The Official What's For Dinner thread:Thursday 1-24-08? Recipe finder in OP. Enjoy! Part 2

[TigerKat]

Morning Y'all,

Kathy that sauce is yummy!!! I really thought I had screwed it up too! I had a Shiraz open & used that, it was coming out with too strong of a wine taste, so I added another pack of the au jus sauce. Then, I didn't see your post about the greek seasoning until after I fixed it. I had added poultry seasoning instead, and fresh rosemary & mint. I went back & added oregano to it, after I read your post. You know when you keep tasting something & you just can't tell anymore if it's right or not. Well, I'm working on it & Alexis says Nana I want to taste your dinner. I tried to explain it was just a gravy & not the whole dinner, but she tasted it and said "Ooh, that's good! I want a bowl of that soup!" Of course with all that wine in there, I couldn't give it to her as soup! I gave her a piece of bread with some sauce on it & she ate it up!!!

So, last night's dinner was Lamb Chops with Kathy's Outback Sauce, Roasted Sweet & Idaho Potatoes, and Roasted Eggplant & Baby Bella Mushrooms. DH loved it too.

That sauce was so good, I'm thinking of trying out a new mix with it. Pan-seared Pork Medallions over Cheese Grits or Polenta with that sauce on top! and Spinach Sauteed with garlic & butter. Oh yeah, that sounds good! That's WFD tonight.

I'm so glad you all, including Alexis, enjoyed it. I always freeze it in small containers and pull one out when I do my lamb. The pork recipe using the sauce sounds great!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Lindsay, When you're feeling better & have the time, could you post the recipe for that soup? And if you are baking the bread, I'd like that too! Thanks!

It's the chicken provencal stoup. It's on page 196. And the bread is totally NOT homemade

I know of at least 5 people/families who said they would buy from me and were very excited about the idea. But when I started reading about business permits, health codes, licenses, etc., I realized it just wasn't possible to do.

I was naively thinking I could run this business without all that. My business would be advertised only by word-of-mouth. That way I could decide how many orders per week/day I would take. But apparently it is illegal to do this kind of business without all the above mentioned stuff, unless I'm missing something somewhere.

*sigh* I seriously have been crying my eyes out over this. I love to cook, people enjoy my cooking, and I wanted to share it with others for a living. If anyone has any more advice or things I need to do make this possible, I would really appreciate it.

ETA: What accentuates this huge depression is my disability. When it comes to food service and experience, look at it this way:
- I thought of being a sous chef at a local restaurant that is run by a friend of a friend. Can't do it. The kitchen is not wheelchair accessible.

- I cannot train and go work as a chef in a restaurant. They kitchens are not wheelchair accessible.

You see the trend? It's times like this I just want to throw something. Situations like this make me scream, "This wheelchair business SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!"

 

[shovan]

It's the chicken provencal stoup. It's on page 196. And the bread is totally NOT homemade

I know of at least 5 people/families who said they would buy from me and were very excited about the idea. But when I started reading about business permits, health codes, licenses, etc., I realized it just wasn't possible to do.

I was naively thinking I could run this business without all that. My business would be advertised only by word-of-mouth. That way I could decide how many orders per week/day I would take. But apparently it is illegal to do this kind of business without all the above mentioned stuff, unless I'm missing something somewhere.

*sigh* I seriously have been crying my eyes out over this. I love to cook, people enjoy my cooking, and I wanted to share it with others for a living. If anyone has any more advice or things I need to do make this possible, I would really appreciate it.

ETA: What accentuates this huge depression is my disability. When it comes to food service and experience, look at it this way:
- I thought of being a sous chef at a local restaurant that is run by a friend of a friend. Can't do it. The kitchen is not wheelchair accessible.

- I cannot train and go work as a chef in a restaurant. They kitchens are not wheelchair accessible.

You see the trend? It's times like this I just want to throw something. Situations like this make me scream, "This wheelchair business SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!"

Lindsay, I'm sorry you are feeling so depressed! While I'm not the one in the WC, DH also comes across many obstacles & I think I understand your frustrations & depressions.
However, I really would not give up on this idea, just yet! Being a woman & having a disability may open some doors for Grants, Loans & Small Business Asssistance & info that might otherwise not be available. I think it will definitely take a lot of hard work on the research, but I really think your Business Idea is a good sound idea! Keep checking into it!

Thanks for the soup recipe too!

 

[Glynis]

I was thinking about her this morning too! Gretchen - hope all is well with you.



Recipe please!!!!!!!

I'll post it this afternoon. I have to run the twins to preschool and then work in the book fair until 4 this afternoon. I think you'll like this one! My family loves it!

 

[Glynis]

It's the chicken provencal stoup. It's on page 196. And the bread is totally NOT homemade

I know of at least 5 people/families who said they would buy from me and were very excited about the idea. But when I started reading about business permits, health codes, licenses, etc., I realized it just wasn't possible to do.

