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

[OKWMom]

TarheelTink- I don't refrigerate the butter cakes but my son is positive I am going to kill everyone with some of my habits. He is a certified food handler and I think if he comes into my kitchen when I thaw chicken he is going to be "certifiable".

There's no possible way your defrosting/food handling techniques are in any way worse than those of my mother. My sister and I laugh about it to this day and say we are probably immune to any food borne bacteria. This is the woman who would put a leftover pizza box in the oven (cold) and serve it to us the next day (Does this help explain why I'm nuts about that kind of stuff now?) Anyway, one of our funniest stories about this was when she decided to defrost a family pack of hamburger - outside - lying on top of the boxwoods in the back yard - in SC in May. Several hours later when she went to get it, it had disappeared. She thought my brother was playing a trick on her and had hidden it. She accused him for hours of taking her meat. He had no idea what she was talking about and it was only when I found the styrofoam bottom that she realized neighborhood dogs must have gotten it.

So tell your son it could be worse. Much worse.

Well, I did it! I'm all caught up! We had family with us all weekend, and then on Sunday I got really sick. I was down for Sunday and Monday. I felt much better on Tuesday except for a hacking cough. I was put on cough medicine with codeine, so I was pretty much out of it all day Tuesday! Yesterday I had to reclaim my house. Alan and the kids really let it go while I was out of commission. It amazes me how quickly things fall apart if I take to my bed! Oh well! I'm back now!

Glad to see you back! I hope you are feeling better, but don't do too much too soon. You don't want a relapse just prior to Thanksgiving.

Wow, Some of you are really early risers!!! I'm only awake cus DH has snored me out of the bedroom! He caught the cold I had last week & it's giving him a rough time. Although he seems to be sleeping very well!

Sheryl, Kenny snores like a freight train and somehow, thankfully, I can sleep right through it. Hailey, however, can't stand it. When Kenny will fall asleep on the couch and start snoring, Hailey can't hear her television program. She can't talk, and she hasn't thought to walk over and nudge him awake, but she figured out if she will whistle really loud, it will wake him up enough so that he stops snoring. If he ever wakes completely up, he isn't sure what woke him, so maybe a wolf whistle in bed will work for Bob.

I think we'll do sloppy joes tonight.... I have a busy day today- ds is sick and I think EASY sounds good.

I hope your DS feels better quickly.

A quick morning check in...I missed yesterday totally, I had meetings at school with the social worker to plan what families will be getting the Thanksgiving food baskets. There seem to be a lot more in need this year, very sad. I am sure we will have more for the christmas tree as well

I agree with Nancy, it seems like a great many people will be having a difficult time this holiday season. There was an article in our local paper just yesterday about the increased demand at the food bank. The director said they had about a 25% increase in the number of families they were serving.

I am really bummed my Mom is not coming. She forgot I asked her to come and wants to go to my brothers instead. I am really upset by this. She was mean about it too...I cry every time I think about it, like now.

Lauren, honey, I'm so very sorry. My mother is not a typical mom and hurts me more than I like to admit. If you want to vent, cry, yell, or whatever, please, please feel free to PM me. I'll understand. Believe me, I'll understand.

Kenny ate the baked grits last night and pronouned it ok. The kids however, loved it and the basalmic chicken (but not the mushrooms).

Tonight's dinner is braised pork chops (not Lauren's - new recipe) with corn pudding and salad.

Happy Friday everyone!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I am such a nerd - we are Costcoing tonight and I can't wait!! We are going to peruse what they have and decide what we want for Thanksgiving lunch since it's just us this year (we're boycotting family get togethers).

So, we'll be eating out tonight. I think I want Pei Wei - haven't had it in awhile. DH is leaning towards Chipotle, but we had that not too long ago.

 

[TigerKat]

Sheryl, Kenny snores like a freight train and somehow, thankfully, I can sleep right through it. Hailey, however, can't stand it. When Kenny will fall asleep on the couch and start snoring, Hailey can't hear her television program. She can't talk, and she hasn't thought to walk over and nudge him awake, but she figured out if she will whistle really loud, it will wake him up enough so that he stops snoring. If he ever wakes completely up, he isn't sure what woke him, so maybe a wolf whistle in bed will work for Bob.

