The What's For Dinner Thread - May '09(recipe index in OP)

[bigmerle1966]

I have discovered a new way to make mashed potatoes. I feel so proud of myself. ^.^

I found the apple corer and sliced an apple... and then I figured I'd try it on a potato and it worked (well the little red skinned ones).
So now I cut them up with the corer, boil until thier cooked, then I peel some of the skin off. And then mash in the pot.
mmm yummy mashed potatoes... i'm having some tonight.

Welcome and good thinking.

A church member emailed today and is interested in Ace He is going to call me tomorrow and set up a time for me to bring Ace over to visit.

Hopefully it will be love at first sight!


Dinner last night ended up be two little White Castle frozen cheeseburgers. By the time I go home I was so tired I didn't have the energy to cook. I ate those, laid down and slept on the couch til 3:30 then got up and got into my bed where I slept til 7:30. Got about 11 hours of sleep last night.

 

[liamandcaili]

I'll have to check with my sister on what the schedule will be, she is in charge of where we go and when, basically she tells me where to go and when to go there!

This sounds SO familiar...

I think it was very well written, and wherever Ace ends up, he will have helped make you into the person you are today. You are truly to be admired.

Robin said this well, and I agree. Aimee, I hope things work out this time for Ace.

I know I'm a bad mom but no no pictures.

If that makes you a bad mom, I guess I am one as well. I have been really negligent about taking pictures lately.

Ann -- I'm glad all went well with your appointment.

Maria -- I'm sorry the news on Leona was not what you were hoping. Continued good thoughts for her.

We have another field trip today.

Wow, you go on a lot of field trips! Liam had four this year, which I thought was a lot. I think Caili only had two. I'm sure you'll have a funny story to share later.

Nancy -- Good luck at the doctor's today.

Lauren -- I'm sorry Andrew's team lost and even sorrier he got hit in the head. Ouch! I am glad he is okay. I bet he'll do better hitting in the summer. Liam always seems to, and I think it is because there is more consistent pitching. It's a lot easier to hit the ball when you aren't worried about getting hit in the head!

Liam's team lost again last night. He pitched four innings. He did a good job -- I think he only walked one -- but they had some really good hitters, so they scored six runs off him. I think they have four more regular season games and then playoffs start.

I think we are due to get some of the rain Nancy is seeing, so I'll be cooking indoors. I have some pizza dough in the refrigerator, so I might make pizza.

 

[TigerKat]

We lost our last playoff game last night...Andrew didn't have much action besides getting clocked in the head with a pitch. He is OK but that is the only way he got on base last night. He struck out twice...he lost his ability to make contact with the ball. He better get that back for baseball camp this summer!

So sorry they lost and that A got hit. I hope's not still feeling it. I always freaked out when Kyle got hit in the head especially since he had that skull surgery. Sometimes good hitters get in a slump and just don't see the ball well, he'll get it back. I never had to worry about that with Kyle, he was never a good hitter.

I have to run some errands and find a UPS to return sandals to Zappos. My little guy has some serious Fred Flinestone wide feet. Sandals I bought him online don't fit, so I am taking him today to a local kids shoe store. Then lunch at my parents.

Poor boy, I've lived my entire life with super wide feet. I can't "shoe shop" like most, I have to take what my foot will fit in.

Johnny took off today, we have some errands to run, bbl....

oops, almost forgot, dinner will be from a local bbq joint that just opened up!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning,

B E A U T I F U L day here this morning. I just hope it is this pretty tomorrow as it is our week to mow the Church and I really want to put in a new flower bed at home. The Boys are in a Golf Tournament on Sunday so if I want any help tomorrow it is.

Kinda sad for Doug this year as he has a team with his boys - Matthew, SIL Marty & SIL Jay. This year he had to pick up his best friend to take Jay's place. My heart kind of breaks for them - Jay will be really missed. They have a ball!! We did get to talk to Jay and he is ok. They trained all day yesterday in the rain but they were to get off today at 5 and he was really looking forward to that. We really miss him.

I went for a nice loooong walk last night with Cooper. It was a beautiful night so we just kept walking. I need to remember that how ever far you go, you do have to turn around and walk that whole way home. It was almost dark by the time we got home.

