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

[Aimeedyan]

Dinner with be avocado eggrolls, spinach and cheese puff pastries (that I have yet to make) plus leftover shrimp, red lobster biscuits, chicken skewers, and spinach and artichoke dip.

We both ate the crab cakes so they are long gone.

 

[THE HAT]

Hello friends,

Just talked to my gm, and she thanks you all for the prayers and good thoughts!
She is doing pretty good, very tired as to be expected. She is annoyed that the bandage keeps coming off a bit on the back of her head, lol. Her home health aide is going to redo it for her today. They will be in for a heck of a shock when they see what it looks like!
She is my kind of women though, as we were talking, about her head and such, she says, "when you get my groceries could you pick me up a pork roast"....

I also thank you for the prayers and thoughts as well. As for my mil, well I have given up on her actions, I expect them now, and when she does things the opposite then I get a nice surprise (which doesn't happen very often).

Kris is working, Ross is still in pj's watching a movie, and I am going to go work on some packing. We leave in 3 weeks, so I have to get things organized, especially since we are driving.

Gretchen--I know that you are very busy packing and such but a quick question if you have a chance. I know you are in South Carolina, and not sure how different it is compared to North, but what is an idea of temps in late Dec. as we will be at my brothers for a few days. I figure maybe jeans and longsleeves? or is it capris and tshirts?

I am so happy that everyone had a nice day yesterday.

WFD...no clue as of right now....I will prob do turkey burgers and some sides.
My mother in law had a 22lb turkey for 7 people, 2 dishes of everything left over, and she never offered anything for us to take home. When people leave my house after a meal like that or party I always pass out plates and say fill it up! I am so glad that Kris does not take after them in anyway!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

We just came in from a very loooong day.
Like I said yesterday and many have said today....I am so thankful for all of you who are not only my dear friends, but also my family too.
Thanks for listening.....and if you could spare some good thoughts and prayers...my gram could really use them that this heals ok, and she does not get an infection, or need surgery.

Oh your poor GMom, and poor you You must be exhausted and bless your sweet Grandma's heart, more worried about you than herself. Of course prayers are offered for her speedy recovery.

Now for your outlaw! I will spare some thoughts for her, but they are not nice and they are not charitable so I am not going to share them with you!

I hope that today is better for all of you.

 

[liamsaunt]

Wendie, I am so sorry about your gm! Your MIL sounds like a real....well, I can't say, but you know what I mean. I hope your gm heals quickly and well.

Here are a bunch of photos from Thanksgiving yesterday:

The first turkey:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/2056814981_38c33d5984.jpg

The second turkey:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/2056813369_74f2c04b4a.jpg

Cranberry sauce:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/2057596460_b1c5b2f06d.jpg

Bread stuffing:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2057597100_5223ad9fe5.jpg

Gravy:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2086/2056813045_94c525b82f.jpg

Praline pecan sweet potatoes:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2057598380_6a2fc78cf6.jpg

Cauliflower gratin:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2247/2057597678_13bc95c2bc.jpg

Roasted root vegetables:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/2057598052_5808ec4779.jpg

Some of the turkey, carved:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2057597434_8ab5b36b7d.jpg

Everything on the side table:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/2056813735_474a516d0e.jpg

I forgot to take a photo of the dessert, but we had pumpkin cheesecake and apple pie.

Later Caili and I made another dessert. Here she is beating the whipped vanilla cream:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2412/2056812819_4f907bd4b0.jpg


We were hungry again later so I made everyone turkey sandwiches:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2057598938_6e28d64f3d.jpg

WFD tonight? Leftovers!!!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Hi All!

Wendie, your poor Grandmother! I am sorry this happened but glad that it was not worse and that she is home.

Tom is calling me looking for his keys...ugh! I'll be back.

 

[OKWMom]

Wendie unless your brother lives near the mountains, it should only be somewhat cooler than my weather here in SC. I live on the coast, so it is normally warmer in the winter than places farther inland. Normally the end of December, I am wearing jeans and long sleeve or 3/4 length sleeve t-shirts. In the evenings, if you are outside, you may need a jacket.

