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

[Nancyg56]

We are having some serious flash floods here. One of my friend's home is flooded and many more cars are underwater/people trapped. It hasn't stopped raining yet so I'm worried it'll get worse. Thankfully my house is moreless on a hill but others are not.

She did 6 races and competes in the 9-10 year old:

50 yd Freestyle came in 14th overall, 2nd out of the 9 year olds.
100 yd Free 15th overall, 1st 9 yo
200 yd Free 10th overall 2nd 9 yo

50 yd Butterfly 12th overall, 2nd 9yo

100 yd Individual Medley 20th overall, 1st 9yo
200 yd IM 11th overall, 1st 9yo

Oh and thanks. Alex is feeling better I really believe it is just a minor cold. I was getting worried before since we are surrounded by H1N1 here. They closed a school because of over 900 kids had flu-like symptoms till monday. Last week was homecoming and Alex's school played this school. So needless to say I am just a little concerned.

I don't blame you. You know that it is going around, you know the kids are going to be exposed and you know you do not want your child to get it. You know that Alex was in a school that is infected. What do you do?

Welby watched her friend's little baby yesterday, his daycare was rocked with an intestinal thing. She told me that she never thought that Jake may be carrying the virus until after he got to her house. Then he started sneezing and a non stop running nose. She is worried that Nola is going to erupt next.

Praise the Lord!!! Give Buddy sandwiches on white bread tonight!!!!!!! You both need to celebrate.


Well Ladies, I am the proud owner of a 2010 Cadillac CTS. She is soooooo pretty - Leather seats, Platium Silver and loaded. It will take me a bit to figure it all out. My old Cadillac had alot, but this one just has a lot more. I love that "new car" smell. I wish they could bottle it.

It is still raining here. We have already gotten 1 1/2" of rain. Oh Man the farmers are SO MAD!!! We really will be picking corn in December. The bad thing is the soy beans. If we get too much more rain the crop will be gone. Not good - as this was a bumper crop this year. Oh please let the sun shine - SOON!!
.

You said it sister!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Funny you should mention white bread, we waited until we got home to eat and he asked for hot dogs and white bread Both are usually limited here but yesterday was not a problem! '


My sister loves her Caddy. She bought a big Deville years ago and was so upset when the poor thing died. She bought another caddy and is not at all unhappy.

I feel for the farmers, this has been a terrible year for them. Praying that the weather gives them a break.

If you run them hard enough they might pray more.


Does anyone know if Balsamic Vinegar would go okay on salmon?

I would use the balsamic vinegar in a heartbeat!

DH mentioned the whole potluck thing. I like that idea for family functions.
If anyone else offers to bring something I am going to mention a pastry or wine. Emma's godmother likes here Shiraz.

WE do pot luck in my family a lot. There are so many of us that if we all pitch in it is easier and there is always a wonderful variety of food. It sounds like you have a good plan for your event!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Katie's concert last night was wonderful! I was so proud of her!

Good for Katie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mom...your baby is growing up , but you do not need to worry. You and Allan gave her the tools she needs and I know that she will use them properly!

Luke is playing with his Harrod's bear. He is burping it saying it is his baby like Emma. So cute! Thought you would get a kick out of that visual.

Dinner last night was late but good. We had fresh caught King salmon, steamed haricots verts, salad. tonight we are having a pasta and meat sauce. Welby makes a killer sauce adn she brought a container here yesterday so I am using it tonight. I have a busy day and have added lunch with the girls so I am not going to have much time to cook.

See you all later!

 

[Rogue26]

Good morning all, hope everyone is well.

Nancy- My nephew can't go to his daycare now either, some of the kids have the swine flu. I really hope my nephew doesn't get it, he so sick all the time already I think he'd have a really tough battle. Welby sounds like the perfect neighbor, now I want a nice hearty meat sauce.

Ann- Diverticulitus seams so commen now, I'm sorry things didn't work out for him. I'm sure he'll find something.

Aimee- Hope the rain stops soon, I can't even imagine that much water.

Laura- Good luck costume making, that's our plans for this weekend.

Janice- I just saw on the news that 900 hundred kids were absent, what got me was they said that was HALF of the school. I can't imagine a school that big. I think my high school had about 5-600. I'm glad Alex is feeling better.

Ellen- You should see me when I drive my husband's truck, I'm sure it looks really funny. I'm only 5 feet tall and I can kick my feet when I sit in it. I hate driving it, so when I told him I can't reach the floor he managed to find the time to take it for oil changes on his own. I pretty sure he was more concerned about the truck than me, boys and their trucks.

Glynis- Hope Katie had a great night!