The Rhubarb is abudant this year and last night I made a big batch of Strawberry, black raspberries and Rhubarb sauce. Oh my it was delicious. I fixed an angel food cake and when the boys got home from golfing we had a nice dessert on the patio. It was a beautiful night.

We are going out to the Winery tonight with friends and then out to dinner so no cooking for me tonight.

I will BBL after I get some work done and I catch up.

 

[liamsaunt]

Bethany, another field trip??!! I don't know how you do it! Although I am looking foward to reading about your chaotic experience later today!

Aimee, I hope that Ace clicks with your parishioner.

Here is last night's grilled chicken dish:

And the recipe:

Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Orange Pomegranate Dressing

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken (thighs or breasts) cut into bite size pieces
2 large oranges
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
Cooking spray
¼ cup chopped mint

Pomegranate-Orange Dressing

1 cup fresh orange juice
2.5 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. pomegranate molasses
2 tsp. grated orange peel
2 tsp. minced rosemary
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. brown sugar
½ tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. red pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Combine all dressing ingredients and whisk to combine.

Place half of the dressing in a large Ziploc bag and add the chicken. Reserve the other half of the marinade for basting while grilling. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours.

Cut the oranges into 8 wedges, and each wedge into three pieces.

Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Thread chicken and orange wedges onto skewers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and place on preheated grill. Cook 5 minutes per side, or until chicken is done, basting occasionally with remaining dressing. Remove from grill and sprinkle with mint.

(Nutrition information is for recipe made with thigh meat)
205 calories, 8 grams fat (1.6 grams saturated), 22.7 grams protein, 320 mg. sodium.


Not sure what is for dinner yet tonight. There is a lot of leftover chicken, so maybe something with that.

 

[TigerKat]

Laura - We must have been posting at the same time. Congrats to Liam on on another great game but sorry for the loss. Hopefully they'll have a winning streak going into the playoffs!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I have another good story! No 90 minute bus ride!

We couldn't go because of the weather, but you know there is a whole fiasco involved in the decision process!

 

[Nancyg56]

Lauren- Poor Andrew! I hope he doesn't have a headache after that! He'll get his eye back, slumps happen

Ann- Love those little wide feet Nola's are pudgey too and I just end up kissing them and she laughs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Becky- What happened to your foot? I was on FB and saw that you were worried about it.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Good Afternoon! Rain, rain & more rain here. I might start ripping down wall paper if I ever get out of this chair.

Dinner last night ended up being group coated in crushed blue nacho chips, wax & green beans & rice.
Tonight maybe pizza take out.

Bethany, I'm glad your not out on a field trip in this weather.

Lauren, poor "A".

Laura, glad Liam had a good night!

Ellen~ black rasberries I would be in heaven!!!! There is a jam, jelly store on Cape Cod that we buy black rasberry jam & it's so delicious. Glad you enjoyed your walk.

Aimee~ I hope everything works out for Ace tonight, he has been very lucky to have you as a foster Mom.

Becky~ thank you for the recipe, I put that right into my file.

Kat ~ if Greg heard bbq he would be at your house tonight!

Nancy~ check in after your mamography!

Still looking for Glynis & Vickie

Anyone I missed, I'm always thinking of you~

 

[OKWMom]

Aimee – That essay was just beautiful. I hope your church member ends up adopting Ace. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

Ann – Glad you and Emma are doing well. Not much longer.

Becky – I agree with Kathy, your eggs are beautiful. Even your “messed up” ones look better than my normal ones.

Bethany – Just keep the countdown going in your head. You’re almost out of there. I can’t wait for the field trip details. Some of your best stories have been from field trips.

Janice – Wow! 500 graduates! I bet that was a very long un-graduation. Can't wait to see the re-do pic.

Maria – Prayers for Leona (and you and Greg). Keep us posted.

Sandra – Welcome and thanks for the mashed potato tips. I use a potato ricer now since Becky (I think it was Becky) kept mentioning hers. Sooooo much easier than my old way.

Nancy – I hope everything works out ok today. I know Buddy must be very stressed right now. And I agree with you 100% on pudgy baby feet. I just love baby feet.

