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

[franandaj]

Ellen - I guess I can really imagine where you live. I've always lived in an urban area, but never a "downtown" type environment. We always had some kind of yard. Sometimes big, so egimes small, but it was always finite and not at all farm like.

As I think about it you must have acres upon acres of land. What crops do you grow? Who farms it? I have a DISfriend in Indiana who gives us regular reports on his farming exploits. He spends a bit of time outside his day job taking.care of his farm. Does sone one else do yours? You don't sremember to talk about seeding and harvesting it.

We have been eating out today. Mickey d's for lunch and taco bell for dinner before band. I picked up some pork meatballs at the grocery store to have for 2nd dinner.

 

[EJ4Disney]

gHappy hump day!!

Well I lived!! Last night was as I thought it would be. The Task Force (Hispanic) meeting was strained. Nobody wanted to talk about the "Elephant" in the room so it was frosty, to say the least. Then we went to the Charge Conference meeting and again everything was "skirted around". The meeting was over and I thought we had made it. But on one had I was really very disappointed that NOTHING had been solved. Well after the meeting, our head of SPPRC and Finance asked to talk to the DS. OH my the man turned white when approached. I even think he thought he had made it - NOPE. I had gone to the office to make copies and when I went back in there was some very heated conversations. Let's just say - they had my back and all is good!

PIO ~ You are SO lucky to be able to enjoy your time with your Mum. I would give anything to have just one more dinner with mine. Enjoy!!

Alison ~ We raise cattle. We have a small farm at 80 acres that we cash rent with corn. We live on 10 acres with 5 acres in pasture for our cow calfs and then during the winter we pasture them up north on about 100 acres. Not a big operation, but it keeps Doug happy. We both have outside jobs, so this is more hobby than anything else, until we retire. That is why we cash rent most of our land.

I am hitting the Y as soon as I get off of work today. Doug had to be in Kearney by 8am this morning as their new Company was holding an informational meeting. He was excited/worried and left early so he wasn't late. This, buyout is going to be a good thing I feel. I sure hope so, he is about 5 years from retiring. I need a good workout, for sure!!

WFDT ~ Filets, baked potatoes and a green salad.

Make it a great day!!

 

[kimmar067]

Kimmar ~ They sound really good. I will have to be on the look out for some.....

 

[EJ4Disney]

Happy Friday all,

I don't feel so bad about not getting in here yesterday. It looks like we were all busy. I was swamped and ended up working till after 5. I usually get off at 4. I had a massage at 5, I was NOT going to miss that.

Kimmar ~ those look amazing. I know Doug would love them. I have never seen them on any menu but you'd better believe I am going to look for some. Thanks.

Fall is here and this morning I even had to scrape my windows. The bales are in the fields and the trees are getting bare. My parents had a tree that was so cool. It never lost a leaf here or a leaf there but it held on to them for a long time and then lost them all at once. I had never ever seen a tree do this before. Sometimes we were lucky to see it and it was amazing. I am not kidding you, it was all full and within 15 minutes it was leave less. Amazing to see!!

We are leaving today at noon to go to Lincoln. We are stopping in Kearney to pick up Lilly and Harper. Elizabeth and family are heading in around 4 and Marty and Stephanie will hit the road right at 5. Katlin's parents flew in yesterday. We are all celebrating tonight the kid's engagement. We are all excited to be together. We have met Jeff & Shirley before but the girls haven't. They are all going tomorrow to the Michigan State - Nebraska game. Ethan is going with Poppy and he is beyond excited. Elizabeth said he has had his suitcase packed since Monday. The girls and I are taking the littles to the Children's Museum tomorrow afternoon. And then I hope there will be somewhere I can watch the game tomorrow night. We got a hotel room for anyone who wants to stay there, as we wanted the pool for the kids. I am sure it will be a fun filled crazy weekend.

WFDT ~ Valentino's pizza (a NE favorite and a request from Jeff) pasta dishes, I am contributing a green salad and brownie bites.

Make it a great day and a wonderful weekend.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Saturday morning here and I'm determined to get some Dis time before I start the cleaning and chores this morning.


I've been a little busy at work and it must be age catching up with me. Most days, I come home and am too tired to do anything. I guess it's also been a little quiet on the Dis so more often than not I don't bother to check in much. I do miss all the chatter.

Ellen - looks like your busy with 3D life as well. Enjoy the family time. It's nice to have a close and tight-knit family.

WFDT? I have no idea. I've completely tapped out the frozen cache of meals in my freezer so I may have to think about doing a batch of bolognaise sauce this weekend.

 

[franandaj]

I've been up at my mom's and haven't cooked a thing since Monday night. We had "cloppities" (pan fried meatloaf with a creamy pan gravy) on Monday. It's one of Fran's comfort food favorites.

Tuesday we ate drive through on the way to band.

Wednesday my parents ordered Greek take out when we arrived.

Last night was my Dad's birthday and we went out for Italian, it was really good.

