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

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Thank you ladies for looking at my pics

Sheryl that sounds like a great idea....a wine theme would be great.

Dinner tonight was really good ( I did change a few things & add others)

Spicy Chicken Teriyaki~

6-8 boneless chicken breasts
1 small can sliced water chestnuts, drained (optional)
I box sliced, cleaned mushrooms
1 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons brown sugar
6-8 tablespoons bottled teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon ground ginger
4-6 pieces candies ginger

I threw everything into the crock pot for 3 hours & it was great.
Served it over brown rice.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Nancy, The guy told me he was spoke Creole French, I can tell you his wasn't very similar to Cajun/Creole French, Bob told me he had a hard time understanding him. I think it was that Caribbean flavor he added. It sounded very nice, just wish I had understood it!

Your story had me laughing. I had a cab driver in the Bronx one day that spoke primarily French. I do not know how to give directions in French.

In NYC you could get the report cards and other documents in Haitian Creole (but French is not one of the 8 languages they translate everything into. They did translate some things at the school level into French. Some things went home in 3 or 4 languages. ) http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Translation/TipsandResources/Default.htm <The translation page. It's fascinating!



Maria - Your furniture was really cool!

Aimee -

Vickie - It's great to have you back! And YES, I'd love a card from Scotland!

The Ft. Hood story is horrible. Every time I refresh msnbc, the death toll is higher.

 

[Glynis]

Evening everyone! Sorry I wasn't on earlier. It's been a day and a half!

Dinner last night went well. It looks like they are going to hire Alan to do one project and if they like it, it could lead to more! Fingers crossed!!!

Katie has been dealing with a real bully at school lately. She finally told us about it this morning. One of the girls in her orchestra class found out who Katie is crushing on, and told Katie she'd tell him unless Katie paid her in candy bars. She was all set to "pay" the blackmail, until we explained that if she did, it wouldn't stop. I asked if she wanted me to handle this for her, but she wanted to do it on her own. The girl confronted Katie today, and Katie stood up to her. She told the girl that she was not going to pay her the candy, and if she wanted to tell the boy, to go ahead and do it, it would not bother Katie at all! The girl backed off, apologized, and left Katie alone. I'm so proud of her! I will be watching this closely, though, and so is the orchestra teacher!

I have book club in about an hour and a half, so I'm trying to get dinner ready before I go. It's not a whole lot, just warming up the leftover ravioli lasagna that I made for the kids last night. I'm just making myself a tuna sandwich, so that's not hard, either.

Vickie - It's nice to "see" you here. I'd love a Scottish Christmas card. How do you feel about one from Utah?

I'd love another copy of the address list, if it hasn't already been sent. Just need to double check the addresses and add the new ones. Thanks.

I'll BBL!!!

 

[bigmerle1966]

Marilyn, I hope you get some rest, Mom for a boss is not good!

She sometimes acts like she is my mother although she isn't old enough to be. Rest and relax and you will feel better in no time.

What a tragedy at Fort Hood, those poor families waiting to see if their loved ones are ok.

I just heard about this when I was getting ready to get out of the car here at home.

I have a coworker who has two sons in the military and I know one of them is stationed out of Hood but do not know if he is home yet, he was in Iraq. She posted something about it on FB and I am hoping that means that he is okay.


Maria- your stuff is very nice.

The football game was FREEZING!!!!!!!! I had 3 jackets on and two throw blankets over my legs. The school we were at has no real wind break, the land on three sides of the field slopes down and there are not a lot of trees. They lost but went from losing 30-13 and ended the game having scored 25.

Another game tomorrow night and I will be bringing out the big guns in warm clothing. Planning on long john pants, fleece pants, a turtle neck, t-shirt, thin hooded jacket, fleece jacket and another hooded thicker jacket plus I will have blankets as well. I think I should be warm enough.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I did a few Victorian birdhouses this week, have 2 coats left to do on them. If anyone is interested I will send you my photobucket link.

Oh my gosh!! You are so talented!!! I'm so impressed. Thanks for sharing your work!!

