking. Add the stuff in the bowl and level it out. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. At the end of 45 minutes, remove from the oven and sprinkle more Parmesan cheese over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese on top is brown.

Remove from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes and have at it.

[Tikki]

29. A nice homemade Salisbury Steak and Twice-baked Potatoes...

Veggie like Green Beans (or their favorite)...White Bread Rolls
and cake for dessert.


We are an aging parents...need any conversation of old...we'll be there!!

The Tikkis

[GoCubsGo]

30. Pork roast

That way, you can have cold roast pork sandwiches the next day with the leftovers. Pork roast is one of my favorite dishes, especially spiked with loads of garlic and a good sprinkling of rosemary or oregano.

[applegrove]

36. I love pork roast too. I think I'll try that this week.

[rebel with a cause]

31. Okay, I will be daring and suggest

that on a chilly day a (thick) soup might be good. I fix a ground beef soup that people like and it is an easy one to change to your own taste. I brown lean ground beef (drain if there is any grease) then add diced onions. After the onions cook a bit add chicken broth/stock, a little water, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce and a few bay leafs. Cook for short period and then add vegetables of choice. I dice up potatoes and carrots cook in soup and then add canned corn and peas but you could add lima beans or any other vegetable you desire.

You can season as much as you want, but since I have to limit my salt I omitted that step. I also limit the amount of water I put in it because I like it to be a thick hearty soup and I add the water from the canned vegetables for extra flavor. I like serving this with fresh cornbread but you can use crackers. My daughter also likes it with steamed rice added in bowl after served. (you can also make with ground chicken or turkey)

[applegrove]

37. I used to make a soup like it. Only I used those chips you use for salsa

with the thick soup. Thanks for reminding me. I'll put that down on my list. Yes there is nothing like blanched tomato and bay leaves to add to soup. Delish.

[alphafemale]

39. nothing beats Potato Soup on a cold, cold winters day

That is like salve for the soul

[applegrove]

41. Oh dam. I do make a potato leek soup that is good. Thanks for reminding me.

[alphafemale]

43. mmm sounds wonderful

care to share a recipe? :loveya:

[applegrove]

46. I looked. I no longer have that recipe. Any Vichyssoise recipe will do. Just remember to only

use the white part of the leeks (which means you'll need more leeks than they call for). Good hot but especially good cold.

Here is a recipe I found on the net.

Vichyssoise:

Ingredients
2 leeks, chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 cup thinly sliced potatoes 2 1/3 cups chicken stock salt to taste ground black pepper to taste 1 1/8 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions
Gently sweat the chopped leeks and the chopped onion in butter or margarine until soft, about 8 minutes. Do NOT let them brown.
Add potatoes and stock to the saucepan. Salt and pepper to taste; do not overdo them! Bring to the boil, and simmer very gently for 30 minutes.
Puree in a blender or food processor until very smooth. Cool. Gently stir in the cream before serving.

[alphafemale]

50. Thanks!

But 3/4 cup of potatoes?

Is this soup for one?

I do have potato soup recipes but I generally start with about 5lbs of potatoes...at the very least.

We bring out the BIG POT when we make potato soup.

And it doesn't have time to get cold. :rofl:

[MrsMatt]

45. My meat & potatos dad loved fish

and we'd give him wild salmon at Christmas as part of his gift - it freezes beautifully.

The other evening, I prepared a very nice slab of salmon by baking in the oven in a foil packet. Seasoned with kosher salt & freshly ground pepper, baked at 400 for 45 minutes. It was a large slab, suitable for four people.

The side was teeny tiny potatoes (about the size of grape tomatoes), with shredded carrots, a 1/2 cup chopped red onion and a minced clove of garlic. Tossed with a little olive oil, seasoned with salt & pepper and put it in another foil packet and put it in the oven with the fish.

My husband pronounced the fish "fabulous" (at first I thought he was being sarcastic, as the only seasoning I used was salt & pepper).


We also enjoy duck (for special occasions - it's a bit expensive) - my favorite way of preparing it is at the link below.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Crisp-Roast-Duck-235744

[applegrove]

49. That sounds delicious. I'm keeping all these recipes and will try them out on my parents. This is

great. Yes they used to like salmon.