Tonight, my mom has a meeting for her Iris Society so Fran, me and my Dad are going to Kirk's Steakburgers for dinner.

Tomorrow my mom is going to the Farmer's market, I may go with her.

Glad you're keeping busy PIO. Miss you around here!

Sounds like a nice family gathering Ellen! Catch you next week!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Glad you're keeping busy PIO. Miss you around here!

I really do miss being around. It's a lot more fun on the Dis when there are people to chat with. Most times, I wander in during your middle of night and you can hear the crickets around here. So, it's just a quick post without any social interaction.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning,

PIO ~ I totally agree - I can remember when I used to have to keep a pen and paper next to the computer to keep up with everyone on here. It sure isn't like it use to be. I sometimes think we should just let it go and then I think, I love talking to you and Alison on a daily basis and the others that pop in once in awhile.
Glad you are feeling better.

Alison ~ Happy belated birthday to your Dad. I bet he was thrilled to be able to spend it with you. Are you home yet?
"cloppities" - why do you call it that? I love family names for things.

The weekend was super fun. We had a ball!!! And the icing on the cake was we won our football game. We beat Michigan State!! They were #7 and undefeated. For a game that Ethan picked to go to, he picked a good one.

I am in the middle of updates to our program here at the Church. UGG!!! I don't know why they decided to do it during my busy time but they did. I am pulling my hair out at the moment. Lot's of phone calls and waiting for support. I know it will be just fine, but right now I am NOT a happy girl.

We had 75 degree weather over the weekend, it was still into the high 60's yesterday - but get this - we are under blizzard watches for tomorrow. And of course it's Veterans Day and I have the day off. Needless to say, I will be held up at home tomorrow. Might be a good day for reading my book with a pot of soup in the crockpot.

WFDT ~ Goulash, corn and peach salad

Make it a great day!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I sometimes think we should just let it go and then I think, I love talking to you and Alison on a daily basis and the others that pop in once in awhile.

I'm the same.

 

[PrincessInOz]

It's Thursday today and I had a massage and chiro appointment this morning. I sure needed it!
I'm also starting to gear up for Christmas. I spent this last weekend putting up the Christmas tree. I still need to put some of the other decorations up around the house; but the tree is usually the one that takes the most amount of time.
Believe it or not, I've even managed to get two presents! And ordered my turkey breast roll today.
Otherwise, it is going to be a very hectic 7 weeks to Christmas. We pretty much have the usual round of school concerts, performances etc to get through.

WFDT? I think we're going to go to our local Japanese ramen noodle shop and get some noodles. I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Sun shiny Thursday!!

Good grief you would never ever think that we were under blizzard warnings yesterday. Today is a bit cool but beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky.
I let Cooper out just as it was starting to snow. A snowflake landed on his nose (they were huge) and he turned around to me with a look of "He** NO!!" and he was back in the house in .05. He is such a wimp, I just laughed at him.

PIO ~ It is suppose to be 66 this weekend and we hope to also get our lights up outside. I even think I will decorate. As long as I am doing part, I might as well do it all. We leave for vacation on Saturday and won't be back for 10 days. This way when I get home it will all be done and all I will have to do is flip the switch. Otherwise I might not do any of it.

Well last night I fixed White Chicken chili with cheese bread. I was almost finished when I decided to have one more piece of bread. As I was eating I "crunched" down - even Doug said - "That didn't sound good!" and lost 2 pieces of my tooth. The one right behind the one awaiting for my permanent crown. GREAT just great!!! So I went back to the dentist this morning and sure enough another beautiful crown is in my future. I am just SO thankful it doesn't hurt and the tooth bed is fine, so I will be able to keep the tooth, just another crown. Good grief!! They are going to place my permanent one and prepare this one for a temporary, all next Thursday. At least I will be able to enjoy vacation.

WFDT ~ Salisbury Steaks, green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy.

Make it a great day!

 

[Frozen Canuck]

Why does this thread only jump back up to the top on the days when I have nothing special planned for dinner, but on the days that I have something truly amazing and knock-your-socks-off good on the rotation, I always forget about it?

I have been wanting to jump in for ages now, but thought my first post here should be at least slightly on the "inspiring" side. Instead, today is our so-called busy day. We do school all day and then my son has speech therapy so we don't get home until nearly 4pm. I usually end up planning something easy on these days, so tonight it is simply chicken tikka masala (using a jar of sauce from Seeds of Change) and coconut rice (jasmine rice cooked using a can of coconut milk and some water for the liquid) along with a side salad.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Yea, it's Friday!!

Frozen Canuck ~ WELCOME!!!! Please don't wait till you have something "knock-your-socks-off", just jump in anytime. My name is Ellen and I am from Nebraska. I am married to Doug, have 3 grown children, 4 grandbabies - 2 princess' and 2 pirates - 2 Son in laws and a soon to be daughter in law and my furry baby Cooper. We are just a bunch of friends that love to cook. Please feel free to join us, these are some of the nicest ladies you will know.

