The Official What's For Dinner thread:Thursday 1-24-08? Recipe finder in OP. Enjoy! Part 3

[nucpharm29]

Lindsey--yummo on PF Changs!

I am working yet another weekend this week. Got a call yesterday that the scheduled pharmacist is having a kidney stone attack and would I switch. Well, I couldn't say no, could I? So, I've got some chicken defrosting and will probably throw it on the grill when I get home. Have a great weekend all!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Lindsay have fun at PF Changs we have one nearby I want to try it one day.

I have always said that there are only so many ways you can make Chinese food, so I didn't have huge expectations for P.F. But OH. MY. WORD. It is better than ANY Chinese food you have ever had.

Not to mention I feel like I'm in an EPCOT restaurant when I eat there

 

[liamsaunt]

I have a question - I've never used panko crumbs before and I picked some up the other day. I'm going to fry soft shell crabs tomorrow, would the panko work? Any suggestions?

Hi Kathy, I am sure panko would work on your soft shell crabs. I think it is more typical to use a traditonal flour mix dredge on soft shells, though, only because you want to be sure to get all of the crab covered for maximum crispiness. The panko might leave gaps in its coverage.

Here are some photos from yesterday. First, my haul from the farmer's market:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1150/807684927_d63a062c80.jpg

Then, dinner. Turkey burgers, stuffed with goat cheese, topped with gouda, carmelized onions, tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and some of the artichoke-spinach sauce from the farmer's market, blended with a little mayonaisse, on toasted baguette:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/808571794_8982542b30.jpg

They were good, but we ended up eating them open faced because they were too tall!!

Tonight we are having the first striped bass of the season! I am really looking forward to it.

 

[TigerKat]

Good morning everyone!

My intention was to sleep in this morning, but Kyle called from camp - . He sounded a little down and tired, he said he misses home and baseball, but they're leaving sometime tonight to head back so I think it's probably a combo of not wanting to leave all of the new friends he's made and being ready to get back home. I know I'm ready!!!!

Tonight we're having Fried Soft Shell Crabs with a Tasso/Crabmeat Hollandaise sauce and Basil, Walnut & Garlic Linguine. I might make a dessert later in the day for Kyle's homecoming tomorrow.

Have a great day!

 

[liamandcaili]

Okay - so most of you don't know me; I another Lauri from the New Orleans board (we seem to have a lot of them on that board). They keep talking about this thead and I decided to take a peek and read some posts. And someone (forgive me for not remembering who) posts pictures, AWESOME pictures of food. And I have ONE question: How in the H*** can someone make cheese and crackers look that d**n good?

Welcome, Lauri! The cheese pic was mine, but DSis, Liamsaunt AKA Becky, is the real food porn star.

Beck and I are going to see Harry Potter today...without the kids. Caili was traumatized by a preview for the third movie while waiting to see Clifford: the Big Red Dog. Why the theater would put a Harry Potter preview on Clifford, I have no idea. Not only that, but the next year, we saw the preview for the 4th movie while waiting for Pooh's Heffalump Movie.

Anyway, I have no idea WFD. I'm not in charge of the menu today. We're heading into striped bass season here, so I am guessing a trip to the fish market to see if they have any is planned for either today or tomorrow.

 

[TigerKat]

Hi Kathy, I am sure panko would work on your soft shell crabs. I think it is more typical to use a traditonal flour mix dredge on soft shells, though, only because you want to be sure to get all of the crab covered for maximum crispiness. The panko might leave gaps in its coverage.

Becky -I was kinda thinking the same thing, so glad you confirmed it! I'm going to go with the flour. Thanks!!!!

 

[liamandcaili]

Tonight we are having the first striped bass of the season! I am really looking forward to it.

 

[TigerKat]

I'd be excited too!!!!!!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

Welcome Lauri! We sure do enjoy our food porn here, I have never seen someone make veggies look so goo before they are even cooked or plates look like centerfolds in Bon Appetit as our Liams Girls can.

We are supposed to head over to the center for the Fireman's Parade and will eat there. Kady lives for parades, she even enjoys the little one at the Big E and waits for the sanitation team before we can leave so we can't let her miss out town's big day!

I had heard that our section of the country is the only one that has Fireman's carnivals and parades as fund raisers. Do any of you have these as annual events?

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Well I was craving Chinese food, so I had a brief thought of abandoning my tomatoes. But now I'm thinking clear and it's fried green tomato night!

Yeah, you got me craving Chinese so that is what we had (no cooking for me again!!!). We had Steamed Dumpings, Hot and Sour Soup and General Tsao's Chicken (all white meat). Yum! No wonder I'm overweight!

Where is everyone?????

I was MIA...A went by his sperm donor and Tom and I were hanging out having cocktails in the hot tub!!!

I know the feeling. I have a small beagle and I have to sweep every day just to get all the hair up off the floors. Good for you - don't cook. If I could send you some of my fried green tomatoes you know I would.

Get a roomba...they are great! One thing I hate to do is vacuum and sweep...I'd actually rather clean the bathroom!!!

