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

[LindsayDunn228]

Tonight it's leftover meatloaf and smashed potatoes.

WFD at your house?

ETA: Not really a Smitten Kitten update, just a vent I thought I'd share. The SKs are coming over again tomorrow night. The other night I casually mentioned to Kevin that I had planned to make Boo Patties, and was that ok? He said yes but added, "No fries. It's too heavy right now." Um, ok. We've all been "fooded" to death with all the holiday food, so I can understand not wanting rich food.

I responded with, "Ok, how about just some chips and salsa/dip of some kind?" He makes a face like a child and says, "Nah, that's heavy, too." Ok, than what the crap to you serve with a burger that isn't "heavy" according to his standards?!?!?!?!? I said, " You think of something then and get back to me." He was so enchanted with Robin being by his side I don't think he got the hint that I was losing my patience with him.

***Oh, a side note. Please don't misunderstand me. It wasn't what he said, it was his attitude about it. Rather condescending, know what I mean? In another tone, and minus that disgusted look he gave me, it wouldn't have been a big deal.***

So in the spirit of making things easier on myself, and basically saying "screw it," we are going to get Subway tomorrow night. That way everyone will have exactly what they want and there won't be any complaints about my food being too rich right now. I know, I sound like I'm being bitter, but Kevin's been getting on my nerves lately.

On a positive note, it means I don't have to cook and there will be no dishes/pots and pans to worry about.

Whew, I feel better just venting about it!!! For my peace of mind, what would YOU serve with Boo patties? (it's ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, and paprika- basically a burger with some spices) If fries and chips and salsa are supposedly "too heavy" what would you suggest?

Have a great day all!

 

[Nancyg56]

Lindsay- you are seeing too much of them. It happens all of the time, they started out as two friends dropping in to one couple feeling their way and at the same time they are both very comfortable in your home. Kind of like when college kids come home from school. Add in their need to grope in front of you and the romance is now not as much fun for you.

This is your DH brother so he is not going anywhere, but you can change the dynamics of your own kitchen. First I would ask your DH to let BIL know that the romantic sofa aerobics are getting old. Then I would not ask what anyone wants for dinner. Make what you want. If it is too heavy offer to let them take care of the salad from now on.

Make a date next Friday with your DH. Let Robin know that the two of you want to bring back a little romance of your own so you are going to dinner and a movie, maybe come home and enjoy a glass of wine together. She will understand and they can start their own tradition of spending some Friday evenings together.

It will get better, you just need to spend a little less time together because you are beginning to resent some of the liberties that never bothered you before. Plus now you have double the fun, if you know what I mean.

 

[Mermaid02]

I think Nancy is right Lindsay.

Just because you make fries, doesn't mean he has to eat them either.

 

[Nancyg56]

I'm just so glad that Christmas is over it was a rough couple of days. Next hurdle is the anniversary of Mom's death. Sorry for being so depressing everyone.

Oh Sweetie, you are not depressing me. I manage to do that well enough on my own. We never go out for NYE. We used to go for a nice meal together but since Kady came along DD will not go on the road that night so I open my house and we have a casual get-together. This year Buddy and I are joining my sister and her DH for NYE. My Mom's anniversary is January 3rd and I know that Gail cannot get last New Year's Day out of her mind so I need to be with her. Buddy almost keeled over when she said she invited my other sister and her weird DH . He won't drink that night but if they were there he would need to . He can tolerate my brother if they show up but Pat puts him over the edge and her husband is just plain creepy.

Glynis- all of your recipes are winners

Thanks for keeping Timmy in your prayers. I imagine that his Angel needs to work overtime over there so every bit of divine intervention helps.

 

[TigerKat]

We're having RR's Super Sloppy Joes and fries!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

You know what, I totally agree with you. Scott and I have decided, once again, to let them come to us. They want to do something? They can plan it and put it together. And you know what? None of this has to do with Robin. It's Kevin's attitude that I don't like. He never offers to bring anything, never offers to help, never thanks me for dinner. Robin does all of these things. It's just a matter me feeling appreciated. Know what I mean?