She is amazing Gretchen!

Well I'm going to toot my horn today - I've been smoke-free one whole month!!!!!!

 

[OKWMom]

Well I'm going to toot my horn today - I've been smoke-free one whole month!!!!!!

Good for you!!! Toot Toot! I'll blow my horn for you too. That is fabulous.

 

[liamandcaili]

Unlike the dirt bike racing that Patrick would love to take up. Or the surfing. Or the skateboarding. Or any other activity or sport guaranteed to give me an ulcer.

Liam is not a daredevil -- he won't even ride his bike -- so I don't think I have to worry about him taking up any extreme sports. I'm sure he'll find other ways to give me gray hairs.

Lauren -- I am sorry about your mom.

I have a question for y'all. We've never viewed Wishes from anywhere except the Contemporary Resort. We're planning on being in the MK this time for Wishes - any tips on a good place to view it?

Like others have said, Main St is the best view. However, last year, we watched it from the Main St train station. Some people don't like that spot because the lights are on, but we had a clear view of all the fireworks and plus, we didn't have to fight the crowds to leave the park.

Yesterday I had to reclaim my house. Alan and the kids really let it go while I was out of commission. It amazes me how quickly things fall apart if I take to my bed!

My house was clean on Monday before Greg came home, and it is a disaster now. I am mostly ignoring it, for now. I am glad you are feeling better.

Well I'm going to toot my horn today - I've been smoke-free one whole month!!!!!!

Congratulations!!

Sheryl -- Your bathroom looks great.

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday. I am still fighting this cold. Last night, per Caili's request, we had lambchops with salad and these quesadillas I made with brie and chutney, which I didn't particularly care for. Tonight, Greg has requested fish, so I am going to go to the market and see what looks good and go from there.

 

[Zandy595]

I am such a nerd - we are Costcoing tonight and I can't wait!! We are going to peruse what they have and decide what we want for Thanksgiving lunch since it's just us this year (we're boycotting family get togethers).

So, we'll be eating out tonight. I think I want Pei Wei - haven't had it in awhile. DH is leaning towards Chipotle, but we had that not too long ago.

Pei Wei just opened up here a couple months ago. We haven't been there yet, but are planning to go soon. We're all trying to figure out how you're supposed to pronounce it. DH calls it "Pee Wee", DM calls it "Pie Why" and I don't even try.
Have fun at Costco. I'd be excited to go shopping there too. We don't have a membership, but I've been there with my mom a couple times.

She is amazing Gretchen!

Well I'm going to toot my horn today - I've been smoke-free one whole month!!!!!!

WOO HOO Kathy! Good for you!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Pei Wei just opened up here a couple months ago. We haven't been there yet, but are planning to go soon. We're all trying to figure out how you're supposed to pronounce it. DH calls it "Pee Wee", DM calls it "Pie Why" and I don't even try.
Have fun at Costco. I'd be excited to go shopping there too. We don't have a membership, but I've been there with my mom a couple times.

WOO HOO Kathy! Good for you!

We had to get lessons on pronouncing it, too. It's like "pay way" Er, at least that is what the people that work at ours say it's said.

We don't eat there often because it's across town but I really like it.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Hey ya'll. I've been working alot and have been lurking some. No cooking for the most part.

Rick and I lost Wanna B Monday night. The vet says it looked like a stroke. We're devastated. So things here are a little crazy. We had him cremated and the gals dropped off his little wooden urn today- so I'm weepy and Rick's just a mess. Not sure how Rick's gonna react when I bring the little guy home tonight.

I'll be working with Rick every week till our Christmas trip- it's good therapy- but I'll be lurking, if not posting.

Wendie- tell Ross I found the Harry Potter candy- We're good to go for Christmas!

WFD tonight? Lots of cocktails.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Lori, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for checking in. We were all wondering about you. Hugs for Rick too.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Just a quick update. I can't get my act together...

