A Really REALLY Fantastic Idea

What is the idea you ask? Its a dinner group.

My neighbor, and good friend, decided it would make her life a whole lot easier if she invited three other families to be in a dinner group where we would each take one night every week and make dinner for all four families, and then deliver that dinner to each family. Which means that three nights a week I would have dinner delivered to me and I would only have to cook once a week. Sounded great to me....and turns out that it is great!

We have been doing it for about three months now and I seriously can't say enough good things about it. Like I said, I only have to cook once a week! The four families are all within a few houses of mine, and each family is similar in size. We had an initial meeting where we discussed foods that family members wouldn't eat, and other than broccoli, onions, mayonnaise and pineapple (yes, pineapple...isn't that weird) we make whatever we want.

The meals have been really good. And the best part is the variety of food we are getting and the quality. Because we each only have to cook once a week it is a lot easier to make a nice and delicious meal with sides that actually go with the main dish.

Another great benefit is that our monthly grocery expenses have decreased. I do not have to buy as many ingredients where we won't be able to use the entire package, and because we have good left overs Spencer goes out to lunch less and we eat more left overs on the weekend instead of eating out or making new food (though we still enjoy eating out.)

Each family purchased some disposable Tupperware which we use to transfer food for a lot of our meals. And when I am not home in time for dinner, my fantastic friends deliver dinner to my fridge so it is ready for us when we do get home.

I meant to take a picture of my massive pot of home made Mac 'n Cheese (not my most sophisticated meal, but very yummy), but I forgot because sometimes cooking for four families can be a little crazy, but I would say that it is definitely worth it. And after doing this for a few months I am getting better at cookie larger quantities.

My dinner for tonight should be here any time. We are having spiced citrus chicken, and tomorrow we are having stroganoff. Sounds good to me.

So there you have it, being in a dinner group is a really fantastic idea.