The What's For Dinner Thread - August '09(recipe index in OP)

[bigmerle1966]

It seems that a lot of your nieces/nephews are involved in sports. Thats really great, and to have such super family support!

Yes they are. My sister has the girls involved in a lot of sports, she is determined to make sure my DN's do not end up obese like the majority of our family is.

The only one of the kids who is not that involved is my 8yo godson. He is still to young to play tackle football, he doesn't want to play flag, he wants to tackle people!

How spiritual is that

If you run them hard enough they might pray more.

Laura- I don't buy a huge variety from trader joe's, I just stock up when I go- it's 40 minutes away. We also don't have a great selection and Star and Stop and Shop, so for us Trader Joe's is great. I get their brand cheerios and shredded wheat, fritos (so good and I don't like regular fritos), cheeses, bread, frozen sweet potato fries, canned jalepenos, wasabi mayo (the best on hamburgers), mostly staples. I really like their bbq sauce and it doesn't have corn syrup in it, neither does the yogurt. I try to get something new to try each time I go.

I'm glad we have one really close by, I shop there more then any other store. I just bought the Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle mix and the Pumpkin bread mix. I'm thinking of adding chocolate chips to that and making muffins with it.

We are getting such good news! The tumors on Buddys spine are not adding to the pain, they have been there a long time.

That's great!

Ann- Like others have said, you can do it for under $200 especially if you buy the bigger sizes at Costco/Sam's/BJ's. For drinks stick with iced tea, lemon aide, coffee and hot tea. You could also make punch cheaply too. And Nancy's suggestion of a soup is good, maybe even chili.


Dinner last night ended up being a salad and canned ravioli. Tonight will be salmon, rice and a veggie.

Does anyone know if Balsamic Vinegar would go okay on salmon?

 

[Disney Ron]

Ellen, Congrats on the new wheels!!! Enjoy driving that, it is a beautiful car.

 

[Glynis]

Ok girls, did you see the baptism dilemna thread??? I am having the same situation. We are having Emma's christening on November 1. Just my family alone is 42 people. ( 27 adults and 15 kids) Imagine if I had to add my IL family to this, their loss. Not only is my house small but so is my budget. Do you think I can do sandwiches, cake and drinks for close to $200? I do not want to depend on anyone else to bring anything. My DM can not attend a family party without bringing food. ("she loves to feed her boys!") So I am sure she will fill in as much as possible without me even asking.

Another thoughts, or tips...I have been very stressed over the whole thing.

I think you can do it for that price.

However, I come from a large family, and they would all be insulted if I did the whole thing myself. It's just become tradition for everyone to bring potluck to these things. We all do a main dish and a side dish (just enough for own families), then we set things up buffet style, and people help themselves.

This is your event, so do what feels good to you! I think that no matter what it will be beautiful!

 

[Glynis]

Good Morning!

We are getting such good news! The tumors on Buddys spine are not adding to the pain, they have been there a long time. The Dr is ordering genetic blood tests though. He needs to go for a bone scan and another MRI. He has carpal tunnel! The Dr sadi he needs this taken care of, the right side is pretty bad. He still needs the neurosurgeon but I cannot remember why, it was information overload this morning. No matter what, we are thrilled with what it is not. I will schedule the two Dr's that he is being referred to this afternoon and will wait for the office to get back on the other tests. I am one grateful woman this afternoon!

I'm so happy that the news is good for Buddy! That is certainly an answer to prayer!

 

[Disney Ron]

I think you can do it for that price.

However, I come from a large family, and they would all be insulted if I did the whole thing myself. It's just become tradition for everyone to bring potluck to these things. We all do a main dish and a side dish (just enough for own families), then we set things up buffet style, and people help themselves.

This is your event, so do what feels good to you! I think that no matter what it will be beautiful!

DH mentioned the whole potluck thing. I like that idea for family functions. I have a SIL who would be insulted if you invited her and she had to bring something. There are those of us in the family who would never think of arriving at a house empty handed. It just comes second nature to me to think like that, it was how DM raised me.

So far I plan on my pepperoni calzones (me), cream cheese with pepper jelly served with crackers (me), spinach dip in a bread boule (me), deviled eggs DM), nacho dip (DSIL), shrimp cocktail (DM), cocktail franks (DM), buffalo wings (DSIL), make your own Italian cold cut platter with all the fixings (Me), chicken salad (DM), seafood salad rolls(me), chips, soda, coffee, chocolate kahlua triffle (me) and cake.

If anyone else offers to bring something I am going to mention a pastry or wine. Emma's godmother likes here Shiraz.

 

[Glynis]

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Katie's concert last night was wonderful! I was so proud of her!

Tonight she is going to the high school orchestra concert so she can write a review for her class. She's excited, because she gets to go alone! It's the first time, so she's really thrilled. I'll give her my cell phone just in case she needs it.