I'm thinking ravioli for dinner, but I should really make something a bit lighter. We'll see.

 

[Rogue26]

Forgot about last night's recipe. It was good, but not fantastic. I'll definatly make it again, no one complained and I almost always have all the ingredients in the house.

Sweet and sour crockpot chicken

2 pounds chicken (I used 4 chicken breast halves)
1 onion, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1 red pepper sliced
20 oz. can pineapple chunks
1/4 cup brown sugar (will use 1/8 cup next time)
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water (will leave out next time)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon soy sauce

Drain the pineapple juice into crockpot, set pineapple chunks aside. Combine all ingredients and cook on low 7-9 hours. At the end, stir in pineapple chunks.

I think the pineapple juice and vinegar provide enough liquid so I'll skip the water next time. We had it over brown rice.

 

[liamsaunt]

Happy Birthday Janice!

Aimee, how did your area make out with the rain/flooding? I hope everyone is OK and that there was not too much damage.

Ellen, congrats on the new car. I can't see over the steering wheel of a Cadillac. When I went to get my driver's license, my sponsor brought a Cadillac for my test and I had to sit on a phone book.

I ended up making shrimp last night at John's request. With a garlic-caramel sauce with sesame sugar snaps and jasmine rice. I should have made brown rice but didn't have time to wait for it to cook. This was one of those 20-minute dinners, we got home pretty late. It was good but I had not made sugar snaps in a while and forgot that you have to de-string both sides! I only de-strung one side. I would make the sauce again though.

Tonight John is at a client dinner so I am on my own. I don't know what I am in the mood for. Tomorrow is definitely going to be chicken parmesean!

 

[liamandcaili]

Marilyn -- Congratulations to your niece. That is fantastic!

Glynis -- I'm glad Katie did well at her concert. I hope she had fun last night.

Ann -- I'm sorry things didn't work out with the military. I hope they are able to figure out another plan.

Aimee -- I hope the rain stops soon and everyone is okay.

Robin -- Thanks for posting the recipe.

I think we are going to have fish tonight. My fish market is closing for the season in a couple of weeks, so I have to visit them as much as I can between now and then.

 

[HERSEY]

Robin A quick FYI our high schools have around 2000 + kids. Yes I typed two thousand. I live in a suburb of Chicago we are very populated around here.

Becky your pictures are soo yummy looking. Can you share the garlic carmel recipe?

 

[zipuzee]

Nancy - Great news about Buddy. Hopefully the final diagnosis will be something easy to deal with. I'm sure anything at this point will be easy.

Marilyn - congrats to your niece.

Ellen - congrats on the new car. I agree, they need to bottle that new car smell!

Becky I second Janice's request for the recipe. I have shrimp in the freezer and that looks really good! Now, I've seen the popover pics before, but what exactly is a popover??

Janice - glad Alex is feeling better. 2000, wow. That's an awful lot of kids in one place.

Laura - I can't imagine not being able to get seafood year round. Enjoy it while you can. Is the costume for skating? I'd love to see it when you're done. Lots of luck with it.

Aimee - I hope the rain stops soon. Flash floods are the scariest. Stay safe.

Ann - your plan for the christening sounds great. Enjoy the day. I'm sorry that the military plan didn't work. Hopefully something else will come his way.

Lauren - I hope Riley is doing better each day. That's so sad about Andrew's friend. Suicide is so difficult for those left behind.

Glynis - I'm glad Katie's concert went so well. I hope she had fun being on her on last night. Both of my kids were in band at different points in school. My son stayed with it all thru high school and I so loved going to the concerts.

I had to go the the grocery last night so dinner was a rotisserie chicken with green giant vegetables and stouffer mac and cheese.

I think I'm gonna pick up burgers for dinner tonight.

 

[liamsaunt]

Shrimp in garlic caramel sauce

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined, dried well and sprinkled with salt and pepper

1 tbsp. garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. sugar
½ cup water
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp sriacha or other hot sauce (optional)

In a non-stick pan, melt the butter with the garlic. Once the butter foams, add the sugar and cook, stirring, until it turns a light brown color then remove from the heat. The garlic will brown during this stage.

Stir the cornstarch, soy sauce, and water together and pour over the sugar. The sugar will seize up and solidify. Return pan to heat and cook, stirring, until the caramel melts into the sauce and the sauce thickens slightly. Scrape sauce into bowl and set aside.

Return pan to medium high heat. Melt another tablespoon of butter in the skillet, and then add shrimp. Cook, turning once or twice, until shrimp are almost cooked through and beginning to curl. Add caramel sauce and hot sauce if using and continue to cook, stirring, for another minute or so-- until shrimp are fully cooked and sauce is thickened.