I was naively thinking I could run this business without all that. My business would be advertised only by word-of-mouth. That way I could decide how many orders per week/day I would take. But apparently it is illegal to do this kind of business without all the above mentioned stuff, unless I'm missing something somewhere.

*sigh* I seriously have been crying my eyes out over this. I love to cook, people enjoy my cooking, and I wanted to share it with others for a living. If anyone has any more advice or things I need to do make this possible, I would really appreciate it.

ETA: What accentuates this huge depression is my disability. When it comes to food service and experience, look at it this way:
- I thought of being a sous chef at a local restaurant that is run by a friend of a friend. Can't do it. The kitchen is not wheelchair accessible.

- I cannot train and go work as a chef in a restaurant. They kitchens are not wheelchair accessible.

You see the trend? It's times like this I just want to throw something. Situations like this make me scream, "This wheelchair business SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!"

So, what would it take to get your kitchen up to code? I'm assuming that your kitchen is already set up to accomodate your wheelchair. Why not check into what it would cost to do that, and see if you qualify for a small business loan that would cover those costs.

 

[Glynis]

Lindsay, I'm sorry you are feeling so depressed! While I'm not the one in the WC, DH also comes across many obstacles & I think I understand your frustrations & depressions.
However, I really would not give up on this idea, just yet! Being a woman & having a disability may open some doors for Grants, Loans & Small Business Asssistance & info that might otherwise not be available. I think it will definitely take a lot of hard work on the research, but I really think your Business Idea is a good sound idea! Keep checking into it!

Thanks for the soup recipe too!

I totally agree! Keep doing some checking before throwing in the towel. Where there's a will, there's a way!

 

[shovan]

I'm so glad you all, including Alexis, enjoyed it. I always freeze it in small containers and pull one out when I do my lamb. The pork recipe using the sauce sounds great!

Kathy, really that sauce is too good to save just for lamb! I'll let you know how my dish comes out! If I put the Grits, then the Spinach then the Pork on top & drizzle the sauce around, it would be a very Emeril Style meal!!!
But I think DH would balk at the Spinach on the Grits!

 

[liamsaunt]

Thanks for the birthday wishes, guys! I am not sure WFD tonight yet. DH offered to take me out, but I don’t know if I want to go. We have fancypants dinners out already planned for Saturday and Sunday this week, so I don’t want to overdo the whole restaurant thing. On the other hand, there isn’t much food left in the fridge back home!

Lindsay, the health regulations for your county can definitely be a problem. For example, around here you cannot prepare any catered food in the same kitchen you use for home cooking—it has to be a completely separate kitchen, with separate appliances and dishes, etc. However, I know that in Boston there is a community kitchen that is shared by a number of small business owners for food preparation. I am not sure how much it costs to buy into the facility, but I know it is popular. Maybe you could see if there is something like that around your area? Here is one company that uses the kitchen: http://www.stonybrookcookie.com/kitchen.htm

Good luck!

50 hours and 3 minutes now…

 

[FormrCastMbr]

50 hours and 3 minutes now…

Happy Birthday again! I think I missed it posted here...where are you going?

You should take DH up and go out!!!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Lindsay, I talked to DF about what you are thinking of doing to see what he thinks...although he does not know the laws in TN (or NJ re: the food industry for that matter), he said to call your town hall and maybe they can give you some direction. They may be able to tell you who to call re: FDA regulations, etc. You may also need a business license and/or tax ID number.

You may have already done this stuff but I'll keep trying to think of things that may help you...

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Lindsay,

I found this quote on the website I am listing:

Can I cook at my house and deliver the food?
Currently health department regulations restrict you from cooking in your own home. It is necessary to cook the food in your client's home. If you have access to a commercial kitchen and have the proper delivery equipment, your local health department can help you with the details.

http://personalchefsnetwork.com/faq.html

Maybe there are ways to gain access to a commercial kitchen...does your church have a kitchen? A local school? Or you can spend the day at friends houses (or several houses if you prepare and keep things warm) or cook for 1 family per day or event.

I am hoping that all this is going to help you!!!

 

[shovan]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIAMSAUNT!!!!!!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Lindsay,

I found this quote on the website I am listing:

Can I cook at my house and deliver the food?
Currently health department regulations restrict you from cooking in your own home. It is necessary to cook the food in your client's home. If you have access to a commercial kitchen and have the proper delivery equipment, your local health department can help you with the details.

http://personalchefsnetwork.com/faq.html

Maybe there are ways to gain access to a commercial kitchen...does your church have a kitchen? A local school? Or you can spend the day at friends houses (or several houses if you prepare and keep things warm) or cook for 1 family per day or event.

I am hoping that all this is going to help you!!!

