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

[shovan]

Maria, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Laura, YEAH! Congratulations to Greg!

Marisa, I'm sad about Michael too. All my girls are sad too, Angelina sent me a text, Chris sent one telling me Alexis is sad too. Even with all his strangeness we are still Michael fans over here.

Nancy, So the little neighbor just comes over for a chat! She just forgets to tell her parents, Oh my goodness. I'm glad A's never pulled that one!

Nan, A called me this afternoon to tell me that "Our condo has stairs! Two stories & that she went to a REAL beach and the waves knocked her down!" She's having fun.

Bethany, I'm sorry! Just keep counting the days, it's almost over!

We ended up going out for sushi for dinner. Luckily we had some rain again today.

 

[Nancyg56]

I had to check in for BABYWATCH! Where is Emma?????? Perhaps this little girl is a weekend lover

Have you posted the recipe for the chicken?

I think so. It really is good, especially if you take the time to brown the chicken. I usually make extra sauce and tighten it up a bit. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Sauce
1 tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp salt
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp oli (I used 2 or 3 of olive oil)
12 garlic cloves, halved
1 lb uncooked skinless, boneless chicken breast (4 pieces)
1 c ff chicken broth

1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Combine first five ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with herb mixture.
3. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 2 minutes on each side. Add garlic and ¾ c broth. Place pan in oven. Place pan in oven and cook at 450 for 10 minutes or until chicken is done and garlic cloves are cooked. Cook chicken about 12 minutes. Remove pan from oven. Transfer chicken to a platter; keep warm. Add remaining ¼ c broth to pan. Mash garlic cloves with a fork. Cook garlic mixture over medium heat for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated; stir. Serve garlic sauce over chicken.
(Yields 4 servings: 1 chicken breast and 2 tablespoons of garlic sauce)

Some other things ARE coming together, but I can barely keep up with myself anymore.

This is going to be a distant memory in a few weeks. I am so glad that you are leaving that crazy system, it makes me sad though because it is so difficult to bring teachers into the city and then they have to deal with this nonsense on top of the stressors that are part of city schools

Nan, A called me this afternoon to tell me that "Our condo has stairs! Two stories & that she went to a REAL beach and the waves knocked her down!" She's having fun.

She must make you fuzzy inside!

Kady called home yesterday to see what Marisa had planned for dinner. Dinner is usually the deciding factor between going home and staying here. The garlic "shicken" and gravy won yesterday

Busy day today. It's funny, I am not a current Michael Jackson fan, I find it hard to get past his issues, but I am so meloncholy over his death. I grew up with teh Jackson Five and remember their performances on Any Williams Show...before most of the WFD'ers time....and it is so hard to look back on his musical and dance accomplishments and not recognize the loss. I do hope that if that Dr gave him a drug that killed him that something comes of it. SO many times celebrities are given strong drugs to get them through a performance and then die. These people should be charged with murder IMO.

So sad about Farrah and Ed McMahon too. What a sad sad week

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Hi, all. Sorry I haven't posted this week. I really haven't been on the DIS. A lot has been going on around here.

I made crockpot cheesy chicken pasta yesterday and we are having the leftovers tonight. It's so flippin' hot here that I'm so glad I don't have to cook. Anyone else melting away?

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Sauce

My mouth is watering

 

[HERSEY]

Lindsay I hope everything is ok with your MIL. We are hot here too. Rain keeps missing us,not that I think it would actually cool us off. I am to cheap to use my water.

Nancy I am so glad you feel the same way about Michael Jackson. I feel almost like he is taking something away from Farrah by dieing on the same day. Farrah gave a her cancer a courageous battle to the end.

I had just snacks for dinner last night I was too hot to even think about a salad.

Emma Come out come out

 

[Disney Ron]

I had to check in for BABYWATCH! Where is Emma?????? Perhaps this little girl is a weekend lover

Playing hard to get!!!!!!!!

We are still here. Dr appointment today at 3:30. I am now just hoping for this weekend during the day would be nice for everyone watching DS. At least she waited for my SIL & DB to be out of school. Both are teachers and are oncall to help with DS.

 

[KadysMom]

Hi Ann! I am so excited about you appointment! I hope it is soon! I will be checking in all day!