Serve with rice to soak up the sauce.

Sorry for the wacky font color--I copied over from word and can't find the right color on the font colorizer!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANICE!!!!!! xo

 

[EJ4Disney]

I haven't read back yet but I will------------

Well they say things happen in 3's. Well I lost another dear friend (Evelyn) and her funeral was today. If anyone is keeping track that is 3 funerals in 1 week. I am totally spent. Enough already. We fixed soup and sandwiches with cookies and bars today. We served 123 people and had enough for everyone.

It is snowing here today. We got 3" of rain yesterday and it started snowing about 5 this morning. Oh Boy, was it a fun drive into work this morning. NOT!! We have probably gotten upwards of 5" of snow. This is the second big snow and it is only October. Wow. . . it is going to be a l o n g winter. Yea!!

If I get home tonight and there is a real possibility I won't - we live north of town and I have dirt roads that are a BIG MESS at the moment. But if I do we are having - Tomato Basil soup and grilled cheese & ham sandwiches. It's that kind of day.

I will BBL

 

[Glynis]

Katie had a marvelous time being all alone at the concert last night. She said the music was wonderful, and it cemented her desire to continue with the violin! That's what I was hoping would happen. Maybe I can talk Alan into some Symphony tickets for her stocking!

Tonight we have pack meeting, so dinner will have to be quick. Again. It's been one of those weeks! I'm thinking I'll make barbecued ham steak sandwiches. We like those, and I've got all the fixin's! I can even have mine off the bun so it will be better for me!

Today is a bittersweet day, as I remember my mom who died one year ago today. I thought I would be a lot sadder, but I've had friends calling me all day to check on me, and to help me remember the fun times with mom. All in all, I'd say it's been a good day to think about her.

My dad is spending this day traveling to Disneyland. He gets to go behind the scenes and see the rehearsals for the new electric parade, and also how they change the planting out. I'm glad that he'll be surrounded by friends at his "happy place" today. I would hate for him to be alone.

Have a great afternoon/evening my friends. Thanks for supporting me through this year! I love you all!!!

 

[zipuzee]

Glynis I'm glad that the happy memories are stronger than the sad ones. You'll always miss your Mom (my Mom's been gone 18 yrs now and I still miss her), but the happy thoughts get you thru. I'm glad your Dad has plans for a fun day as well.
for Katie having a good time last night. I'm glad it seemed to cement her desire to continue playing.

Ellen, , you really are having a rough week. I hope the weather eases up so that you can get home. Thats a lot of snow to be dealing with. And thats why I'll never move north .

Janice - Hope you're having a great day!!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Glynis, I love that Katie is sticking to the violin!!!!
Thinking & praying for you today....

Ellen, I'm sorry for all the loss you have had. I can't imagine how you feel. Please know you & the families of your friends are in my prayers.
I wanted to ask you if Jay has a way to play CDs & DVDs.

Bethany, I love the pictures of you on FB with your little fury girl

Feeling weird today....my thyroid is giving me the major shakes.
Hoping tonight is not another insomnia, hot flash attack.

Dinner is leftovers.....

 

[bigmerle1966]

I would use the balsamic vinegar in a heartbeat!

I have made a reduction before and used it on tilapia but wasn't sure about baking it on the fish. I did use it but next time I will not put it directly on the fish, I will reduce it instead, just kind of lost the taste putting it on there. It may have just been because of the type of fish it was.

Today is a bittersweet day, as I remember my mom who died one year ago today.

Dinner tonight will be breakfast for dinner, Pumpkin pancakes and sausage.

Another busy weekend again. It is Homecoming at my older godson's school on Saturday and there is a pancake breakfast in the morning, then the game and who knows what after. I volunteered to help if they needed it. I may even be helping out with set up tomorrow night.

I also need to do some work on the house, caulking the bathrub, cleaning and maybe even painting my bedroom. I am also going to inventory every bit of food in my house, sit down and make a menu and put together everything I can for next weeks meals. I really need to start eating better so I thought if I did as much at the beginning of the week as I could it might help.

I am going to put the weeks frozen components in a gallon Ziploc, portion out any pasta's and grains, set aside any canned goods and cut up anything I can on Sundays then I can just grab and cook.

 

[HERSEY]

Thank you all for your birthday wishes. I plan on just relaxing tonight. It is dark and rainy out.

Aimee I am sorry you are having such big rains.

Ellen WOW 3 people in such a short time is hard to bear. I hope you are able to get home safely tonight.

Maria Take it easy.


