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

[cajunmommy]

Looks like several people had Asian-themed dinners last night.
Here's WFD in our house yesterday. Measurements are from memory - I'll try to confirm them if anyone's interested.

It's Chinese Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry from a Holly Clegg (local girl!) cookbook (Trim & Terrific).

2lb boneless, skinless chx breasts (cut in strips)
1 T cornstarch
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp red pepper flakes (I cut this to 1/2tsp for the kids)
salt & pepper to taste
3 T olive oil
1 head broccoli (florets only - I cheated & used frozen)
1 T minced garlic
1/4 c. sherry (again, for the kids, I just subbed with water - boring, I know)
3 T soy sauce (recipe recommends lo sodium)
1 tsp sugar
1 red or green bell pepper (cut in strips)
handful of green onions, chopped

Toss chx with cornstarch, ginger, red pepper flakes & salt/pepper.
Heat olive oil in pan over high. Add seasoned chx, broccoli, garlic, sherry, soy sauce & sugar. Stir fry for about 7 minutes. Add in peppers & green onions & continue cooking for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

I served this with jasmine rice, but I've also done it with teriyaki noodles (the Knorr / Lipton bagged stuff). Easy & yummy! Almost as fast as takeout!

 

[MA pigletfan]

Another wino on board!!!!! I just loves me some Chardonnay!!!

Count me in on the wino discussion, i just discovered a taste for Reisling myself, not the super sweet ones though..I am mostly a red wine kinda gal, but i figure i should branch out

I may jinx myself but I have been just following WW points, exercising to burn 300 + calories 5 days a week and drinking lots of water...I've cut back on the drinking too...I've only had 3 beer since Labor Day...

Nice..sounds like a recipe for success to me. I am just trying to really count the cals and stay active..and drink H2o like its going out of style, i would love to just continuously lose at least 1 lb a week..gotta keep with it i guess

The ceremony was held in the theater my father designed. It's a replica of Shakespeare's Globe theater. We set up arches in front of doors, and strung chiffon across the opening of the theater to shade the people who were coming to watch the ceremony. It was a really hot and windy day, so we also provided bottled water.

Next up: the reception!

Love the pics..thanks for sharing! I just love the colors they chose!

So, I tried the famous eggplant sticks last night..YUM! Even Greg liked them, I was psyched! I also made up some fried zuchinni to have for lunch today with some Cukes that i "marinate" in white vinegar and black pepper..it might sound weird, but its really good..i used to have it when i was a kiddo.tastes like summer.
WFD tonight..probably a salad and a piece of garlic bread ( from last night) for me..Greg is at the fire station and i have class..so low key it is!
Have a great day everyone!!!

 

[Piglet843]

Glynis.... I really have sort of the same story. I never cooked on my own before until DH and I moved in together. At first it was frozen dinners, Ramen noodles, and microwave convenience food. One morning while DH was in the shower, I tried to cook cinnamon rolls for breakfast - they didn't look like they were getting done enough - so I turned them on broil. It didn't take long for those things to turn black on top and set off the Fire Alarm in our Apartment. DH came running out of the shower Buck Naked to see what was on fire.

It is funny now and we joke about it - but that morning I cried - I just wanted to be the good little wife that made meals for her hubby.

With that haunting me and him being so picky - it took me a while to want to start trying to cook for him. But the past couple of years I have been buying cook books, subscribing to cooking magazines and I have been trying to find things he will like and that are good. I watch Food Network Religiously!! I have learned a lot that way!

I still have flops though - this past weekend I made a basic chili - but I tried to "kick it up a notch" like Emeril does and I added a beer to it. Well it turns out that the beer was old and stale and bitter. And we all know what happens when we add beer/wine/alcohol in a dish - the alcohol evaporates and the flavor CONCENTRATES! It was horrible - my 6 guests ate it though - the troopers. Next time I'm going to take a big gulp of the beer before I put it in a dish.

Live and Learn!! I'm not giving up that easy!!

 

[TigerKat]

Dinner tonight is Kathy's Pork Loin with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce. I think I'm making pasta to go with it and maybe some broccoli.

I hope you like it!!! Hope DD feels better.

