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

[dgbg100106]

This weekend was busy busy busy for us, we put on a BBQ for the alumni club and it turned out great, but all the prep drives me crazy. It was a really nice day spent together.

Sunday was all about chores...

I made David a big pot of Chicken Noodle soup for his lunches this week, I think he really likes it plus it is a change for him, he has been stuck on Beef and barley kick for awhile (four months I think), so a change of pace.

I made up a pot of black beans for me, then sauteed baby bellas with onions to add to it for my lunch this week.

For dinner tonight we are having veggie lasagna I think. Once I get home and see how time I feel like prepping we will see..

Hope you all have a wonderful day

 

[EJ4Disney]

Happy Monday everyone,

It is a true Monday here in the Church. Almost to the point I need to go back home and start over. But I do have to say my office is nice and cool right now. Doug was able to get the new motor on and it is running. This is to be the hottest week of the summer, so I am a happy camper it is cool again. Thank God for husbands that can fix things.

Brandi ~ That soup sounds delicious. I never think of fixing soup in the heat of the summer. But it sure sounds good.
I saw your pictures on FB, looks like you had a great time.

We went to Kearney yesterday after going out to breakfast with Jay, Elizabeth, Ethan & Liam. Doug and Marty golfed and Me, Stephanie, Lilly and Harper went to the swimming pool. We had a ball and we are noticing that the more the girls are around the water the braver they are getting. Came back and grilled. It was a picture perfect way to spend a Sunday. Just what this stressed out Lady needed. My batteries really do feel recharged today.

WFDT ~ Grilled chicken, cucumber salad, and rice-a-roni.

Make it a great day!!

 

[franandaj]

Brandi and Ellen, it sounds like you both had a great weekend!

I am still trying to catch up on laundry and unpacking from our trip. I had so much laundry sitting around (clean in baskets) from before we left! I've finally got everything that is clean put away, but I have tons more to do, like 3-4 loads of bedsheets and all my whites!

Last night we went out. The band had a fundraiser, Drag Queen bingo. It was OK, not something I would do on my own, but it was nice to be there with other band folks.

Tonight we are going to a new restaurant! I've been wanting to go there for quite some time. It's DineLA week, so places are offering "specials". I'm not sure that this is such a "special", but it's $29 per person. You get, Miso Soup, Salad, and rice. Then you choose two appetizers, 3 meat options, one veggie option, and dessert. The thing is that all your meats and veggies are served raw and you cook them on a BBQ grill that is in the middle of the table top. I don't know why all my favorite restaurants require you to cook your own food! PIO experienced that when she came to visit! First we had Shabu Shabu, then Fondue. Plus she cooked breakfast and lunch for everyone at home!

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen - it is so nice when you enjoy and relax, and to feel recharged is awesome. Yea for a cool place, I know in this sweltering heat, a cool space is needed.
We should be around 100 this weekend with high humidity around 95%, needless to say I will stay in doors.

Alison - I hate laundry, I mean I do it every week, but I hate the washing, drying, folding, walking upstairs to put everything away. It is just a drag.
The dine LA sounds very similar to our "restaurant week" participating restaurants runs specials and try to get people to come in. We used to go a lot, but we find that deals are not so great and the places over crowded. Hope you enjoy the dinner, even if you have to cook it yourself.

Last night we ended up having salad. Tonight is Kale Salad and fresh veggies and David has grilled chicken along with his.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning from the HOT box!

Oh Lordy it's already 87 with a 79 dew point. It is not going to be fit for man nor beast out there today. YUCK!!! And to top it off we are under Extreme Heat Advisories until 7pm on Friday - FRIDAY!!! This would not be a good time for the AC to go out. Doug's AC went out in his work truck last Friday. And they won't fix it as he has a brand new truck coming any day. But not today and probably not tomorrow. Poor thing, I really feel sorry for him.

Alison ~ Drag Queen Bingo sounds like fun. I like bingo - my Momma and I used to go every Monday night. We had so much fun!!
You are so lucky to have wonderful places like this. That menu sounds amazing.]
I am weird - I love doing wash - now cleaning toilets - YUCK!!!

Brandi ~ I knew you would understand a relaxing weekend. Do you just grill David's chicken or do you prepare it differently?

WFDT ~ Chicken salad stuffed tomatoes, homemade cheese crackers (I am so proud of these - LOL) and sweet tea

Make it a great day!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Almost afternoon here,

It's HOT - that's all I have!! Actually it is beyond HOT!! Just plain miserable.

After work today, I am headed to Kearney. I am picking Miss Lilly up and we are going for dinner, then I have a haircut. This is usually a "date" night for Doug and I but he has a make up golf game for league, so I asked Lilly. We should have a great time. Stephanie said she is beyond excited.

WFDT ~ Lilly's choice - I have NO idea.

Make it a great day!