Alan had to go out of town to cover a double homicide, so the kids and I are on our own for dinner. I'm not sure what we'll have. Possibly some chili. However, it's gotten a bit warm, so I don't know if the kids will go for that. I'll have to give this some thought!

 

[Glynis]

DH mentioned the whole potluck thing. I like that idea for family functions. I have a SIL who would be insulted if you invited her and she had to bring something. There are those of us in the family who would never think of arriving at a house empty handed. It just comes second nature to me to think like that, it was how DM raised me.

So far I plan on my pepperoni calzones (me), cream cheese with pepper jelly served with crackers (me), spinach dip in a bread boule (me), deviled eggs DM), nacho dip (DSIL), shrimp cocktail (DM), cocktail franks (DM), buffalo wings (DSIL), make your own Italian cold cut platter with all the fixings (Me), chicken salad (DM), seafood salad rolls(me), chips, soda, coffee, chocolate kahlua triffle (me) and cake.

If anyone else offers to bring something I am going to mention a pastry or wine. Emma's godmother likes here Shiraz.

Sounds like a fantastic party! If I lived anywhere near, I'd crash!!! It will be wonderful, no matter what!

 

[Disney Ron]

Glynis, they get big to fast.

 

[Disney Ron]

Maria, thinking of you. Luke is playing with his Harrod's bear. He is burping it saying it is his baby like Emma. So cute! Thought you would get a kick out of that visual.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Ellen, Congrats on the new wheels!!! Enjoy driving that, it is a beautiful car.

Thanks so much. I am a bit nervous driving it yet. My old car was a DeVille and it was much bigger. I am sure I will get used to it.

Glynis~ You have raised Katie to be a wonderful young woman. No worries she will be just fine. It is still hard to let go.

 

[Disney Ron]

I am trying to locate the eggplant sticks recipe of our old threads but I can not find it. I have never made them and have an eggplant in the fridge calling my name. Do the Liam sisters or anyone else have time to help me out?? I really want to make them for supper.

TIA

 

[liamsaunt]

Ask and you shall receive!

Hopefully not too late for your dinner.

Mom's Famous Eggplant Sticks

1 eggplant, preferably long and thin (less seeds than the fat, round ones)
2 eggs
2 c water
flour
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
vegetable oil for the pan

Peel and cut the eggplant into sticks about a 1/2 inch thick (I usually end up with 32).
Lightly beat the eggs in the water.
Lightly dredge the eggplant sticks first in flour (shake off excess), then in egg, then in breadcrumbs.
Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Bake at 375 for 40 minutes, turning once halfway.

If you want you can salt them when they come out of the oven.

Mine usually do not take 40 minutes, so I usually turn them after 15 minutes and then bake for however much longer they take to get browned on the other side.

 

[HERSEY]

Nancy I am very glad Buddy got such good news . Enjoy your evening.

Lauren I don't think I ever mentioned but I had 2 dog while I was growing up. I was blind in her later years because of "dry eye syndrome" and the other was deaf since birth. They both were so cute together one was the other eyes and the other was his ears. Don't feel guilty our pets are very important to us. We hurt when they hurt.

Today got up to 70 why is it when we have to go to work?

Ellen So happy to help you out with the chuckle

I think tonight we will have chinese takeout.

Oh and thanks. Alex is feeling better I really believe it is just a minor cold. I was getting worried before since we are surrounded by H1N1 here. They closed a school because of over 900 kids had flu-like symptoms till monday. Last week was homecoming and Alex's school played this school. So needless to say I am just a little concerned.

 

[nucpharm29]

Hey all! Just poking my head in to say hello! Seems like even though I was only gone a few days I have so much going on here my head is spinning. Thankfully, by last night I was feeling much better. Today back to my old self. Not sure WFD tonight. Katelyn has been gone for a while and they are having a party b/c they finished a big part of training this week. So we'll go there, but I don't think there will be dinner--just snacks. Her parents are also suprising her by coming in tonight, so that should be fun!

I'll try to hop back on here tomorrow and do a better catchup. Have a great Wednesday

 

[Disney Ron]

Ask and you shall receive!

Hopefully not too late for your dinner.

Mom's Famous Eggplant Sticks

1 eggplant, preferably long and thin (less seeds than the fat, round ones)
2 eggs
2 c water
flour
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
vegetable oil for the pan

Peel and cut the eggplant into sticks about a 1/2 inch thick (I usually end up with 32).
Lightly beat the eggs in the water.
Lightly dredge the eggplant sticks first in flour (shake off excess), then in egg, then in breadcrumbs.
Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Bake at 375 for 40 minutes, turning once halfway.

If you want you can salt them when they come out of the oven.

Mine usually do not take 40 minutes, so I usually turn them after 15 minutes and then bake for however much longer they take to get browned on the other side.

Thanks, I am filing this one. I searched online and used one very similar. I hope I am not disappointed.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Nancy, what wonderful news!!!!!!!!! I hope you have a great night, maybe a little celebrating?