I think our normal end of Dec temps are highs in the low to mid 60s and in the 40s for the overnight lows. Now, having said that, as you know winter weather is fickle. There has been a Christmas here and there when it was really, really cold (SC cold, that is) and been in the 30s or 40s during the day. But that isn't really likely.

Hope that helps.

Also, glad to hear your grandmother isn't letting her fall keep her down. I hope I have that kind of spunk if I live to see that age. What a woman!

Now, off to the bank and to run a couple of errands. Hailey is so excited this morning. She watched Kenny bring in the suitcases and she was grinning from ear to ear. She knows it is close now.

Gretchen

 

[liamsaunt]

I forgot one picture, the green beans:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2056813217_f9ef90a702.jpg

My Dad loves that Campbells green bean casserole and I can't stand it, so I made a from-scrtach version with shiitake and portobello mushrooms, sharp cheddar cheese, and deep-fried shallots. Well, it tasted just like the Campbells version! Laura anI i called them the "ooky beans." Needless to say there are a lot left over. I don't know who is going to eat them, but it won't be me or Laura!!

Also, here are photos from Wednesday. A cocktail, a crnaberry crush:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2168/2055091844_9db36dc428.jpg

And some simple rigatoni with tomato sauce and mozzarella:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2055091942_30d668bd5f.jpg

 

[THE HAT]

Wendie unless your brother lives near the mountains, it should only be somewhat cooler than my weather here in SC. I live on the coast, so it is normally warmer in the winter than places farther inland. Normally the end of December, I am wearing jeans and long sleeve or 3/4 length sleeve t-shirts. In the evenings, if you are outside, you may need a jacket.

I think our normal end of Dec temps are highs in the low to mid 60s and in the 40s for the overnight lows. Now, having said that, as you know winter weather is fickle. There has been a Christmas here and there when it was really, really cold (SC cold, that is) and been in the 30s or 40s during the day. But that isn't really likely.

Hope that helps.

Also, glad to hear your grandmother isn't letting her fall keep her down. I hope I have that kind of spunk if I live to see that age. What a woman!

Now, off to the bank and to run a couple of errands. Hailey is so excited this morning. She watched Kenny bring in the suitcases and she was grinning from ear to ear. She knows it is close now.

Gretchen

Thank you so much Gretchen....I guess it would help a bit if I gave you his location,lol......He lives in Wilmington...well Hampstead now, which is 10 min away from Wilmington.

Thinking of Hailey getting excited brought a huge smile to my face!!

Yep, my grandmother is a tough ole bird we always say, lol....she has the right attitude towards life that is for sure!

 

[liamandcaili]

Wendie -- What a day you had yesterday! I am sorry about your grandmother, but I am glad to hear that she will be okay and is in good spirits today.

Kathy and Gretchen -- If for some reason I don't get to check in here tomorrow, both of you have a great trip.

Greg and I have a surprise planned for the kids tomorrow. Since Greg won't be home for Christmas, after Liam and Caili go to bed tonight, we are decorating the house. We bought and wrapped a few presents, so in the morning we are having a little mini-Christmas. I can't wait to see their super-surprised faces.

Greg is going out to eat with his parents tonight, so that leaves me to eat the leftovers I brought back from Mom's by myself. More for me!

 

[TigerKat]

Now, off to the bank and to run a couple of errands. Hailey is so excited this morning. She watched Kenny bring in the suitcases and she was grinning from ear to ear. She knows it is close now.

Gretchen

I can't wait to meet her!

Kathy and Gretchen -- If for some reason I don't get to check in here tomorrow, both of you have a great trip.

Greg and I have a surprise planned for the kids tomorrow. Since Greg won't be home for Christmas, after Liam and Caili go to be tonight, we are decorating the house. We bought and wrapped a few presents, so in the morning we are having a little mini-Christmas. I can't wait to see their super-surprised faces.

Thanks Laura! What an awesome surprise y'all have planned for the kiddos.

