I collect recipes that have "components" - taco bar, lettuce wraps, noodle bowls, even chicken parm (one kid eats the chicken with the pasta sauce but no cheese, one kid eats the chicken with cheese but no sauce, dad and I eat the whole thing.) The buffet option is a little more work, but dinner happens with fewer complaints. BTW, I'm open to menu suggestions :)
No need to enter me in the contest -- I've got the book and you'll all love it! As for kid-free moments with DH, I'm all about a hike in the mountains without the constant "how much longer?" refrain echoing off the hills :)