 

[Disney Ron]

Hi Ann! I am so excited about you appointment! I hope it is soon! I will be checking in all day!

Thanks, I hope you are getting lots of rest and feeling better!

 

[nucpharm29]

Okay, just checking in to see if Baby Emma has made her appearance. Guess not!

Ann--lots of luck at the dr. today. You could always use my tactic, and bring your suitcase with you.

Laura--congrats to Greg! It must feel great knowing he'll be back home soon!

Well, I better get myself going. Today is the last day of Emma's soccer camp and it's "Parent Day" Which apparently means I have to participate along with the kids. I have never been the most athletic person (especially in team sports requiring any coordination) Just hoping I don't hurt myself. This camp is fun for the kids--It's a British Soccer camp and they bring the coaches over from the UK. Emma came home the other day telling me her coach spoke Chinese. I had to explain to her that he speaks English even though he has an accent.

 

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

It's a hot & steamy morning in Nola.

She must make you fuzzy inside!

Kady called home yesterday to see what Marisa had planned for dinner. Dinner is usually the deciding factor between going home and staying here. The garlic "shicken" and gravy won yesterday

Busy day today. It's funny, I am not a current Michael Jackson fan, I find it hard to get past his issues, but I am so meloncholy over his death. I grew up with teh Jackson Five and remember their performances on Any Williams Show...before most of the WFD'ers time....and it is so hard to look back on his musical and dance accomplishments and not recognize the loss. I do hope that if that Dr gave him a drug that killed him that something comes of it. SO many times celebrities are given strong drugs to get them through a performance and then die. These people should be charged with murder IMO.

So sad about Farrah and Ed McMahon too. What a sad sad week

Nan, Your "shicken" sounds delicious! I understand why Kady wanted that for dinner. I can tell you understand & know that fuzzy feeling well!

Lady, You really have a way with words! You sum up my feelings well. As you know I remember "the old days & the old Michael Jackson".

Where did you hear about this dr. giving him drugs to get through a show? I hadn't heard or read that anywhere?

Hi, all. Sorry I haven't posted this week. I really haven't been on the DIS. A lot has been going on around here.

I made crockpot cheesy chicken pasta yesterday and we are having the leftovers tonight. It's so flippin' hot here that I'm so glad I don't have to cook. Anyone else melting away?

Lindsay, I hope things are okay over there! I'm still praying for Jan.

Yes, it's been hot here too! Too hot for cooking inside. Ended up going out for sushi last night.

Playing hard to get!!!!!!!!

We are still here. Dr appointment today at 3:30. I am now just hoping for this weekend during the day would be nice for everyone watching DS. At least she waited for my SIL & DB to be out of school. Both are teachers and are oncall to help with DS.

Ann, I think Emma & Big Guy Upstairs are making sure she arrives at the "Appointed Hour"! Just hold on. Can't wait to hear what the dr says.


Stephanie, Your Emma is too funny! Don't hurt yourself out there on the soccer field!

 

[TigerKat]

So....IF I can take care of this disaster that my classroom has turned into, I can be out of there by 3!! Otherwise...4....5....have to go back on Monday to finish...

Hang in there Bethany.

Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Sauce


It's funny, I am not a current Michael Jackson fan, I find it hard to get past his issues, but I am so meloncholy over his death.

Thanks for posting the recipe, sounds yummy & easy!!!

I feel the same as you do about MJ. I can't get past his issues.

Nancy I am so glad you feel the same way about Michael Jackson. I feel almost like he is taking something away from Farrah by dieing on the same day. Farrah gave a her cancer a courageous battle to the end.

Unfortunately his death has already overshadowed Farrah's.

Playing hard to get!!!!!!!!

We are still here. Dr appointment today at 3:30. I am now just hoping for this weekend during the day would be nice for everyone watching DS. At least she waited for my SIL & DB to be out of school. Both are teachers and are oncall to help with DS.

Keep us posted!!!!!

WFD - Takeout!

 

[Glynis]

Good morning!

Ann - I'm sorry to see that Emma is taking her own sweet time. Can't wait to hear what the doctor says today!

Bethany - Just keep swimming! You are so close to being outta there!

