Family Dinner and Movie Night at Home...way cheaper

We don't do this very much so when we do it feels like a real treat, not only for our daughter, but also for us big people too! I like to pick a movie (obviously a kids movie) and create a dinner or snack that has the same theme as the movie.  The great thing about this is you can do it with pretty much ANY movie that you already have.

Some Ideas with links to recipes:

 ~Princess and the Frog/Gumbo
http://www.food.com/recipe/quick-easy-chicken-sausage-gumbo-109348

~Coraline/Button Cookies
http://muishkasrecipebook.blogspot.com/2010/12/coraline-button-cookies.html

~Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs/Spaghetti
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-spaghetti-with-tomato-sauce/

~Curious George/Banana Bread
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/banana-banana-bread/

~Shreck/Waffles
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/waffles-i/

~Garfield/Lasagna
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-lasagna-ii/

~Tangled/Angel Hair Pasta Chicken
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/angel-hair-pasta-chicken/detail.aspx

~Kung Fu Panda/Steamed Dumplings with Dipping Sauce
http://thaifood.about.com/od/thairecipes/r/dumplingschicke.htm

~Chicken Run/Chicken Pot Pie
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-chicken-pot-pie/df0d82fa-a1de-4bc6-8952-a4a2533baf75

Howls Moving Castle/Bacon and Eggs
~I am going to assume everyone knows how to make this one ;p
 
First things first, you HAVE to turn the living room into a super awesome movie theatre unlike any other. Light a few candles, if you have a pull out sofa pull it out for once..make it cozy.  Have your kids grab all the biggest pillows and blankets in the house.  If you don't have a pull out sofa you can make a pallet on the floor..super fun too! 

Before you watch the movie have the kiddos help you make dinner/snack. This is great family time..the perfect way to start the night.

Now break all the rules..eat in the living room, in the dark while watching the movie.  Half way through the movie stop to take a potty break and make popcorn.  After this night of fun your wallets will be happy and so will your kiddos!