What's For Dinner?

Hello everyone! I have titled this blog "What's for Dinner?" on behalf of my oldest son who, for quite a few years, actually called me when he got home from school (awww) and after telling me about his day and any homework he had asked the age old question, "What's for dinner, mom?" 

Well, a couple of years into his high school years, he must have decided he was too cool to call his mom (gasp!) and we also started getting into arguments because even if I told him what was for dinner, I usually got the same description from my answer; either "Ewww" or "I don't like that" or even the dreaded eye roll (yes, I can see through the telephone as well as behind my head). 

I even found out that my other son (who at least tries everything!) said that when he gets home from school and sees the crock pot, he's "not so happy." Really?? 'Cause, I'm sorry but the crock pot is the greatest invention ever!

I am no cook, baker maybe, but I can't cook. Somehow the gene passed me. I have an Italian heritage with a grandmother who was the best cook ever. (I know everyone's grandmother was the best, but she actually did this for a living!)

You'd walk into her house and well, went to heaven.  Maybe what happened to me was that I just didn't think I could ever cook as good as her. Her pizza and bread, ravioli, gnocchi soups — all homemade from scratch, were out of this world. To this day I miss my grandmother's cooking. My mother was also a good cook, and my kids love, love, loved her pasta. They wanted her to sell it! They asked me why I couldn't make pasta like her.

Well, as I always told them, it was made with love. It was made with pure love.

So on behalf of all mom's, stay-at-home dads and everyone just trying to figure out "what's for dinner?" ... welcome!

Now, the one thing I do know is that there are a lot of blogs and websites out there. Some good, some not so good. Some cater to those that are culinary experts (so not me), some trying to lose weight and so on. I also know of some really good blogs that other moms have put together that go as far as plan weekly meals for you.

Yes, that one was a winner for me for a while. Except what with my picky eaters at home (picky eaters, a blog in and of itself), I was always changing the ingredients or just coming up with something close to that recipe.

I'm starting off this week with asking Patch readers what their favorite "go-to" recipe is. By that I mean the one meal everyone in the family eats. Is it quick and easy and do you serve it at least once a week? Does everyone in the family like it?  What do you serve it with?  I also want to know what those with picky eaters do. Do you just make the food and hope and pray they eat it or let them make their own? I'd also like to share favorite websites or blogs you use.

Let me know and maybe we can post the ingredients and share for all those moms and dads out there trying to come up with new ideas!