Ann~ I love the vision of Luke with his teddy, thank you!

Ellen, enjoy your new car!

Steph, what a great surprise for Katelyn, glad you're back to yourself.

Tonight was ww rigatoni with some frozen sauce I had & chicken sausages.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Just checked and the final results are up from my DN's swim meet!

She did 6 races and competes in the 9-10 year old:

50 yd Freestyle came in 14th overall, 2nd out of the 9 year olds.
100 yd Free 15th overall, 1st 9 yo
200 yd Free 10th overall 2nd 9 yo

50 yd Butterfly 12th overall, 2nd 9yo

100 yd Individual Medley 20th overall, 1st 9yo
200 yd IM 11th overall, 1st 9yo

 

[liamandcaili]

Lauren -- Riley is part of your family, so it is expected that you would be worried about him. I am so sorry for Andrew's friend and the family. That is such a difficult thing to deal with and try to understand.

It's pouring rain so my kids will be wired tonight; we may run in the gym some. How spiritual is that

I liked Marilyn's answer!

Her husband did not get into the military. He was unable to pass the physical due to a prior medical condition.

Has he looked into every branch? The requirements are different for each.

Your meal plan for Emma's christening sounds wonderful. If you want to do something pretty and inexpensive, you could do a champagne punch. You use the really cheap champagne and you can make it pretty by floating frozen fruit or ice cubes with edible flowers in them. We did this for Becky's wedding shower, and it was a huge hit.

Tonight we are having sweet and sour chicken in the crockpot

Let us know how it turns out. I have been trying to use my crockpot more, but both chicken dishes I made were disappointing. Thanks for the tips on TJs.

Nancy -- That is great news about Buddy! I am so glad you have gotten good answers quickly.

Ellen -- I'm glad Matthew is doing a bit better. It takes time. Congratulations on the new car and I hope you enjoyed date night.

Janice -- I'm glad Alex is doing okay. He has a busy week.

Tonight was gymnastics, so the kids had pancakes and I had a chicken potpie Becky made for me.

Sorry if I missed anyone today. It was a crazy day...making a bird costume is harder than I thought it would be.

 

[Aimeedyan]

DSD is moving into their new apartment this week. Her husband did not get into the military. He was unable to pass the physical due to a prior medical condition. I feel bad the military route fell through. I know it would have been great for their family in the long run. Just another curve ball in life, I wish them well with all the future holds.

Bummer for them

Aimee- Does your church have a gym!?! Sorry your soup wasn't the best. I hate when you have a certain taste in mind and it just doesn't come out.

We do have a gym... it's older, but in decent shape. The kids rarely get to use it so they looooooooooove when I bring them up there.

We are getting such good news! The tumors on Buddys spine are not adding to the pain, they have been there a long time. The Dr is ordering genetic blood tests though. He needs to go for a bone scan and another MRI. He has carpal tunnel! The Dr sadi he needs this taken care of, the right side is pretty bad. He still needs the neurosurgeon but I cannot remember why, it was information overload this morning. No matter what, we are thrilled with what it is not. I will schedule the two Dr's that he is being referred to this afternoon and will wait for the office to get back on the other tests. I am one grateful woman this afternoon!

Well Ladies, I am the proud owner of a 2010 Cadillac CTS. She is soooooo pretty - Leather seats, Platium Silver and loaded. It will take me a bit to figure it all out. My old Cadillac had alot, but this one just has a lot more. I love that "new car" smell. I wish they could bottle it.

Woo-hoo!!! Have a picture? I may just have to hop to the Cadillac website and look it up! Sounds gorgeous!!

Just checked and the final results are up from my DN's swim meet!

She did 6 races and competes in the 9-10 year old:

50 yd Freestyle came in 14th overall, 2nd out of the 9 year olds.
100 yd Free 15th overall, 1st 9 yo
200 yd Free 10th overall 2nd 9 yo

50 yd Butterfly 12th overall, 2nd 9yo

100 yd Individual Medley 20th overall, 1st 9yo
200 yd IM 11th overall, 1st 9yo

Congrats to her!!!


We are having some serious flash floods here. One of my friend's home is flooded and many more cars are underwater/people trapped. It hasn't stopped raining yet so I'm worried it'll get worse. Thankfully my house is moreless on a hill but others are not.

 

[Disney Ron]

Has he looked into every branch? The requirements are different for each.

Yes, he has. He tried the Air Force first before he was diagnosed with diverticulitis and did not get in. He had to have a portion of his intestine removed in May. He has tried all of the branch since being rejected by the Army too. To be honest I am not at all surprised. I just had a gut feeling this was going to be the outcome after they rushed to be married. The were just building to much of their future based on the recruiter's rosey picture he painted. I just hated to see them plan on everything the was not guaranteed yet. It is just to bad it didn't work out because I have seen with my own brother how beneficial the military can be for families.