I very nearly choked a coworker today. She is telling us how her daughter just tested positive for this influenza type a which is what they are testing for, all the while sticking her face right in our faces. Some people have no concept of personal space but especially now.

 

[HERSEY]

Here are some Halloween treat recipes I found I found a great food blog http://picky-palate.com/

Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate Caramel Corn

Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn


1 3.3oz bag Kettle Corn popcorn, popped and all un-popped kernels removed
1 Cup dry roasted peanuts
2 Cups unwrapped pumpkin spice Hershey’s Kisses (I find them at Target), (If you cannot find the kisses, substitute 1 Cup of butterscotch chips)
6 Tablespoons butter
3/4 Cup packed brown sugar
1/3 Cup corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Place popped popcorn and peanuts onto a large rimmed baking sheet that has been sprayed lightly with non stick cooking spray.

2. Place kisses, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a light boil. Remove from heat and pour evenly over popcorn and nuts. Gently stir to coat mixture over popcorn. Bake in oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

3. Remove from oven and pour onto parchment paper to cool. Break into pieces and serve. Enjoy!

Chocolate Caramel Corn


1 3.3oz bag Kettle Corn popcorn, popped and all un-popped kernels removed
1 Cup dry roasted peanuts
1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips
6 Tablespoons butter
3/4 Cup packed brown sugar
1/3 Cup corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Place popped popcorn and peanuts onto a large rimmed baking sheet that has been sprayed lightly with non stick cooking spray.

2. Place chocolate chips, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a light boil. Remove from heat and pour evenly over popcorn and nuts. Gently stir to coat mixture over popcorn. Bake in oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

3. Remove from oven and pour onto parchment paper to cool. Break into pieces and serve. Enjoy!

 

[TigerKat]

Just popping in to wish Janice a very !!!!!

 

[bigmerle1966]

Happy Birthday Janice! Sorry forgot earlier.

 

[Disney Ron]

1 finger typing so forgive me...

Happy birthday Janice!

Glynis, keep those happy memories near and dear in your heart. Sending love to you today! Your Dad sure sounds like a wonderful man.

Ellen, sorry for your losses. What a truly sad week.

Maria, please take it easy. I hope you sleep tonight.

----

My parents told me today that I am going to be a great auntie! Some of you may remember my nephew got married last October... well they got a positive pregnancy test as an anniversary present.

I scheduled DS's H1N1 shot for this Sunday. I am so glad I called to inquire. It will be done two weeks before we travel.

WFD= boring grilled pork chops

 

[Nancyg56]

Happy Birthday Janice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ellen- You should see me when I drive my husband's truck, I'm sure it looks really funny. I'm only 5 feet tall and I can kick my feet when I sit in it. I hate driving it, so when I told him I can't reach the floor he managed to find the time to take it for oil changes on his own. I pretty sure he was more concerned about the truck than me, boys and their trucks.

I am like that in Buddy's truck. I really have to haul myself up into it but I live driving that thing. He wants to get rid of it but he keeps it for me.

Katie had a marvelous time being all alone at the concert last night. She said the music was wonderful, and it cemented her desire to continue with the violin!
Today is a bittersweet day, as I remember my mom who died one year ago today.

I am so glad that Katie wants to stick with her violin!

Well they say things happen in 3's. Well I lost another dear friend (Evelyn) and her funeral was today. If anyone is keeping track that is 3 funerals in 1 week. I am totally spent. Enough already. We fixed soup and sandwiches with cookies and bars today. We served 123 people and had enough for everyone.

It is snowing here today. We got 3" of rain yesterday and it started snowing about 5 this morning. Oh Boy, was it a fun drive into work this morning. NOT!! We have probably gotten upwards of 5" of snow. This is the second big snow and it is only October. Wow. . . it is going to be a l o n g winter. Yea!!

You are really having a rough week stay strong, dear lady

Feeling weird today....my thyroid is giving me the major shakes.
Hoping tonight is not another insomnia, hot flash attack.

.

I hope tat you get some rest

I very nearly choked a coworker today. She is telling us how her daughter just tested positive for this influenza type a which is what they are testing for, all the while sticking her face right in our faces. Some people have no concept of personal space but especially now.

Dinner was really good. Welby brought over more sauce and joined us for dinner. Actually she got roped into helping me put cobwebs all over. I am trying to see the screen through a massive spider web We put more lights out and Buddy got the fog machine working. Last year I could not get it to run without tripping my circuit breakers so I am glad he took care of it.

I am in the weeds for tomorrow but I hope to get everything done. i will ask Marisa to take pictures and post them. I'll stop in tomorrow morning!