NEED A GREAT MEAL...for husbands return from iraq?

Question

My husband comes home from Iraq in november, and instead of cooking the usuaul meals like before he left, I would like something very tasteful, a large entree and maybe 2 small sides. Something light because his stomach needs to get used to regular food.

Something fancy but not to fancy to where it calls for candles and wine lol. Something we both can enjoy while chatting about our past year.

All recipe's are welcome.....details details details......maybe something I can put in a crock pot to cook so I can get other things situated before I go get him.

Answer 1

Try this roast in the crockpot, it is delicious, just add a salad and bread and you have a complete meal, also check out the Chocolate pie recipe, takes 5 minutes to make and taste great, you can just pop it in the freezer for about 4 hours instead of fridge overnight if needed.

3-4 lbs roast (can use pork or beef, but I really liked the beef better)
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, any brand
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix (some people use onion soup mix, I prefer Ranch)
Pepsi
1 large onion (optional)
2-3 potatoes, quartered (optional

Place roast in the bottom of crock pot.
If you are adding onions and/or potatoes, cut these now and place on top of the roast.
Pour cream of mushroom soup over roast (and onions/potatoes).
Spinkle full pkg of ranch mix on top of the soup.
Pour Pepsi over all. I use enough Pepsi to mostly cover all ingredients, and because it makes the best sauce/gravy I have ever tasted!
Bake in crock pot all day, and enjoy a wonderful supper! If you want to start eating sooner, just cook on high.


Hershey's Chocolate Pie:

6 Hershey bars, plain or with nuts
16 ounces Cool Whip
Pre made pie crust (chocolate or grahm cracker)

Melt the bars in the microwave, stirring till smooth, add half the whip cream stir to combine, pour in pie shell, top with remaining Cool Whip, for decoration sprinkle some chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup on top of the pie.

Answer 2

Barrys,

when you've been gone from home,
what you miss most if what you can
only get at home. Truly.

why don´t you do this:
cook a ´sample´ dinner
in which you include small bits
of all his favorites, and be sure
to do it in 'mini sizes'!

It works beautifully!

Set a lovely table,
with the best china, etc,
tablecloth, napkins - you know,
the ones you use for special
occasions and place on the table
all you've prepared in separate
serving dishes.

Plus everything you will
need on it or near it
(so you don´t have to
get up and interrupt..)

Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard,
just use the bottles they come in
and wrap them with nice napkins
and ribbons (with the lids accessible for usage, of course)

Have a pot of coffee going
through the entire meal, and
make a fresh one when serving it.

If you drink beer, tie ribbons around the cans/bottles,
and so on.

And remember, everything in mini sizes
(mini burgers, mini fries, mini scoops,
etc, etc).

And by all means, do not get mad if he doesn't eat
how you would expect him to. Just prepare it for him,
and let him lead the way and flow with it! No pressures.

Have a wonderful reunion, and don't forget about
yourself, look your best!

Answer 3

Not a crock pot, but it is easy to do.

Lemon Chicken

4 boneless skinnless chicken breasts
Juice of 1-2 lemons depending on size
1 cup chicken broth
olive oil

Brown chicken in a small amount of olive oil over medium high heat. Take chicken out and deglaze the pan with the lemon juice. Lower heat to med low. Return chicken to pan and continue to cook until chicken is at 170 or juices run clear. Remove chicken and turn heat to high. Reduce sauce until thick.

I usually service with buttered noodles or Pasta e Olio and steam broccoli.

8 oz anglehair pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Parmesean cheese

Cook pasta as directed. Place olive oil, garlic and pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Mix pasta with oil and cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

If you really want a crock pot recipe.

Sun Dried Tomato Roast

2 lb roast Roast
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1 cup boiling water
2 onions sliced
Beef broth

Place roast in crock pot.
Mix tomatoes and water. Let sit five minutes.
Lay onions over beef. Pour tomatoes over beef and onions. Add beef broth to at least 1 inch depth.
Cook on low 4-5 hours.

Answer 4

I agree with the people saying to cook his favs...as far as something light for his stomache...he'll probably be more able to handle food he ate before he left than food he has never eaten... go for his favs, and add something a little special...maybe some "couple time" after if you have kids...if not why not try a few candles and nice plates and such.... something to show some effort went into it (and maybe add some romance)...

