The What's for Dinner Thread - August 2014 (recipe index in OP)

[franandaj]

Hi everyone! Yes we made it home. We went to sleep at 3AM on Monday and Tuesday nights, or should I say Tuesday and Wednesday mornings! Last night we got to sleep at a decent hour. I finally feel somewhat normal again finally.

Well the "vacation" is over. We're back to contractor's land. They are working full swing on the front unit of the duplex. It had quite a few problems. The whole shower in the back bathroom needed a complete redo. I picked up a cabinet today that they will install in the kitchen. We need to buy faucets and other stuff, drawer pulls, Knobs, etc. Next week we will pick out granite, kitchen colors, and then just after New years we get to put up blinds, clean EVERYTHING, and hope a tenant cones along soon. All the while we need to clear out our old house so we can do it all over agin on both those apartments!

Happy Birthday to Liam!

PIO, I think you were same to take an early break!

Brandi, have a great trip! See you in afew weeks.

WFD? Standing rib roast, packaged noodles, green beans. I need to get home and start cooking it. At least it's a small roast. I just typed this in the grocery store lot since I have no time at home for the DIS.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - Liam is 3?? OMG. I think I remember when he was 1. Where did that time go?


Brandi - Have a great trip. Catch you at the other end.


Alison - Welcome home. Sadly, it's contractor land.


WFDT? We decided to go with fish and chips for dinner. The local place does a decent enough job and it was really yum.




Well....I got me an early Christmas present. Meet Mezzo Mara. She's a 3 month old Bengal cat. She's tiger stripes in the front and leopard spots in the back.






One of her spots kinda looks like a Mickey head and I need to get me a decent shot of it to share. We got her yesterday and so far, so good.

 

[franandaj]

Very cute cat, PIO!

Last night I roasted a whole chicken. I served it with wild rice and broccoli. I was able to convince Fran that the cats didnt need to eat the part of the chicken we couldn't finish. I have one breast and both drumsticks leftover.

Tonight I'm planning to make chicken and dumplings. Tomorrow I'll make Pad Thai. That shoukd use up all the leftovers.

 

[PrincessInOz]

WFDT? I have no idea. But Alison - you've inspired me to go take a look in my freezer and pull something out to cook later.

 

[franandaj]

I need to go back and find that Char Keo recipe of yours and put that in my dining rotation!

 

[PrincessInOz]

That's a good one to have on rotation.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning everyone,

It seems I am playing catch up around here again. This is the busiest time in the life of a church and ours is no different. We have something here every day till Christmas. I am swamped and I hate that I can't get in here to chat with all of you. I will try my best to at least check in every day - I totally miss you when I don't talk to you.

PIO ~ Your new baby is darling. What a cute little face. You will have many years of love with that cute bundle. Enjoy!!

Alison ~ Welcome home my friend. Our remodel is on hold till after Christmas - I just didn't want the mess right now.
Your roast sounds yummy!

We had a busy busy weekend. Doug sang in the Community Christmas Choir on Friday and Sunday. All the kids were home and we went. It was beautiful and puts the reason for the season front and center. We celebrated Matthew's Birthday on Sunday (it's actually tomorrow, but he won't be home ).
Pastor Dyton's wife had cancer surgery yesterday and will be out the rest of the week. The prognosis was very good, so we are very thankful this morning.
Stephanie and I went to a jar party last night. Oh my goodness that was so fun. I filled 4 jars and will give them as presents for my office help. We had a ball.

WFDT ~ Stuffed pork chops, cornbread stuffing and roasted brussel sprouts.

Make it a great day!!

 

[franandaj]

We had a big lunch today with Jenny and her family (from the DIS). The kids were well behaved and seemed to have an OK time. Jenny and her husband were delightful. She volunteered him to work the grill. I prepared everything in advance. Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Lemon cake and I prepped the burgers and toppings.

He grilled the burgers while we sat and talked. They brought chips and queso. We got everything out of the fridge and we all hung outside by the pool and had lunch. Everyone was stuffed at the end.

Once they left Fran took a nap and I got the first phase of my Christmas decorations up. We went to band tonight. Bittersweet are the rehearsals, though we enjoy it, knowing that members of the board set out to keep us from ever having a leadership role in the band again, it's kind of sad. They also don't get any of our money any more. and if their performances don't fit in with our schedules, who cares?

 

[PrincessInOz]

Long days at work as I try to get things sorted before Christmas. 2 more working days!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Morning girlies,

Allison ~ That just sounds like a horrible situation. You and Fran handle it better than I ever would. Shame on them!
So glad you had a great time with Jenny and her family. I have met some of my best friends here on the internet through Disney. Love it.

PIO ~ Good luck getting everything done. I am having to make lists to keep my self on track here at work and at home. I am trying so hard to not let everything I have to do stress me out or ruin the season. I love Christmas!!

My baby's birthday is today. I can't believe how time flies. It just seems like yesterday we were bringing him home. Life just moves so fast anymore. I hate not being with my kids on their day, but with him so far away it happens. At least we were able to celebrate over the weekend.

