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

[FormrCastMbr]

Lindsay, Your menu for your party sounds great. I don't think you need to go crazy...Glynis' idea for vegies and dip are great or maybe cheese and crackers or a smal antipasto.

I am having JennyMom's Brisket tonight...It really smells yummy in the crockpot...I have not even thought of sides but it will probably be mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Here is the recipe I promised for My Son's Favorite Sausage Shells and Peas:

Serves: 4 - 6 depending how much pasta you use.

5 - 7 links of Sweet Italian Sausage (Pork is the best but I have used turkey and it comes out almost as good)
29oz can of Tomato Sauce
1 cup of Chicken Broth (I usually open a can and whatever remains - I add to the pasta water while it cooks)
2 - 4 tbs Olive Oil
1 clove of Garlic minced
3/4 TBS Italian Seasoning
1/4 TSP Crushed Red Pepper
1/2 TSP Adobo
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 1/2 - 2 cups Frozen Peas (canned can be used, but I prefer frozen)
1 lb - 1 1/2 lb Medium Shell Shaped Pasta - cooked according to package
1 TBS butter
Parmesan Cheese

1. Parboil sausage by putting them in a pot covered with water, bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and cool. (This can be done ahead of time).

2. Cut sausage in 1/4" coin size pieces. *** if using turkey, take the casing off.

3. In a 4qt or bigger sauce pan, heat the EVOO (as much to cover the bottom of pan), then add sausage and garlic and cook for about 10 minutes until brown (stirring frequently).

4. Add broth and seasonings and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Add sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Add peas and cook until the peas are cooked - about 5 - 8 minutes.

7. Add butter and stir until melted.

8. Toss pasta with some of the sauce (about 1 - 2 cups) and cheese. Serve with remaining sauce on the side.

Serve with bread and salad...

*** This is a recipe that can be altered to use jarred sauce or cook the above sauce longer but this is how I make it. The sauce can be made ahead and add the peas at the last minute. I have used jarred sauce for this but like it this way better.

I hope you like it. I am going to have some of the left overs!!!

Have a great day!
Lauren

I forgot to say, this can also be made with any type of pasta but the shells are a perfect compliment...and go better with the name of the dish!!!!!!!

OMG, just noticed my ticker!!! 3 months from today!!! Yikes!

 

[MerryPoppins]

We're trying pot roast a la Glynis tonight. It smells good. I guess I need to go scrub some potatoes and throw in with it.

Thanks for the Sausage Shells and Peas recipe. That sounds yummy. I'll have to give that one a try too.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have been thinking about it and may nix the appetizer altogether. Do you think that will be ok?

I often forego appetizers if the meal is enough for us. I agree that if your company is arriving more than 1/2 hour before you are ready to serve dinner, it may be nice to have a little nibble available, if only to give you some time to get your food to the table without feeling as though you need to rush.

I always prefer dessert to an appetizer, and your cake sounds delicious.

 

[TigerKat]

Lindsay, I agree with everyone, don't stress out, no appy needed. Especially with that yummy cake for dessert!! After eating that wonderful meal you have planned, no one will have missed an appy!!

 

[TigerKat]

I am trying a new recipe this weekend - Asian babyback ribs. It calls for 2 tsp. chile paste. I have been to four stores looking for this and can't find it. Any ideas on substituting something else, or if anyone is familiar with it, will it matter if I just leave it out?

 

[JennyMominRI]

I'm making Carne Asada Burritos with porterhouse steak meat.It will be served with beans and homemade guac and Pico deGallo.

 

[Zandy595]

Fast and easy meal here tonight, cherry glazed grilled ham steak, tater tots, and peas. DS has a cub scout pack meeting at 7pm so we'll be eating early.

I forgot to mention that we all really liked Glynis' pot roast, even DS who can be picky at times.

 

[lucas]

Hot dogs, baked beans and chocolate chip muffins.

 

[liamsaunt]

I agree that you don't need an appetizer, Lindsay, your dinner sounds very hearty and you would not want people to be too full to eat dessert! If anything, just put out a crudite plate.

So, last night DH was out for business and I was feeling lazy so I just had some toast and a poached egg. BOR-ING.

Today I took the day off and made 42 quarts of applesauce! Dinner tonight is going to be a roasted chicken, roasted acorn squash with maple syrup, a cauliflower gratinee, and sauteed spinach.

Since I have the day off I was thinking about making dessert too....there is a recipe for croissant bread pudding in this month's Everyday Food that sounds pretty good...plus it might be good for breakfast if we don't eat it tonight.

 

[poohluvrs]

I'm making Carne Asada Burritps with porterhpouse steak meat.It will be served with beans and homemade guac and Pico deGallo.

YUMMO!

 

[JennyMominRI]

I agree that you don't need an appetizer, Lindsay, your dinner sounds very hearty and you would not want people to be too full to eat dessert! If anything, just put out a crudite plate.

So, last night DH was out for business and I was feeling lazy so I just had some toast and a poached egg. BOR-ING.

Today I took the day off and made 42 quarts of applesauce! Dinner tonight is going to be a roasted chicken, roasted acorn squash with maple syrup, a cauliflower gratinee, and sauteed spinach.

Since I have the day off I was thinking about making dessert too....there is a recipe for croissant bread pudding in this month's Everyday Food that sounds pretty good...plus it might be good for breakfast if we don't eat it tonight.