Answer 5

The Pepsi Roast sounds great~think I might try that myself!

But seriously, think about what it is that he'd bug you to make before he left... that's what he wants. You really can't go wrong with that. Maybe your next quesiton would be for special versions of those items...

Like chessey mashed potatoes instead of regular, or somone's favorite steak marinade, you get the idea.

He'll really be impressed that you made him what he's been starving for a year for and that it is extra special this time around!

Congratulations to you both on your upcoming reunion.

Answer 6

Lots of ideas listed below from Basic Recipes for crock pot meals and desserts. I can't decide which one would be the best, you pick o.k.? Follow the link...

Barbecued Ribs
Chicken in a pot
Chinese Pot Roast
Corned Beef & Cabbage
Creamy Swiss Steak
Crock Pot Beef Brisket
Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon
Crock Pot Roast
Crock Pot Steak Soup
Crock Pot Stroganoff
Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers
Fajita Steak Rolls
Favorite Pot Roast
Ginger & Molasses Beef Stew
Hamburger Crock Pot Casserole
Herbed Turkey Breast
Hickory Smoked Brisket
Irish Lamb Stew
Italian Pot Roast
Peppery Pot Roast
Pork Chops on Rice
Pot Roast
Pot Roasted Pork
Slow Cooker Brisket of Beef
Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage
Smothered Steak
Spanish Round Steak
Sweet & Sour Beef & Vegetables
Swiss Steak
http://basic-recipes.com/cp/main.htm
Appetizers
Main Dishes
Soups & Stews
Apple Peanut Crumble
Asian Chicken Wings
Baked Oatmeal
Breakfast Casserole
Broccoli Corn bread
Corn Bread from Scratch
Cranberry Pork Roast
Corned Beef & Cabbage
Crock Pot Banana Bread
Crock Pot Corn Bread
Crock Pot Nacho Dip
Crock Pot Roast
Crock Pot Tips
Egg & Cheese Bake
Ginger & Molasses Beef Stew
Lima Beans & Ham
Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
Pumpkin Tea Bread
Scalloped Pineapples
Spiced Applesauce
http://basic-recipes.com/cp/index.htm

Answer 7

If he likes red meat get the guy the best.

Grill him a nice filet. Just season with salt and pepper. Suate a little blue chees and butter in a pan and drizzle on top of filet when done. This goes great with a any red wine.

Answer 8

Cooking means dishes. He's probably hungry for the "good stuff" that they couldn't get over there (I know my brother was when he came home). Get a bucket of KFC, with all his favorite sides. Candles are wonderful. And throw in a good bottle of Liebfraumilch or a cold, cold ale.

Answer 9

Have everything prepared before he gets home so that when you do get home you can spend time with him and not cooking. Keep it simple. His next day there you can make his favourite foods for him, and if you like invite close friends and family because they also missed him while he was away.

Answer 10

Chinese Walnut Chicken
Chicken breasts strips are stir-fried with scallions, ginger and garlic, and seasoned with bourbon and soy sauce.Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into one-inch cubes
• 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoon bourbon
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 4 Tablespoons oil
• 3 whole scallions, cut into 2-inch slivers
• 2 slices fresh ginger, minced
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• Hot cooked rice
Method:
In a bowl, mix together cornstarch, water and egg white. Add chicken and toss until thoroughly mixed. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, bourbon and sugar. Set aside. Heat a wok or large heavy skillet over high heat until a drop of water "skittles" across and evaporates immediately. Add 2 Tablespoons of oil, swirl, and add chicken. Quickly stir-fry 3 to 5 minutes or until no pink shows. Quickly remove from pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-high and add the remaining oil to pan. Add scallions, ginger and garlic; stir-fry for 1 minute. Return chicken to pan. Add soy sauce/bourbon mixture and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Stir in walnuts, mix well and serve with hot cooked rice.
Notes:
One tablespoon of bourbon is the secret ingredient in this recipe. But since nobody in our family drinks, I buy the smallest bottle of bourbon possible and keep it in my seasoning and flavoring cabinet among the vanilla extract, maple syrup and spice blends. It won't spoil and keeps forever.