Lauren – I’m glad A was ok. Honestly though, the thought of that just scares the bejeezus out of me.

Kathy – Skull surgery?!? Skull surgery?!? When?!? Holy cow!! I can’t imagine how horrible that must have been for both of you. I was freaked out when they put Hailey to sleep to do dental work.

Ellen – Your dessert sounds wonderful. I’m jealous actually, about the dessert and the patio. It is now officially mosquito and gnat season here. Eating outside in the evenings is not for the faint of heart.


Laura - I think Greg will come back hungry but nothing like he did from Ranger school. I dated a guy in college who completed both schools and he thought Airborne was a walk in the park after he had done Ranger school. Not that you could pay me enough $$$$ to try either one.

I do want to share a story with you and I know you can appreciate it. Patrick has been going through a phase where about once a week he tells us he has decided he knows what he wants to do when he grows up. A couple weeks ago he said he wanted to join the Navy and be an underwater welder. Don't know where that came from, but I didn't ask. I just said that sounded like a good idea.

However, a couple nights ago, he came to me while I was cooking dinner and said he had changed his mind - he wanted to join the Marines. I asked him what he wanted to do in the Corps and he said he wanted to be a sniper.

When I asked how he decided on that he said because he knew he wanted to be a marine and being a sniper would be the "safest job in the marines". Delving further, I asked how he arrived at that conclusion and he said "because the snipers are hiding and the enemy can't see you." Ok. I should have stopped there, but for the sake of my own entertainment at this point, I said "Patrick, I do see at least one error in your logic. Once you fire the first shot sweetie, the enemy are going to know where you are." To which he replied "I know. After you shoot the first guy, you just have to shoot the rest of them really quick."

As my boss said when I told him - the US is obviously wasting a lot of manpower overseas. We just need to send Patrick.


Last night's marinated scallops and bacon were a hit with Kenny and the kids so I'll have to add it to the rotation. Tonight's dinner will be Kathy's stuffed pork chops but all I have is a tenderloin so I think I'm going to stuff it whole and see how that works out. Fridays are Kenny's late days so I can take a good bit longer with dinner.

Happy Friday everyone!

 

[TigerKat]

Gretchen - Please share the scallop recipe when you can!

I thought I'd told y'all about Kyle's surgery. He had craniosynostosis (premature closing of the soft spot) and had to have surgery at 2 1/2 months of age. I was a complete and total basket case. As a result I still worry whenever he hits his head.

 

[liamandcaili]

Hopefully they'll have a winning streak going into the playoffs!

Thanks, that is what the coaches are hoping. I just got an email saying that they are going to try to improve the team by doing some batting practice before the next three games. Batting hasn't really been the problem...they scored seven runs last night...however, dropping pop-ups, missing easy groundballs, missing the cut-off and walking the bases loaded have been problems. I guess they have decided they can't do anything about those so they better get the kids to score more runs!

I have another good story!

Can't wait to hear it!

Gretchen -- Your story had me in tears I was laughing so hard. Isn't it amazing how boys have an answer for everything?

Greg is expecting Airborne to be very easy. He gets nights and weekends off, and he is lodged in a very comfortable hotel room. The only potential problem is that they didn't have him on the class list as of last night. He was hoping that was corrected by this morning.

Did I tell all of you that he suggested going rock climbing together when he was home? I don't know who he thinks he has been married to all these years.

I don't want pizza tonight. I think I am going to run over to the fish market and pick up something there. BBL.

 

[Nancyg56]

However, a couple nights ago, he came to me while I was cooking dinner and said he had changed his mind - he wanted to join the Marines. I asked him what he wanted to do in the Corps and he said he wanted to be a sniper.

When I asked how he decided on that he said because he knew he wanted to be a marine and being a sniper would be the "safest job in the marines". Delving further, I asked how he arrived at that conclusion and he said "because the snipers are hiding and the enemy can't see you." Ok. I should have stopped there, but for the sake of my own entertainment at this point, I said "Patrick, I do see at least one error in your logic. Once you fire the first shot sweetie, the enemy are going to know where you are." To which he replied "I know. After you shoot the first guy, you just have to shoot the rest of them really quick."

