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

[Nancyg56]

Mix it with a little cream and toss with some of my pasta.

I'll share my "sauce" and you can share your "treasures" .

 

[liamandcaili]

Hi Everyone,

Today was Caili's first day of Kindergarten, and I am proud to say that I didn't cry. I had a a little lump in my throat when the bus drove away, but she was so happy, I couldn't be sad.

Here are a couple pictures:

Waiting for the bus:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/1337790634_9c1ba363aa_b.jpg

And leaving for school:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/1337790648_291a6168e4_b.jpg

For dinner, my ILs brought over some fried clams and fried fish from a local place. It was pretty good, but I was still so full from the Indian food from the night before, I didn't eat that much.

 

[Glynis]

Hi Everyone,

Today was Caili's first day of Kindergarten, and I am proud to say that I didn't cry. I had a a little lump in my throat when the bus drove away, but she was so happy, I couldn't be sad.

Here are a couple pictures:

Waiting for the bus:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/1337790634_9c1ba363aa_b.jpg

And leaving for school:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/1337790648_291a6168e4_b.jpg

For dinner, my ILs brought over some fried clams and fried fish from a local place. It was pretty good, but I was still so full from the Indian food from the night before, I didn't eat that much.

What darling pictures!!! I'm so glad she had a good first day. That makes things so much easier, doesn't it?

 

[Aimeedyan]

Hello all! Tonight I tried something new, I think it's from Womans Day but honestly can't remember. Overall it was okay but it didn't have a lot of flavor. Anyone have suggestions on something else to add to it? The only flavor, really,was the pea pods and shrimp. The lime helped some but I don't think I got a full 2 tsp in there...

Thai Shrimp and Rice
Seafood Suppers
Serves 4
Active: 25 min/Total: 25 min

1 tsp vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup sliced scallions
1 Tbsp chopped garlic
1 can (14 oz) lite coconut milk
11⁄2 cups jasmine rice or converted white rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp salt
12 oz raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz fresh snow peas
2 tsp freshly grated lime zest
Garnish: lime wedges and chopped cilantro

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add scallions and garlic; sauté 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic.
2. Pour coconut milk into a 1-qt liquid measure and add enough water to make 31⁄4 cups. Add to skillet and bring to a boil. Add rice, carrots and salt. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 12 minutes or until rice is nearly tender.
3. Stir in shrimp, snow peas, lime zest and, if rice looks dry, another 1⁄4 cup water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 3 to
4 minutes until shrimp are cooked through and the snow peas are crisp-tender. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.

 

[TigerKat]

Hey Irma(Lauren),

Clean out your PM's, you and Riley are adorable!!!!!

 

[liamsaunt]

Aimee, reading that recipe it seems to me that the missing link is spice--amy spice! Coconut milk adds great texture but it can tend to mute flavors, so you might want to try adding some jalepeno, or some chili flakes, or even some hot sauce. This might sound crazy, but even adding a pinch of sugar could perk things up a bit. If you like curry or cumin, add some of that flavor in. You could also use chicken stock (boxed) instead of water to make up the extra liquid needed to cook the rice after the coconut milk.

Also, if it were me, I would saute the shrimp seperately from the rice, seasoning them with salt, pepper, or whatever, and then stir them with their pan juices into the rice afterwards, that way they'd be a little crispy, and the carmelized pan juices would add extra flavor. Oh, and I would squeeze in the lime juice from the lime you zested into the liquid you mix with the coconut milk. I hope this helps for next time!

So, here are the photos from tonight's dinner. The bigest hit were the summer rolls, with a traditional vietnamese dipping sauce, nouc chaum:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1219/1338839005_667d482379.jpg

This was my first time making these, and my wrapping technique needs help! The flavor rocked though.

Then, we had a garlic and shallot soup with shredded chicken:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1024/1338838595_c41de2c687.jpg

This soup has a whole head of garlic in it, the cloves sliced in half, plus 1/2 cup of fish sauce! I thought it tasted great, but we'll see what my co-worker thinks of me tomorrow....

