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

[FormrCastMbr]

Hey Lauren, our WDW trips are at the same time. We will be there Nov. 1-7.

Maybe we can plan something...we are not going crazy at the parks since the baby came along but when it gets closer, we'll talk. OK? How is Jan?

 

[TigerKat]

QUESTION: I let my hair grow to be able to pull it back when I had the baby but now it seems to be getting in the way. Should I chop it off?

I LOVE my hair short, people tell me I look much younger.

 

[TigerKat]

Sheryl, I need a few things from MK...are you up to that?

I couldn't figure out what on earth you needed from Magic Kingdom.....

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I must be really tired cause I do know WFD. I took precooked chicken out. I am going to make the filling for pot pie and have biscuits with it. Tom requested that yesterday.

Here is the recipe from last night. This is a recipe my sister got from a co worker years ago and it has no measurements so they are approximates.

Italian Pork (or Chicken)

4 - 6 pork chops (or chicken pcs)
4 larger potatoes, peeled and chopped to about 1 inch pcs
1 can Italian tomatoes (use only some of the juice), I suggest 1 1/2 cans of diced
salt, pepper, garlic to taste
1 onion sliced
parsley
about 1/2 - 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
about 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
olive oil

Preheat oven to 450.

In a baking dish, layer pork, add potatoes, then tomatoes, layer onions. Then add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Sprinkle parsley over the top, then cheese and then bread crumbs to form like a crust. Drizzle olive oil over the top.

Cook on 450 for 15 minutes, then turn down to 350 and continue to cook for 1 hour.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I couldn't figure out what on earth you needed from Magic Kingdom.....

Oh jeez, I guess I am really tired. I am needing me some Mary Kay!

 

[Nancyg56]

I guess this is a day for bad news. I just got a phone call from my dad. He's in Paris right now, with a tour group he put together. They are people who visit his Festival every year and donate money to it. Anyway, one of the ladies on the tour had a heart attack and died in Paris. They've had to go through tons of red tape in order to get her body shipped back to the States. Dad really isn't handling it well. I just wish that I could be there for him.

Oh your poor Dad! I cannot imagine that he could handle this well, he is still healing. Prayers for all of those affected by this sad loss.

I had to explain this is just one example of the many things in life that is unfair and stupid He can have as much fun as his dad and I tourmenting his children when he is grown

Hey guys, scotlass & I have been in touch and she passes on her love to all of you. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

She's got some medical issues and needs our good thoughts.

Prayers and good thoughts are hers!

He had a very, very, bad day at work, so I shut down my idea of "fancy" salad & gave him a good m-rare burger with potato chips & wine. His day was so rough, the burgers, LOTS of potato chips!, and wine didn't even seem to help! I feel bad when he starts talking engineering stuff that I am clueless about. All I can say is I'm sorry & fix the food that he feels will help.

Sometimes food is the best remedy for a bad day. It had to be bad though, I remember that you said a burger and chips make you Bob very very happy. I hope today is better.

Lauren- I'm sorry that you could not see Charles and hope that he got some relief from the acupuncture. I have heard how much it helps.

I have my hair a little longer than normal right now but it will get cut soon. I don;t know about you but after having longish hair a shorter cut feels like I have lost a huge weight on me.

Tonight I am going to fix the curry honey chicken and brown rice. There is leftover chicken and potatoes if Buddy and Kady do not want it. Kady has her interview with the priest this evening as part of her prep for her 1st Holy Communion. I know that it is a sacrament and I know that they all mean well but Holy Moly! I think it is overkill, between the classes, the retreat (which is short but is a commitment nonetheless) the interviews and the then the rehearsals, she is not looking forward to this. It is overwhelming to her. She is making up her retreat with a Mini Rretreat on Monday evening and then must race to dance, she is preparing for the recital. I think it is way too much!

 

[nucpharm29]

Gretchen--sending prayers to you and your dad.

Lauren--PD that you can see Charles today. Continued prayers for him. As far as your hair, when I was preggers with both kids I grew my hair out, for the same reason you said, it was just so much easier to pull it back and go. And then after both kids were born I chopped it off. I guess I needed to feel "pretty" again and that helped a bit.