As my boss said when I told him - the US is obviously wasting a lot of manpower overseas. We just need to send Patrick.

He does have a point!

I have to tell you that my sister was at her wit's end with Timmy. I mean he was in danger of not graduating, he was disrespectful and had not spoken to her or to anyone in our family for over two years. It was awful. His father did his job well

Anyway, he decided to enlist into the Marine Corps. My sister was of two minds, there is a war and his grades were such that infantry was where he would be but she was sick thinking about what his future was going to be on the path he was on.

He entered boot camp with the attitude that he had gone through HS with and that did not go well. He decided he had two directions to go on and dumped the misfits he had gravitated to and graduated a squad leader. His progress has been . I don't think the service is for everyone but I know that Timmy thrives with the structure that is a part of the Corps.

Patrick sounds like Timmy, really smart, not motivated to show off those brains and a bit defiant. I know that the path for him will show up and he will see it.....and if you are anything like Buddy and me or Gail and Mike....you will kiss the path is you survive!

Gretchen - Please share the scallop recipe when you can!

I thought I'd told y'all about Kyle's surgery. He had craniosynostosis (premature closing of the soft spot) and had to have surgery at 2 1/2 months of age. I was a complete and total basket case. As a result I still worry whenever he hits his head.

Kat- I did not know that Kyle had had surgery as a baby. You must have been terrified! It is bad enough when an adult undergoes a serious operation, I cannot imagine having a child have one

How on Earth can you manage the games? I would never breathe!


I am fine! I did not go for several years and I had a little scare last year. It was at the same time I had the D&C and all of the issues I was having so I learned my lesson about routine examinations! If I do that again I think I am going to be divorced, after he got over being worried Buddy was peeved that I had not been going for checkups regularly. I send him but had been putting mine off.


Dinner is American Chop Suey. It is dreary here although the rain has not started yet so I wanted our stormy weather comfort food. I made a chocolate pumpkin cake for dessert. SF FF chocolate pudding for me.

 

[TigerKat]

How on Earth can you manage the games? I would never breathe!

He was seen by his neurosurgeon every year until the age of 15 for developmental and physical progress and the only restrictions placed on him sports wise were no football or wrestling. At the age of 7 the DR gave the go ahead on baseball with no restrictions but I was still very squeamish. I learned to cope with it after 2 pretty good whacks to the head at age 10 & 12. No hits to the hard head since.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Aimee- Oh my goodness, your story was beautiful! As Robin said, you have given Ace a boost in getting him a good home. I know you were writing from your heart and were not trying to place him with your thoughts but I agree that your thoughts let people see past the word "dog" to see the lifelong friend that he is.

Thanks

The Rhubarb is abudant this year and last night I made a big batch of Strawberry, black raspberries and Rhubarb sauce. Oh my it was delicious. I fixed an angel food cake and when the boys got home from golfing we had a nice dessert on the patio. It was a beautiful night.

That sounds delicious!1

I do want to share a story with you and I know you can appreciate it. Patrick has been going through a phase where about once a week he tells us he has decided he knows what he wants to do when he grows up. A couple weeks ago he said he wanted to join the Navy and be an underwater welder. Don't know where that came from, but I didn't ask. I just said that sounded like a good idea.

However, a couple nights ago, he came to me while I was cooking dinner and said he had changed his mind - he wanted to join the Marines. I asked him what he wanted to do in the Corps and he said he wanted to be a sniper.

When I asked how he decided on that he said because he knew he wanted to be a marine and being a sniper would be the "safest job in the marines". Delving further, I asked how he arrived at that conclusion and he said "because the snipers are hiding and the enemy can't see you." Ok. I should have stopped there, but for the sake of my own entertainment at this point, I said "Patrick, I do see at least one error in your logic. Once you fire the first shot sweetie, the enemy are going to know where you are." To which he replied "I know. After you shoot the first guy, you just have to shoot the rest of them really quick."

As my boss said when I told him - the US is obviously wasting a lot of manpower overseas. We just need to send Patrick.

I thought I'd told y'all about Kyle's surgery. He had craniosynostosis (premature closing of the soft spot) and had to have surgery at 2 1/2 months of age. I was a complete and total basket case. As a result I still worry whenever he hits his head.