As for the whole MJ thing, I was never a real fan. I feel sad for his loss for his family's sake, but I don't understand the grieving fans. I guess I've never felt that way about any celebrity. The closest I've come to feeling that way was with Princess Diana. Regardless of his life, I hope that at last Michael Jackson is at peace. I feel badly that Farrah Fawcett's passing has turned into a side note! I think to a lot of my generation of women, she was a real role model. I admire her courage in choosing the roles she took, and I especially admire her bravery in the face of the cancer. What a horrible disease! I pray for her family and especially her son!

Dinner here is up in the air. I'm thinking Poor Man's Stroganoff. We are supposed to be getting thunderstorms most of the day, and I hate to drag the kids out in weather like that! Yesterday's dinner was a real disappointment, so I have to make that up to them.

We were at the dentist yesterday from 10:00 to 3:30!!! Our dental insurance is being downgraded on Wednesday from 90 percent to 50 percent, so wanted to get everyone's teeth done before that happened. It was a LONG day! Katie just had a cleaning, and was told that she needs braces. We knew that, but just have to find an orthodontist that's willing to work with our pay schedule. Jacob had a cleaning and then had 3 cavities filled (he also has to go back on Tuesday for 2 more fillings). The dentist also found part of a root from a baby tooth, still in his gum. When he pulled it out, the poor kids mouth started bleeding and it took 2 hours to stop!!! Leslie got a cleaning and 2 cavities filled. Mary's took the longest. Because she's a twin, she and Leslie shared the nutrients in the womb. Leslie was getting the most, and Mary's baby teeth came in rotten; well at least the 4 front top teeth, did. It's really been affecting her self esteem! The dentist didn't want to do anything at our last visit, because he felt like they would fall out soon. However, they are hanging on! Because of our insurance, he decided to scrape away all the rotten area, and reconstruct her teeth. Can I just say he does beautiful work!!!! My little girl cannot stop smiling at herself! She is so proud of her new teeth!!!

Anyway, she and Jacob have another appointment on Tuesday for finish up stuff. My poor wallet!!! I'm 300 dollars poorer after our appointments yesterday!

 

[liamandcaili]

Are you already planning meals?

I am really not even prepared for his arrival. The house is a disaster; there is no food in the refrigerator...I have a lot to do today!

Today is the last day of Emma's soccer camp and it's "Parent Day" Which apparently means I have to participate along with the kids.

I would not be signing my kids up for camps that require parent participation! They both know they are better at sports than I am...they don't need a visual demonstration!

Emma is cute!

Ann -- Good luck at the doctor's!

Sheryl -- I am glad Alexis finally has her two stories. I know how she doesn't think a place is big unless it has stairs.

It really does look like Liam will finally get his game in tonight. We need to eat early. After last night's meal, I am thinking something light for today...maybe just a salad. I will check in again tonight after the game...hopefully, with good news!

 

[shovan]

My little girl cannot stop smiling at herself! She is so proud of her new teeth!!!

Glynis, Wow that was a long day spent at the dentist! I'm sorry you're going to have cutbacks in the insurance!

We need a new pic of Mary! That's nice that she's giving out big smiles now!

I am really not even prepared for his arrival. The house is a disaster; there is no food in the refrigerator...I have a lot to do today!


Sheryl -- I am glad Alexis finally has her two stories. I know how she doesn't think a place is big unless it has stairs.

It really does look like Liam will finally get his game in tonight. We need to eat early. After last night's meal, I am thinking something light for today...maybe just a salad. I will check in again tonight after the game...hopefully, with good news!

Laura, Good luck getting everything done! I'm hoping they get the game in &that it's a big win!

Well at least she have her stairs until Sunday anyway!

 

[Glynis]

Glynis, Wow that was a long day spent at the dentist! I'm sorry you're going to have cutbacks in the insurance!

We need a new pic of Mary! That's nice that she's giving out big smiles now!

I'll see if I can grab a picture of Mary's new smile, today!

I'm just glad that we are still getting any insurance. Alan's company wanted to do away with insurance entirely, and only agreed to the downgrade when so many complained. I'll take 50 percent over nothing any day!!!!