Becky, I would love cocktail recipes...I like easy and strong!

My mother is now coming. She claims she was half asleep when she told me she didn't want to come here. There is more to the story...the one that doesn't mind her business had a hand in everything. Go figure.

I will check back in later. Off to Walmart. I have to find some thanksgiving decorations to throw around.

 

[Nancyg56]

Lori- Oh Sweetie, I am so sorry . It's no wonder things are crazy at home. I know that you are going to lose yourself in work and that's okay, but just remember we're here.

Kathy- A big WOOHOO from me too! I don't generally make any incentive for a month so I think it has to be a major benchmark! I am so proud of you

Gretchen- Good for Hailey! She can correct the "problem" without moving from her spot . IF I remember correctly this is the same girl who enjoys her Krispy Kreme donuts in a hot tub while on vacation. This gal and I are on the same wavelength, I think.

As to your Mom's food habits . I give Dan a harder time than I have too. He is just wound up so tight!

And not I have to ask, What is pay way, PI WY or PEE WEE?????

I think we are having pizza tonight. I cleaned all day today and all day yesterday. I swear we are not slobs, I have no idea why all I do is clean and then start all over again

 

[HERSEY]

She is amazing Gretchen!

Well I'm going to toot my horn today - I've been smoke-free one whole month!!!!!!

 

[HERSEY]

Lori I am so sorry to hear about poor Wanna B I feel so sad for you and Rick. We are here for you any time.

 

[TigerKat]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions as to where to view Wishes!!!!

Also, thanks for celebrating one month with me.

Lori - As I said on the NOLA thread, you & Rick are strong and will make it through this together. I'll keep your baby in my prayers.

Lauren - I hope everything works out for you and your Mom and you have a nice holiday together.

I decided to get started on Christmas decorating(inside) today. We're leaving next weekend and I have a feeling when we get back I'm going to go into post vacation depression and then nothing will get done. So tree is up and decorated. The house is a mix of Thanksgiving & Christmas decorations right now.

 

[THE HAT]

Lori-- OH my friend, I am so very sorry for the loss of Wanna B. My heart breaks for you and Rick. Ross sends big hugs to you both, he is so sad for you.
Please give our sympathy to Rick as well. Have a toast to the little guy tonight for me with your cocktails.
I will pm you later on with the details of our trip so that we can set up a where and when to meet up. The three of us agree that this is a highlight of our trip. Ross wrote about you all in his journal at school last week, and how he was going to meet the two most fun people he knows, ......I tell you girl the pedestal you are on with him is something else.
He smiled when I said the candy was found, lol.


Kathy-- I am so very proud of you my dear friend!! You are amazing!!! Keep it up!!

Lauren--I am happy to hear that things with your mother worked out.

Gretchen--I just love Hailey---she is so smart!! What a great story!!

Nancy--I am glad you asked what this pei wei thing was, I thought I might have been the only one who had no clue as to what they are talking
about!

Kris just came in so I will go feed the men! Have a good evening all.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Thank you all for your support today. My family is just nuts...maybe if everyone minded their business it would be normal...ahhh, probably not. I think all this with PMS and vacation withdrawal, really got me down.

Wow, Some of you are really early risers!!! I'm only awake cus DH has snored me out of the bedroom! He caught the cold I had last week & it's giving him a rough time. Although he seems to be sleeping very well!

I hope Bob is feeling better.

I'm here! Just trying to catch up.

Here's my thoughts:

For 12 people you should probably count at least 1 pound of turkey per person.

I usually make my mashed potatoes early in the day, and let them sit in my warm crockpot all day.

Glad you're back! Thanks for the info.

Lauren, I have some yummy cocktail recipes, but what kind do you like? Sweet? Tart? Weak? Knock out the Gramma-style? I'll type in a few if you give me some guidance on what you think is yummy.
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There seem to be a lot more in need this year, very sad. I am sure we will have more for the christmas tree as well

It has been raining (pouring) since yesterday morning and it will be changing over to snow this afternoon...we should get just a few inches they say..just enough to make things a mess....we still have leaves to rake this weekend, so we will be raking through the snow again this year it seems. (this is for the red maples out front..our reg maples out back haven't dropped a leaf yet drives us insane!!) Kris still has two more boatlifts and docks to take out this weekend...at least he has wet and dry suits!