Thanks again for all of your help and letting me vent.

 

[nucpharm29]

Sorry I haven't been around much the past couple days. It's been a crazy Christmas around here. My Christmas Eve spread was well received by everyone. More food than we needed, but made for good snackies the past couple days. We had Christmas linner at my parents and it was good, fairly traditional food. Yesterday, I had to work--BLECH!! I just seemed wrong to have to be at work by 8 the day after Christmas. Oh well, I could've been like DH, having to be in at 5am! Since we were so exhausted last night from the past two days, we ordered pizza, DD's request. Not sure WFD tonight. Still have some ham hanging around, we'll see. We actually saw SNOW yesterday here, so it's pretty chilly--maybe some soup!

Kathy--you are NOT depressing! We are here for you!

Lori--Glad to hear you're having a blast. Hope the "drunkies" don't have too bad a headache this morning!

Now, the next big thing on the agenda for us, is getting ready to leave for Disney in two weeks! Two weeks from today I'll be boarding a plane! Now, if I can just get my house in some sort of order so I can at least find the suitcases we need to start packing!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think I'm going to make lasagna tonight. I was going to do crabcakes but DH has a friend coming over to watch the game, and my sister is still here, so lasagna is way easier to throw together for a crowd.

I bought bread to make garlic bread. I never can get it as garlicy and buttery as the store or frozen kind does. Any tips?

 

[Aimeedyan]

Oh - I almost forgot!

On Sunday, I made breakfast casserole for my kids in Sunday School. This is the recipe I used - it was SO yummy, and they ate it up. I tried another recipe last Christmas that wasn't so good so I was nervous about this one but it turned out great!

Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Rated: 5 out of 5 by 514 members Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Ready In: 9 Hours 50 Minutes
Yields: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground pork sausage
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
8 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS:
1. Crumble sausage into a medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until evenly brown; drain.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs and milk. Add the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese, and stir to coat evenly. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Cover, and bake 45 to 60 minutes. Uncover, and reduce temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until set.

 

[Nancyg56]

I bought bread to make garlic bread. I never can get it as garlicy and buttery as the store or frozen kind does. Any tips?

I use fresh garlic and mince it as fine as I can. If you have a garlic press this works too. Sometimes I use it a lot of times I just smash the cloves and add some kosher salt and mince it. Mix the garlic with butter, you can add a touch of EVOO if you want, and spread it on your bread. I use baguettes that I split in half, but you ca n use Italian loaves as well. I sprinkle some cracked pepper and some cracked salt over it. Now you can pop it under the broiler if you like the bread a little crispy or in the oven If you put it under the broiler watch it like a hawk. Burnt garlic is nasty.

 

[zipuzee]

Hi everyone!! A very belated Merry Christmas to you all. I just got soo busy over the long weekend that the computer never even got turned on. Glad to see that Santa was good to everyone. An now I back to work, while everyone else is home. Don't know WFD - DH is in charge of the kitchen today!

Laura - sounds like your kids had an awesome Christmas and that was my thoughts just from Becky's post!!

Kathy - sorry you are having a hard time. I had some rough christmases too after each of my parents passed. But it does get better. Just hang in there and know lots of people are thinking of you.

Aimeedyan - here's how I make garlic bread. I melt a stick of butter with two tablespoons chopped garlic; let that sit for about 10 minutes or so for the flavors to mingle; then I spoon it onto french bread. I bake it at 400 degrees for about 5-10 minutes then put the broiler on for a minute to get the top chrispy. Sometimes we add parmasean or mozzarella cheese, depending on what its going with.

Nancy - good to hear Timmy may be home sooner than expected. I'll keep him in my prayers for a safe return.

 

[shovan]

Hi Y'all,

Sorry I haven't checked in since Christmas Eve. Just so busy trying to get it all together. Yesterday I was really hurting from all the activity & only moved from the bed to the couch. Feeling better today though.

