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

[Nancyg56]

Yay! Lauren and Thomas are going home. Ok, Lauren, time for my lecture. Even though you are going home, you need to remember that you just had major surgery. Let the boys wait on you hand and foot! Do NOT pick up anything over 5 pounds. You will be so sore that it could really hurt you. Get as much rest as you can! It's important to do this, because you don't have the nurses to help you out with the baby. You need to let Tom and Andrew help out so that you can get your strength back. Do drink your water, and walk around as much as you can. It will help strengthen your muscles. The biggest thing for me was the emotional aspect of things. As the pregnancy hormones leave your body, you will get terribly emotional over nothing. Let it happen. Cry when you feel like crying, and laugh when you feel like laughing. Be sure and let Tom know when you feel like things are turning really depressing. Sometimes, it can get really bad. Don't keep anything in. Most of all, just love that little guy! He is so amazing!

Excellent advice!

I agree that the cook gets to choose once in a while

My shelter puts down 80% of the dogs that come into it - 50% of those are purebred, many many are puppies. It's very easy to find puppies, even purebred puppies, in rescue in southern states. Lots of "northeners" get dogs transferred to them from southern states since the northern areas don't have as many dogs in shelters. Thank goodness people like you are willing to get a dog out of state!

I had no idea. Buddy has his heart set on an Australian Shepard. I would love a Great Pyrenees. I am totally opposed to "ordering" a dog when there are so many in shelters, I have never gotten a purebred anything unless I took it in so when the time comes I am going to call on you for advice. I'll also let Dan and Erica know, they were in a pet store and Erica fell in love with a dog but Dan also wants a shelter dog when the time comes to add on.

Nancy- Our cat really keeps our dog in line, the dog is terrified of the cat. Dog is 60 pounds, cat is 8. In the dogs defense, I'm scared of the cat too, he's not a pleasant animal. Our dog being a nervous wreck is the only thing keeping me from really pushing for a second dog.

I can just picture that! My brother found a little white cat under his shed and somehow she found her way into the house. Poor Mitzy lost her bed, her spot on teh couch, her spot on anyone's lap.....the kitty tossed that dog right out

I'll try to visit more often, even when I feel like I have nothing to contribute, or am a little embarrassed as to what's on the table for dinner.

Embarrassed might not be the right word....I know y'all won't judge. I'm still amazed at the dinners y'all put together with the busy lives all of you lead.

!

Please do not feel that way. We do have some amazing cooks...you have seen some of the meals here. But we are really a bunch of women who cook use food as a way to get to know each other. If you follow what I feed my family and then see some of their reactions you will never apologize for your meals again. And if my DD sees your hot dog spaghetti she is really going to GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR at WW this week! After months of low to no fat meals with whole grains and no hot dogs......well you get the picture

 

[Nancyg56]

Caujunmommy- now you've done it! Marisa just called to tell me if I make hot dog spaghetti she will kill me....now all she can think about is the spaghetti my Aunt showed me how to make. saute onions in butter...lots of butter. Add tomato soup and then cooked spaghetti. She called it French spaghetti. I used to make it on Friday's often and Marisa loved it.


If I add one more comfort meal to the list that she loves and cannot eat I am a dead Nana

 

[Rogue26]

Aimee- That's how we got our dog, a lab rescue that brings dogs up from the south. Around here there are usually just pitbull pups, and they aren't for me. I can't imagine what the shelters must be like, ours has at the most 20 dog cages, and I've never seen them full. Even getting a kitten took months of waiting. And purebred dogs are so overrated, mixes really help with breed specific health issues. I had a german shephard that barely made it to 11, and a shephard mix that almost made 13, and heathy until the very end.

Glynis- I have the same theory with cooking, I please them most of the time, sometimes they can just deal with it and eat what I like. They better get used to it though, I just went to get a new pair of pants thinking I went up a size, but I went up two. I couldn't bring myself to buy them. I'm with your kids though, I can't stand curry- I can't get past the yellow color.

 

[Rogue26]

Nancy- If your feeling brave, go to petfinder.com. You type in your zip code and the shelters and rescues in your area show you what's available. You would be suprised in the number of rescue groups out there. We got ours from labs4rescue. Be prepared to see lots of cute, homeless faces.

 

[HERSEY]

Nancy If you get an Aussie Buddy needs to be on his toes. Hershey is part Aussie and he is too smart. He needs to be busy. I love him but I really like 7:30, that's when the little goof finally gets tired and lays down. oh and all my babies minus Alex come from rescue groups.

Tonight is leftover night.

CajunMommy Never be embarassed about family fav's. My fav thing my Great father used to make in basically mashed northern beans. Don't ask why it just has many warm memories attached.