I've been kept busy at work. Alex is busy touring the every beach we have in the state.

We are having spaghetti and meatballs. Last night I had a chopped salad. I found a weight watcher version that I'll be making. I have to get down to business a drop at least 10lbs.

Sounds like Alex is having a great summer!!! Yeah!

Now I want a nice chopped salad!!!

Tom and I are starting AGAIN with the diets tomorrow. We have really gotten out of hand since the honeymoon...ah well, such is life, right.

I am thinking of starting or joining a weight loss thread on the WISH board. Think you'll be interested?

Kathy - here is the pork chop recipe you requested. Quick and Easy.

The kids and DH really liked these, but I think next time I will double the sauce. The flavor was different but good.

I think I'll make these this week. Ya know I love easy too! Thanks!

Downey wrinkle release is my best friend. That has to be the greatest invention ever.

I have to try this stuff.

Okay - so most of you don't know me; I another Lauri from the New Orleans board (we seem to have a lot of them on that board).

Anyways - I'm gonna go back and look for more pictures. And recipes. Glad I already had dinner.
(BTW, DH grilled some sausage and made some store brand mac n cheese)

Welcome!!! We love the food porn. I think Becky started the whole idea of posting pics and now we're hooked.

I had heard that our section of the country is the only one that has Fireman's carnivals and parades as fund raisers. Do any of you have these as annual events?

We have or had fireman's parades when I was growing up. I think parts of Jersey still do. They give prizes and have a big bbq after.

Reminds me of when I was younger...having a few beer and jumping on a truck and going the parade route with the cuties in uniform!!! Those were the days! Have fun!



Laura, your cheese plate, etc. look awesome

Becky, That tukey burger...OMG! Yum!

Nancy, You need a break from all that work you've done in the past few days...I'm another that hates ironing. I only iron when I have to...usually burning myself!!!

Kathy, So glad Kyle is coming home!!!

********************

I shouldn't even bother posting WFD anymore. Can you tell I have been winging it this summer??? Tonight we are having the beef kababs that I didn't make yesterday. They are marinated already in a mediteranian sauce...yum!

Sheryl, I bought Lemoncello...gonna try that Cosmo this weekend! Yeah!

Have a great day all!

 

[Mom21]

Guinness Pork chops
Mashed potatoes
Some kind of green veggie
Maybe some bread if I get really motivated (ok probably not!! LOL)

 

[Nancyg56]

Kathy- I love that the kids are always excited to go away but while they are gone they remember why home is "home". Kind of how I feel about a vacation that is longer than 7 days. I miss my own bed, my own food and my own routine.

Lauren- glad to see you made the most of your MIA time. Gotta laugh about the ROOMBA. I have four fraidy cats and they would never come upstairs if I had one of those doggies running around

New Jersey town send their truck up to the annual fireman's festival or whatever it is called. Different towns host every year and the parades can last over four hours. Yep, I used to go to the parades on Saturday night but I admit I avoided the rest of the activities. When we got married I told Buddy I was not joining the "Ladies" Auxiliary. I did not like the cliquey atmosphere and I gotta tell you, after some picnics etc, listening to the women refight the fires their guys went to or rehash the decisions made in the meetings, I had a headache . I wanted to ask "Can't we talk about things we have done", or "What did you do today?", anything but reliving someone else's life .

Buddy thought it was hysterical becasue he never could understand all of the gossiping that small town life. He knew about an incident that happened at 10:30 PM by 9 AM the next day. It had made the rounds of the ladies to their DH, and from there it went to work, made the rounds and got to him at coffee. I was too sleepy to tell him when I had coffee with him before work, but I did not have to because the "network" was in place.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

per Nancy's request....

Raspberry Seltzer

3/4c raspberry vinegar
6 TBsp sugar
8c (about 2 liters) seltzer water
fresh raspberries(optional) for garnish
fresh mint sprigs(optional) for garnish

1. Make raspberry syrup: Place raspberry vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Allow to boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 1 minute. Set aside to cool.
2. Place reserved syrup in a pitcher; add seltzer. Stir. Add ice; garnish with raspberries and mint sprigs if desired. Serve.

From an old Martha Stewart issue.

 

[TigerKat]

Kathy - here is the pork chop recipe you requested. Quick and Easy.

1 ½ pounds pork loin chops
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Cooking spray
¼ cup Marsala (I used Holland House cooking wine)
¼ cup hickory flavored BBQ sauce

Preheat skillet on medium high. Season both sides of chops with Montreal Steak Seasoning. Spray skillet with cooking spray and place chops in pan. Cover and cook for 3 minutes on each side.

Mix Marsala and BBQ sauce and pour over chops. Turn chops so that both sides have been sauced. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 3 minutes per side.

The kids and DH really liked these, but I think next time I will double the sauce. The flavor was different but good.

Thanks, sounds great!!

I was MIA...A went by his sperm donor and Tom and I were hanging out having cocktails in the hot tub!!!

