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

[franandaj]

Have a fun weekend Ellen!

Today we have to take a horn to our repairman and pick one up. It turns out that he is only two exits from Disneyland, AND today begins Halloweentime at the DL Resort. Trader Sams is going to have an LE Tiki HM mug so we're going to drop in and order as many drinks as the limit on mugs. From the number of requests we've received we might need to go back there several times to fill our quota. But I'm happy to drink them. I just hope there is no coconut in the drink.
So we'll probably end up eating dinner out of apps there. I love their tempura green beans and chicken lettuce cups.

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen, have a great time and enjoy the game.

I am watching the Texas A&M game right now, and the Bama game comes on later.

Alison, such a hard life, having to go to Trader Sam's and drinking. I am jealous!

Last night we went to a charity event and had a few drinks, and bid on some silent auction items.

WFDT - Pizza

 

[franandaj]

Alison, such a hard life, having to go to Trader Sam's and drinking. I am jealous!

Actually, it kinda wiped Fran and I out! I woke up late, went in the jacuzzi and then watched Andrew Zimmern's Delicious Destinations for a good chunk of the morning. I saw a dish from Chicago called Chicken Vesuvio which I have decided to make for dinner tonight. The version I decided on was from Giada De Laurentis, it has russet potatoes and artichoke hearts, all oven braised in a garlic white wine sauce.

Sounds delish! I have everything but the potatoes so off to the store and the post office. An eBayers work is never done!

 

[dgbg100106]

Sounds like a great dish, I saw the pics, and it looks delish.

I got a package in the mail, it is beautiful.

I am still studying my French, according to the online test I just took I am about 46% fluent in French... LMAO... I can read it much better than listening or speaking.

WFDT - schezwan shrimp, except I will not eat the shrimp, those are for David. I add snow peas to mine.

 

[franandaj]

WFDT - schezwan shrimp, except I will not eat the shrimp, those

So do you make two different stir frys or do you cook it all together and then just give him all the shrimp?

I'm glad you like your package.

Tonight we're having Fondue for dinner. It's a packaged mix so all I have to do is cut the bag open and heat. Instead of bread cubes, we will dip lil' smokies, celery, mushrooms, potatoes, and apples.

 

[dgbg100106]

It really depends on the recipe but this one I have to do it all together and then I just pick the shrimp out and give to him.

Fondue sounds good, I assume you are using cheese right? One of the fondues we had in Switzerland was just hot red wine, that you dipped in.

 

[franandaj]

Fondue sounds good, I assume you are using cheese right? One of the fondues we had in Switzerland was just hot red wine, that you dipped in.

It's a prepackaged cheese fondue. But we go to a fondue restaurant (I think you have one in DC, the Melting Pot), they serve a four course fondue meal.
1. You choice of Cheese (with all the things I mentioned above minis sausages, but with bread)
2. Choice of three salads
3. Meat/Poultry/Seafood & vegetables with your choice of cooking liquid (oil, boullion, wine, or one other)
4. Choice of chocolate with fruit, marshmallows, brownie, and cheesecake bites.

It's a ton of food, but so so good!

 

[dgbg100106]

It's a prepackaged cheese fondue. But we go to a fondue restaurant (I think you have one in DC, the Melting Pot), they serve a four course fondue meal.
1. You choice of Cheese (with all the things I mentioned above minis sausages, but with bread)
2. Choice of three salads
3. Meat/Poultry/Seafood & vegetables with your choice of cooking liquid (oil, boullion, wine, or one other)
4. Choice of chocolate with fruit, marshmallows, brownie, and cheesecake bites.

It's a ton of food, but so so good!

Yes we have one in Annapolis, Baltimore, and Columbia, all within driving distance. I have never been but David has gone with his X...lol, maybe that is why we have never been.

That is a lot fo food for sure.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning girls,

Pastor Anne and I went to an all day conference yesterday so I wasn't able to get in here. It was very interesting and had many helpful ways to do things. I was glad I went.

Today is Ethan's first football game - in pads, helmets, full uniform and plays. He is so excited and his Momma is a nervous wreck. Ethan is just a little guy and the other kids are big boys. But if there were awards for tenacity he would get it. There is nothing the boy doesn't think he can do. And I love him for it!! His game is at 5 and it is suppose to be raining. I really hope it holds off as this is the only home game and we really want to go. Fingers crossed!!

Alison ~ Like I said - you are a really good person. All that drinking and fun for your friends. I really do think the mugs are cute.
I love fondue. I haven't ever been to a Melting Pot, but I have heard about them. When I was in Switzerland that had to be a highlight for me. We ate fondue in a Mt. Chalet. It was so neat - something I will NEVER forget and the fondue was pretty good also.