 

[bigmerle1966]

I am just about done! It is so blessed hot in my office! I am thinking of going out and running a few errands to get out of here.

Dinner tonight will be fish, maybe I will make fish taco's.

 

[bigmerle1966]

My favorite food from the "past"; popcorn with salt and sugar on it mixed with Lucky Charms. My grandfather made that when we were little.

About 10 years ago my sister, a friend, her two kids and I went to a Christmas Festival. When we were leaving there they had a Kettle Corn stand, it tasted the exact same way minus the Lucky Charms! We were stuffing our faces with it, it was soooooo good. My friends kids are in the back seat asking for more and she kept telling them "in a minute"

I used to make it for snack when I worked in the programs too.

 

[liamandcaili]

Quick check in...but I don't want Kathy to be worried.

Good luck to Kyle! I am sure he will have fun.

Welcome home Lauren and Thomas! Lauren, listen to Glynis.

Sheryl -- I hope you had a nice lunch.

Sorry...I am running out the door to get the kids. We are having spaghetti and meatballs for dinner after skating.

 

[Glynis]

Please post it!

I'm almost embarrassed to post it.

Open a can of refried beans and mix it with 3/4 cup of your favorite salsa. Warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Brown a pound of ground beef (or turkey). Drain. Add 1 cup of water and a packet of taco seasoning mix. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Spread the bean mixture on a Boboli bread crust to within 1 inch of the edge. Top with meat. Crush up tortilla chips and sprinkle on top. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-16 minutes. There will be enough for 2 pizzas. When then come out of the oven, top with shredded cheese, olives and chopped tomatoes.

 

[Glynis]

Have you posted that recipe?

I'm not sure. I'll post it later this afternoon. I've got to find the actual recipe.

 

[OKWMom]

Hi there, does anyone even remember me?!? Have I told all of you before how very much I despise tax time?!?

Anyway, I figured I better check in, but I hope I will be around again now. Although I hate to say that in case I jinx myself.

I tried to read back, but heavens, I only have a 30 minute break or so. I did see the new addition to our family. Lauren, he is beautiful.

Ann, I hope you are still doing well carrying little Emma.

Kathy, I'll call you on my way home. Nothing serious, just a few more things I need.

Wendie, thank you so much for Hailey's postcard. She loves it and it is bent and worn from her carrying it around and looking at it.

I know I've missed so very much, so please someone catch me up if there is anything else important I've missed. Thanks.

BTW, we also have a new addition to our family. A four legged one. We (Kenny) adopted a 1.5 year old black lab last weekend. The family lost their home and couldn't take her to the rental house. I haven't had much time to enjoy the dog, but she is a dream. She is wonderful with the children and goes with me each morning to wake them up. She even jumps in Patrick's bed and nudges him until he wakes up and pets her. That alone saves me 5 minutes in the morning.

Hailey seems to like her too. She has only petted her once or twice, but she keeps looking at her and smiling. The first day we got her, I was working in the den while Hailey watched TV. Hailey kept looking from me to the dog and signing "dog" over and over like she was trying to tell me there was a dog in our house. See, all the children think they are smarter than me.

Dinner tonight is stuffed shells that I pulled out of the freezer.

 

[TigerKat]

I'm almost embarrassed to post it.

Open a can of refried beans and mix it with 3/4 cup of your favorite salsa. Warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Brown a pound of ground beef (or turkey). Drain. Add 1 cup of water and a packet of taco seasoning mix. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Spread the bean mixture on a Boboli bread crust to within 1 inch of the edge. Top with meat. Crush up tortilla chips and sprinkle on top. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-16 minutes. There will be enough for 2 pizzas. When then come out of the oven, top with shredded cheese, olives and chopped tomatoes.

Sounds like something my guys would love!

Hi there, does anyone even remember me?!? Have I told all of you before how very much I despise tax time?!?

Welcome home, we missed you!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I had no idea. Buddy has his heart set on an Australian Shepard. I would love a Great Pyrenees. I am totally opposed to "ordering" a dog when there are so many in shelters, I have never gotten a purebred anything unless I took it in so when the time comes I am going to call on you for advice. I'll also let Dan and Erica know, they were in a pet store and Erica fell in love with a dog but Dan also wants a shelter dog when the time comes to add on.

I have a friend that does Pyr rescue - she always has a foster dog and lots of puppies come through. My Mini Schnauzer is a shelter pup!

Aimee- That's how we got our dog, a lab rescue that brings dogs up from the south. Around here there are usually just pitbull pups, and they aren't for me. I can't imagine what the shelters must be like, ours has at the most 20 dog cages, and I've never seen them full. Even getting a kitten took months of waiting. And purebred dogs are so overrated, mixes really help with breed specific health issues. I had a german shephard that barely made it to 11, and a shephard mix that almost made 13, and heathy until the very end.