Afternoon friends--
It was 34 here this morning and snowing...it is still snowing, but thank goodness melting when it hits the ground....I hate the snow...I'm still wearing flip flops, lol.

Interestingly, a friend and I were talking today about the glorious Starbucks Christmas drinks they brought back out on Monday and how the weather just didn't "go" with them yet. It's November but 80 freakin' degrees outside! I guess that's better than ice or snow.

Katie has been dealing with a real bully at school lately. She finally told us about it this morning. One of the girls in her orchestra class found out who Katie is crushing on, and told Katie she'd tell him unless Katie paid her in candy bars. She was all set to "pay" the blackmail, until we explained that if she did, it wouldn't stop. I asked if she wanted me to handle this for her, but she wanted to do it on her own. The girl confronted Katie today, and Katie stood up to her. She told the girl that she was not going to pay her the candy, and if she wanted to tell the boy, to go ahead and do it, it would not bother Katie at all! The girl backed off, apologized, and left Katie alone. I'm so proud of her! I will be watching this closely, though, and so is the orchestra teacher!

Good for her!!!



I had a rough day - one of those "if it can go wrong, it will" but I finally left the office at 6:45pm and realized on the way home what else I forgot to do

I stopped and picked up chopped brisket sandwich and fries for dinner.

 

[bigmerle1966]

That's great that she was able to deal with that on her own Glynis. I remember being called names by some kids in high school right after I started there. I told them I had been called better names then that, shocked the heck out of the name callers and they never did it again.

 

[liamandcaili]

First of all, thanks to everyone for hoping Greg gets to join us in Disney. It would really stink if he misses it this year by only a couple of days.

Aimee -- Big hugs to you! You are so young, you have plenty of time.

Liam wants to quit gymnatstics - I thought it was really enjoying it?

I think he was enjoying it until recently. He is in a more advanced class, and it is much more demanding. He is frustrated that he can't do everything. He is the oldest and tallest boy in the group, so I think he is even more frustrated when the smaller kids can do things he can't.

I am really annoyed because Buddy's cousin is enlisting in the Navy.

Maybe it will be good for her. She might discover she is good at it and find direction in her life. Even if it doesn't work out long-term, she might find out she is a stronger person than she thinks.

Just for future reference, I really don't mind if you post baked goods without the nutritional information attached. Ignorance is bliss, you know.

Dinner tonight is a crock pot pork roast. It's a new recipe, and I don't normally have good luck with my crock pot so this should be interesting.

My crock pot and I don't get along most of the time either. Please let me know if the recipe is good.

Laura- Hope Greg is able to go too. Does that mean he got the promotion he was up for?

We don't know yet. The board met last month, but the promotions probably won't be listed until January.

That is funny that your husband will only eat acorn squash. Greg will eat just about anything I serve him, at this point, but he hates acorn squash. He thinks I am trying to serve him pumpkin for dinner.

I'm happier now than I've ever been, and don't really mind the travel and everything, but there's still that lingering "maternal" urge, especially since my cousin (2nd oldest) got married last summer.

You're doing great, Lori. What is meant to be, will be.

Emdy want a Christmas card fae Scotland !?

Yes!! Please.

Marilyn -- That is really funny about you calling your boss mom. I hope you get back on the right time schedule soon.

I'll never understand why some people have kids and are not good parents (trying to be nice here); and why there are far too many who want them and can't have them.

So true.

I like this better than in the spring when we go forward though.

That's funny. For some reason, I can adjust to the spring pretty easily, but I still haven't figured out this one. I was awake at 5:45 again this morning.

DH's b-day is tomorrow, A's party is Sunday & I still feel like crapola!

I'm sorry you are still not feeling well. Happy Birthday to Bob!

Ross has a house full of boys who went on the trampoline in the snow realized it was cold and wet, who are now rummaging in the fridge and playing poker with sweet tarts for money

Okay, you win. Caili and her friend were quite silly this afternoon, and I was happy to see the girl leave, but it doesn't compare to a house full of wet, hungry boys!