There's the rub. No accessible houses, no accessible kitchen, etc. I have to be realistic. It is sounding impossible.

 

[liamandcaili]

Lindsay, I am sorry this is so complicated for you, but if it is something you really want to do and enjoy doing, then don't give up. Somebody suggested seeking a grant to assist with the financial aspect of setting up your business, and I think that is a good idea. I used to do grantwriting, and you are in a unique situation where, like you said, you can't just go to someone else's kitchen, or a commercial kitchen because they aren't set up properly for you. I don't want to take up too much space here (I tend to write lengthy replies as it is) but if you would like some tips on how you might be able to find a grant, PM me. I would be happy to help. I will tell you, it is a lot of work, but I think you can be successful if you are persistent.

As for WFD here, I am making one of Liam's favorite meals...burritos. He came home yesterday limping because he hurt his leg at recess. Of course, he didn't tell anyone, and he continued to use it, so it was a good four hours of pain before I treated him. He seemed a little better this morning, but I figure a favorite dinner can only improve things more. His burrito is black beans, corn, rice and cheese. Mine will be grilled chipotle chicken, black beans, grilled avocado, grilled onions and cheese. And Caili won't have a burrito. She hates them. I'll make her plain grilled chicken, rice and salad.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Hi Lindsay,

When I saw your posts, it reminded me of the Americans with Disability Act (A.D.A.) that was supposed to make accessibility equal for all. Wouldn't that apply in your endeavor? I'm wondering if there is a community/recreation hall that could help you. I'm also wondering if there is some type of (government?) funding available to those venues for accomodation. Just thinking off the top of my head.

Something else that crossed my mind. Do you like event planning? That might be an avenue to persue and still perform some of the cooking (maybe rent kitchen space when you find it). That would probably decrease the amount of the cooking aspect (which I know you love) but you could have a broader business base. Just something to think about. HTH.

 

[Nancyg56]

There's the rub. No accessible houses, no accessible kitchen, etc. I have to be realistic. It is sounding impossible.

Not impossible, not yet. First, call the small business association in your area. There is generally someone with experience in most areas, I imagine that there may be someone experienced in food service. Then visit a culinary school in your area. A lot of community colleges have degree programs in culinary arts. You have a passion for cooking and you have the talent, someone at the school may be able to assist you. The staff usually works with area restaurants and chefs so there may be some networking for you.

Also, find out what the health regulations in your area are. You may be eligible for grants or loans to revamp your kitchen. You need to have a business plan, though, so do you homework. Once you have the regulations and the cost you can see what is available for you. Brainstorm with your friends, and don't be too proud to ask if they know someone who can mentor you.

Don't give up if this is a dream of yours. You have some limitations that you need to work around, but you have spirit and you have drive, and you love to cook, people love your food. Why can't you look into a portable kitchen? I see the trucks that are fully self contained kitchens. They have grills, burners and refrigeration. All stainless steel. I wonder how the regulations work with them?

The days of cooking and selling out of a home kitchen are gone, but I think if you are willing to research the laws, check with your local professionals, and also check into small business loans and grants you can do this. Perhaps not in the manner that you envisioned but in a way that will still bring satisfaction to you and to your clientèle. I ran into a gal who made food for the two B&B's in our town. I don't know how she did it, but I think that there are ways to get around your obstacles.

 

[Nancyg56]

I forgot about dinner. I am cooking beer in the rear chicken with orange juice instead of beer. I was going to make it with orange soda, but ran out.

Some kind of starch, green beens, I think and a salad.

I just wanted to update you on Kady. All of her tests came back negative from the gastro guy, but her pediatrician ran blood tests for allergies. She tested positive for eggs and milk. He said that he thinks that for her the milk is the culprit. I have soy milk for her, but I am going to have to learn to change my cooking style.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Well ya'll I'm embarrassed to say dinner last night was a can of corn nuked with butter in the microwave. It's hmph, that time and with the stomach cramps nothing sounded good BUT that. Sometime's I thank God DH went back to traveling- so I can nuke if I feel like it and not have to feel guilty about fixing something for him.

Now that's high falute-n' haute cuisine there!

Tonight I'll be better and fix something real, but not sure what yet.

 

[TigerKat]

Lindsay - I agree with everyone else - Don't give up! There's a lot of helpful info already on this thread. Look into the grant possibility further, I really feel with your determination you can make this happen.

Nancy - That is good news about Kady, if milk is the culprit that's a situation that is easily remidied!

 

[Nancyg56]

Marisa is going to discuss with the pedi. She wants to see about a pediatric allergist, especially about the eggs. They are in everything! Dr says that things like ice cream are not as bad because of the way they are processed. She wants to know if Dr wants Kady to avoid all things like cakes and cookies or waffles that may have egg.

But you are right, if this helps to stop refluxing we will learn how to avoid the trigger foods