The little pouter is my niece Olivia. She definitely didn't want to get her hair done!!! She is a tomboy, through and through! She agreed to do it because my daughter, Mary, another tomboy, was getting her hair done. However she was not happy about it. Not one smile did she crack. As the girl was finishing up her hair, I saw one lone tear rolling down her cheek. I could tell that a meltdown was iminent, so I quickly said, "Olivia! You look just like Captain Jack. He has hair in "ringlets" just like you." Now, she's never seen Pirates, but knows all about Capt. Jack. That perked her right up, and she was fine after that! She's got the most gorgeous hair, so I hope she'll grow out of this tomboy phase!

Now that was quick thinking!!!!!

 

[shovan]

Hi Y'all!

I'm not sure what's for dinner tonight! Have to go check the freezer.

Glynis, The pictures are beautiful, The girls in your family are so pretty! And that cake was something else! Your sister made that??!!! Wow, what talent! Glad your Mom wasn't hurt too badly & is doing well!

Gina, I've been trying to find a not so sweet Reisling. Have you found one you can recommend?

Becky, Great food! Can you post a recipe for the Shrimp dish?

I'll be back later, once I figure out WFD.

Sheryl

 

[zipuzee]

Becky - great pics! I really need to not look at them until I've eaten!!

Well we're starting to get a bit nervous down here, possibly facing a tropical storm or minimal hurricane by Friday or Saturday. No need to evacuate, hopefully.

Our IT person starts vacation tomorrow so that leaves me in charge I'm really hoping it doesn't get to bad - I don't want to have to deal with the computer stuff! Now our office mgr says the info she got this morning is better than what was going on yesterday - depression at best..so keep your fingers crossed.

WFD - tonight I'm fending for myself. Probably make up a new Ramen noodle recipe. Its crazy the things you can do with a pack of Ramen.

My DD is a college student and keeps a supply in her dorm room!! So share those recipes as well, she would probably enjoy some variety

Dinner will be at McAllisters Deli tonight! Got some shoppig to do and I'm bribing DH to go along. One of the purchases is a new camera for our upcoming Dis trip!!

 

[Nancyg56]

KAthy- I'm watching the weather for you all as well. I can't imagine how nervous this would make you after Katrina, we had one very bad storm here and lost power for 6 days. I have never gotten over planning and making my family nuts when snow season approaches. I am in awe that my NOLA friends are as calm as you all are.

Cajunmommy- I wish my family liked me to cook Asian themed meals but since my DSIL almost choked to death on a shrimp at the table they all run for cover or offer to buy Chinese if I suggest anything that is even resembles Chinese. I tried to tell them it was a little mishap that could happen to anyone but Noooooooooo, they won't touch it

Wendie- try to remember that MIL wants for you to lose your temper so kill her with smiles. I hope that you find Kris GM is feeling okay.

Glynis- My nieces are both tomboys and they got their hair done for my wedding...even wore gowns...but I imagine that they had that "look" while the stylist tortured them. I never would have come up with the :save: that you did.

They all looked so pretty though.

Gretchen- I ate everything at the fair....I mean I was waddling out when we left , and I shared with anyone who would let me. The only thing that I was not fond of was a lobster roll from Maine in the State buildings. Donny knew I liked them and thought that they were served with melted butter, not mayonnaise, so he bought me one. I ate it becasue it was $9 and he is not generally parting with his dollars but I prefer a nice warm lobster roll with just some butter. YUMM!

Piglet- I have been enjoying Riesling lately as well. I generally buy wine at first because I like th bottle and this one was no exception. It is called RELAX and it is not too sweet but not too dry either, KWIM? Nice for a summer evening.

Tonight I made a lazy mans galumpki. I l don't think it is going to have many fans here, but I tried it for lunch and I think it is good. I am not cooking anything with it as dinner is going to be dash and dine or dine and dash depending on how long DD a has between Kady's dance and her open house.

 

[Piglet843]

Piglet- I have been enjoying Riesling lately as well. I generally buy wine at first because I like th bottle and this one was no exception. It is called RELAX and it is not too sweet but not too dry either, KWIM? Nice for a summer evening.