I just always assumed that Alan's job wouldn't change, since there's always going to be news happening, and they always need photographer's to document it. However, with all the car companies going bankrupt, etc., things are changing. 80% of the ad revenue for Alan's tv station was generated by the car companies. They are not buying ad time anymore! It's really hit hard. So far, Alan has survived 2 rounds of layoffs, and we're hopeful that there won't be any more!

 

[kingcrab]

tonight I'll be lzy, and just grill some brats, or burgers for the family.

Tomorrow, back out on the deck for an all day smoke., and all day beer fest... Should be 90 and sunny...

Starting out by smoking some heads of garlic, and some Spam. I am going to use these later for ingredients in a potato dish I am going to make on the smoker... Spam augratin..

I am also going to smoke a couple slabs of BB ribs my usual way.

The Spam augratin will be sliced potatoes, sliced onion, a homemade cheese sauce, smoked spam, smoked garlic, and topped with shredded cheese.. prepared on the smoker while my ribs are on.

Also making a basic romaine salad with cucumber, onion, and carrots

A couple first time items for me on the smoker(spam, and the augratin), but I am confident it will turn out.. pics to follow Sunday.

 

[shovan]

I'll see if I can grab a picture of Mary's new smile, today!

I'm just glad that we are still getting any insurance. Alan's company wanted to do away with insurance entirely, and only agreed to the downgrade when so many complained. I'll take 50 percent over nothing any day!!!!

I just always assumed that Alan's job wouldn't change, since there's always going to be news happening, and they always need photographer's to document it. However, with all the car companies going bankrupt, etc., things are changing. 80% of the ad revenue for Alan's tv station was generated by the car companies. They are not buying ad time anymore! It's really hit hard. So far, Alan has survived 2 rounds of layoffs, and we're hopeful that there won't be any more!

Gosh, I would have thought the same thing, I mean there's always news, right?! It's scary how one things leads to another.

Do feel grateful for the job & the insurance. I've always either worked for small companies or for myself..little or no insurance there. DH's benefits have not been great since the oil-boom in the 80's. Now he works for a small company & the owner (who's a friend) really struggles to pay for 70% of major medical coverage. He hasn't raised the cost for employees in years even though his costs keeps climbing. Every year they look around trying to find better coverage & prices, but it seems the coverage keeps gong down & prices going up. We haven't had dental coverage in many years.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Hey All! Quick check in for a baby update...

All is well...a little nutty but that was expected. I cannot wait to get into a routine again.

Hope all is well with everyone!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Playing hard to get!!!!!!!!

We are still here. Dr appointment today at 3:30. I am now just hoping for this weekend during the day would be nice for everyone watching DS. At least she waited for my SIL & DB to be out of school. Both are teachers and are oncall to help with DS.

Ann, my prayers are with you. I am anxious to hear what the Doctor says today. Hang in there sweetie, the end will come at some point. I promise!!

I have finally read back all 32 pages so I will attempt a quick catch up:

Marisa ~ I hope you are feeling better today. You are remarkable that you have bounced back as good as you have. Must be that great husband of yours.

Glynis ~ I am throughly enjoying your Trip report and pictures. Sorry about your day at the dentist yesterday.

Lauren ~ Happy Belated Anniversary

Kat & Sheryl ~ I was so excited when LSU won. We flew into Omaha on Tuesday night and stayed over until Wednesday. The Hotel we were at was full of LSU fans. I know this sounds real funny but I really felt close to you somehow. Weird huh. Omaha was a mad house. Was real tickled that they won. I was sure rooting for them.

Gretchen ~ Prayers for your Dad. It is so tough to see our parents hurt. Blessing to you all.

Laura ~ Yea for Greg!! Jay is still in Georgia. He is to have a few days of
R & R starting July 3rd. Elizabeth is jumping on a plane to go see him. I am really excited for her, I just hope she isn't heartbroken again when she comes home. Oh good grief - who am I kidding - of course she will be, but I do hope they have fun.

Laurn ~ I hope you enjoyed your Mom's visit.

Bethany ~ You should be down to counting the minutes. I sure have been thinking of you today. I can't wait for your life to settle down. You so deserve it.

Stephanie ~ I hope you are surviving Scoccer camp. I would not be a good Mother at that either. No way!

Nancy ~ Hi!! I really missed you!!

I am sure I missed some of you. I am sorry but please know I think of you all.