Finally, we ended with a dish of dry-fried szechuan pepper-salt coated tofu, and chilli-steamed bok choy. If you like tofu, it is good...if not, I don't think I would have won any converts with this dish:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/1338839343_339b14172d.jpg

No food photos tomorrow from either of the "Liam sisters" as we are having dinner out together for Caili's birthday.

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi Everyone,

Today was Caili's first day of Kindergarten, and I am proud to say that I didn't cry. I had a a little lump in my throat when the bus drove away, but she was so happy, I couldn't be sad.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/1337790648_291a6168e4_b.jpg

She looks so much like you . Do you have a scrapbook to capture all of these wonderful memories? There is something about the first day of school with their brand new clothes, very grownup Mary Janes and all new supplies that is so promising, isn't there? Thanks for sharing, you bring back wonderful memories from many years ago.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Being sick most of the day yesterday I had to do some switching around for dinner. BIL is coming over for dinner tonight and I ended up not feeling like cooking last night. So we had a Digourno pizza. My husband stopped at Bi-Lo to pick one up and bought the items needed for me to make hamburgers tonight. We will have onion rings with it.

WFD at your house?

 

[Nancyg56]

A

So, here are the photos from tonight's dinner. The bigest hit were the summer rolls, with a traditional vietnamese dipping sauce, nouc chaum:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/1338839343_339b14172d.jpg

No food photos tomorrow from either of the "Liam sisters" as we are having dinner out together for Caili's birthday.

Dinner looked so good! I am not an adventurous cook but I would like to try to make the rolls and the soup, however I have one question. You all know my DD will not touch red meat and seafood is like poison, DDIL will run, not walk from fish.....does the soup taste kind of fishy? The three of us would be the only ones to touch it, but it looks so yummy!

Have a good time celebrating the Birthday Girl and wish her a from me.

I just have to add that I watch Top Chef and I would nominate our LiamsLadies over any one of those "chefs". The meals that the two of you send out are way better and much more imaginative than what has been cooked this season on that show. Come to think of it.....I would rather see the two of you on FoodTV over the group that competed this year.

Being sick most of the day yesterday I had to do some switching around for dinner. BIL is coming over for dinner tonight and I ended up not feeling like cooking last night. So we had a Digourno pizza. My husband stopped at Bi-Lo to pick one up and bought the items needed for me to make hamburgers tonight. We will have onion rings with it.

WFD at your house?

Lindsay- sorry you were sick yesterday. Are you feeling better this morning?

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Lindsay- sorry you were sick yesterday. Are you feeling better this morning?

So far, so good. I have no idea what was wrong with me yesterday. I had zero energy and just felt horribly run down. I took a nap at about 8 or so yesterday morning to see if it would help. It didn't. I tried again at lunchtime and that helped some. By the time bedtime rolled around I was feeling more like myself.

No reason for feeling so odd. I'm just glad I feel better this morning *knock on wood*

 

[THE HAT]

Morning all---


Happy birthday Caili

Glad to hear you are feeling a bit better Lindsey, I think it is worse when you have that run down, blah feeling, and no idea why or what is the reason..glad to hear that today is better for you!

Nancy--I agree with you I think for sure we have a couple of food network stars on our hands....and just think someday we can say we knew them "WHEN"

Dinner tonight is going to be broiled steak tips with sbr, and a nice salad with my farmers market finds, and some rice. We have football late , but I want Ross to have a nice supper with protein in him, as he has a big karate tournamet tomorrow, and last nights supper was mickey d's which isn't really supper at all is it? (we did not get home from karate practice until 8:45 so it was quick and easy and on the way)
I am heading back to my inlaws as I picked up some tomato's for my mil, and said I would drop them off to her...glutton for punishment I know, but she took the "we won't be here for christmas" news very well so, I thought I would keep her happy....she is much easier to deal with that way. (and I don't have to drink as much )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have a moment:
Let me ask for your thoughts on something, as you all have great opinions on situations,and sometimes another person's point of view helps.

