Dinner in the Country

Wow, how times have changed.  We used to be a meat and potatoes type of family for so many years.  I mean, it was all about the meatloaf and the scalloped potatoes, the pot roast and the hashbrown casserole, the t-bone and the french fires, the bean and beef burritos....ya see what I mean?  Man Nowadays I absolutely hate planning a meal no matter what occasion.

You see about three years ago I became a vegetarian.  No big deal I always and still do today basically fix two meals, one for Jon and one for me.  I fix Jon a steak and a salad and I have a salad not a huge undertaking.

Now Ashley loves the potato part, not so much the meat but she will eat a baked potato, mashed poatato, potato casserole etc and she will not complain, not even a bit.

Then add Aaron who not only dislikes but hates cilantro.  I mean who the hell hates Cilantro its an herb for Christ sake Aaron.  None the less Aaron hates it, doesn't speak to it, didn't even invite it to the wedding, that's how strongly he feels.  Okay so no Cilantro, got it.  I wont even mention that Aaron is not overly found of pasta....really?

Then take Tony's world, that pretty much revolves around bacon.  Basically if I can find any disgusting food and wrap a piece of fried pork fat around it, Tony would not only eat it, but love it. So I  got it..... No Cilantro, pasta is iffy, lots of bacon, meat and potatoes for Jon....I got it.

Challenging enough right?  Then add Jill who enjoys a gluten free diet.  Okay before Aaron starting dating Jill I thought gluten was a type of chicken, sweet Jesus!  So originally gluten free was no bread, no crackers, no pretzels, no cookies (basically no fun).  Low and behold so many food items have gluten in them and I had no idea.  What I have learned is  that if a product is able to print gluten free on the label...they can charge twice as much and I can pass them my credit card with a smile on my face knowing I am taking great care in planning my menu!  So I seriously have it no cilantro, lots of bacon, pasta ....maybe, no cookies, special gravy and meat for Jon. Mary Mother of God I GOT IT.

THEN Tony introduces us to his girlfriend Lisa, who is also a strict vegetarian AND she is from Boulder so...she MEANS it.  So know I have learned there are different types of Boca Burgers some with meat by products some with gluten products and the only place I can get a damn Boca Burger that pleases everyone is Denver.

Of course we have to add Eli in the mix.  His requests always include dino nuggets and/or mac and cheese.  So just add it okay?  I really don't care whata anyone else is eating.

So basically, here we are happy as clams, living in the country with a freezer full of organic grass fed beef, organic chicken and frozen pastries from school fund raising functions that no one will eat.  Okay I am not even complaining, the only thing I am gonna say is next Thanksgiving....we are eating out or the next dinner menu will only be serving Bloody Mary's!!