I'm trying a new soup, sweet potato-leek!

Ooh...please share if it's good!

It looks like they are going to hire Alan to do one project and if they like it, it could lead to more!

Yay for Alan! However, I am even prouder of Katie. That takes a lot of strength and guts, so good for her!!

Maria -- Your furniture is beautiful!

Dinner tonight produced a lot of grumbles because it was all food we haven't had before. I made fried rice noodles, lettuce wrapped Korean-style beef, and sticky chicken wings. They ate it. We have a neighborhood party on Saturday, so I was trying out a couple recipes because I need to bring a couple appetizers. I was thinking of bringing the lettuce wraps, vegetarian spring rolls, and chicken wings. After having the lettuce wraps tonight, I might scratch that. It was good, but not as flavorful as I expected. I am also changing the chicken wing marinade to Lauren's Asian marinade. If anyone has a great appetizer recipe that uses flank steak, please let me know!

 

[HERSEY]

Laura if you are going to use flank steak how about a satay with a peanut sauce.

Sorry I wasn't on earlier it was library night and I was having a issue with one of Alex's teachers. Luckily he only has until january then he changes classes. This teacher seems to be giving him a failing grade on an assignment that is not even due yet. Have any of you ever heard of this before? I am trying not to loose my cool.


Tomorrow will be a easy dinner pizza.

 

[Nancyg56]

Just flyoing by til later. I read back and have lot's to say....no surprise there!

Janice- no way would I accept that failing grade. I think I would email the teacher, copying the principal and the student advisor if Alex has one. Ask the teacher to detail the criteria of the assignment and how this failing grade is applicable. I would also ask her to explain what incentive any student would have to complete an assignment to the best of his ability if there was already a failing grade. Put it all on her....this is the craziest way to motivate a student that I have ever heard of.

 

[Disney Ron]

WFD- veal parm and penne

TGIF, have a great day everyone.

 

[Glynis]

Laura if you are going to use flank steak how about a satay with a peanut sauce.

Sorry I wasn't on earlier it was library night and I was having a issue with one of Alex's teachers. Luckily he only has until january then he changes classes. This teacher seems to be giving him a failing grade on an assignment that is not even due yet. Have any of you ever heard of this before? I am trying not to loose my cool.


Tomorrow will be a easy dinner pizza.

Is the teacher perhaps grading the kids on preliminary work on the assignment? Sometimes, I would give an assignment that would take the whole term to finish, but I did grade them on prelim work. Just a thought. If not, definitely find out what's going on. We had to do that last term with a new teacher who didn't understand the grading software. Once he had it explained to him, things were fine.

 

[Rogue26]

Sheryl- Your french story made me laugh. I was the baker at an inn, and the housekeeping staff were Jamaican. They kept telling me they were speaking English but I still don't believe them.

Maria- Love the furniture, you do really nice work. I like the chair with the map.

Well I'm off to breakfast. My husband came home last night and said they are down to 40 hour work weeks, which I'm happy about- you can only work so hard everyday. Anyway he was at 41 hours yesterday so he has the day off!

I forgot, wanted to thank you for the congrats on the weight loss, but I didn't actually lose any, I just over estimated what I thought I weighed! Didn't want it to look like it was that easy to lose it.

Have a great day all, off to breakfast.

 

[liamsaunt]

chicken souvlaki. Running out the door, BBL to catch up.

 

[Glynis]

My goodness, I missed a lot yesterday!

Aimee - I understand you on the baby thing. I was desperate to give my parents their first grandchild, but it just didn't happen. Alan and I tried for 7 years before we found an infertility specialist. In those 7 years, my sister had 2 children, and I taught at a high school where the teen pregnancy rate was the highest in the nation! Add to that, the fact that the school chose me to be the advisor for the New Mothers (a program designed to keep teenage mothers in school), and I spent many days in tears! What I learned through it all is that God was teaching me about patience, and that it ultimately didn't matter which sibling had the first child. All children, when they are wanted, are loved dearly. It will happen for you, my friend, just take the plunge and do it! Like I told my brother, "If you wait for you and your wife to be able to afford children, you'll never have them. You just have to have faith that it will all work out."

