[amazingrace]

You probably have a pretty good idea what your family will like and what they won't. Perhaps when you are trying a new recipe you're unsure about, you might make it in a sample size, cutting the ingredients in half, and beef up the meal with a large salad, vegetable or side dish you know they'll eat. If they like it, then you know the next time you can make the full size. If they don't like it, at least you won't have so much left over to deal with.