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen - it is hot here too, we are 98 degrees and 90% humidity!
David's chicken is grilled, I usually put something like McCormick's grill mates or Perfect Pinch on it. But depending on what he is eating it with, I might change it up, if we are doing Asian Slaw, I will add 5 spice, or garlic ginger, last night he got some italian herbs, that I roasted the veggies with.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Hotter than the streets of He** today. The heat index is 114 out there.

Brandi ~ I love chicken - ALL chicken - fixed any way. I need to find the McCormick's grill mates. I have heard they are really good.

Lilly wanted to eat at Applebees. She ordered Mac and Cheese and ate every single bite. After dinner I went and got my hair cut then we shopped at Bath and Body Works. Stephanie is having a terrible time getting Lilly into the bath. She HATES bath time. Aren't kids funny - she has always liked bath time, but not now. She has no idea why but it isn't a good time at their house for bath time. So I thought it might be a good idea to get her some "big girl" gels, lotions and sprays. She was so excited and couldn't wait to try them. Stephanie said bath time was a bit better but still a complete struggle. AUG!!

We are having a "Journey of Hope" presentation here at the Church tonight. This is about the death penalty and people who have been wrongly accused. Should be interesting. Pastor Anne and I are going out for dinner before it. It's gold night so I don't think Doug will join us.

WFDT ~ We are going to the only place that isn't fast food and they have the BEST taco salads.

Make it a great day!

 

[dgbg100106]

I hate to hear it is so hot today/yesterday for you - It is heat index of 105 today here. The cities have a cooling stations set up all over town.
After we run our errands today we will be staying inside for sure.

Tonight for dinner is a pizza, and I might just cook it on the grill outside.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Happy Monday! I'm just jumping right back in.


Believe it or not....I'm cooking today. We have a Japanese exchange student coming to stay with us for 2 weeks tomorrow. We've been busy tidying up to make sure there is room for her to stay; and given that she's arriving on a Tuesday, I'm cooking a big batch of bolognaise sauce so that we can have a quick meal tomorrow night for dinner; and some for next week.
I've also got a pot of chicken stock on the go. Going to make Hainanese Chinese Rice for dinner tonight.


Whilst you're all talking about the heat, I'm feeling a lot cold. It's been wet and cold in Melbourne lately...and I've been feeling it this year.


Hope everyone is well.

 

[dgbg100106]

Good morning everyone!

It is a yucky 97 degrees at 6:00 am this morning. We should reach 109 today with the index and 100 in temp. Lovely day in Maryland.

The office I work in the whole building turns the air off at 5:30 every night and does not turn it on until 6:00 am the next day but on the weekend, it turns it off on Friday and does not turn it back on until Monday morning. I got to work this morning at 6:25 and it is so muggy hot in here, yucky.

David and I had a good weekend we did not do anything, just did chores around the house, cleaning and stuff, and watched a couple of old movies, and binged on SOA.

Last night was shrimp for david, and for me was grilled squash and kale salad.

Tonight for dinner - I have no idea - I looked last night at our menu before go upstairs and it said veggie lasagna - well that is not happening. I am not heating up the house for that. So something else for sure.

Hope everyone has a wonderful cool day and PIO I hope you are comfortable in your cool weather.

 

[EJ4Disney]

It's Monday again..........good grief the weekend went way to fast.

Our heat wave broke yesterday. It was absolutely beautiful out yesterday and the humidity was very low. Was a welcome relief.

PIO ~ I can't wait to hear all about your new exchange student. Oh exciting. Good for you!

Brandi ~ I don't blame you one bit about not heating the kitchen up for the lasagna. I wouldn't either - try your crock pot. I use mine probably more in the summer than in the winter anymore.
Doug was VERY jealous of David's bourbon. Just saying!!

Alison ~ I loved your gourmet meal for Fran of the "Force be with you" spaghettiOs You just make me laugh!!


Doug has golf league tonight and I am going to paint. I lead such a fun life.

WFDT ~ leftover chicken and macaroni salad.

Make it a great day!

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen, Here is some more on that whiskey - https://kycapitalliving.com/2016/02...prize-at-world-whiskies-awards-north-america/

We went to the distillery awhile back I think I posted pictures of David with all the barrels in the barrel room.

I hate my crockpot, the lid does not fit well, and all the steam evaporates and the food dries out. I have not used it is years, I was thinking about putting saran wrap over the pot and under the lid to see if it would help, but just have not tried.

 

[franandaj]

Well I've been terrible about checking in here!

Ellen, glad your heatwave has subsided! I bought those spagettios for Fran a couple weeks ago. She also wanted canned mac and cheese, but I can't find it anywhere. When I saw the star wars can, I figured we had to have it. I had no idea that the spagettios themselves would be star wars shaped!

Sounds like the weather is miserable where you ate Brandi!

PIO, I hope you find time to stop in here with your exchange student!

It's been a whirlwind week here. We had a heatwave too, but we had a rare day that we got Darcy all day, so we turned on the air at the old house and just powered through it. We still have a long way to go, but we're getting closer every week.

