Meal plan for a week with guests?

Francl27
Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
My sister and her boyfriend are coming to visit (from France) next week.

Trying to figure out a meal plan that wouldn't have 1000 calories but would have some of American's 'favorites'.

So far I have burgers on homemade buns and meatloaf...

Suggestions? I have an instant pot, if that helps, although I've only used it to steam cauliflower so far. And she doesn't like fish or peas...

Replies

  • LPflaum
    LPflaum Posts: 174 Member
    grilled/BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, steak, clambake (i have no idea if this is possible where you live), tex/mex or mexican (fajitas or tacos, you can always eat w/out the tortilla), homemade chicken noodle soup or chili if its still cold where you are, collards, succotash...
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Forgot to mention that for BBQ there's a delicious place down the road so we'll probably just go there for lunch one day...
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    BBQ, Mexican food, Pizza, or local favorites (pork roll? Philly Cheesesteak? Thinking you are in Jersey but not sure what part). A Diner?

    Also a big breakfast like Cracker Barrel, nowhere I've been in Europe had a good American style breakfast.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    WinoGelato wrote: »
    BBQ, Mexican food, Pizza, or local favorites (pork roll? Philly Cheesesteak? Thinking you are in Jersey but not sure what part). A Diner?

    Also a big breakfast like Cracker Barrel, nowhere I've been in Europe had a good American style breakfast.

    You know I've never been to Cracker Barrel for breakfast? Only been there twice for dinner but I got sick after the second time so I haven't gone back!

    There's a couple tasty pancake joints in the area though (I'm central NJ) so I was planning on taking them there during the week end.

    I hear about how diners are awesome in NJ but I've yet to find one I really like. Hmm. Well, we could find places to eat all week but I'd rather avoid that, lol.

    But yeah, Mexican for sure. Maybe I'll make my enchilada casserole or something.
  • Sarahb29
    Sarahb29 Posts: 952 Member
    You could make a baked mac and cheese dish but use cauliflower instead of macaroni. That's like a lighter version of what people would normally eat here and shouldn't break their calorie banks. BBQ chicken/burgers would be a must too! I wouldn't do 100% american stuff either, you want them to feel at home too so make sure to provide a few alternatives that they are used to having around for snacks. Maybe fruit salad, fresh bread, fresh cheese etc. Or maybe fresh wine and cheese that is local to your area?

    Have you asked them what they'd like to eat while they are here? Any diet restrictions other than fish/peas etc?
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Yeah I asked, they never know, lol!
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    edited May 2016
    What do you normally like to eat?

    Cobb salad
    Chili, cornbread
    Reuben sandwich
    Pot roast, potatoes
    Grilled steak or chicken
    Baked beans or cowboy beans
    Turkey
    Hushpuppies
    Buffalo wings
    Pizza
    Red beans and rice
    http://www.new-jersey-leisure-guide.com/food.html
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_regional_dishes_of_the_United_States
    http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/50-state-foods.html
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    Buffalo wings is a good suggestion.

    Definitely Mexican though. That is something I always miss when I'm in Europe. That and a big breakfast...
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    You could make a tasty rice dish with your instant pot and then make a separate dish of extra veggies . then serve yourself the rice dish with a large heaping of veggies on top. I do that a lot .you can do so much with rice and its something most people enjoy ! I could tell you how to make Argentinean style rice and beans if you want.

    You could also do homemade pizza night. Get some dough and cheeses and toppings and bake pizzas in the oven. You can top yours lightly to save calories and then can top theirs however they want.

  • fishshark
    fishshark Posts: 1,886 Member
    fried chicken with mashed potatoes maybe? a pasta dish. If i were them id rather eat the french food over american haha.
  • becomingvegannn
    becomingvegannn Posts: 15 Member
    When I visited the US in February I ate Mexican food like three or four times, it was soooo good. I also enjoyed trying new pizza places. We mostly ate out because we weren't staying in a hotel with a kitchen until the last 4 days of our trip. I also made a point to try all the different types of Oreos but I guess that's little gluttonous.
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
    Go to Skinnytaste.com for some amazing healthy recipes.
  • bioklutz
    bioklutz Posts: 1,365 Member
    Maybe you could do a thanksgiving type dinner - but with just 1-2 sides. Turkey breast, potatoes and green bean casserole.
  • lucys1225
    lucys1225 Posts: 597 Member

    I make this all the time in my instant pot. The directions for a pressure cooker are down at the bottom.

    http://www.skinnytaste.com/carne-guisada-latin-beef-stew/

    This is a family favorite

    https://thedomesticman.com/2015/01/20/instant-stew/

    As is this one

    http://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/pressure-cooker-mongolian-beef/

  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Thanks for all the suggestions! Bookmarked those recipes.

    My sister refuses to have American pizza though. I don't really blame her.. the pizza over there is just tastier, IMO.

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