It is raining here again today. It really thundered early this morning and it looks like we aren't out of the woods yet. We haven't had to water our lawn but once this summer. The radio just said that we recieved .65. But oh the humidity will kill me. But NOTHING like it was in Florida. I can't even begin to tell you how bad it was!! We went in August last year and it wasn't even close to this hot or humid.

I am unpacked and the wash is started. But I only have 5 more days to get it all finished and packed up again, because we leave for Panama on Wednesday night, as we have a 8 am flight on Thursday morning. No rest for the wicked. LOL

I am sad to say that I have gained 4 pounds while I was gone on vacation. I am so darn upset with myself. I really thought I was doing good in my food choices and with the walking. But I guess not. So it is back on the wagon for me. And as far as being in Panama, I will be okay as I do NOT like the food and usually darn near starve. Many nights I go to bed really hungry. I am not able to take any food with me so I am really at their mercy. Oh well I will live.


We had some good meals while we were gone.

Kona Kafe ~ Stickey wings, Banana Creme' Brule - YUMMY!!

Sci Fi ~ Chicken Bruscetta sandwich (without the bun), black bean relish and an Oreo milk shake.

Teppan Edo ~ Chicken & Scallops. To die for OMG!!

Plaza ~ Strawberry Chicken salad. This was a new one for us and I throughly enjoyed it. I wanted to lick the bowl. It had a Champagne vinaigrette for the dressing that was SOOOO good.

Tonys ~ Tomato & Mozzarella salad, Spaghetti and Meatball - enough said!! Yummy!

The food court at POP is really good also: Parmesian crusted Chicken, Calzones, Mediterranean Flatbread, Chicken Penne Pasta.

And of course the great standbys: Flame tree BBQ (My favorite), Casey's Hotdogs, Cheese burgers at Pecos Bills, Ice cream cones on Mainstreet Cream cheese stuffed Pretzels, and of course Dole Whips.

I am back to cooking so WFDT ~ BBQ spare ribs, cheesy potatoes, sliced tomatoes and watermelon & cantalope.

Wow, I have written a book. No one can say I'm not a Chatty Cathy. Good grief!!! Make it a great day my friends.

 

[OKWMom]

Like Lauren, I'm checking in for babywatch. But apparently baby Emma is like my floor guy last night - a no show. Maybe both Ann and I will have better luck this weekend.

Because I'm hoping he'll show tonight, we're planning on takeout again. Normally, this would be more difficult, but A is at camp this week and P is with his Mom this week and next. So it's just me, Kenny, Hailey and our balding dog (which the vet thinks may be allergies but isn't sure).

Puppy update, please feel free to skip:
However, when Kenny took her in a couple weeks ago for her hair loss issues, he had her tested for heartworms - you guessed it, positive. We adopted her in the beginning of March and would have had her tested then but her prior owners swore she was on a preventative. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We should have tested her anyway and have just been having bad feelings about it. Poor puppy felt terrible for about 1 week and is just now getting back to her normal albeit nearly hairless self. (I am kidding, she still has hair, just a few bald spots where she scratches the most). We take her back in a month for a retest which I hope is negative because I hate to think of her having to go through it all again.

She really is the sweetest dog and Hailey loves her. She always stands so still for Hailey to pet her. And she eats the crumbs around where Hailey is so there is less sweeping for me. Gotta love a house cleaning pooch.

Anyway, dinner is probably italian takeout. There is a small hole-in-the-wall place here that has wonderful pizza - pesto and proscuitto. yummm.

By the way Lauren those bacon wrapped pork kabobs were phenomenal. 5's all around. Well, except for Amanda who said they were "too spicy". But the boys and I loved them.

And Laura, here is the brussels sprouts recipe I'm so late with:

Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Bacon (Oak Steakhouse - Charleston, SC)
Ingredients:
2 cups brussels sprouts
1/4 cup pancetta bacon
1/2 cup lite brown sugar
1 pinch cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:
1. Place brussels sprouts in a hot sauté pan with butter
2. Sear the sprouts and toss in bacon
3. Season with salt, pepper and cinnamon
4. Finish with lite brown sugar and melt, being careful not to burn

My kids actually ate these and didn't complain.