Another glorious day today here on the Plains. There isn't a cloud in the sky and it is a beautiful blue. It is rather cool, but after all it is November. I just hope the weather holds out through next weekend as we will be traveling.

We actually have a weekend at home with no real plans. I love it!!

WFDT ~ Filets, baked potatoes and a green salad.

Make it a great day and a wonderful weekend.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

Frozen Canuck ~ WELCOME!!!! Please don't wait till you have something "knock-your-socks-off", just jump in anytime. My name is Ellen and I am from Nebraska. I am married to Doug, have 3 grown children, 4 grandbabies - 2 princess' and 2 pirates - 2 Son in laws and a soon to be daughter in law and my furry baby Cooper. We are just a bunch of friends that love to cook. Please feel free to join us, these are some of the nicest ladies you will know.

ELJ4Disney: Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I admit to lurking here for a little while, so I know that I don't have to jump in and try to impress anybody with my culinary skills (such as they are...grin!) It just helps to have something more on the menu than jarred sauce to talk about when making introductions. I was born and raised on the prairies. I miss it a lot. I too am a "country girl at heart" and I literally cry every time I have to leave "home" to come back here. I have three kids...one who is grown and just got married in October, one who is in their second year of university...and a 6 year-old! I had a whole year where I joked about having one graduating from college, one just starting college, and one starting Kindergarten.

WFD: I have no idea...likely leftovers from last night, though I don't really feel like eating that. I think I will go to your place instead for the filet dinner. Will 6pm be okay with you? I like my steak medium.

 

[franandaj]

Welcome Frozen Canuck! I seem not to any time recently to cook anything g either! We just got home from a tour of the Walt Disney Studios. We got to eat dinner In a really exclusive location where only high level executives supposedly dine, but since we were part of a tour group it was pretty much standard banquet sort of fare. Actually the lunch of catered sandwiches from the comissary was better than our dinner.

Now I'm off to feed the kitties and go to bed!

 

[PrincessInOz]

it was starting to snow

Already? Wow!

we hope to also get our lights up outside

Did you get yours up? We realised we needed to get new lights to put up. Lights may not happen for us this year.

We just got home from a tour of the Walt Disney Studios

Wow! I'd love to have the opportunity some time....but I gather they are pretty hard to get a tour! Lucky you.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Why does this thread only jump back up to the top on the days when I have nothing special planned for dinner, but on the days that I have something truly amazing and knock-your-socks-off good on the rotation, I always forget about it?

I have been wanting to jump in for ages now, but thought my first post here should be at least slightly on the "inspiring" side. Instead, today is our so-called busy day. We do school all day and then my son has speech therapy so we don't get home until nearly 4pm. I usually end up planning something easy on these days, so tonight it is simply chicken tikka masala (using a jar of sauce from Seeds of Change) and coconut rice (jasmine rice cooked using a can of coconut milk and some water for the liquid) along with a side salad.

Welcome to the thread!

And yes....don't wait until you have something special planned. Lately, I haven't been doing much cooking either.

Chicken tikka masala sounds awesome.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Monday morning here again. Blue sky and balmy breezes all day today. 26 C equates to temps in the 70's F; so by any scale, the weather is great.

I met up with some photogs on Saturday down at Mornington Peninsula. That's about an hour away from Melbourne and it's one of those 'weekend' spots to go to. It's a combo of built-up urban and national park wildness (not quite wilderness). I 'met' these photogs on FB and have been hanging out on their page for about 4 - 5 months. Sadly, I had a negative experience and bad reactions/feelings from two of them on their page after the last photo shoot (the Balloon festival) and I came to the conclusion that I need to move on from this page. Sadly for me, I had signed up to this one shoot and it was one of those What Would You Do situations. In the end, I decided that I wasn't responsible for their behaviour; only mine....and I always like to complete what I promise to do. So I went. One of the girls that had been catty to me was there and I just ignored her.
I got some decent shots so I'm glad I went in the end.

Thankfully, I no longer have any promised commitments with them and I am free to move on now.


WFDT? I think I might head to the local butcher soon and grab some burgers for dinner.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

Welcome to the thread!

And yes....don't wait until you have something special planned. Lately, I haven't been doing much cooking either.

Chicken tikka masala sounds awesome.

Oh goodness!!! No worries there! My husband has been traveling a lot and the weekend was super busy, so I haven't been working myself too hard in the kitchen department. Tonight's dinner for me was simply breaded chicken tenders wrapped in a piece of lefse that I had leftovers frozen of from Canadian Thanksgiving. My husband is gone all this upcoming week as well, so I'm not anticipating too much inspiring food to be flowing onto my dinner table. I will be lucky if I drag out a bowl for cereal each evening. It is so much easier to put effort into cooking when there are actually people around to eat it. I'm not the world's biggest fan of leftovers (some are okay), so I tend not to cook much for just me and the 6 year-old.

 

[kimmar067]

Chicken tikka masala sounds awesome.

....they have an awesome chicken tikka masala here at Whole Foods...