Here is a break down of the situation. When Ross was a year old my parents moved to Florida, without any real warning, or thoughts to anyone else, just sold their home and left. Both are only childern, and left behind very elderly parents (my mothers) her mother who was in her 90's, didn't drive and lived alone, and (my fathers) his father who was 92 couldn't drive anymore, could barely see or walk, and mother who was (87) who never drove. My maternal grandmother died--no one came home, I was close to her, but for reasons my mother caused, my memere's neices were closer, and they took care of her needs at the end. (which was wonderful, and I was grateful).
My paternal grandparents, whom I adore, are like my own parents to me, Kris and I take care of everything (my grandfather passed away 7 years ago in my arms) we took care of all arrangements for it all, including paying for the stone date being engraved etc. Noone came home for his service either. My grandmother is now 93, still lives alone, and we do have home health care for her that comes in every day. At this point in her life, she has outlived her savings and has only her SS which doesn't even come close to taking care of things...oil for winter, house insurance, extra money for food or gifts, and even a few medicines especially by the end of the month. Kris and I pay for everything, and do not mind doing it a bit. I just paid 7 years of back taxes as they just figured out (the town) that the house was under my grandfathers name so the homestead excemption was for him as well, and we should have refiled in her name when he died. (had a lawyer look into it and yep we are responsible for it) we id refile and starting next year the taxes are excempt. She just has a small trailer on a rented lot, so it is only 100.00 a year, but that wast times 7 years. SO that was 700dollars, and I paid 200.00 for her home owners insurance along, with 1200 for her oil for the winter to prepay before the cost goes up, all this month.
Not once has my father asked if she was ok money wise, if we needed anything, and my brother never asked either, even when I told him the other day that she only gets 1000 a month, and her lot rent is 200, and we make up the difference on other areas for her.
After all this I get an email from my sister in law, and brother last night at 11pm..great bedtime story, saying that my mother is going to go and stay with them for 2 weeks, and they found a dental clinic that can fix her teeth for 600.00 as she has lost most of her front ones from her bulimia binging, and it would help herself esteem, and if I would send them 200, and they would do 200, and my father would do 200.
Now I talked to my brother last week, and he talked about the teeth and that he was going to pay part of it and try to get our dad to pay part, he never even mentioned asking me for any of it.
I had offered for my father to come here, and that I would pay half of his plane ticket, and now he isn't coming, so I wonder if he thinks that if he doesn't come that I should put that money for her teeth. Well if he doesn't come, that money wasn't there for whatever they want to use it for.
What are your thoughts on this? I think I should write back to my sisinlaw and let her know that since I just forked out 2100. for grammy k's that they can handle my 200 share of the teeth. My brother is very very well off. He gets a serious pension from the Army, retired E9 after 24 years, and now works for them as a civilian recruiter, and my sisil owns her own salon, they have one grown daughter, and one in her second year of college, they live in a half million dollar home on a golf course, so I don't feel like they are going to have to scrape by on mac and cheese if they cough up my 200.
My parents basically abandened (sp) their parents. My brother has not been back to maine since before my parents left. Kris and I turned down a very good job offer out of state, as I just couldn't leave my grandmother by herself.

Wow sorry so long, had to vent I guess....sometimes seeing it in black and white gains a whole perspective on things as well.....I am still fumed though
My sis inlaw had things in the email like ....I assume you know, and if you are aware.........the right thing to do etc etc etc.

We are hoping to stop in and visit them on our drive home from disney, so I don't want to totally piss them off, but I want to be very clear as to why I won't be sending them the dough.
I now send you back to your regular scheduled WFD thread:

 

[HERSEY]

WENDIE Aren't families great I would just write back and say sorry we are unable to help, since you are shoulding your Grandmother's expenses. Don't allow them to try to make you feel guilty.

Happy Birthday Caili

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Wendie, I agree with Janice. Just tell them that you cannot contribute since you have been paying all of Grandma's extra expenses, etc. Leave it at that. You do not need to explain in great detail and DO NOT feel guilty. I have been guilted into doing so many things in life.

Happy Birthday Caili!!!

Not sure whats for dinner. Andrew has a bday party 6 - 8pm and......

we have a new addition. Here I am with my new boy. His name is Riley and he is a 5 month old Shih Tzu...pardon the glowing eyes...no make up either...