Brandi ~ Oh your games this last weekend were fun to watch. We play Oregon this Saturday and tickets are going for over $500 a piece, some as high as $1000. They are really hyping this game. Even the Oregon paper is saying it will be close. We shall see.

WFDT ~ Hawaiian pork chops, jasmine rice and zucchini casserole.

Make it a great day!!

 

[franandaj]

Zucchini Casserole, Ellen? Please share! I love zucchini and I've only got a handful of ways that I prepare it. Always looking for new ideas!

We had fun that day at DL, all we did was shop, eat and drink. No rides! I'm glad we came back with some extra mugs to share the wealth. They sold out of them by 10PM that night. Shame on Disney for not realizing how many people would want them. I hear they are scrambling to make more. There were only 2500 in that first run.

I'm not sure what's for dinner tonight. I had Chicken Parm on the menu for last night, but the day got away from us. We had a Chile Verde Enchilada casserole from Sam's Club instead. It was really good. I cut it in half and put the rest in the freezer for another day. So I was thinking of making the Chicken Parm tonight, but then Fran said yesterday she would like me to program "meat salads" for dinner. You know like a big salad with chicken or beef strips on top of it. We also bought some cooked chicken strips at Sam's. I have lettuce, tomato, celery and onions. It's not an exciting salad, but I could throw in a hard boiled egg, some cheese and a little spinach and it would still be pretty good.

I'll have to report back in as to what I choose. Right now I'm eating the leftover chicken lettuce cups from Trader Sam's!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning,

Alison ~ I will get you the recipe, but it will have to be tomorrow as I am at work now and it is at home.
I absolutely love meat salads. My favorite is steak salad. I sear a filet - medium rare - and cut it real thin across the grain, dress my salad with blue cheese crumbles and I use an Italian vinegarette. YUM!!

Hello to everyone else

Ethan won his game last night 34 - 20. It was really good and Doug & I were duly impressed - the boys really play good together. He was beside himself with excitement of a win because the 8th graders lost their game to the same team.

It is cold (61) and drizzly here today. We haven't seen the sun since Saturday. Doug is at Husker Harvest Days (a HUGE outdoor fair of sorts) working the BHE booth. He was excited and concerned that he was going to be drenched. I really hope it doesn't rain on them all day. Otherwise it should be really fun!!

WFDT ~ Lemon Shrimp pasta, green salad and garlic bread.

Make it a great day!

 

[dgbg100106]

Good morning y'all,

One week, one week, 7 days, single digit dance.

Tonight for dinner, is fresh veggies, to clean out my fridge! Cause you know I have to have a clean fridge when I leave.


7 days!!!!!

 

[franandaj]

How exciting Brandi! I hope you are getting all ready, it sounds like you are plenty excited!

My trip is 33 days away and I'm starting to freak out a bit. I finally placed my grocery order a couple days ago, but I still haven't picked out my outfits for each day.

WFDT? Skirt Steak Fajitas.

 

[dgbg100106]

this weekend I will go thru my clothes and see what I am taking and if I need to buy anything.
I have things planned for the trip, tours, and such except for Paris, the last 6 days will be there and we have decided to play it by ear. We have been there before (not together) and have seen most of the tourist stuff already and museums, so we are sticking to mostly neighborhoods and enjoying the parisian lifestyle.

Lots of gastronomy for us this trip.

I have had three months of French lessons, and it says I am 50% fluent in reading French and about 35% in speaking, so I have my phrase book with me.

We have a car for part of it and will use train / metro for the rest.

I think we are ready.

33 days until WDW? wow, time is flying by.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Happy Monday all,

Good grief, I could have sworn I posted on Thursday, but I guess I didn't. Sorry about that. Doug and I took Friday off as we had noon Volleyball tickets. NE Volleyball is undefeated and there were 2 games on Friday and 1 on Saturday evening. The kids all came in and went also and then the BIG game on Saturday. We beat Oregon and it was awesome. I don't think I have ever heard Memorial Stadium louder. We were really rocking!! We all had so much fun. Elizabeth and Jay don't do the games like the rest of us do, so it was amazing having them there also. We really had a great time. Doug and I said on the way home last night that we hated to see the weekend be over.

You both are making me very jealous. You both have amazing trips on the horizon - so much fun!!

Brandi ~ I am so impressed that you took French classes before your trip. I have never done that before. I will tell you this though- you will not have a problem with the language. Everywhere in Europe they ALL speak English very well. It has never been a problem.
Safe travels my friend and have a great time!!