Sheryl--PD and prayers that Angelina gets this job and that the insurance gets sorted out. COBRA sucks!

Glynis--what an awful situation for you dad and the family of the person that had the heart attack. Sending lots of prayers there as well

Well, I guess it's time for me to ask for some prayers as well. I just got an email from my mom saying that her sister has been having some issues. She's been in a lot of pain and has lost 20lbs. She had some blood work and an upper GI done yesterday and from what my mom said the results are troubling. My mom's other sister is a breast cancer surviovor and her dad died of lung cancer, so I know she's thinking the worst. Please send some prayers out to my mom and her sister if you have some to spare.

Made a good (but definitely not healthy) pasta dish last night. Tonight will be leftovers for the troops and whatever I scrounge up at Walgreen's to eat.

 

[Rogue26]

Morning everyone, you've all been busy here, I just wish it was with good news. My thoughts are with you all.

Lauren- Don't cut your hair!!! It's already pretty long so you can grow it out with me. A good family friend breast cancer has returned after many years and another has been diagnosed with lung cancer. In their honor I'm growing my hair out for locks of love, I figured it's the only way I can help. I'm also hoping to get some of the girls I work with to do it. I hope at the end of the summer we can all get our hair cut with before and after group pictures.

Gretchen- Thinking of your dad and your family. A man I work with had lung cancer, but they were able to remove that part of his lung as it hadn't spread much. My husband's missing the top of his lung, for a different reason, and he say's it feels weird but he can do everything he used to do. Hopefully the tests give you some answers.

Scotlass- hope your feeling better soon

I know many more of you need good thoughts too, so I'll think of all of you. I can't believe how many people are affected by cancer, I don't know anyone who isn't. I really don't know what to say and I don't want to accidently offend anyone.

Ace- good work, I hope you get that home!

Chicken legs for dinner, I found them at the bottom of the basement freezer and should probably use them.

 

[OKWMom]

Thank you to everyone for the kind words and prayers for my family. I really appreciate all of them and all of you for being so supportive. He has at least two more tests, but what we do know now is that the tumor is inoperable due to the location and the involvement of several major blood vessels and that it is approx. 9 cm. However, none of us are giving up hope. My Dad hasn't had an easy life since his own father died when Daddy was just 11 and he has been a fighter ever since. He has always been my hero and I have always thought of him as Superman. If anyone can fight this thing back it is him.

There are so many of you in my prayers also. I'll now add Stephanie and her family as well as scotslass to the list.

Lauren - I hope you are able to visit with your brother soon and I really hope they find some mixture of pain meds to make him comfortable.

I know I should do a better job of responding today, but quite frankly my mind is in a fog and I just can't get it together. I don't know what dinner is tonight, Kenny fixed the tacos last night and sent some leftovers with me to work today with orders to eat lunch whether I wanted it or not.

 

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

It's a rainy yucky day down in Nola today.

Sheryl, that would be great if we could chill our Rosa in your frig! I would love for y'all to join us at FF. We can't make our ADR's until July, so I'll check with you before I call and make sure y'all still want to go. Are y'all not planning on PFTS this year? I think Bendy & Jay will be that night. I've been thinking about something for Bendy and am clueless. Your idea about the liquor is good, not sure if they'd want more food after PFTS though....but then again we're talking about bottomless pit Bendy.

WFD - Going out to lunch with co-worker at PF Chang's so I'm doing tacos for my guys tonight.

Enjoy your lunch, I hope you can stay dry!

It wouldn't be a problem to chill your wine. Bendy is a true bottomless pit, she walked out of PFTS wondering where she could get more food!
Kat, I really can't make up my mind about PFTS. With all the changes expected with F&W Fest, PFTS might be the only thing available. I do think we will only do it, if there is a group going. Otherwise I think I'd much rather enjoy a nice dinner at FF with you & Johnny.

QUESTION: I let my hair grow to be able to pull it back when I had the baby but now it seems to be getting in the way. Should I chop it off?

*********
Sheryl, I need a few things from MK...are you up to that? I agree with Kat, you're an awesome wife to make a "special" dinner for Bob. Hope his day is better today. Don't you hate when they talk shop?

Prayers for Charles, I hope you get to see him today.