I so agree on purebreds! Winston is my easiest to train, healthiest, happiest dog - he's a dream. My issue with good ol mutts is the shedding due to asthma/allergies, but we still were able to rescue a non shedding dog and there are LOTS of mixes that don't shed.

You would bawl if you walked into some of these shelters.

My favorite food from the "past"; popcorn with salt and sugar on it mixed with Lucky Charms. My grandfather made that when we were little.

About 10 years ago my sister, a friend, her two kids and I went to a Christmas Festival. When we were leaving there they had a Kettle Corn stand, it tasted the exact same way minus the Lucky Charms! We were stuffing our faces with it, it was soooooo good. My friends kids are in the back seat asking for more and she kept telling them "in a minute"

I used to make it for snack when I worked in the programs too.

BTW, we also have a new addition to our family. A four legged one. We (Kenny) adopted a 1.5 year old black lab last weekend. The family lost their home and couldn't take her to the rental house. I haven't had much time to enjoy the dog, but she is a dream. She is wonderful with the children and goes with me each morning to wake them up. She even jumps in Patrick's bed and nudges him until he wakes up and pets her. That alone saves me 5 minutes in the morning.

Hailey seems to like her too. She has only petted her once or twice, but she keeps looking at her and smiling. The first day we got her, I was working in the den while Hailey watched TV. Hailey kept looking from me to the dog and signing "dog" over and over like she was trying to tell me there was a dog in our house. See, all the children think they are smarter than me.

Dinner tonight is stuffed shells that I pulled out of the freezer.

on the kids! I want to see pictures of the new family member! I'm glad you were able to step in and take care of him

 

[nucpharm29]

AFternoon ladies. Just back from a much needed trip to the grocery store. Now, I can tell you guys WFD. Gonna make Mostly Green Curry with coconut jasmine rice.

Becky--Your indian food looks wonderful. Do you make your own Naan? Looks just like what I bought at the store this afternoon.

Well, after our beautiful 80 degree day yesterday (when I was working), it's in the 30s and raining today. Blech! Gonna go snuggle up with the kids and watch some movies!

 

[liamsaunt]

Becky--Your indian food looks wonderful. Do you make your own Naan? Looks just like what I bought at the store this afternoon.

Nope! That is garlic naan from the freezer case at my local indian grocery. All I have to do is heat it up and brush a little butter on it. The only bread I can make from scratch is that no-knead stuff I post pictures of sometimes, and things like cornbread and popovers. Otherwise, I am useless on the bread making front.

Hi Gretchen!

 

[bigmerle1966]

I left work and went to Target, it was just as warm as my office was! Had my little list of things to get, forgot cough drops, again! Now I have to go back there for the 3rd time this week, I went on yesterday to pick up a few things too!

 

[Glynis]

Here's my recipe for Curried Honey Chicken:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1-2 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. salt
6 bone in chicken breast halves (I use boneless skinless)
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/3 cup cold water

In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients; set aside 1/3 cup for basting. Dip chicken in remaining butter mixture; place in a well-greased 9X13-inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 1 hour, basting occasionally with reserved butter mixture. Remove chicken and keep warm. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir in the pan drippings. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Drizzle over chicken.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I left work and went to Target, it was just as warm as my office was!

What is it with the heat? It was in the 50s outside, and really humid. Basically, it was comfortable. But NOOOOOOO. They had to go turn on the heat really high at work. It was blasting out all day. The fridge said the room temperature was in the high 80s. Opening the windows didn't help today because the air was stagnant.

High 80s + High humidity + stagnant air + WINTER CLOTHES =

No news in my world today. Although there was this guy on the train platform screaming "REVOLT! REVOLT! THIS CITY NEEDS TO WAKE UP!! REVOLT! REVOLT!" He wanted people to protest the MTA raising the fares, especially because the train he was waiting for was taking a really long time to come.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Lauren & Thomas are going home!!!!

YAY!!!!

I'll try to visit more often, even when I feel like I have nothing to contribute, or am a little embarrassed as to what's on the table for dinner.

Embarrassed might not be the right word....I know y'all won't judge. I'm still amazed at the dinners y'all put together with the busy lives all of you lead.

Let's see....where's that post about my meals for a week? When we got back from Louisiana, we had not been to the supermarket for about a week. The entire week, I only ate peanut butter sandwiches, a pizza we had delivered (we get 4 meals out of it), and fast food.

I rarely post what I'm having for dinner. I usually forget.

Tonight is chicken and mashed potatoes.

Hi there, does anyone even remember me?!? Have I told all of you before how very much I despise tax time?!?

Good to see you again!

 

[TigerKat]

Tonight is chicken and mashed potatoes.

You cooked it?