What to make?

Friend is coming over on Thursday. She's having a rough time and at the moment she's on her own.

So I've invited her over for dinner but I don't know what to make.

It's gotta be fairly cheap and easy to make because it's right after work.

Preferably vegetarian because Jon is but meat dishes can be altered to veggie.

Any recommendations? What to make for someone who's down?

Lasagna? You can make it ahead and just pop it in the oven when you get home from work. Plus, it's comfort food! For dessert, you could make homemade ice cream if you have an ice cream maker. If not, you could make brownies and put ice cream and chocolate syrup on them.

Ummm...can I come over too???

Is she British?

Lasagne was my immediate first thought too!  Stuffed with cheese and veggies -its a vegetarian's delight!

Lasagne is good. Or you can do a layered Mexican dish if she likes Mexican food. I agree that brownies and ice cream are required when one is down.

I'll book my flight now...

Does she like Indian?  This is not spicy and filling and great with naan and CHEAP.

http://www.route79.com/food/daal.htm

Tesco sell them in the 'World Foods' aisle as yellow split peas.

Or serve with basmati rice you can do in the microwave.

Used tinned onion if you're pressed for time.

Or make it the day before as it's even better the next day!

And you can do some meat to serve on the side for non-veggies:
2 chicken breasts.  Mix 2tblsp plain yogurt with 2 tsp garam marsala, a squirt of tomato paste, some salt and pepper, a spoon of Lazy garlic and the juice of one lemon.  Soak breasts in it (works with turkey, too, if you're on a budget).  Roast for 20-25 mins. on 200C, then shred and mix with the daal or serve on the side.

Lasagne is good. Or you can do a layered Mexican dish if she likes Mexican food. I agree that brownies and ice cream are required when one is down.

I'll book my flight now...

Mexican is great. A friend of ours made shrimp fajitas with frozen shrimp, peppers and onions. Took about 20m and it was hearty and delicious.

Is she British?

yes, she is.

Lasagna was my first thought as well, good to know it's a good one.

But fajitas is a good idea too and I know she likes mexican and doesn't have it a lot.  I make some great vegetarian fajitas with black beans, black eyed peas, corgettes and the regular stuff.

And come on down everyone. All are welcome at Chez Ashley.

Lasagna's good because you can make it up the night before and put it in the fridge.   But fajitas would be good too.

I love the lasagna idea, but something yummy from the crock pot might be nice, too (assuming you have one).  If your friend is having a rough time, a good dose of crock pot comfort food might lift her spirits for a little while.

Your fajitas sound tasty! If she doesn't get Mexican very much and likes it, then I say that would perk her up!

I love the lasagna idea, but something yummy from the crock pot might be nice, too (assuming you have one).  If your friend is having a rough time, a good dose of crock pot comfort food might lift her spirits for a little while.

Such a good idea, but alas, I do not have one.

Jon, the ever practical, reminded me that we made mexican last time she came over and that she is currently training for the Leeds marathon, so pasta it is. But I've been told I have to make it fresh sauces, so I've gone to the store this lunchtime and bought what I needed.

Thanks all for your help. I'm sure the veggie lasagne, homemade garlic bread and Gu brownies (because I can't make good brownies) will cheer her up.

Thanks all for your help. I'm sure the veggie lasagne, homemade garlic bread and Gu brownies (because I can't make good brownies) will cheer her up.

Might cheer us up too, if you post the recipe. Especially for the homemade sauce.

Thanks all for your help. I'm sure the veggie lasagne, homemade garlic bread and Gu brownies (because I can't make good brownies) will cheer her up.

That would definitely cheer me up!! 

Might cheer us up too, if you post the recipe. Especially for the homemade sauce.

Oooh, now we are going to get into the old 'Cheese Sauce v Bechamel' debate!!!


Vicky