I shouldn't even bother posting WFD anymore. Can you tell I have been winging it this summer??? Tonight we are having the beef kababs that I didn't make yesterday. They are marinated already in a mediteranian sauce...yum!

Love the sperm donor comment!!!! I was wondering how the kabobs were. Did they come already marinated? I got an e-mail from Omaha yesterday, ya know I'm trying to clear out the freezer, well I ordered more steaks and selected a gift of lasagna at half price.

Another here who doesn't iron, I've gotta try that wrinkle release stuff. I wasn't sure if it really worked.

 

[HERSEY]

Lauren Yes I'll give dieting a try with you. Let me know how you want to go about it. I've never done a formal diet. I never had to diet until I turned 25 then I blossomed from 110 to 135 in a matter of months. A cyst was the culprit.

Ok off to rescreen the patio door, before I have one less dog.

 

[OKWMom]

Lauri - Welcome. Please come and post often. We have a great time over here and sometimes we even discuss what we're having for dinner and share recipes.

Lindsay - I LOVE PF Changs. We don't have one near us, so it is real treat for me to find one when travelling. The lettuce wraps are my favorite.

Nancy - I've never heard of a fireman's parade, etc. I guess it isn't a South Carolina thing. Although we have had several fund raisers, memorials, etc for the horrible recent tragedy where we lost so many at once.

Kathy - I know you are really glad to have Kyle coming home. A quiet house is nice for about 30 minutes or so and then the feeling you're missing something begins to set in.

Lauren - Love the sperm donor designation. It is certainly all he deserves. I'm glad you and Tom were able to take some time for yourselves while A was gone. BTW - if you want to start a new thread on the diet board, I'll be happy to join in. I'm back on the wagon and have lost 3 of the 4 I gained on my anniversary weekend with DH. I still have 60 to go.

Tonight I am making baked ham steaks with brown sugar and dry mustard, my sister's recipe. You add a little milk to the pan and it draws out some of the salt and keeps the slices moist in the oven. With it, DH and the kids will have the left over corn casserole and baked beans. I will probably have a salad with grilled chicken.

Have a great Saturday!

Gretchen

 

[TigerKat]

Tonight I am making baked ham steaks with brown sugar and dry mustard, my sister's recipe. You add a little milk to the pan and it draws out some of the salt and keeps the slices moist in the oven. With it, DH and the kids will have the left over corn casserole and baked beans. I will probably have a salad with grilled chicken.

Have a great Saturday!

Gretchen

Thanks for the tip, I'd never heard of that!

 

[Aimeedyan]

For lunch, I met some friends at Cheesecake Factory and chowed down on orange chicken. I wish I could make that stuff at home, I love it! I don't think I could get the outside crispy enough. Yum.

Tonight we are going to a baby shower dinner party (couples only) and they are serving mexican food.

 

[Nancyg56]

per Nancy's request....

Raspberry Seltzer

Thank you much! I have added it to my file and started my list for tomorrow. It sounds refreshing.

Another here who doesn't iron, I've gotta try that wrinkle release stuff. I wasn't sure if it really worked.

Kathy- it works like a charm. I like to use it on seersucker and that wrinkly stuff that looks messy but you can't iron or it ruins the look. Smooths it where you want it smooth but leaves the texture. i always toss it in my suitcase and spritz my clothes when I take them out to hang. No packing wrinkles and the smell is so good.

Kathy - I know you are really glad to have Kyle coming home. A quiet house is nice for about 30 minutes or so and then the feeling you're missing something begins to set in.

Lauren - I'm back on the wagon and have lost 3 of the 4 I gained on my anniversary weekend with DH. I still have 60 to go.

Gretchen and Kathy- we did not do well in an empty house. DH hated all of the quiet and I was lost. Jeff and Marisa came to stay when the apartment they were to move into did not vacate. I went to visit my niece and when I came back DH had asked them to stay longer. I honestly think we would have a terrible void if Kady was not running in and out and my sons and Erica weer not here so often.

I am going to try to eat a little healthier. I have about 40 pounds to lose. I have promised to try because I really feel poofey and that is not good.

 

[liamsaunt]

Laura is here for a Saturday sleepover with the kids and so we ate early tonight. Here are some photos. Raspberry-champagne cocktail to start:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1203/812924456_fbcfa8f9c9.jpg

Here is the big striped bass! Raw, marinating in olive oil, salt, pepper, and cruz bay grill rub:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1174/812925122_4cbbdee7b2.jpg

I don't know if you can tell, but this one piece of fish weighed about 4 lbs, and was 2" thick!

Here it is cooked, with a fresh peach salsa, green beans, homemade mac and cheese, and although you can't really see it, there is a summer squash-zucchini saute on the plate too:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/812925686_2d027c9015.jpg

Laura wants you all to know that we thought Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was very scary, but really, really good. We could not believe all the little ones in the theater! I know every child is different, but if we brought Liam and Caili to that movie, they would not talk to us for months, I think. Heck, I don't even know if they have seen the Wizard of Oz yet!!

****Laura just confirmed, they have not. They don't watch TV either. She's raising dark ages kids!