 

[HERSEY]

Laura Your surprise for the kids sounds awesome.

Becky As usual thanks for the pic's the cocktail looks really good


Well the stores were packed at one store I waited in line for 45 minutes. I was able to get a lot of shopping done in just a couple of hours.


Kathy & Gretchen Have a great trip we will miss you.

 

[TigerKat]

I posted over on the Universal boards but in case any of you have any tips I thought I'd ask here as well. I know WDW inside out but am totally clueless when it comes to US/IOA. Any tips on must see attractions or what to hit first thing?

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Hi Again! Becky love the pics!

Well, I pulled off Thanksgiving with a TON of left overs. I sent my sis and BigMama home with big pans of food. Everyone LOVED the Creamy Pumpkin Pasta recipe that is posted here...even Tom who wanted me to make marinara just in case (I didn't).

One thing, my Mom slept through dinner and didn't eat. She was full on appys anyway. I sent her home with some food as well.

Wendie, your poor Grandmother! I am sorry this happened but glad that it was not worse and that she is home.

Wendie, now that I read my own post, I am hoping this did not come off as insensitive...I hope you know what I was trying to say. I am very sad about the way your MIL was acting but glad that you have grown accustomed to her actions. I known sometimes its very hard to ignore people's ignorance.

I'll keep your GM in my thoughts.

Hailey is so excited this morning. She watched Kenny bring in the suitcases and she was grinning from ear to ear. She knows it is close now.

Have a wonderful time!!! Remember, have a drink for me!!!

Greg and I have a surprise planned for the kids tomorrow.

What a wonderful surprise... Have fun!

I posted over on the Universal boards but in case any of you have any tips I thought I'd ask here as well. I know WDW inside out but am totally clueless when it comes to US/IOA. Any tips on must see attractions or what to hit first thing?

Oh Kat, if I would have known sooner, I wouldn't have left me Universal book in the room when we were packing to come home (I couldn't fit the thing in the suitcase!!!).

We must have been at US/IOA on a very good day and were able to see most of the main attractions in one day...my suggestion is to bypass Shrek and Jimmy Nuetron and go to the Mummy first (this is a little rough but fun). Twister and Terminator were my favorites in US. There were a couple things not open when we were there...I think Earthquake and Fear Factor.

IOA: We only did Spiderman, Dueling Dragons, Jurassic Park River...(this banged me up pretty bad - make sure the lap bar is holding you in good...its a steep log flume type thing), the Sinbad show was very good, and the Suess rides.

Another suggestion would maybe look into the meal plan if you are going to eat there. I remember lunch for the 3 of us was pretty expensive.

Hope this helps but most of all, my friend, have a wonderful time!

ETA: There are people throught the parks that interview people to take surveys. I wound up being one that they picked for this and they give you a $15 coupon to spend at the parks. It only took about 10 minutes so it was pretty worth it. Track those people down!

 

[THE HAT]

Hi Again! Becky love the pics!

Well, I pulled off Thanksgiving with a TON of left overs. I sent my sis and BigMama home with big pans of food. Everyone LOVED the Creamy Pumpkin Pasta recipe that is posted here...even Tom who wanted me to make marinara just in case (I didn't).

One thing, my Mom slept through dinner and didn't eat. She was full on appys anyway. I sent her home with some food as well.



Wendie, now that I read my own post, I am hoping this did not come off as insensitive...I hope you know what I was trying to say. I am very sad about the way your MIL was acting but glad that you have grown accustomed to her actions. I known sometimes its very hard to ignore people's ignorance.

I'll keep your GM in my thoughts.

Lauren--I am so happy to hear you had a nice time yesterday.......
as for what you posted to me....It was perfect! ...I didn't think anything negative of it at all.....(even rereading it, I still think it sounds wonderful, nothing insensitive at all!!). As far as my mil goes, I just smile when she talks and pour another glass of wine,

Laura--What a wonderful thing you and Greg are doing! Their faces our going to be priceless!!

Becky--As always your pics do not dissapoint!