Alison ~ I have never ever been to F & W festival. Can't wait for the trip report on this one. You and Fran always have the best time.
I love the pictures of you new pool. I bet you both are loving it.

WFDT ~ Cheese tortellini, and a green salad

Make it a great day.

 

[dgbg100106]

3 days.... 3 days.... 3 days....

I have never had a problem before on a trip, but this time we are driving thru some pretty small towns in a rental car, and I wanted to make sure I knew some basic french before I went. I can at least read the menu, order food and wine, ask where things are, when they open or close, etc.

Texas A&M and Alabama both won this weekend, and the Bama game made me so upset, that I got a headache, ughhh, it was a nail bitter.

 

[franandaj]

This is my 3rd trip to Epcot F&W. And I hope that I have allotted enough time and stomach space for everything I want to try. I've also labeled several booths as TIOLI (take it or leave it). Our first two full days are devoted to having lunch, dinner, and snacks I between from the kiosks. There were only 13 at F&G, there are 29 at F&W!

You're going to have such a great time Brandi. Would you do me a favor? Can you just look out where you're at and keep in mind Fran's inability to climb more than 5-7 steps comfortably? I don't need a blow by blow, but if you could just notice, and tell me if say 90% of the restaurants or wineries, hotels, shops, were not scooter accessible, or maybe it's only 50%, maybe it's 100%. Also are you visiting the Loire Valley? That's where I want to go. I love Sancerre and Vouvray and that's where they make those. I hear it's beautiful!.

People tell me that as new businesses go on and older ones make improvements they are required to make accessible routes, so many choose not to change. I'm pretty sure we will need to stick with modern stuff as most old quaint places will be inaccessible for Fran.

Have a great trip!

WFDT? Tri tip, corn on the cob, baked beans and green beans.

 

[dgbg100106]

Alison - I have made a mental note, and even told David that we need to just pay attention and see what is around us so I can let you know.

We are going to Sedan - for the Maginot Line, then do Normandy for the beaches and the cemeteries, down to Mont St. Michelle to view the abbey, then to Lorie valley for wineries and chateaux, then to Paris for a week, then home - 18 days.... So I should be able to give you an idea once we are back.

I know a couple of places that we are going specifically said that it was not accessible - the Catacombs of Paris and the towers of Notre Dame

I know that the Maginot Line has an elevator so I think that one would be ok, but I will let you know later.

 

[franandaj]

Alison - I have made a mental note, and even told David that we need to just pay attention and see what is around us so I can let you know.

Thanks, Paula has said that France is awful and they don't travel there anymore, but Fran is a tad but more mobile than Paula. I appreciate you just keeping an eye out.

So far without any research I see our trip being 4-5 days at DLP, 4-5 days in the Loire valley area, and 4-5 days in Paris proper. She doesn't like to be gone more than 10 days. We may bite the bullet and do two weeks since the flights are so long.

But before any plans can be made, we need to get that old house cleaned out, and we have done nothing towards that for several weeks now.

WFDT? Tri tip sandwiches in the cat on the way to band practice.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Tired Tuesday here,

I am so tired today. I didn't sleep a bit last night. Oh I know I did some, but for the most part I was awake. Finally at 4 am I turned the TV on and finally dozed. Doug wasn't much better and at 4 he just got up. I don't know what it was but neither of us slept. And I have a big day today. We are working on our Conference book that is due in 5 weeks. Pastor Anne is of course changing it up, as it should be but that also mean I have to do it all different. I have never liked the way it was set up to begin with. It makes it all a mess. She is putting things together that should be. It will be really nice to have it easier to understand and read, but it sure makes a lot of work for me. Plus I have my audits to start. Oh how I wish I wasn't so tired.

Brandi ~ I totally understand that you would want a bit of French as out on the back roads there might not be a lot of English spoken. But we were surprised that most everywhere we wet everyone spoke English. We had not one problem.
You will have so much fun.

Alison ~ I hated to see your trip report over. I really enjoyed it even if I wasn't ANY good at the game.

Ethan has a football game in a town about 35 miles away at 4pm. Good grief don't they think people have to work. Elizabeth is not able to go and Jay is still at the Police Academy so I am going. Actually Pastor Anne and I are going. She is so excited. I think it is so great that she tries to go the kids' events. They all love that she goes. Doug has to work till 5 so he and Elizabeth are going to Liams' football game here in Lex. I am treating Pastor Anne to dinner. She loves Mexican and on out way there is the best place. She will love it!!

WFDT ~ Cheese enchiladas, rice and beans. YUM!!

Make it a great day!