I have a hard time finding a Riesling that I like - they are all too dry or too something... But when I do - I buy multiple bottles of it!
We go to wine tastings often at our local wine cellar - they have a tasting every Saturday. Its a good way to find wine you like without commiting to the whole bottle. Cause g-d forbid I ain't throwin away no wine!! I'll hold my nose and drink it if I have to....

My DD is a college student and keeps a supply in her dorm room!! So share those recipes as well, she would probably enjoy some variety

I have the book "101 things to do with Ramen Noodles" - Its great. But I love the simplest ones. I love the Creamy Chicken one and its the one I make the most. I add some cut up hot dogs and shredded cheese, or I add a small can of creamed corn and shredded cheese for a "corn chowder" - I will also add a cut up grilled chicken breast and some broccoli for a fancy touch. It never gets old!

 

[shovan]

Well I was going to fix Lindsay's Boo Patties but I'm out of steak seasoning and too lazy to go to the store. So I think I'm going to fix Greek Turkey Burgers. A new recipe for me, I'll post it tomorrow if it comes out good.

Lindsay, You gave me a tip for getting the garlic flavor all through the turkey. I can't remember what you told me & I've just been searching page after page to find it! Would you tell me again? ( I did find the boo burger recipe on the 1st page & am saving it for when I have all the ingredients. But I like to make these greek burgers yummy too!)

In my searching I did get to see your Mexican meal pics that I missed over the weekend! Glad to see some pics from you! That looked great!!!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I am so glad to be here.
I've followed the last year and half of ya'lls lives (yes we say ya'll here in alabama) everything from marriages to miscarries, to falls and loss of loved ones or loved furbabies, to locking ol DH in the freezer (I loved that btw...) Even the occasional recipe or two!

I have several I'm excited to try - the WFD staples like Glynis' Pot Roast and Potato Salad, the Velvet Shrimp, the Jambalaya... Hopefully DH will at least try some stuff if I make it.

Lauren - what is a Wegmans? I was going to suggest a local market - fresh fruits and veggies are always the best route - and a farmers market may have some new seasonal stuff in for you to try. I love all veggies - but I don't eat near as many as I should. DH doesn't eat any - so I never buy 'em - they go bad before they get eat. I do want to try those Ziploc steamer bags though.. they look great.

My, you have us all down pat...did you like my wedding pics?

Wegman's is a foo - foo grocery store that we have in this area...the kind that is a little more expensive, has alot of organic stuff, healthy/different stuff. Its about 20 minutes away but I just love it there...they also have a food court that we sometimes hit if DH wants to treat me...

I bought the following fruits and veggies that I need to figure out what to do with...if I try them all, it will give me 15 points on my biggest loser challenge:

Broccoli/clover/radish sprouts...these are yummy. just had them on a sammie...spicier than the old alfalfa sprouts.

Jicama
Kiwano
Rappi
Oca
and some type of orange melon

I checked on her this morning when I went in to wake our other DD for school and the boil part of the sores are gone, just leaving a small red bump. Hopefully, this will translate into her feeling much better.

Have a great day everyone!

Glad DD seems to be doing better...

Looks like several people had Asian-themed dinners last night.
Here's WFD in our house yesterday. Measurements are from memory - I'll try to confirm them if anyone's interested.

It's Chinese Chicken & Broccoli from a Holly Clegg (local girl!) cookbook.

Looks easy and yummy...thanks!

Nice..sounds like a recipe for success to me. I am just trying to really count the cals and stay active..and drink H2o like its going out of style, i would love to just continuously lose at least 1 lb a week..gotta keep with it i guess

I am having a hard time today and do not feel like working out...my friend is coming and I have a splitting headache...yuck! I have to keep motivated though for this challenge.

 

[shovan]

Wegman's is a foo - foo grocery store that we have in this area...the kind that is a little more expensive, has alot of organic stuff, healthy/different stuff. Its about 20 minutes away but I just love it there...they also have a food court that we sometimes hit if DH wants to treat me...

I bought the following fruits and veggies that I need to figure out what to do with...if I try them all, it will give me 15 points on my biggest loser challenge:

Broccoli/clover/radish sprouts...these are yummy. just had them on a sammie...spicier than the old alfalfa sprouts.