Christmas cards are going out today and this weekend the girls and I are going to get our baking finished. I have a few more presents to get and 2 more birthdays to celebrate - Marty is next Tuesday and Stephanie is on Wednesday. Once the birthdays are finished I will then start wrapping. When Stephanie was born (6 weeks early) I made a pact with myself that even though it was a week before Christmas that she WOULD have a birthday. So there are never any presents under our tree until after her birthday. I have never changed it!!

WFDT ~ Lemon shrimp pasta, bread sticks and a green salad.

Make it a great day!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - That jar party sounds fun! What was the concept behind it?
Hope that Pastor (dylon?)'s wife gets better soon.
HB to Matthew. It's funny you calling him a baby.
And I hope Marty and Stephanie enjoy their birthdays as well.


Alison - I have a bit of catching up to do on FB and here. Been so busy lately that it's hard to keep with with 2D life. I still have the (small) decking area to stain outside but it rained last night so it's all wet. I guess that means I get to spend today catching up here.



Brandi - I hope you're having a great time in Europe!!!



Aside from cleaning and staining the wooden furniture and deck outside, I've been working on the garden and growing a small vegetable patch. I am hoping to get some pictures to post.

WFDT? I have no idea. We have to take DS to one of his music classes and I might just ask that we do take-out.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Happy Thursday everyone,

Sorry, technically Matthew of course is not a baby, but to me he will always be my baby. I can remember before my Momma died she would always tell me that no matter how old I get, I would always be her baby. I guess I feel the same way about my kids. Till the day I die they will always be my babies, no matter how old they are.

PIO ~ The jar party was so much fun. There were 5 different stations -Monster cookies, apple cinnamon muffins, blondie brownies, berry pancakes and savory bean soup. You went to the station you wanted and filled a jar with the essential ingredients in layers. Then you could decorate them and attach the directions to finish them. For example on the monster cookies, you started with flour, then m & ms, brown sugar, chips, etc. You pack them in the jar and they look so pretty. We were able to do 4 jars for $20. I plan on using them for gifts for the ladies that help me here in the office. If you would like the directions I would be more than happy to share.

We are going to our first Basketball game tonight. So far all of the games have been out of town so this is the first one at home. It will be fun to see the kids. Girls play first at 6 and the boys at 7:15. The Church gets free passes so we don't even have to pay - bonus!!

I got nothing, nadda, done last night. By the time I got home I was pooped and I did good to get dinner and the dishes done. And we will be gone tonight and tomorrow is Doug's Christmas party. I am going to have to hustle this weekend and get things done. I work pretty good under pressure.

WFDT ~ a hot dog and a bag of popcorn at the basketball game - I can't wait!!

Make it a great day!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - That jar idea is fantastic. What a great present. Sounds like you had a great time at the basketball game.

And yes, I think my DS will always be my "baby" no matter age he gets to.

I spent the evening aimless wandering around the city. I really need to start my Christmas shopping and sadly, there were no flashes of brilliance in amoungst all that merchandise in the stores.

 

[meajuly5]

Happy Thursday everyone, Sorry, technically Matthew of course is not a baby, but to me he will always be my baby. I can remember before my Momma died she would always tell me that no matter how old I get, I would always be her baby. I guess I feel the same way about my kids. Till the day I die they will always be my babies, no matter how old they are. PIO ~ The jar party was so much fun. There were 5 different stations -Monster cookies, apple cinnamon muffins, blondie brownies, berry pancakes and savory bean soup. You went to the station you wanted and filled a jar with the essential ingredients in layers. Then you could decorate them and attach the directions to finish them. For example on the monster cookies, you started with flour, then m & ms, brown sugar, chips, etc. You pack them in the jar and they look so pretty. We were able to do 4 jars for $20. I plan on using them for gifts for the ladies that help me here in the office. If you would like the directions I would be more than happy to share. We are going to our first Basketball game tonight. So far all of the games have been out of town so this is the first one at home. It will be fun to see the kids. Girls play first at 6 and the boys at 7:15. The Church gets free passes so we don't even have to pay - bonus!! I got nothing, nadda, done last night. By the time I got home I was pooped and I did good to get dinner and the dishes done. And we will be gone tonight and tomorrow is Doug's Christmas party. I am going to have to hustle this weekend and get things done. I work pretty good under pressure. WFDT ~ a hot dog and a bag of popcorn at the basketball game - I can't wait!! Make it a great day!

Would love the directions!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Only one more Friday before Christmas

PIO ~ I totally understand! There are some years that I just can't figure out what to get. This year wasn't one of them. I am so excited for everyone to open their presents this year. I think I have something for everyone that is unique and that they will love. For example - I am tying blankets for each of the Grandbabies - Dora for Lilly, Diggers for Liam and Huskers for Ethan. I also got Elizabeth a magazine subscription to "Clickin Mom" she got a DSL over the summer and is having a ball with it. She would never get this for herself and I know she will love it. I got Doug tickets to see Florida Georgia Line this Summer. He will love it!

Alison and Fran ~ I am so worried about you ladies. Those storms sound so wicked. I pray that you are ok!!

meajuly5 ~ I am at work, but I will bring the directions on Monday and post them. Which one would you like? I didn't do the one for the soup.