If your hair is getting in the way you should cut it. Besides long hair doesn't really look very attractive with baby spit up in it! Seriously though I think it would look cute cut in a chin length bob!


I have a large MK order on the way, but I put it in at the end of the month, so it might take a little longer to get here. Let me know what you need & as soon as I have it, I'll send it on it's way to you!

I couldn't figure out what on earth you needed from Magic Kingdom.....

Oh jeez, I guess I am really tired. I am needing me some Mary Kay!

Well if Lauren really NEEDS me to get something in the Magic Kingdom, who am I to argue?

Sometimes food is the best remedy for a bad day. It had to be bad though, I remember that you said a burger and chips make you Bob very very happy. I hope today is better.

Tonight I am going to fix the curry honey chicken and brown rice. There is leftover chicken and potatoes if Buddy and Kady do not want it. Kady has her interview with the priest this evening as part of her prep for her 1st Holy Communion. I know that it is a sacrament and I know that they all mean well but Holy Moly! I think it is overkill, between the classes, the retreat (which is short but is a commitment nonetheless) the interviews and the then the rehearsals, she is not looking forward to this. It is overwhelming to her. She is making up her retreat with a Mini Rretreat on Monday evening and then must race to dance, she is preparing for the recital. I think it is way too much!

I hope Bob has a better day too. He was not a happy guy last night & he rolled out of here this morning expecting more work troubles.

Poor Kady, sounds like she could really use some gravy with her chicken & potatoes! A retreat? They have to attend a retreat, that is a bit much! Prayers that she doesn't stress over her Communion, it should be an exciting fun time for them.

Sheryl--PD and prayers that Angelina gets this job and that the insurance gets sorted out. COBRA sucks!

Well, I guess it's time for me to ask for some prayers as well. I just got an email from my mom saying that her sister has been having some issues. She's been in a lot of pain and has lost 20lbs. She had some blood work and an upper GI done yesterday and from what my mom said the results are troubling. My mom's other sister is a breast cancer surviovor and her dad died of lung cancer, so I know she's thinking the worst. Please send some prayers out to my mom and her sister if you have some to spare.

Made a good (but definitely not healthy) pasta dish last night. Tonight will be leftovers for the troops and whatever I scrounge up at Walgreen's to eat.

Thanks Stepanie! COBRA does suck!

Lots of prayers for your Aunt & your Mom! I'm praying it's not the C-word.

Gretchen, I'm sorry to hear this lastest news. I'll be praying even more for your Dad and for you.

Lindsay, Still praying for Jan.

Glynis, I hope your Dad is handling the situation okay.


Dinner? I haven't a clue. I think Bob will need something more comforting than the salad I've been wanting.

 

[liamsaunt]

Stephanie, Glynis, Gretchen, and Scottlass, I'll keep you all in my thoughts.

Kathy, do they sell chilled Rosa at the Italy pavillion? If you are going to be at EPCOT before dinner, maybe you could pick it up there?

Lauren, if your hair is bothering you I would just cut it. You have a lot on your plate right now. Of course, I am partial to short hair.

I am STILL sick. It's just a bad cold, but it's driving me crazy. The older I get, the less tolerant I am of colds. I decided to take a sick day today to spare my coworkers from having to listen to me sneeze and cough all day. I am sure they are appreciative.

I finally uploaded some dinner pictures. Here is Monday's meal--stuffed shells with salad and cheesy garlic bread (yeah, lots of cheese, I know...)

On Tuesday I made corn chowder:

And last night I made chicken "marsala." It was not real chicken marsala because I discovered that I only have sweet marsala in the house right now (and why I have that, I have no idea. I must have bought it by mistake.). So, I used white wine instead, and served it over pasta and baby spinach. I brined the chicken breasts for 20 minutes in an equal amount of salt and sugar dissolved in a quart of cold water before cooking. I read about this method in cooks illustrated, and it really did make for juicy well seasoned chicken.

Not sure what is for dinner tonight yet. It will depend on how I am feeling.

 

[bigmerle1966]

I couldn't figure out what on earth you needed from Magic Kingdom.....

Oh jeez, I guess I am really tired. I am needing me some Mary Kay!

I was wondering the same thing especially since she wasn't going for 6 months!

