The Dreaded Question

I was about halfway home this evening when my phone buzzed to tell me a text had come in. At the next opportune moment, I checked the message. It was from my daughter, and it was the question I think I dread more than any other* - "What's for dinner?"

My answer was, "I don't know." It's been one of those days, when I worked late and had to go to the store for non-food items, so I was getting a late start home anyway. Plus, it's church night. If I had been smart, I would have stopped at Subway or something before heading home. But I didn't.

When I got home, my daughter (who was home sick today) said she finally felt ready for "real food." I had thought I might make sloppy joes (quick and easy), but that's probably not the best fare for someone recovering from a bout of the stomach bug. I had some boiled chicken in the refrigerator, so I announced I would turn it into chicken salad sandwiches. Still quick, but relatively bland and easy on the stomach.

I already had an egg boiling and was cutting up the chicken when I realized I am completely out of a VERY important ingredient for chicken salad - mayonnaise. I'd used the last of it last weekend making something to take to a church potluck. OK. Shift of strategy. I could make Poppy Seed Chicken. I would need more chicken, though, so I put another frozen chicken breast on to boil and searched out the recipe.

I was gathering the ingredients when I realized Plan B wasn't going to work, either - no buttery crackers. Now, I suppose I could have used plain old saltines, but part of the appeal of Poppy Seed Chicken is that yummy topping, and I just didn't want the dish without it.

On to Plan C! I had seen a recipe somewhere once for a Chicken and Chips casserole made with potato chips (I did have about a quarter of a bag on hand). I hunted up the recipe online and finally had everything I needed. I was a little apprehensive, though; what if no one liked it? Oh, and I should mention that the time for church had come and gone by this point.....

The story does have a happy ending. The dish was SO easy to make and pretty quick (once I figured out I was going to make it, ha ha). And everyone liked it. My husband came in to get a second helping only to discover our son beat him to it and emptied the dish. That's a good sign! 

I think I'll start saving the crumbles at the bottom of the potato chip bag so I can have them around for the next time someone brings up that dreaded question. (And I guess I really better get more serious and consistent with planning a menu so I actually have the groceries I need....there's a thought....)

*My other most dreaded question? "Do you have our papers graded?"