Kathy, Sorry you've been so down. It does get easier, but the holidays are always so hard. My Daddy's b-day was in the beg. of Dec, then there's Christmas & then the anniv. of his death is Jan 9. So really this time of year, I'd really like to just stay in bed & pull the covers over my head. But Thank God this year my Mom managed really well. Almost every year she either hits the booze or her nerve pills, ruins the food & makes the whole family miserable. This year she was great! Maybe because she finally realized I needed help & couldn't pick up the slack. Anyway it was really good. ( Sorry to bring everyone down with this, just wanted Kathy to know, that I understand her sorrow. )

I will host New Year's Day at our house. I'm really bummed that everyone in the family (especially Mom) is pushing for the boring traditional foods that we already had so much of. New Year's Day has to have cabbage cooked down to mush, yuck and black eyed peas (I hate them) and a ham. Bleck! I was hoping to do something more exciting but they arent' going for it!

Here's some pics of our den wall remodel! Still have a lot of picking up to do, but at least wall looks good!

This was the way it looked last week:

And here's the new wall:

Here it is with the new entertainment center:

 

[HERSEY]

Sheryl That entertainment center is beautiful. WOW that's some tv.

Why don't you add a new dish or two to the spread for New Years?

 

[Nancyg56]

Sheryl- your entertainment center is gorgeous! I fell for you as well around the Holidays. It is good that your Mom stepped up, you cannot always do the work and it is better that she has something and someone else to think about. I would add some of my favorites to NYD as well as the old stand by's. Change is good

We are just going to have appetizer food for NYD. I spend just about every Holiday in the kitchen and while I really do enjoy that I want to relax for this one. We are used to getting up early so we are in bed early. Well we are going to be up WAY past our normal bedtime the night before so I am not going to be spiffy with a stove

I forgot to post dinner tonight. Buddy is not feeling too well, he has that sore throat thing still so I called our friends to let them know, postponed our meal until tomorrow and will make home fries with the roasted potatoes and heat the pork up in gravy. I'm told it was a little dry so this is the only way it is going to get eaten.

 

[Glynis]

Tonight it's leftover meatloaf and smashed potatoes.

WFD at your house?

ETA: Not really a Smitten Kitten update, just a vent I thought I'd share. The SKs are coming over again tomorrow night. The other night I casually mentioned to Kevin that I had planned to make Boo Patties, and was that ok? He said yes but added, "No fries. It's too heavy right now." Um, ok. We've all been "fooded" to death with all the holiday food, so I can understand not wanting rich food.

I responded with, "Ok, how about just some chips and salsa/dip of some kind?" He makes a face like a child and says, "Nah, that's heavy, too." Ok, than what the crap to you serve with a burger that isn't "heavy" according to his standards?!?!?!?!? I said, " You think of something then and get back to me." He was so enchanted with Robin being by his side I don't think he got the hint that I was losing my patience with him.

***Oh, a side note. Please don't misunderstand me. It wasn't what he said, it was his attitude about it. Rather condescending, know what I mean? In another tone, and minus that disgusted look he gave me, it wouldn't have been a big deal.***

So in the spirit of making things easier on myself, and basically saying "screw it," we are going to get Subway tomorrow night. That way everyone will have exactly what they want and there won't be any complaints about my food being too rich right now. I know, I sound like I'm being bitter, but Kevin's been getting on my nerves lately.

On a positive note, it means I don't have to cook and there will be no dishes/pots and pans to worry about.

Whew, I feel better just venting about it!!! For my peace of mind, what would YOU serve with Boo patties? (it's ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, and paprika- basically a burger with some spices) If fries and chips and salsa are supposedly "too heavy" what would you suggest?

Have a great day all!

Personally, I'd serve what you and Scott like with them. Kevin and Robyn don't have to eat anything if they don't want to.

 

[Glynis]

Oh - I almost forgot!