Doing something with chicken breast tonight, not sure if it will be grilled or lemonized. If the weather is okay I will grill it, if not I am going to bread it with panko, saute it in olive oil then bake it with lemon juice on it. Have it with a green veggie and some roasted potatoes.

 

[liamandcaili]

Wow, there was a lot of bad news on here the past day. Good thoughts, prayers and pixie dust for Gretchen's dad, Sheryl's Angelina, Stephanie's mom and aunt, Lauren's Charles, Scotlass, Glynis's dad, and Lindsay's Jan. for all of you.

Laura, Hang in there, this evening he'll probably say something very sweet to make up for this morning!

Quite the contrary. We had the Battle of Abraham Lincoln here last night. There was no blood shed, but there were tears. Liam also said he was going to call the police because I was being mean. Have I mentioned how much I hate elementary school projects? The good news is, it is over. The whole thing got turned in today, so we can all turn the page and move on.

He wanted to not go to the last day of school. He thought it was a dumb idea. I had to explain this is just one example of the many things in life that is unfair and stupid He can have as much fun as his dad and I tourmenting his children when he is grown

What is wrong with the last day of school though?

That's what I'll do then, just pack it in a bag with the corkscrew!

The restaurant won't let you open the bottle yourself. Like Aimee said, you'll have to pay a corkage fee and your server will have to open the bottle.

His day was so rough, the burgers, LOTS of potato chips!, and wine didn't even seem to help!

You are so nice to try to help him feel better with that meal. I hope his day is better today.

QUESTION: I let my hair grow to be able to pull it back when I had the baby but now it seems to be getting in the way. Should I chop it off?

I think it depends how much you have to style it if it is short. When my kids were newborns, I kept my hair long, so I could just pull it back and not have to fuss with it. It also helped with the hair tugging.

In their honor I'm growing my hair out for locks of love

That is a wonderful idea, Robin. If Caili ever decides she wants short hair, I will definitely suggest this to her. She has really long hair.

I'm not sure what is for dinner yet. After the week we have had, I think we need a really good family meal that everyone enjoys.

 

[shovan]

Becky, Even sick you still fix some wonderful meals! I hope the day off helps you get over this nasty cold. Thanks for the wonderful food porn you always give us! We really need something fun around here with all the sad stuff troubling everyone!

Quite the contrary. We had the Battle of Abraham Lincoln here last night. There was no blood shed, but there were tears. Liam also said he was going to call the police because I was being mean. Have I mentioned how much I hate elementary school projects? The good news is, it is over. The whole thing got turned in today, so we can all turn the page and move on.


:The restaurant won't let you open the bottle yourself. Like Aimee said, you'll have to pay a corkage fee and your server will have to open the bottle.


You are so nice to try to help him feel better with that meal. I hope his day is better today.

I think it depends how much you have to style it if it is short. When my kids were newborns, I kept my hair long, so I could just pull it back and not have to fuss with it. It also helped with the hair tugging.

I'm not sure what is for dinner yet. After the week we have had, I think we need a really good family meal that everyone enjoys.

Laura, You are a nice Mom! After the battle last night, I was sure dinner would be Liam's least favorite meal.

Just to clarify for Kat, she wants the wine for a get together we are having with Brenda in one of the "salon" areas at the Beach Club, it won't be in a restaurant.


Lauren, I rethinking my reply about the haircut. Laura has reminded me about the hair tugging, at least a ponytail takes care of that problem.

We had a minor scene here yesterday over school too.
Alexis was all stressed out & crying about kindergarten Career Day coming up on Friday. They want them to dress up & talk about what they want to be when they grow up, BUT they want it to be a professional or community helper type job. She was all upset because she doesn't want to do any of those kinds of jobs! She wants to be a Singer/Chef or an artist or a Magician when she grows up! I couldn't even calm her down. When Chris came home, she finally calmed her down & has convinced her to "act" like she wants to be a teacher. She is interested in planets right now, so Chris told her they'd make a poster of the solar system & she could dress like a grown up & wear lipstick. That worked!

 

[Glynis]

Whoa lady! You are too smart & DD thought we were tough! You ideas amaze me. I'm impressed with the cute ideas for family fun, but I really think you could teach a class on child behavior & parenting!
How old is Katie & when should I start to expect this with Alexis? DD sorted started off with kind of attitude, but Alexis is so different.