Jicama
Kiwano
Rappi
Oca
and some type of orange melon

I am having a hard time today and do not feel like working out...my friend is coming and I have a splitting headache...yuck! I have to keep motivated though for this challenge.

Lauren, Sorry you're not feeling well. I'm bummed on the exercise front already. My feet (plantar fasciitis) are aching already & I did my best to take it easy (a mile on the tredmill). So I'll try to get in the pool later with Alexis, which is going to be cold!

I was wondering what the heck was some of that stuff you bought at the grocery! Never heard of some of them! If anyone else is wondering here is what I found on the net.
Well if there is anybody else out there wondering what the heck Lauren bought at the store, here's what I found!

Kiwano http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horned_melon

Rappi is apparently Broccoli Rabe: http://www.wegmans.com/greatMeals/r...ecipe=1023&url=displayrecipe.asp&direct=false

Oca: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oca

 

[liamsaunt]

Sheryl, here is the recipe. I did not make it up, I found it on epicurious.

Shrimp with Chinese Broccoli

3/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
3 teaspoons light soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
1 ½ lbs. chinese broccoli
1 1/2 lbs. large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into very thin matchsticks
2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil


Stir together broth, rice wine, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until cornstarch is dissolved.

Remove any bruised or withered outer leaves from the broccolithen trim and peel stalks, halving thick ones lengthwise. Cut crosswise into 2 1/2-inch pieces, separating leafy parts from thick stems.

Cook stems in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add leafy parts and cook until all broccoli is just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well, then transfer to a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Transfer to a large dish and keep warm, loosely covered with foil.

Pat shrimp dry. Heat large pan over high heat until a drop of water vaporizes instantly. Add oil and swirl to coat. When oil just begins to smoke, add ginger and stir-fry 5 seconds. Add black beans and garlic and stir-fry 1 minute. Add shrimp, spreading in 1 layer. Cook, undisturbed, 3 minutes, then stir-fry until shrimp are just pink on both sides, about 1 minute more. Stir broth mixture, then add to shrimp and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil, then stir to combine.

Pour shrimp and sauce over broccoli.


I’m still not sure wfd tonight. I have a ripping headache, which is complicating my menu planning. For at least the past few hours, these two military helicopters have been flying RIGHT BY my office…it is so incredibly loud and it is driving me crazy! I think it must be for a movie being filmed because they keep flying by, landing, and taking off again. GRR! There are three movies filming right now in Boston, so I am not sure which one to blame for my headache.

Gretchen, I’m glad your daughter is feeling better.

Right now leading dinner options are either a sautéed sole in brown butter sauce, with sugar snap peas and a potato puree, or else crusted chicken in a sage butter sauce, with sautéed spinach and orzo.

 

[MA pigletfan]

Piglet- I have been enjoying Riesling lately as well. I generally buy wine at first because I like th bottle and this one was no exception. It is called RELAX and it is not too sweet but not too dry either, KWIM? Nice for a summer evening.

I have a hard time finding a Riesling that I like - they are all too dry or too something... But when I do - I buy multiple bottles of it!
We go to wine tastings often at our local wine cellar - they have a tasting every Saturday. Its a good way to find wine you like without commiting to the whole bottle. Cause g-d forbid I ain't throwin away no wine!! I'll hold my nose and drink it if I have to....

Hi Y'all!


Gina, I've been trying to find a not so sweet Reisling. Have you found one you can recommend?

Sheryl

i love wine talk! I really enjoy the Chateau st. michele reisling, i think its the columbia valley varietal. For reds i have to say that i like Piccolo Chianti..its soo cheap and soo good! and of course, all this wine tastes that much better with cheese!!

I am having a hard time today and do not feel like working out...my friend is coming and I have a splitting headache...yuck! I have to keep motivated though for this challenge.

i hear that..i am not feeling like working out today either..i think i may just do it tommorow a.m. instead of rushing around after work and before school...life really gets in the way of me getting into shape

 

[zipuzee]

I have the book "101 things to do with Ramen Noodles" - Its great. But I love the simplest ones. I love the Creamy Chicken one and its the one I make the most. I add some cut up hot dogs and shredded cheese, or I add a small can of creamed corn and shredded cheese for a "corn chowder" - I will also add a cut up grilled chicken breast and some broccoli for a fancy touch. It never gets old!