On Sunday, I made breakfast casserole for my kids in Sunday School. This is the recipe I used - it was SO yummy, and they ate it up. I tried another recipe last Christmas that wasn't so good so I was nervous about this one but it turned out great!

Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Rated: 5 out of 5 by 514 members Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Ready In: 9 Hours 50 Minutes
Yields: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground pork sausage
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
8 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS:
1. Crumble sausage into a medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until evenly brown; drain.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs and milk. Add the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese, and stir to coat evenly. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Cover, and bake 45 to 60 minutes. Uncover, and reduce temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until set.

Oh, yummy! I think I may try this for breakfast tomorrow!!! It sounds so good!!! I love things that I can put together the night before and just pop in the oven in the morning! It makes me look like supermom, too!!!

 

[Glynis]

Well, I did take Leslie to the doctor and she has a MASSIVE ear infection in her right ear. Apparently, she either has a high pain tolerance, or the fever was making her so loopy that she really didn't feel anything. Her eardrum is bulging and has a large blister formed on it. The doctor says it will probably burst sometime today unless we're really lucky! She's now on heavy duty antibiotics and pain meds. It's kind of funny to see a 5 year old "drunk" on meds!!

Haven't decided on dinner for tonight, but I'm thinking of soup. It's just bitterly cold here, and I need some comfort food!

We really don't do much for NYD. Just kind of nibble around on appetizer kinds of foods and sandwiches. However, on NYE, we do fondue! I make a cheese fondue, a pizza fondue, a chocolate fondue, and either a caramel or strawberry fondue. We also do a hot oil fondue to cook meats, etc. The kids love it!!! It's always fun to eat off a stick! Don't tell my kids, but I also set the clock ahead a few hours, so when they think it's midnight, it's actually 9:00. They feel like they are celebrating, but I get them to bed at a decent hour. My parents began a tradition of a visit by Baby New Year. He brings a small gift to each child, so I like to get my kids in bed early to carry on that tradition.

Guess I need to get the fondue stuff this week, huh? I'm running out of time!

 

[Nancyg56]

Glynis- your poor baby . I hope that the meds kick in soon.

I love your ideas for NYE. My family would have loved that!

 

[shovan]

Thanks Y'all! The tv is huge, a little to big for me, but the man is happy! And the new ent. ctr. makes it look so nice, so I'm happy too!

Glynis, Sorry you have a little one sick right now! Hope she feels better soon!

Lindsay, Here's what I served with your Boo burgers, when we were in diet mode. A light coleslaw. But If I were you I would definitely do take out & make it easy on yourself!

DD & SIL will be hosting a little New Year's Eve party & I'll be able to get everyone to come over later in the day on NYD so that shouldn't be too stressful.

I'll probably add some different sides for NY day, but I really wanted to do something new & interesting. Like either a roast beast or a stuffed pork loin, with roasted brussel sprouts & maybe curried sweet potatoes. And if I did that Mom would go ahead & cook all the regular stuff herself & bring it over! According to my Mother it is BAD LUCK not to have cabbage & black eyed peas on NYD!

I already told Mom I'd cook the cabbage to which she replied with raised eyebrows "YOU'RE going to cook it? Don't you like my cabbage?" Well no I don't & she won't like mine & will be sure that everyone knows that she doesn't like it. What ya gonna do?....

Is that recipe for Ohana potatoes posted here? I'll go check.

 

[TigerKat]

Thanks for all the kind supportive words my friends. I'm just praying that it gets easier with time, it's just so LONELY. But the good news is that through all of this I remained smoke-free!(Thanks Janice for the PM).

I got some other news today that a dear friend of mine may have had a miscarriage, still praying and waiting on more info.

Sheryl - The entertainment center is beautiful!!! I'm doing the traditional NYD stuff too. Johnny HAS to have pork roast, cabbage and black-eye peas. NY Eve will be my choice - Prime Rib, Bacon-Wrapped Scallops and lots of Champagne!

Glynis - I hope Leslie starts feeling better soon - keep her drugged. Your fondues sound awesome!