Laura - I'm so crossing my fingers that Greg will get to go with you! He is in my prayers night and morning! You all deserve some fun with him!!!!

Sheryl - How are you feeling? Don't push your recovery too much. Allow your body the time and rest it needs to get better!!!


I know I missed a ton more, but my brain feels like it has holes in it!

Dinner tonight will most likely be chili and cornbread, unless it gets hot today. I just can't eat chili when it's hot outside. So, I guess I won't really be making any decisions until later!

 

[Disney Ron]

Robin, don't under estimate all your hard work dieting. I give you so much credit for doing it. CONGRATS , keep it up! I have been gaining weight since the baby. SometimesI let my nerves get the best of me. I wish I was one of those people who didn't eat when they are upset.
Enjoy your DH today!

Glynis, great advice to Aimee. I totally agree with the advice you gave you DB. "If you wait for you and your wife to be able to afford children, you'll never have them. You just have to have faith that it will all work out."

Becky, I love souvlaki!!! Looks great as always.

Janice, now I have heard everything. What a backwards way of teaching. Poor Alex.

Kathy, thinking of you. Hope work is not killing you this week.

Maria, I wish I had an ounce of your talent. I am so jealous of creative people.

Laura, sending prayers to greg for promotion and crossing fingers WDW works out.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Sheryl ~ Happy Birthday to Bob!! I hope you are able to enjoy his day and Alexis' also. Don't push it though or I WILL start fussing.

Katie has been dealing with a real bully at school lately. She finally told us about it this morning. One of the girls in her orchestra class found out who Katie is crushing on, and told Katie she'd tell him unless Katie paid her in candy bars. She was all set to "pay" the blackmail, until we explained that if she did, it wouldn't stop. I asked if she wanted me to handle this for her, but she wanted to do it on her own. The girl confronted Katie today, and Katie stood up to her. She told the girl that she was not going to pay her the candy, and if she wanted to tell the boy, to go ahead and do it, it would not bother Katie at all! The girl backed off, apologized, and left Katie alone. I'm so proud of her! I will be watching this closely, though, and so is the orchestra teacher!

to Katie. Good for her and I am so proud of her for standing up to that bully. Also great news for Alan. That is great!!

Sorry I wasn't on earlier it was library night and I was having a issue with one of Alex's teachers. Luckily he only has until january then he changes classes. This teacher seems to be giving him a failing grade on an assignment that is not even due yet. Have any of you ever heard of this before? I am trying not to loose my cool.

That is just crazy. I would really look into this as everyone else has said. This is just so unacceptable. Our kids work so hard and I hate to see a teacher act this way.

WFD- veal parm and penne

TGIF, have a great day everyone.

And right back at you my friend!!


Well we (No I) ended up staying home last night. And I will never admit it to Doug, but it was just as well. They lost in 3 straight games. It would have taken me longer to drive there than it took to play.

And because of my sacrifice Doug cooked last night. Nothing real special but he had the Chicken on the grill and the table set when I got home. It is amazing how that helps. He even did the dishes when we were through. It ended up being a nice night.

We are headed to the winery tonight with some friends. They always have quite a spread so dinner will probably be there.

Make it a great day and I will BBL

 

[OKWMom]

Wow we were a chatty bunch yesterday. I should have taken notes but didn't, so all those I forget, please forgive.

Laura - The pork roast in the crockpot was meh. Kenny liked it, but I thought it was dry and I didn't care for the flavor. I had to laugh at your comment about the grumblings over different foods. My kids look at a new dish, sigh deeply like they are offended to the core and ask "Have we ever had this before?" Nice to know my children aren't the only ones not impressed by variety.

Sheryl - I love the sky cap story. It's funny now but probably frustrating while happening.

Glynis - Good for your daughter. She learned an important lesson.

Janice - What in the world?!? I'd be upset at that grading system too.