OOhh - I have to find that book

 

[TigerKat]

KAthy- I'm watching the weather for you all as well. I can't imagine how nervous this would make you after Katrina, we had one very bad storm here and lost power for 6 days. I have never gotten over planning and making my family nuts when snow season approaches. I am in awe that my NOLA friends are as calm as you all are.

Prior to Katrina we were oblivious to "what could happen". We would evacuate two times a year on average and return home to trees down, power out, etc. No big deal, but Katrina sure changed that. I don't want to be premature here but from what we're hearing at the most this will be a Cat 1, which we never evacuate for. However, I'm worried, the name of this storm will be Jerry - my ex's name. Thanks for thinking of us down here.

Becky - Hope your headache goes away.

 

[shovan]

FYI, I add a sprinkle of cumin in there, too Also, make sure you mince your garlic very fine. If you have a MicroPlane, all the better. Grate it up! I've found the garlic flavor goes throughout the burger better that way

Lindsay, You can ignore my earlier question! I found the answer using Google search!

 

[shovan]

Sheryl, here is the recipe. I did not make it up, I found it on epicurious
I’m still not sure wfd tonight. I have a ripping headache, which is complicating my menu planning. For at least the past few hours, these two military helicopters have been flying RIGHT BY my office…it is so incredibly loud and it is driving me crazy! I think it must be for a movie being filmed because they keep flying by, landing, and taking off again. GRR! There are three movies filming right now in Boston, so I am not sure which one to blame for my headache.

Gretchen, I’m glad your daughter is feeling better.

Right now leading dinner options are either a sautéed sole in brown butter sauce, with sugar snap peas and a potato puree, or else crusted chicken in a sage butter sauce, with sautéed spinach and orzo.

Thanks for the recipe, it sounds great! I'm putting that one in my file. Sorry about your head & the noise! Both choices for dinner sound great! I don't know how you crank out such wonderful meals almost every day?!!!

 

[shovan]

i love wine talk! I really enjoy the Chateau st. michele reisling, i think its the columbia valley varietal. For reds i have to say that i like Piccolo Chianti..its soo cheap and soo good! and of course, all this wine tastes that much better with cheese!!


i hear that..i am not feeling like working out today either..i think i may just do it tommorow a.m. instead of rushing around after work and before school...life really gets in the way of me getting into shape

I tried a Chateau St Michelle reisling & I think it might have been an off bottle or the wrong year or something. It had a strong minerally taste. I'll have to give it a try again. I'll have to look for the one Nancy? mentioned. The name sure is tempting! (Relax)

Prior to Katrina we were oblivious to "what could happen". We would evacuate two times a year on average and return home to trees down, power out, etc. No big deal, but Katrina sure changed that. I don't want to be premature here but from what we're hearing at the most this will be a Cat 1, which we never evacuate for. However, I'm worried, the name of this storm will be Jerry - my ex's name. Thanks for thinking of us down here.

Becky - Hope your headache goes away.

 

[TigerKat]

Sheryl - You quoted me but didn't say anything?!

 

[Nancyg56]

However, I'm worried, the name of this storm will be Jerry - my ex's name. Thanks for thinking of us down here.

GRR! There are three movies filming right now in Boston, so I am not sure which one to blame for my headache.

I hope that you feel better once you get home.

Sheryl - You quoted me but didn't say anything?!

I tried a Chateau St Michelle reisling & I think it might have been an off bottle or the wrong year or something. It had a strong minerally taste. I'll have to give it a try again. I'll have to look for the one Nancy? mentioned. The name sure is tempting! (Relax)

This is a nice line and it is not too expensive. I get the red RELAX for my DH when I can, my wine guy can't seem to keep it in stock. It is not a big red and you can serve it chilled if you like. The Riesling keeps a few days after it is opened and that is a bonus becasue I only will have one glass maybe two if I am feeling frisky, but never can polish the whole thing off.