need FUN dinner inspiration

[cucinadinana]

Hello, all!
My nieces and nephew (ages 14-17) are staying over with us Sunday night to Monday (no school!). I was thinking of making tacos and burritos, so we can all assemble them, they can all be involved, etc.
Does anyone have any other "fun" meal ideas that three teens can help with? I have a modest kitchen with only one oven.
THANKS!

[chubbyalaskagriz]

I think a taco/burrito-fest is a great idea, Jen! Everyone LOVES Mexican- especially put-it-together-yourself-Mexican... and especially KIDS!

My niece & nephew also like muffalettas. We slice the top off the loaf and hollow-out large round boules of sourdough- available at the Walmart or Kroger's bakery.

Inside we slather it w/ ranch dressing, then layer sliced deli meats & cheeses like turkey, bacon, ham, pepperoni, provolone/cheddar. Put the top back on, wrap in foil and heat for a half-hour in a 400 degree oven. Unwrap, cut into big wedges and voila!

For dessert, most kids love "skillet cookies"! We take a warm large chocolate-chip cookie and top w/ a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and drizzle w/ nuked hot-fudge.

Have fun!

[jfain]

My 17 year old niece came to stay with me last summer and I made fajitas. That went over extremely well. I think you are on the right track.

[cucinadinana]

Hi! My Lord, Kev, that all sounds so good! (mouth watering)
I will definitely try the muffaletta (even it is just for me...put on a good afternoon movie, have one of those glistening on a plate next me...sounds like heaven).

Hi jfain! Fajitas are sooo tasty, aren't they? Maybe I could do beef tacos and grilled chicken fajitas...for a little flavor and texture diversity.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

I used to let my little ones in the kitchen to make pizza, make the dough in the bread machine (skip the stage that bakes it of-course ) If you do not have a bread machine use homemade crust by hand or store bought. Then let the kids throw on all the toppings of their choice. I used to let them use their hands to apply the sauce to the pizza crust, (after they had thoroughly washed their hands) they really loved this part best! Then bake their pizza, slice and eat!

Next make mix up a cake mix and then place the batter into ice cream cone cups the kind with the flat bottom, and bake according to cup cake directions, when cool let the kids have a ball decorating them ! They look really neat cause as the batter cooks and rises it looks just like a scoop of ice cream on top!!! Get lots of neat sprinkles and decorating stuff!

For breakfast try this: make some pancakes and then while still hot and fresh off the griddle top them with Nutella (found in the p-ut butter section of the grocery store) then slice 1/2 a banana on top. Usually 1 med to large pancake is enough to fill a little guy or gal up! MY 9 YEAR OLD LOVES THIS AND HAS IT ABOUT 3 MORNINGS A WEEK!!!

Have fun with them youngins'

Cathy

[cucinadinana]

Hi CCC -
That is so funny you mention about the cupcake cones - - my Nana used to make us those all the time! I would bring them in to school, and my classmates were just amazed. I have not made them since, but that is a good idea.

Thank you!

[Recipes Cookbook Writer]

You can always make cookies together. Pick a recipe that doesn't taketoo long to bake. Cupcakes work well too, and they're fun to decorate.