Wendie - I hope you feel better today. Antibiotics don't do well for my digestive system either.

Maria - Beautiful! Just beautiful.

Ellen - Have fun at the winery.

Dinner tonight is pizza. Take out, not homemade. I have a lot of cleaning to do and Kenny and I are planning on running errands tomorrow.

 

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

Laura, That soup was GOOD! I tweaked a recipe from a blog (Dragon). The soup had a mild bisque like flavor & the garnishes really made it pop!

Sweet Potato, Leek and Bacon Soup

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:
8 strips of bacon, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 leek, sliced
1 1/2 leeks, chopped roughly
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons sage, chopped finely
Whole Sage Leaves, for garnish
3 largish sweet potatoes, peeled, chopped into 2 inch pieces
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Dash of Cayenne Pepper
½ cup milk


Directions:
1. Cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until the bacon is crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve.

2. Add the sliced leeks to the bacon drippings and cook until the leeks are caramelized and crispy. Remove leeks with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve.

3. Add sage leaves to bacon drippings and cook until crispy. This will only take a few seconds. Remove sage with slotted spoon to plate lined with paper towels. Reserve.

4. Add one tablespoon of butter and rest of the leeks. Cook for 3 minutes to soften the leeks.

5. Add wine, sage and sweet potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes or until most of the wine has evaporated.

6. Add chicken broth and water. Simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes.

7. Purée soup in with an immersion blender in pot until very smooth. Alternately use a blender, in two batches blend until very smooth (hot liquid, be careful!), about 1 minute per batch, then transfer to cleaned pan.

8. Bring soup to a simmer and season with salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste. Add milk and stir until blended.

9. Serve with a generous garnish of the bacon, sage leaves and crispy leeks.

 

[liamsaunt]

Sheryl, that soup looks delicious! If it's got bacon is has to be good!
Maria, your furniture is beautiful.
Janice, how can you get a failing grade for a project that's not even complete? I would definitely fight that!
Glynis, good for Katie! Hopefully that will be the end of it.

Dinner tonight is braised short ribs, mashed potatoes and broccoli for John. I will have the potatoes and broccoli, but not the short ribs. I might stop and pick up a piece of salmon.

 

[shovan]

Again Good Morning,

Thanks for all the b-day wishes for Bob, I'll tell him all my ax murdering friends wished him a good one!

I'm trying to figure out how to fill Bob's request for beans & not be bored cooking it! I stayed awake planning putting them to soak but still haven't figured out which kind or how I'm doing them.

I'm still kinda bummed, because I would really have liked to go out somewhere nice for his b-day dinner & I think he actually would have too. Actually I'd just like to get out of the house at all right now!

Ellen, I want to go out to the winery with you!
But I will be good, rest & keep myself quarantined for another day or so. It would be awful to spread this bug around the family or anyone else. AND I don't want to get fussed!

Janice, That stinks! I'm curious as to what's going on with that teacher??

Laura, Has Liam decided that he does want to quit gymnastics? I know as Angelina grew taller, gymnastics became more & more difficult. If he's really not enjoying it, I'd let him quit. I just find it difficult when they say they want to quit, just because they don't feel like going that day.

Gretchen, Actually the guy was so nice & he kept my mind busy, that I wasn't freaking out about missing our flight! Clearly he was meant to be there, because typical stressed out me, could have let something like that ruin the end of a great trip.

Glynis, I'm so darned proud of your girl!!!! Wow that took a lot of backbone to stand up to her!! Mom, You've done good!!!

Robin, Enjoy your day with your hubby! Yes I do think Jamaicans speak English!

Lauren, How ya doing??

Becky, Yum as usual!

Aimee, I hope today is a much better day!

Kathy, Enjoy your weekend with Kyle!

I know there's more, but I've got to figure out what I'm doing with beans. So many ideas, even with my limited groceries. I could do black beans with chorizo, butter beans or white beans with ham or maybe tuscan like with lamb shoulder steaks! Of course Bob would be happy with anything but probably the more typical cajun would make him happiest. boooring!