Between Sessions Lunch Ideas

*(This is the third day of five posts about General Conference food traditions - keep scrolling to see prior posts)


When the first session of Saturday's General Conference ends, you can feel the entire area we live in suddenly relocate.  I would call it the Noon Dash - where you have two hours to get things done before the second session begins at 2:00 PM.  It's interesting to see everyone in my neighborhood spring to life - hurrying to pick up something at the grocery store, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, washing the car, rushing to Home Depot - you get the idea.  


Since there is another meeting following the Saturday afternoon session (called the "Priesthood Session") - most families try to catch their main meal between 12:00 and 2:00.  One reason for this is that most women have made plans for the time their husbands, fathers, & brothers are away on Saturday night (check back for things we've done on "Girls Night" tomorrow)


I've found that this main meal in the middle of the day needs to be fairly easy to prepare and something that can be put on the table fast.  If I plan it a day or two before, things work out better.  If I forget - and prepare it while I try to listen to Conference, I feel like I've missed out.  We like this meal to be one where everyone can dress it up their own finishing touches - buffet style suits us fine.  


Here are a few of our favorites...

Mini-Burgers / Sliders
No BBQ grill required - this is all done in the oven
and can be on the table within half an hour.

Cafe Rio 'Take-In'
Although this takes the day before to prepare,
it's always a hit with my family.

Potato Cheese Soup (like "Riley's")
This soup is one of our favorites,
especially if the weather is turning cooler.

Hunter's Stew
This can be either an oven or a crock-pot stew.
It's even better with homemade rolls or cornbread
- and holds well if dinner is delayed.

Salsa Chicken
Another crockpot-friendly dish that cooks
in the background while you listen to Conference.
We love it served over baked potatoes.

Week-long Chicken Pasta Salad
Make this a day or two ahead, and it's ready & waiting
 if you have things planned and you can't have a sit-down meal.

Easy Chinese-Restaurant-Style Fried Rice
This is a great way to use leftover ham, and with
the addition of fresh vegetables - it's a complete meal.

Mexican Rice Bake
This looks pretty humble, but it's so good -
especially if you still have fresh tomatoes from
your garden to slice on top before adding the cheese.
You'll appreciate the fact that you can make this the day before.

Navajo Tacos - Utah Style
Who doesn't like Navajo Tacos?  Everyone gets to
dress it up "their" way - and fry bread is something special
that you don't have every day (don't worry -  it's very easy to make)