We had dungeness crab, salad and Texas toast on Saturday night. Last night I made a honey/ginger chicken stir fry. This was the second time and I used veggies of my choice rather than the ones the original recipe calls for. It came out much better.

Tonight we're having something called Thai pork chops. I'm not sure what makes them "Thai" but they were good the last time I made them. I'm cooking them on the grill as well as some sliced zucchini.

I can't really eat for the next two days. And Thursday morning I get to have that "special" fun reserved for folks over 50 or with a history in their families. I'll look at it as an exercise in weight loss.

 

[franandaj]

I hate my crockpot, the lid does not fit well, and all the steam evaporates and the food dries out. I have not used it is years, I was thinking about putting saran wrap over the pot and under the lid to see if it would help, but just have not tried.

Donate it and buy a new one! They are cheap enough. Life is too short for bad crock pots!

 

[dgbg100106]

Well I've been terrible about checking in here!

Ellen, glad your heatwave has subsided! I bought those spagettios for Fran a couple weeks ago. She also wanted canned mac and cheese, but I can't find it anywhere. When I saw the star wars can, I figured we had to have it. I had no idea that the spagettios themselves would be star wars shaped!

Sounds like the weather is miserable where you ate Brandi!

PIO, I hope you find time to stop in here with your exchange student!

It's been a whirlwind week here. We had a heatwave too, but we had a rare day that we got Darcy all day, so we turned on the air at the old house and just powered through it. We still have a long way to go, but we're getting closer every week.

We had dungeness crab, salad and Texas toast on Saturday night. Last night I made a honey/ginger chicken stir fry. This was the second time and I used veggies of my choice rather than the ones the original recipe calls for. It came out much better.

Tonight we're having something called Thai pork chops. I'm not sure what makes them "Thai" but they were good the last time I made them. I'm cooking them on the grill as well as some sliced zucchini.

I can't really eat for the next two days. And Thursday morning I get to have that "special" fun reserved for folks over 50 or with a history in their families. I'll look at it as an exercise in weight loss.

your dinners sound good.
and good luck with your quick weight loss plan.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning all,

BRANDI, Brandi Brandi ~ Sweetie, get thee a new crock pot. They are very cheap, even for the good ones. I really can't imagine not having one. The new ones you can even program and regulate the heat. Mine is old and has high, low and warm. You would love one and the ease of having dinner finished when you get home. They are great for veggies too.
Thanks for the link!

Alison ~ I am so proud of you plugging away on the old house. I know it is a chore but you are getting there. Bless your heart!
Dinner sounds amazing. Enjoy it!! The next 2 days will be challenging to say the least. I have a family history so have been "doing them" for many years. The prep is TOTALLY the worst part!!

Last night we painted all night, till around 9pm. I will tell you this - I am out of shape!!! When I got out of bed this morning my neck and shoulders screamed at me. I can hardly stand to type. Oh my!! But we did get the ceiling primed and most of the walls are ready for paint.

WFDT ~ grilled chicken salads.

Make it a great day!

 

[franandaj]

Good morning ladies!

Well today us "soft diet" day. Yippee! We have band tonight and if I can leave the house I found a Pho place near rehearsal where I can get a bowl of chicken noodles. If that doesn't work out or sound good there is always iHop near rehearsal. They serve tilapia and mashed potatoes. I could eat scrambled eggs, but I don't trust anyone else to make them the way I like them. Most people cook them to death. With the way the morning is starting, it may be a long day!

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen - I eat a lot of food raw or roasted so I just have never got into crockpot. I got one when we moved into together and it 12 years old and I might have used it a dozen times, and none in the last 5 years. What kind of veggies do you put in them and how do they come out?

Alison - soft foods day are never good. back when I ate eggs, I love mine over very very easy, where the white was still runny, and no one could cook them right but me. I never liked scrambled eggs either, they were always over cooked and dry - yucky- or worse they were from powder....

 

[franandaj]

What kind of veggies do you put in them and how do they come out?

You could probably do potatoes, turnips, sweet potatoes or maybe a whole acorn squash in a crock pot. I have a recipe I call zucchini boats where I take the core of a parboiled zucchini, chop it and saute with chopped onion. Mix in parmesan and stuff it back in the squash, then roast. You could use a cheese substitute. For a potluck I used an acorn squash (after discarding the large seeds). Because the acorn squad takes a while to cook it might do well in the crock pot.

Alison - soft foods day are never good. back when I ate eggs, I love mine over very very easy, where the white was still runny, and no one could cook them right but me. I never liked scrambled eggs either, they were always over cooked and dry - yucky- or worse they were from powder....

Yeah. I never get scrambled eggs on a cruise ship of at a hotel buffet for fear of powdered eggs. I tried ordering them in restaurants "soft", "easy", "runny" and always they came so done that they had brown burns on them. I did find that PIO and I both like our eggs cooked the same. She made some when she stayed and they were perfect!