my family is coming, is spaghetti dinner okay?

Question

my family is coming to my house to eat sunday and we are used to meeting at grandma's house with fried chicken and macaroni pie and you know, that southern soul food! well, i can cook those things but it takes a lot of time and money that i don't have, a spaghetti dinner would suit me just fine...is it okay, or should i stick to tradition? feeling pressure someone help me? suggestions for dinners are welcome.

Answer 1

Make your own tradition. You don't have to do what grandma does. As if anyone ever could! I love spaghetti! If your family doesn't like it I'll come over and help you eat it. So what can I bring?

Answer 2

I like to use a combination of mild and sharp cheese. Using just sharp cheese will decrease the lovely flavor of the smoked ham. Oh--and the smokier, the better. Some good combinations include Monterey jack with sharp cheddar, Swiss with mozzarella, or a mild white cheddar with Stilton (don't use more than 1/4 Stilton or you'll be overpowered). But since this is a quickie dish, you can simply use what you have on hand, even if that's just a single cheese.....we had this last night,........enjoy my recipe! 1 8-ounce package elbow macaroni 1/4 pound thinly sliced smoked ham, broken into tiny pieces 1 bunch leeks OR scallions, chopped salt and pepper 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups milk crusty bread OR store-bought Italian-style breadcrumbs 2 cups grated cheese (see cheese suggestions, above) Preheat oven to 350°. Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water, according to package directions. Meanwhile, make a roux:........ In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly. By the time the mixture has an even consistency, it will be as cooked as it needs to be. Reduce heat. Stir in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scalding. Add the cheese, simmer another 3 or 4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove from flame and set aside. Place the cooked and drained pasta in an oven-safe dish. Add the ham and onions, and mix using a wooden spoon. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni mixture, top with a very thin layer of breadcrumbs or torn French bread crust pieces, and bake in a 350° oven for about 15 minutes. Let finished dish set up for about 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will be thinner than a typical American mac and cheese.

Answer 3

Spaghetti (or whatever type of pasta you have) sounds great! Just make a sauce with it!

And maybe make a salad before or after. Something light, like lettuce and tomatoes and maybe some basil and something else with some French dressing (or a dressing of the same type)

Buy some fruits for dessert or, as they are often expensive, make a cake.

I think they just want to be with you and they are happy that you cook for them. Whatever it is that you cook! And it's nice to change, once in a while!

Answer 4

Spaghetti is a wonderful family dinner. Plus, a change of pace is good for everyone. Don't let any naysayers bother you.

Answer 5

The change might be nice...I personally hate spaghetti noodles and I know others who feel that way too. They are too long and wormy. Ya might check with mom or whomever for advice. Long noodles can be hard for kids and elderly people to eat. You could use a different noodle shape. What about a cheap side dish of green beans or whatever veggies are traditional in your fam?

Answer 6

Spaghetti will be great served with this
Sunshine Salad


1bag (10 ounces) mixed salad greens or 1 small bunch curly endive, romaine or chicory, torn into bite-size pieces
1bag (6 ounces) lettuce or 1/2 medium head lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
2cans (11 ounces each) mandarin orange segments, drained
1/2cup reduced-fat blue cheese dressing
sprinkle bacon bits over the top

Answer 7

I love spaghetti! Buy a cheesecake for dessert and you can't go wrong. Good Luck

Answer 8

Hey, tell everyone what you plan on making.
Spaghetti, french bread and greens. (or whatever)
Let everyone know they are all welcome to bring additional items if they like.
Hopefully they will, and you can have a feast!
If not, you'll have a classic and simple favorite!

Answer 9

If your family knows that you are on a strict budget, they shouldn't care if you fix fried chicken. They will be happy that you offered to make Sunday dinner.

Answer 10

spaghetti is just fine. it will change things up a bit.