 

[liamsaunt]

Wow, that's a tough situation. I always try and give people the benefit of the doubt, so I guess my first thought would be that they might not know about the money you've been contributing to date. If they are not around, it might not have occured to them that there was an issue with the taxes, for instance. Maybe you could fill them in on what you have done so far, if they don't already know? They might just pick up the dental expenses once they realize how much you have been contributing. Just a thought.

Nancy, the soup was not fishy. Fish sauce is a strong flavor, but it's not a fishy flavor, even though it is made from fish--it's kind of hard to explain. It smells kind of bad when you open the bottle, but then when it goes into the dish is contributes a sort of sweet, salty, round flavor.

The rolls are easy to make, and you don't have to serve it with the nuoc chaum I made (which has fish sauce). They'd be good with a peanut satay sauce (you can find that jarred in the international section of the grocery), or even some soy sauce and sugar mixed together. Here is the recipe. All amounts are approximate.

Summer Rolls

one package rice paper wrappers (they might be marked as spring roll skins)
4 ounces thin rice vermicelli, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, or until tender, rinsed and drained
about 12 shrimp, cooked, peeled, and halved lengthwise
one can bean sprouts, rinsed and drained, or fresh bean sprouts, blanched and drained
2 carrots, peeled, grated, and tossed with 1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar and 1 tsp. sugar
1/2 cup mint leaves
1/2 cup chives, whole
1/2 cup cilantro leaves

Have ready a bowl of warm water large enough to submerge the rice paper wrappers.

Wet a cloth towel and spread it on your work surface.

Submerge one rice paper wrapper in the warm water until softened, about 30 seconds. Carefully lift wrapper from water and place on wet towel.

Place about 1 tbsp. of the vermicelli on the wrapper, about 1/3 up from the surface closest to you, laying them out in a flat line. Top with 1 tbsp. bean sprouts and 1 tbsp. carrots.

Roll the wrapper 1/2 turn.

Top with 2 shrimp halves, and a few of the mint leaves. Roll again, tucking in the edges.

Place a few of the chives in the crease of the wrapper, and top with some of the cilantro leaves.

Roll wrapper completely up, tucking in edges, and pressing to seal.

Continue until you have enough rolls.

Rolls can be served immediately or kept, covered with the wet towel and a layer of saran wrap, for 2 hours. if you are storing them, make sure the rolls are not touching each other, as they might stick and tear.

 

[Nancyg56]

My sis inlaw had things in the email like ....I assume you know, and if you are aware.........the right thing to do etc etc etc.

We are hoping to stop in and visit them on our drive home from disney, so I don't want to totally piss them off, but I want to be very clear as to why I won't be sending them the dough.
I now send you back to your regular scheduled WFD thread:

Wendie- explain to your Sis IL exactly what you said here. Tell her that you are well aware of Dad's expenses and understand that he may need some help financially, however you have taken on the commitment of assisting Gram with her expenses. While it would be nice to be able to help your Dad you know that Sis IL will also understand that the right thing to do is to maintain Gram's standard of living and her quality of life. You cannot do both and have not asked Brother and Sis IL for financial aid so you know that she will understand how you came to this decision. Tell her that it is nice that the have volunteered to help Dad with a voluntary procedure. You will continue to help your GM with things are are necessities.


I have had conversations similar to yours with my brother in regards to my Mom. My Mom and Dad were born during the notch years. When my Dad got sick all of his saving vanished to medical expenses and his earnings plummeted. My Mom was left with no savings and minimal SS. My DB was hung up on home improvement. Gail and I maintained that taking care of her needs and a few wants were more important. My older sister did nothing. Sis and I bought food, clothes, paid for prescriptions, hair dressers and extras. My brother did some for her car and a few extras. It killed us that when it was time to go through her things my older sister was like a vacuum cleaner.

Now it is time to get the house ready for sale and I refuse to put any money into it that we do not need to. They did not improve her home when she was alive I will not do it so that a stranger can enjoy it. I would give it away first.

Make sure that you continue to tell your family members that you have a commitment to your GM quality of life and that you cannot do both. Tell them you understand why they have not contributed, after all they don 't live close by anymore.

Good luck and don't let anyone try to guilt you into this.