It is very sad of the amount of people that are less fortunate...I have not been back to church since vacation but I am sure the giving tree is packed with requests. Our church even sends things to ME...not sure of the town.

Brrrrr, it is getting cold here too but not as cold as you all...we had a flurry today. Keep warm...I'd be drinking hot toddies every night.

The leaves...what a mess. We have about 5 - 6 maples that are still dropping. Yuck! I am not used to this.

I'd love to see those pictures when you have time. I'm so sorry my friend about your Mom, I am here for you if you need to vent. This will be my first Thanksgiving without my Mom, I'm sad too.

I would love to share those with you. I was so excited to see her picture on the wall of Mama Melrose. It was her and my Dad and he has a big kiss mark on each cheek...and he is smiling ear to ear.

I am here if you need me...

Congrats on the smoking. I am still doing good since my little slip in Oct. It is very hard...I am very proud of you.

There's no possible way your defrosting/food handling techniques are in any way worse than those of my mother. i

Sheryl, Kenny snores like a freight train and somehow, thankfully, I can sleep right through it. Hailey, however, can't stand it. When Kenny will fall asleep on the couch and start snoring, Hailey can't hear her television program. She can't talk, and she hasn't thought to walk over and nudge him awake, but she figured out if she will whistle really loud, it will wake him up enough so that he stops snoring. If he ever wakes completely up, he isn't sure what woke him, so maybe a wolf whistle in bed will work for Bob.

Tonight's dinner is braised pork chops (not Lauren's - new recipe) with corn pudding and salad.

Your stories of your Mom's defrosting are a hoot!

Maybe I can take Hailey's lead with Tom...he snore louder than the trains that runn off the back of the property. What a sweet girl you have.

How were the pork chops? Better than mine? If so, please share!

I am such a nerd - we are Costcoing tonight and I can't wait!! We are going to peruse what they have and decide what we want for Thanksgiving lunch since it's just us this year (we're boycotting family get togethers).

I love going to these places too...anything having to do with food!

Well I'm going to toot my horn today - I've been smoke-free one whole month!!!!!!

Liam is not a daredevil -- he won't even ride his bike -- so I don't think I have to worry about him taking up any extreme sports. I'm sure he'll find other ways to give me gray hairs.

Is Liam Andrew's long lost twin? Andrew is not a daredevil at all.

Speaking of daredevils...I have to share a story that it reminds me of. I was working in Bloomingdales NYC a while ago (about 15 years) and this man is staring at me and following me up the escalator. He starts talking to me, flirting, and then a while later he comes over and hands me pics with notes and autographs...it was evil Knivel (sp)!!! How weird is that???? Oh to be young...

 

[OKWMom]

Lori I am so very sorry about Wanna B. I am a person who's pets own her, so I know how much a part of your family your 4 legged baby was. I'll have you and Rick in my prayers. Please try to pop in from time to time. I've missed you.

Nancy your memory is amazing! Hailey is indeed the girl who likes to eat her Krispy Kremes while lounging in the jacuzzi. I'm sure she will be doing that in approximately 9 more days. And, for the record, I have no idea what Pei Wei is either.

Kathy I can't believe you have already done the Christmas decorations. (Sigh). I am terrible at decorating and so I put it off until the last minute. Last year, Amanda asked to decorate the tree by herself so I let her. Yes, all the ornaments were on one side and none were higher than she could reach, but she was proud of it and I finally had a good excuse as to why it looked like it was decorated by a 8 year old.

Lauren Glad your mom is coming for Thanksgiving after all. All's well that ends well. Try not to let her initial response and the reason for it get to you. I'm sure you will be given many more opportunities to get upset from the sound of it.

