What to make for dinner? That is a question that the person doing the food preparation asks themselves everyday. Often deciding what to cook is the biggest part of the task. Then if you are on a budget, it becomes even a bigger challenge to cook something nutritious, interesting and that the family will eat. The first thing that comes to the minds of many will be macaroni and cheese, which is certainly a favorite meal choice but we have some other ideas that you may like to try.

#1 Crispy Potatoes With Green Beans and Eggs

This single skillet dish can be made with raw potatoes or you can use leftovers.This dish is best when to take time in your cooking to be sure the potato cubes are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

#2 Moroccan Chicken Salad

This dish can be made with leftover chicken and is prepared with rice and served over baby spinach.

#3 Sesame-Ginger Pork Patty with Grilled Pineapple

This Asian inspired pork burger is served with a grilled sweet pineapple slice. Fresh pineapple is fantastic, but if it is not in season, you can also use canned pineapple rings. This dish is served with brown rice and a zesty watercress and carrot salad.

#4 Fettuccine with Shiitake Mushrooms & Basil

Made with whole wheat pasta with accents of lemon zest and shiitake mushrooms.

#5 Corn and Basil Cakes

Easy savory corn-and-basil pancakes could be a main or side dish.

Ingredients for Corn and Basil Cakes: 1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour or all-purpose flour,1/2 cup low-fat milk,2 large eggs,2 tablespoons canola oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon baking powder,1/2 teaspoon salt,1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper,2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 large ears; see Tip) or frozen,1/2 cup chopped fresh basil