Kathy and Gretchen--in case you don't get on here very much in the next day or so....Have a safe trip and a wonderful time...please give each other and Hailey a hug from me too.....and have a toast to all of us as well....(you can have a lot of toasts if you would like )

 

[TigerKat]

Hope this helps but most of all, my friend, have a wonderful time!

ETA: There are people throught the parks that interview people to take surveys. I wound up being one that they picked for this and they give you a $15 coupon to spend at the parks. It only took about 10 minutes so it was pretty worth it. Track those people down!

Lauren - Thanks so much for the US/IOA info, I've made notes. I'm glad to hear Thanksgiving went well for you. We have a ton of leftovers too, they're going in the freezer for when we get back from vacation.

Kathy and Gretchen--in case you don't get on here very much in the next day or so....Have a safe trip and a wonderful time...please give each other and Hailey a hug from me too.....and have a toast to all of us as well....(you can have a lot of toasts if you would like )

I think we'll have multiple toasts, one for each of our friends on this thread!

 

[TigerKat]

Almost forgot to mention this, I brined my turkey for the first time, using a regular frozen bird. I'll never go without brining again, the breast meat was more tender and juicy than the dark meat, which I'm having a hard time figuring out. It's amazing the difference brining made.

 

[liamsaunt]

I posted over on the Universal boards but in case any of you have any tips I thought I'd ask here as well. I know WDW inside out but am totally clueless when it comes to US/IOA. Any tips on must see attractions or what to hit first thing?

Yes! I love Universal too. If it is busy when you get there buy the "head of the line pass." When we went we were actually staying at Portofino (sorry, but Universal's hotels are SOOOO much better than Disney's! Think king sized beds, feather pillows, down comforters, FREE wine and nuts, excellent toiletries, bathrobes, giant towels, and....SOUNDPROOF WALLS!)

Anyway.... At US, hit the Mummy first. Make sure you ride ET, it is very cute and family friendly. The Terminator in 3-d is cool but it's really violent, decide how you feel about guns (LOTS of them ) before going. I personally hate Back to the Future, I think it is to jerky and my head slams into the back of the ride seat. Another must do is Men in Black--it's like Buzz Lightyear but way better--you have more movement in the cars and more flexibility with your laser gun. Food: it's all kind of bad.

IOA: Jurassic Park rocks, make sure you ride it, it's family friendly, with one big drop...I've done it in CA and FLA and the FLA is better because of all the plants they can groww, it really looks like JP.

Don't bother with the kiddie koaster (flight of the unicorn or something), but the flying PTERANADON ride is fun (yes L, there is a PTERANADON ride at USIOA! )

Spider Man is excellent...Mythos is good for lunch. If you have any specific ??? pm me.

 

[TigerKat]

Becky - Thanks so much for the info!!! We've already purchased our tickets they're the Express passes, I believe that means kinda like a fast pass that can be used once per ride??

We're going to check out the hotels while we're there, I've heard great things about them, now you've really got me excited about checking them out!

 

[Aimeedyan]

We loved the Universal hotels. I honestly think they are better than Disney Deluxe hotels and cheaper! We stayed at the Royal Pacific but hopped to the other 2. Just gorgeous.

We also enjoy Universal and IOA. We can do both parks in a day or two, with a FOTL pass, but they have incredible rides. They beat Disney on technology hands down. Spiderman is one of the coolest rides ever. Shrek is fun, so is Jimmy Neutron, and Mummy is awesome.

For dinner we had Arbys. We got in late from shopping and didn't feel like dirtying dishes again. had coupons so it was $11 to feed 3 adults. Not too bad!

 

[BabyPiglet]

Leftovers tonight. They were okay but the turkey had dried up some and I didn't have any gravy to put it in. I'm not big on leftovers anyway so I wasn't expecting much.

Thanksgiving went pretty good yesterday except for a few timing issues! I get so worked up over getting everything done at the same time!

Hah, well Lindsay, I'm glad your arm rash was nothing. Hopefully it will clear up in no time!