How do you make applesauce? DD loves the stuff

 

[i<3Disney]

Tonight I'm having Penne Arrabiatta..


1 pound penne pasta
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
3 cups canned, whole peeled tomatoes, chopped up teeny
1 tsp red pepper flakes
salt
1/4 cup white wine
basil leaves, chopped
add some cheese if you'd like

It's rather spicy so you can tone down the peppers and garlic if you'd like It's super good! I make it once a week.

Cook garlic in a pan, add the rest, and simmer on low for 1 hour. Put on top of penne. Tada!

 

[Nancyg56]

Is anyone planning for Thanksgiving yet..I start buying small things now..I know I will make a brined turkey, Mashed Potatoes,Sausage Stuffing,Cranberry orange Relish, Sweet Potatoes in orange bowls and lot of other things.. I'm already planning

I am starting to think about the Holidays also. I am in the process of trying to use the groceries that I have ahead so that I can resupply my baking and Holiday meal ingredients.

I have cooked a brined turkey, and it was a hit! Last year I made a squash lasagna and my DS was in heaven! We always have the traditioal sausage stuffing, a sweet potato casserole that is to die for, potatos and gravy, veggies, homemade cranberry sauce that I tinker with each time, along with anything else I feel like cooking. And then there is dessert.......

I wonder if anyone would be interested in posting some of their favorite recipes so that we can compare notes and try some new "tried and true" appetizers, sides and desserts. I have had so much fun with the recipes here that I know the Holidays in your homes must taste really good.

 

[Nancyg56]

I made the bruschetta chicken last night, a double batch so that I would have leftovers. Well, first it was very good, but then I forgot it on the counter all night . I had to toss it, although it broke my heart. Now I don;t know what I will fix for dinner, I'm going to work for a little while, so I will probably pick something up on the way home.

 

[JennyMominRI]

I am starting to think about the Holidays also. I am in the process of trying to use the groceries that I have ahead so that I can resupply my baking and Holiday meal ingredients.

I have cooked a brined turkey, and it was a hit! Last year I made a squash lasagna and my DS was in heaven! We always have the traditioal sausage stuffing, a sweet potato casserole that is to die for, potatos and gravy, veggies, homemade cranberry sauce that I tinker with each time, along with anything else I feel like cooking. And then there is dessert.......

I wonder if anyone would be interested in posting some of their favorite recipes so that we can compare notes and try some new "tried and true" appetizers, sides and desserts. I have had so much fun with the recipes here that I know the Holidays in your homes must taste really good.

Should we start an offical holiday recipe thread or just post here?
edited to add,I have an awesome Mulled wine recipe that I make all through the Thanksgiving -Christmas season..I got it from my friend from England and it's awesome

 

[Glynis]

Should me start an offical holiday recipe thread or just post here?
edited to add,I have an awesome Mulled wine recipe that I make all through the Thanksgiving -Christmas season..I got it from my friend from England and it's awesome

I think that's an awesome idea! I noticed that you started the thread! I'll get my recipes out and start posting them. I love seeing what other people do for the holidays.

 

[liamsaunt]

I am trying a new recipe this weekend - Asian babyback ribs. It calls for 2 tsp. chile paste. I have been to four stores looking for this and can't find it. Any ideas on substituting something else, or if anyone is familiar with it, will it matter if I just leave it out?

Did you look in the international foods aisle? The chile paste should be with the thai foods. If there isn't any there, does your store sell sriacha sauce? You might be able to use that...the chile paste will give your ribs the heat, so if you don't like spicy you could probably leave it out. What are the other ingredients in the recipe?

 

[liamsaunt]

How do you make applesauce? DD loves the stuff

Today I worked with my Mom and my sister to make it. My Mom was in charge of course! Basic recipe: cut your washed apples into quarters, leave the peel on, seeds in, etc. Fill your pot with the apples and then add about 1/2 inch of water. Cover and cook on medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened and are starting to collapse--about 15 minutes. Then, run the apples through a food mill. (Make sure you use a food mill, not a food processor! The mill holds back all the skin, seeds, etc.) Season with sugar to taste. That's it!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

JennyMominRI, the brisket was a hit! DFi and DS loved it! I made it with mashed potatoes (like Rachel Rae made today with cream cheese) and corn. I wasn't sure if I should make the broth a gravy, but I did and I must say we all loved this recipe. Thank you!!!

I also love your idea about Thanksgiving recipes...I usually go to my Dsis house and only contribute sides...green bean caserole, sweet potatoes and my new thing is a Cranberry Salad...if all agree to post the recipes here, I will post it.

I also make apple sauce, but peel and core the apples and add some stuff and then mash with the potato masher...

I am getting off easy this weekend and eating out on Sat and going to DSis on Sunday. I will be making Cherry Cheese Cups...this is the classic with the Nilla Wafers...anyone need the recipe!

I am sure glad I found this thread and all of you wonderful cooks!

Lauren

 

[JennyMominRI]

Today I worked with my Mom and my sister to make it. My Mom was in charge of course! Basic recipe: cut your washed apples into quarters, leave the peel on, seeds in, etc. Fill your pot with the apples and then add about 1/2 inch of water. Cover and cook on medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened and are starting to collapse--about 15 minutes. Then, run the apples through a food mill. (Make sure you use a food mill, not a food processor! The mill holds back all the skin, seeds, etc.) Season with sugar to taste. That's it!

Thanks..I'llhave to pick up a food mill