As for the pork chops, I don't know yet. Kenny isn't home from work so I haven't tried them. They don't smell as good as yours, but if they are good, I'll share the recipe.

 

[Aimeedyan]

And not I have to ask, What is pay way, PI WY or PEE WEE?????

It's an asian bistro - same company as PF Changs, but counter service style sorta. Order at the counter, find a seat, they bring it to you and clear it for you. Open kitchen, nice atmosphere - I got the honey crispy chicken with brown rice for $7.50 and it's enough for 2 people easily. I brought half home, even after DH took some pieces. He gets pot stickers (fried - 8 for $6) and wonton soup (HUGE bowl for $4). They also have great iced chai tea.

We ate and ate and brought the rest home. I'll have it for lunch tomorrow

We walked Costco, argued, and then came home with a bunch of crap we didn't go in for. Still NOTHING on the Thanksgiving menu, btw. I got Rachael Rays latest magazine and Bon Appetit and Gourmet from the library so I'll hunt for recipes.

 

[Nancyg56]

Nancy your memory is amazing! Hailey is indeed the girl who likes to eat her Krispy Kremes while lounging in the jacuzzi. I'm sure she will be doing that in approximately 9 more days. And, for the record, I have no idea what Pei Wei is either.

Kathy I can't believe you have already done the Christmas decorations. (Sigh). I am terrible at decorating and so I put it off until the last minute. Last year, Amanda asked to decorate the tree by herself so I let her. Yes, all the ornaments were on one side and none were higher than she could reach, but she was proud of it and I finally had a good excuse as to why it looked like it was decorated by a 8 year old.

I remembered because donuts in a jacuzzi is my idea of Heaven so I thought "That girl has the right idea ! I know that you all are looking forward to relaxing in just about a week, so ask your Princess to have a KK for me.

I am amazed that Kathy has her decorations up as well. I thought I was doing well by giving the house a good clean before Thanksgiving . All og the Christmas decorations are still in the attic

It's an asian bistro - same company as PF Changs,



We walked Costco, argued, and then came home with a bunch of crap we didn't go in for. Still NOTHING on the Thanksgiving menu, btw. I got Rachael Rays latest magazine and Bon Appetit and Gourmet from the library so I'll hunt for recipes.

Sounds so good! I have never seen one near us.

I have been looking for new Thanksgiving recipes as well, bought more magazines and "study" them but I will probably do the same things. My family just hates change .

We did have pizza last night . DH has no idea what time he will get home tonight so I'll catch up with him later on to see if I should cook dinner. I would prefer to go out, but that is nothing new

 

[Mermaid02]

Hey ya'll. I've been working alot and have been lurking some. No cooking for the most part.

Rick and I lost Wanna B Monday night. The vet says it looked like a stroke. We're devastated. So things here are a little crazy. We had him cremated and the gals dropped off his little wooden urn today- so I'm weepy and Rick's just a mess. Not sure how Rick's gonna react when I bring the little guy home tonight.

I'll be working with Rick every week till our Christmas trip- it's good therapy- but I'll be lurking, if not posting.

Wendie- tell Ross I found the Harry Potter candy- We're good to go for Christmas!

WFD tonight? Lots of cocktails.

Oh Lori I'm so sorry! I really don't have any words, just know that I'm thinking of you guys.

DS was sick yesterday but seems better today. We couldnt' get his peak flow meter out of the "red zone" yesterday... we saw 2 different doctors (our primary and then we had an allergy testing appt with the allergist- she was appalled at how sick he was..."He is much too sick to be tested." I really felt like mother of the year ) The allergist called his primary right up (we'd just come from there) and talked about his medications. Then she asked if we had a follow up with him and I said "no" and she looked at me like I was nuts and said, "I want to see him next week, whatever day and time is good for you."

Now if I can keep him quiet... not easy to do with a adhd/pdd child. He's already watched "How the Grinch stole Christmas" this morning. The more he races around though, the worse his breathing gets. When I went to fill his prescriptions yesterday, I had to put him in that wheelchair with the grocery basket on it (our pharmacy is in the grocery store).