What I Made for Dinner Cooking Recipes from Around the World

As we’re faced with another year of determining what's for dinner, we're sharing a glimpse at how BHG readers gather for a meal. Welcome to our new series, Dinner Diaries, where we're asking readers to anonymously share how they get dinner on the table including grocery shopping, budgeting, cooking, and their favorite family recipes. Here, a family of five enjoys tacos, spaghetti, bulgogi, and other dishes from around the world.

• Occupation: Director of Community Outreach and Synagogue Chef
• Location: Boise, ID
• Age: 55
• Cooking for: 5

Q: How often do you go grocery shopping?

I do a large shopping on the weekend usually, and one or two small trips for last minute items or super fresh items.

Q: What's your average weekly grocery budget?

$200-250.

Q: Do you make a grocery list?

Yes, the "OurGroceries" app is a lifesaver! Everyone in the household has access and can add items. (I'm wise to the teens who add ice cream and tons of treats. It's mom's discretion on what actually gets purchased.)

Q: What grocery stores do you shop at most frequently?

Trader Joe's, Albertson's (it's a two block walk from my house!), Winco, and Costco. In the summer we have a garden and we get fresh produce from a local CSA.

Q: Who is going to cook dinner?

I generally cook dinner. If we're grilling then my husband will often do the actual grilling, but most of the prep falls to me.

Q: What are things you always have in your fridge or pantry?

Dried and canned beans, rice (several types), onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes, a variety of canned tomato products, pasta, sour cream, and lots of cheese. A myriad of spices and condiments are also always present.

Q: How do you share the labor of cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping?

I generally do the shopping and cooking, my husband will typically do the dishes after dinner. The kids have been making their own breakfasts and lunches since they were in 5th grade or so. They're both in high school now. I also enjoy baking, so I bake sourdough bread every week and usually at least one baked good (banana bread, or even baked oats) so the kids can use that for breakfast during the school week.

Q: What are your go-to meals or family-favorite recipes?

Tacos are the all-around fave and I rotate what goes in them. Sometimes it's standard ground beef or plant based ground meat substitute, other times it will be roasted cauliflower or jackfruit. Spaghetti is also a huge hit along with other types of pastas. Bulgogi is another favorite. I have always fed my family food from cultures all over the world so they have gained an appreciation for a wide variety of foods.

Q: Do you cook daily or do you meal prep for the week?

Generally I cook every day. I love the idea of meal prep for the week but it rarely comes together that way. I'm pretty pleased if I get the week's menu planned in advance and do the bulk of the shopping on the weekend.

Q: What was the last meal you cooked at home?

Zuni Cafe roasted chicken and bread salad.

Q: Would you make it again?

Yes, it was delicious and a great Sunday night dinner (when time is on my side).

Q: Do you often have dessert with dinner?

Dessert is usually a weekend thing (fruit pies in the summer or cakes and crumbles at other times of year; cookies are more frequent). I try to have fresh fruit instead of a sugary dessert the rest of the time but dark chocolate is always lingering about. It's a nice way to wrap up a hectic day.

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