Dinner Tonight

About Dinner Tonight

Welcome to Dinner Tonight the podcast where colleagues, friends, and fellow busy moms talk about dinner time including recipes, meal planning, nutrition, food safety, and more! We will walk our listeners through mealtime struggles, recipe ideas, healthy cooking techniques and overall tips around a real life challenge we all have - What's for Dinner Tonight?

Publisher

Dinner Tonight by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Category

health & fitness · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Jul 2026

Latest episode

10 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Nov 2026

   Are You Ready for Thanksgiving?

   In this episode of Dinner Tonight, hosts Wendy and Odessa discuss the ins and outs of preparing for Thanksgiving. They share their personal family traditions, tips for selecting and cooking the perfect turkey, and essential food safety practices to ensure a successful holiday meal. The conversation also touches on the importance of managing leftovers and includes fun facts about Thanksgiving traditions. Thawing a Turkey: https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2023/11/14/let-the-thaw-begin-how-to-safely-prepare-your-thanksgiving-turkey/ (https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2023/11/14/let-the-thaw-begin-how-to-safely-prepare-your-thanksgiving-turkey/) https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/safely-thawing-a-turkey/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/safely-thawing-a-turkey/) Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/thanksgiving-ideas/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/thanksgiving-ideas/) Turkey Hotline: Calculators & Conversions | Butterball (https://www.butterball.com/calculators-conversions) Turkey Talk - Call 1-800-BUTTERBALL (tel:844-877-3456) or text 844-877-3456 (tel:844-877-3456) to chat with our turkey experts. Visit our website at dinnertonight.tamu.edu for recipes, tips, and more! Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx (https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/ (https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/) Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/ (https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner (https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner) Music is “Cooking” by Aleksandr Abrosimov from Pixabay The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

2. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Halloween: Managing the Candy

   Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of costumes, trick-or-treating, and, of course, a mountain of candy. But as parents, how do we navigate the sugar rush while ensuring our kids maintain a balanced diet? Wendy and Odessa share their insights on managing Halloween treats without losing the fun. Fun Recipe Ideas for Halloween: Deep Dish Pizza Casserole | Dinner Tonight (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/deep-dish-pizza-casserole/) Pizza Waffle | Dinner Tonight (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/pizza-waffle/) Chicken and Broccoli Pockets | Dinner Tonight (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/chicken-and-broccoli-pockets/) Food Safety Tips for Parents: https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/halloween-food-safety-tips-parents (https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/halloween-food-safety-tips-parents) Operation Shoebox: https://operationshoebox.com/ (https://operationshoebox.com/) Listen to full episodes on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dinner-tonight/id6788015279 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dinner-tonight/id6788015279)  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033KOTAtkQpS6qEbkKxnJn (https://open.spotify.com/show/033KOTAtkQpS6qEbkKxnJn) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK2UEX03AUyE (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK2UEX03AUyE) Visit our website at dinnertonight.tamu.edu for recipes, tips, and more! Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for the latest recipes right to your inbox: Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx (https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/ (https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/) Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/ (https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner (https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner) Music is “Cooking” by Aleksandr Abrosimov from Pixabay The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

3. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Pumpkins: Versatile & Delicious

   In this episode of Dinner Tonight, Odessa and Wendy discuss the joys of cooking with pumpkin as fall approaches. They share personal dinner experiences, delve into the nutritional benefits of pumpkin, and explore various savory and sweet recipes. The conversation also covers practical tips for carving pumpkins and how to responsibly dispose of or repurpose them after Halloween. Keywords pumpkin, recipes, nutrition, meal planning, food safety, fall cooking, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin puree, carving pumpkins, family meals Takeaways Leftovers can be a great meal option. Pumpkin is high in vitamins A, C, and E. Pumpkin seeds are nutritious and versatile. Pumpkin puree is different from pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin can be used in savory dishes like pasta. Carving pumpkins can be a fun family activity. Sharp knives are safer for carving pumpkins. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted and seasoned. Whole pumpkins can be fed to wildlife if done responsibly. Pumpkins can be used for decoration and cooking. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Dinner Tonight 02:41 All About Pumpkins 12:46 Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin 19:03 Savory Pumpkin Dishes 27:15 Carving Pumpkins: Tips and Tricks Find us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and youtube at Dinner Tonight and look for the maroon spoon, fork and knife. The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

4. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Embrace Convenience Items in Meal Prep

   Discover how convenience items can simplify your dinner routine. Dinner can often feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of the Dinner Tonight podcast, Odessa and Wendy share practical tips and personal favorites when it comes to getting meals on the table quickly and efficiently. Food Safety: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts (https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts) Recipes & Inspiration: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/meatball-orzo-soup/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/meatball-orzo-soup/) https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/chicken-parmesan-sliders/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/chicken-parmesan-sliders/) https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/slow-cooker-barbecue-chicken-thighs/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/slow-cooker-barbecue-chicken-thighs/) https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/rotisserie-chicken/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/rotisserie-chicken/) https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/southwest-beef-skillet/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/southwest-beef-skillet/) Tips: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/how-much-chicken/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/how-much-chicken/) https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/how-to-boil-chicken/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/how-to-boil-chicken/) Visit our website at dinnertonight.tamu.edu for recipes, tips, and more! Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx (https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/ (https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/) Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/ (https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner (https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner) Music is “Cooking” by Aleksandr Abrosimov from Pixabay The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

5. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Hosting Tips for the Holiday Season

   In this episode of Dinner Tonight, Odessa and Wendy discuss hosting tips for seasonal gatherings, emphasizing the importance of considering food allergies, providing enough serving utensils, and ensuring hygiene. The conversation then shifts to food planning for events, where they share guidelines on how much food to prepare and the importance of variety in the menu. In this conversation, Wendy and Odessa discuss essential tips for hosting gatherings, focusing on planning, food safety, serving strategies, and the importance of community. They emphasize the need for proper meal planning, temperature control, and the joy of sharing meals with friends and family. The discussion also highlights practical advice for cleaning up and maintaining order during events, encouraging hosts to ask for help and involve others in the process. Visit our website at dinnertonight.tamu.edu (http://dinnertonight.tamu.edu) for recipes, tips, and more! Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for the latest recipes right to your inbox: Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx (https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/ (https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/) Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/ (https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner (https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner) Music is “Cooking” by Aleksandr Abrosimov from Pixabay The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

6. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Tailgating Tips

   Welcome to the Dinner Tonight Podcast, where busy moms and friends discuss everything about dinner time, from recipes to nutrition, and even food safety. In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of tailgating, especially as fall sports ramp up. If you’re looking to elevate your tailgating game with delicious, safe food, you’re in the right place! Tailgating is all about fun, friends, and food, but safety should always be a priority. Make sure to plan your menu thoughtfully, keep food safety principles in mind, and enjoy the game with delicious, safe food! For more ideas on meal planning and nutrition, check out our previous episodes. USDA Food Safety Basics: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/danger-zone-40f-140f (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/danger-zone-40f-140f) Instructions for a mobile hand washing station: https://extension.umn.edu/agriculture/farm-operations-and-systems/on-farm-food-safety/build-a-low-cost-handwashing-station (https://extension.umn.edu/agriculture/farm-operations-and-systems/on-farm-food-safety/build-a-low-cost-handwashing-station) Creamy Guacamole Dip: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/creamy-avocado-veggie-dip/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/creamy-avocado-veggie-dip/) Creamy Onion Dip: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/creamy-onion-dip/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/creamy-onion-dip/) Tailgate Dip: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/tailgate-dip/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/tailgate-dip/) Cowboy Caviar: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/cowboy-caviar/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/cowboy-caviar/) Visit our website at dinnertonight.tamu.edu (http://dinnertonight.tamu.edu) for recipes, tips, and more! Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for the latest recipes right to your inbox: Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx (https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/ (https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/) Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/ (https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner (https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner) Music is “Cooking” by Aleksandr Abrosimov from Pixabay The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

7. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Back to School Dinner Chaos

   In this episode, Wendy and Odessa share practical tips on meal planning, quick and easy dinner ideas, and the importance of family meal time for health and connection. Perfect for busy families looking to streamline dinner routines and foster healthier habits. Meal planning strategies for busy families Time-saving dinner recipes and tools The importance of family mealtime for health and bonding Food prep tips and pantry staples Varying proteins and vegetables for balanced meals Salsa Verde Tacos from the Slow Cooker: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/salsa-verde-pork-street-tacos/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/salsa-verde-pork-street-tacos/) Main Courses from Dinner Tonight: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/main-dish/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/main-dish/) Visit our website at dinnertonight.tamu.edu (http://dinnertonight.tamu.edu) for recipes, tips, and more! Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for the latest recipes right to your inbox: Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx (https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/ (https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/) Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/ (https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner (https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner) Music is “Cooking” by Aleksandr Abrosimov from Pixabay The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

8. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Back to School Meal Strategies

   In this episode of Dinner Tonight, hosts Odessa and Wendy discuss the challenges of transitioning from summer to back-to-school routines, focusing on meal planning, after-school snacks, and creative lunch ideas. They emphasize the importance of food safety when packing lunches and maintaining clean containers. The conversation is filled with practical tips for busy parents to ensure their children have nutritious meals and snacks throughout the school year. Snack Recipes from Dinner Tonight: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipes/snack-recipes/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipes/snack-recipes/) How to Keep a Cold Lunch Cold: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/keep-lunch-cold/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/keep-lunch-cold/) Six Easy Steps for Lunch Box Safety: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/school-lunch-box-food-safety/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/school-lunch-box-food-safety/) Protein Balls: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/double-chocolate-protein-balls/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/double-chocolate-protein-balls/) Energy Bites: https://extension.psu.edu/easy-energy-health-bites-recipe (https://extension.psu.edu/easy-energy-health-bites-recipe) Snacking Tips: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/snacking/ (https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/snacking/) Visit our website at dinnertonight.tamu.edu (http://dinnertonight.tamu.edu) for recipes, tips, and more! Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for the latest recipes right to your inbox: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=fjsfquvab&p=oi&m=fjsfquvab&sit=fpbamedkb&f=f08f77fd-4359-4a65-9d84-4b3f2f151493 (https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=fjsfquvab&p=oi&m=fjsfquvab&sit=fpbamedkb&f=f08f77fd-4359-4a65-9d84-4b3f2f151493) Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx (https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/ (https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/) Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/ (https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner (https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner) Music is “Cooking” by Aleksandr Abrosimov from Pixabay The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

9. 

   6 Jul 2026

   Introducing: The Dinner Tonight Podcast

   The Dinner Tonight podcast introduces the signature program and its hosts, Wendy & Odessa, discuss the importance of family meals together, food safety, meal planning, eating at home vs. eating out, and delicious recipes ideas! Takeaways Importance of family meals Food safety and meal planning Chapters 00:00 Introducing the Dinner Tonight Podcast 05:26 The Importance of Family Meals 11:25 Recipe Accessibility and Testing Visit our website at dinnertonight.tamu.edu (http://dinnertonight.tamu.edu) for recipes, tips, and more! Sign up for our weekly email newsletter for the latest recipes right to your inbox: Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx (https://www.facebook.com/DinnerTonightTx) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/ (https://www.instagram.com/dinner__tonight/) Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/ (https://www.pinterest.com/dinnertonight/) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner (https://www.youtube.com/@txdinner) Music is “Cooking” by Aleksandr Abrosimov from Pixabay The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.