I wouldn't blame you! I have a child that was hit in the head with a golf club two years ago; literally knocked a hole in his skull but it healed up on his own and they opted to not do surgery. His momma is like when he does anything active. She's so scared it is fragile still, or he'll do it again, or something. Boys are hard headed but a momma doesn't think that when it's her baby

Ace is going to meet the potential new owners tomorrow.

Tonight is the senior dinner with the graduating seniors at a local mexican place so we're going to that. They are doing a fajita buffet, which is good for my WW points.

 

[liamsaunt]

Gretchen, thanks for the laugh! Patrick is too funny.

Hmmm....I had something else to say and forgot what it was!

I am going to my parents' house for dinner tonight. I think they are making fish.

 

[TigerKat]

Ace is going to meet the potential new owners tomorrow.

Saying extra special prayers for our little guy!

 

[OKWMom]

I thought I'd told y'all about Kyle's surgery. He had craniosynostosis (premature closing of the soft spot) and had to have surgery at 2 1/2 months of age. I was a complete and total basket case. As a result I still worry whenever he hits his head.

Kat, you may have mentioned it, but my memory has been terrible lately. I'm sure you were a basket case, I know I would have been. Now that I know all of that, I honestly don't know how you sat in those stands for all those games without needing medication. Bless you honey.

Did I tell all of you that he suggested going rock climbing together when he was home? I don't know who he thinks he has been married to all these years.

I'd feel the same way. Kenny thinks it would be great fun to spend a long weekend in the mountains climbing! I told him to take the kids and I hope they have a great time.

I hope they got the enrollment straightened out for Greg. And glad you liked the Patrick story.

He entered boot camp with the attitude that he had gone through HS with and that did not go well. He decided he had two directions to go on and dumped the misfits he had gravitated to and graduated a squad leader. His progress has been . I don't think the service is for everyone but I know that Timmy thrives with the structure that is a part of the Corps.

Nancy, don't misunderstand - I think the military would be wonderful for Patrick. He is the kind of kid who I think would really blossom under the military system. He does best with a lot of supervision, structure, and very clear expectations. I honestly think he would be a different child if his mother...well, that is a different story altogether. When the time comes, if he still expresses a desire to enlist, Kenny and I will be very supportive of that decision.

And by the way, if you neglect your own health again, Buddy won't be the only one after you. Get it?!? (Said with love in my heart).

Gretchen, thanks for the laugh! Patrick is too funny.

We think so too. We have a hard time not laughing at him though, especially when he is being so serious. I've almost perfected my poker face. Almost.

Isn't your trip next week? I know you said it was coming up soon.

 

[OKWMom]

Ok Kat, here is the scallop recipe. Your stuffed chop recipe is in the oven and smelling good.

Bourbon Scallops with Bacon

¼ cup minced onion
4 tablespoons bourbon
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ tsp ground black pepper
8 sliced of center cut bacon, chopped in medium sized pieces (I use more - hey, it’s bacon)
1 to 1 ½ lbs scallops

Mix first six ingredients (onion through pepper) in a medium bowl. Add scallops and marinate in fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

In a skillet, cook bacon and drain, reserving some of bacon drippings to cook scallops in. Add scallops (without marinade) to pan and cook to almost done. Add bacon and marinade and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until scallops are done.

You can double the marinade and probably serve it over rice, but we just ate it alone.

 

[liamandcaili]

Kenny thinks it would be great fun to spend a long weekend in the mountains climbing! I told him to take the kids and I hope they have a great time.

Now that would be a great staycation! They can get ticks, blisters, and grubby, and you can sit home and sip wine, get a pedicure, etc.

Beck and I definitely need to make that scallop recipe. My dad loves anything with bourbon in it, and of course, you had me at bacon.

Kathy -- I do remember you mentioning Kyle's surgery before, but I guess I never realized how it might impact him with sports. You are a brave mom to sit through all those games.

Well, my neighbor enticed me up to her house for a drink, and when we got home, it wasn't raining too much, so I grilled burgers and hotdogs. The kids proclaimed it "AWESOME!"