A lot of Americans don’t cook well.  They have a lot of other things to do.  Between work and school and other activities they’re lucky if they have time to stop at a fast food joint much less prepare quality meals at home.  Often it’s not a matter of cooking itself, but rather of coming up with dinner ideas for quick, healthy, inexpensive meals for the whole family.  People who have trouble with this, however, must not be paying much attention.  With the Internet, cooking shows, and food demonstrations daily at supermarkets, it’s easier than ever to plan a whole week of meals.  Now for some excellent dinner ideas.

Fairs and street vendors often have corn dogs, an American favorite.  While a little on the unhealthy side, it’s quick and good to eat.  The batter is flour, corn meal, salt, sugar and baking powder mixed with milk.  Then coat the dogs and fry until golden brown.  If you want the feel of the fair, insert a popsicle stick.

Way back when, in colonial times, dinner was a lighter snack followed by supper later in the day. Over time this was adjusted according to the needs of social class and work type. People who performed manual labor continued with the tradition of dinner to keep up their energy. Dinner has changed to become the anchor meal for most families, and a transition between work and school and preparing for a night of sleep.  But supper and dinner have become intertwined, often interchanged in meaning this big meal.  The late meal can be light especially for people who are weight conscious.  Go the traditional dinner route with a light soup or roast chicken salad.

Try crock pot cooking.  Set it, forget it, then return home to a well cooked meal.  The whole meal can cook without supervision.  Cook a roast with some cut up potatoes and carrots.  Serve it with a fresh baked loaf of bread picked up on the way home from the local supermarket.  Or, skip the bread to avoid the extra calories.

Excellent home cooking isn’t hard – try pork chops, or steaks on the grill.  Use Google to find more great dinner ideas.  The Internet has more than you can handle.

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