I had decided that we really didn't need all of the cookies and candy that we usually do for Christmas. So last weekend I asked Doug and Matthew what was the one thing I made that you just couldn't not have. Then I called the girls and asked them. Well long story short I am making just as much as any other year. I guess what we do is very important to everyone. I thing that is called traditions. Love it!!

Cards are finished and will go in the mail as soon as I get off of work. Baking will be finished when I lay my head down on Sunday night. I do have a bit more shopping to do and then 2 birthdays next Tuesday and Wednesday and then wrapping it all up. I really hope to be finished by this time next Friday. Wish me luck.

WFDT ~ Tonight is Doug's Christmas party. We are having it at the Country Club and they are serving their luscious Prime Rib. I can't wait!!

Make it a great day and a merry weekend!

 

[franandaj]

Well we survived the rain. Some places were hit hard and houses were buried by landslides.

I've had a pot of ham broth stewing all day. I'm going to turn it into a white bean soup for dinner tonight. I expected it to rain all day and soup with cheddar biscuits from the red lobster package was going to be my comfort food. It still will, but I wanted to listen to the rain while we ate it. More was supposed to come but it looks like we're going to miss that.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - STOP!!! I'm starting to FREAK out about Christmas. I've done no preparation for food and still have to start and finish present shopping. I'm hoping to find time on Thursday to work out my plan of attack. I think Friday is going to be manic day shopping for me.


Alison - Stay dry. It's pretty warm and hot here and we could use another rain break. All the rain from the other day seems to have evaporated and the garden is looking really dry again. Your soup sounds delicious.


meajuly5 - Welcome to the thread.



I finally finished all the woodwork recovery today. So glad that I decided to wash all the tables, chairs and decking down and re-oil/stain it. The benefit of the work is that all the outdoor settings are looking lovely and fresh.
I'm just waiting for the deck to dry before getting DH to put everything back on. Can't wait to see how it all looks.

WFDT? No idea. I'm tired out from all the staining activity. DH and I are probably happy with salad for dinner. DS....that's a completely different matter. We'll have to see what he will accept and I sure hope it will be simple.

 

[meajuly5]

Only one more Friday before Christmas PIO ~ I totally understand! There are some years that I just can't figure out what to get. This year wasn't one of them. I am so excited for everyone to open their presents this year. I think I have something for everyone that is unique and that they will love. For example - I am tying blankets for each of the Grandbabies - Dora for Lilly, Diggers for Liam and Huskers for Ethan. I also got Elizabeth a magazine subscription to "Clickin Mom" she got a DSL over the summer and is having a ball with it. She would never get this for herself and I know she will love it. I got Doug tickets to see Florida Georgia Line this Summer. He will love it! Alison and Fran ~ I am so worried about you ladies. Those storms sound so wicked. I pray that you are ok!! meajuly5 ~ I am at work, but I will bring the directions on Monday and post them. Which one would you like? I didn't do the one for the soup. I had decided that we really didn't need all of the cookies and candy that we usually do for Christmas. So last weekend I asked Doug and Matthew what was the one thing I made that you just couldn't not have. Then I called the girls and asked them. Well long story short I am making just as much as any other year. I guess what we do is very important to everyone. I thing that is called traditions. Love it!! Cards are finished and will go in the mail as soon as I get off of work. Baking will be finished when I lay my head down on Sunday night. I do have a bit more shopping to do and then 2 birthdays next Tuesday and Wednesday and then wrapping it all up. I really hope to be finished by this time next Friday. Wish me luck. WFDT ~ Tonight is Doug's Christmas party. We are having it at the Country Club and they are serving their luscious Prime Rib. I can't wait!! Make it a great day and a merry weekend!

Either the monster cookies or the blondes would be great! Thanks so
Much!

 

[EJ4Disney]

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

It is snowing and has been for most of the night. It rained most of yesterday before turning to ice then snow. It snowed all night and is still snowing now. It looks so pretty, I just wish I didn't have to get out in it. I would much rather be home all snuggled in drinking cocoa, listening to Christmas music and wrapping my presents. Oh well!!

PIO ~ Sorry - Don't read any further, just know that I am very proud of you and would love to see your patio when finished. But Lady - Christmas is coming whether you want it to or not.

Alison ~ I am so relieved to know you and Fran are alright. That rain just looked plain scary.
Your soup sounds amazing. I love soup!!

meajuly5 ~ ok I will post them tomorrow.

Well the girls and I got all of our baking finished over the weekend. What a great time we had. I was so tired though last night that I didn't even fix dinner. Doug and I ate a bowl of cereal in the living room watching TV. That never happens but it was kind of fun. I have a few more presents to get and then to get them all wrapped. We will celebrate Marty and Stephanie's birthdays on Wednesday night. I told Doug we will shop after we leave their house that night for anything we still might need. I don't care if I am out all night I will have my shopping finished on Wednesday. Then my goal is to have them wrapped by Friday. I would love to have the weekend to sit and enjoy!!

WFDT ~ Lemon and shrimp pasta, green salad and chees bread sticks.

Make it a great day!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Christmas is coming!!!