 

[liamandcaili]

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes for Caili. She really loved all of your dancing smilies, Wendie.

As for your family situation, I agree what everyone else has said. You are already doing so much, you have the right to draw the line somewhere, and you shouldn't feel guilty about doing so.

Good luck to Ross tomorrow!

Lauren, your Riley is adorable.

As Becky mentioned, we're going out for Caili's birthday, so no cooking today. I'm sure I'll make up for that tomorrow, as our usual weekend linner is then because my mom has to work Sunday.

 

[OKWMom]

Make sure that you continue to tell your family members that you have a commitment to your GM quality of life and that you cannot do both. Tell them you understand why they have not contributed, after all they don 't live close by anymore.

Good luck and don't let anyone try to guilt you into this.

Well said. Wendie, I wish you the best in dealing with this and I will certainly be thinking about you.

Nancy - Thank you for posting the recipe. I'll let you know when I try it and how my tweaking works.

Laura - The pics of your baby are precious. I hope she has a fabulous birthday!

Glynis - How was the French meal?

Lauren - Congrats on the newest addition to your family. I think A might not be the baby for much longer.

Janice - when you're done, can I pay you to clean out my pantry? I'm too scared to dig in the back of that thing.

Tonight's dinner is roast beef with orzo. I'm making extra tonight so there will be leftovers for Kenny and the kids tomorrow night. I'm leaving early in the morning to take the therapists on a shopping trip to the market in Atlanta. It's a six hour trip from my house, so we are leaving before dawn and returning after midnight. Crazy, I know, but there wasn't another way to work it, and the girls are so very excited to go.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[TigerKat]

Hi Everyone,

Today was Caili's first day of Kindergarten, and I am proud to say that I didn't cry. I had a a little lump in my throat when the bus drove away, but she was so happy, I couldn't be sad.

She is adorable and looking so grown up!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAILI !!!!

I just have to add that I watch Top Chef and I would nominate our LiamsLadies over any one of those "chefs". The meals that the two of you send out are way better and much more imaginative than what has been cooked this season on that show. Come to think of it.....I would rather see the two of you on FoodTV over the group that competed this year.

I couldn't agree more.

Wendie- explain to your Sis IL exactly what you said here. Tell her that you are well aware of Dad's expenses and understand that he may need some help financially, however you have taken on the commitment of assisting Gram with her expenses. While it would be nice to be able to help your Dad you know that Sis IL will also understand that the right thing to do is to maintain Gram's standard of living and her quality of life. You cannot do both and have not asked Brother and Sis IL for financial aid so you know that she will understand how you came to this decision. Tell her that it is nice that the have volunteered to help Dad with a voluntary procedure. You will continue to help your GM with things are are necessities.

Wendie - I agree with everything said by everyone on this situation. Nancy has such a gift, a way with words, that gets the point across. Firm yet gentle.


Lauren - Love the pic of you & Riley, he is soooo cute!!!!

Not sure what's for dinner tonight. I'm not cooking, I was up all night with a nasty cold/flu and still feeling pretty bad.

 

[TigerKat]

Tonight's dinner is roast beef with orzo. I'm making extra tonight so there will be leftovers for Kenny and the kids tomorrow night. I'm leaving early in the morning to take the therapists on a shopping trip to the market in Atlanta. It's a six hour trip from my house, so we are leaving before dawn and returning after midnight. Crazy, I know, but there wasn't another way to work it, and the girls are so very excited to go.

Gretchen - That is so nice of you to do this for the girls. I know they mean a lot to you and I'm sure they feel the same about you.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Geesh! I'm finally caught up after reading a bajillion pages!

I took off after Thursday afternoon for Southern Decadence and Labor Day and just got back to catch up today! Rick brought me home a cold- so it's been a week of soups and Mucinex for me. yumm-o I know.

Wendie- if WCC is Dec 25 we'll have to get together! We're WL 12/20-12/27 and we stay clear of the parks on 12/25. I'll be fixing salmon patties and creamed peas(one of Rick's favorites of mine?!? ) for Christmas dinner in the villa.

I know I missed alot more- but I'm going to find more Mucinex and walk to the bank.