I'm sending prayers for your Dad! That must be a really difficult situation for him to handle.

Katie started with the attitude and irresponsibility when she was 8-9. I don't know why she got that way, she'd always been a pretty good child. However, we wanted to nip it in the bud. I really worried about how she would handle jr. high if she wasn't held accountable at an early age. She had a 4th grade teacher that didn't help at all, and really enabled Katie's feeling of entitlement. Luckily, her 5th grade teacher stopped that, and our new rules seem to be working. Every child is different, so who knows if Alexis will even get to that stage?

Thanks for the prayers, it's really difficult for him!

 

[liamandcaili]

Just to clarify for Kat, she wants the wine for a get together we are having with Brenda in one of the "salon" areas at the Beach Club

I guess I misread somewhere.

I'm sorry Alexis was all stressed out about Career Day. Why wouldn't they just let the kids pick whatever they wanted? I think it is pretty funny to hear what little kids want to be when they grow up. For example, Caili wants to own a farm (animals only...no vegetables), live in my house, and convert Liam's room into a bunny room when he moves out. She is also NEVER getting married.

Nancy -- That does sound like an awful lot for a young child. I hope Kady does well at her interview. Have you heard from Timmy lately?

 

[liamandcaili]

Katie started with the attitude and irresponsibility when she was 8-9.

I've read that it is pretty normal for kids to have a little rebellious stage at that age. They say it is a preview for adolescence.

Liam is usually pretty responsible about his schoolwork, but these big projects are torture. He is used to being able to do his work quickly, so when he has to spend a lot of time on something, he gets overwhelmed. I have now learned that I am going to have to set up a timetable for these projects and have him do pieces of it a little at a time.

It sounds like your rules are working for Katie.

 

[Nancyg56]

Well, I guess it's time for me to ask for some prayers as well. I just got an email from my mom saying that her sister has been having some issues. She's been in a lot of pain and has lost 20lbs. She had some blood work and an upper GI done yesterday and from what my mom said the results are troubling.

There is always time to spare for family and friends When will sh know what is happening?

We had a minor scene here yesterday over school too.
Alexis was all stressed out & crying about kindergarten Career Day coming up on Friday. They want them to dress up & talk about what they want to be when they grow up, BUT they want it to be a professional or community helper type job. She was all upset because she doesn't want to do any of those kinds of jobs! She wants to be a Singer/Chef or an artist or a Magician when she grows up! I couldn't even calm her down. When Chris came home, she finally calmed her down & has convinced her to "act" like she wants to be a teacher. She is interested in planets right now, so Chris told her they'd make a poster of the solar system & she could dress like a grown up & wear lipstick. That worked!

So the school wants them to show what they want to be when they grow up as long as it is within the framework that the teachers have chosen to be acceptable???????? Sheryl, I would be less than thrilled if my child spirits were dampened at 7 for goodness sakes!

Quite the contrary. We had the Battle of Abraham Lincoln here last night. There was no blood shed, but there were tears. Liam also said he was going to call the police because I was being mean. Have I mentioned how much I hate elementary school projects? The good news is, it is over. The whole thing got turned in today, so we can all turn the page and move on.

I should not be laughing but . He wanted to call the police because you were mean? Kady was not even speaking to me this morning when she trounced out of the car, I would have been turned in this morning as well

He has at least two more tests, but what we do know now is that the tumor is inoperable due to the location and the involvement of several major blood vessels and that it is approx. 9 cm. However, none of us are giving up hope. My Dad hasn't had an easy life since his own father died when Daddy was just 11 and he has been a fighter ever since. He has always been my hero and I have always thought of him as Superman. If anyone can fight this thing back it is him.

Yes he can fight this! Tom's was inoperable as well but the treatments changed all of that. He never has any operations but the radiation was rough. The chemo was not as bad as he thought it would be. The initial prognosis was horrible but he is fine now

What a nice idea!

Becky- I hope that cold goes fast! I cannot imagine cooking when I don;t feel well and you manage to work and then cook....I sleep.

 

[Glynis]

Gretchen--sending prayers to you and your dad.

Lauren--PD that you can see Charles today. Continued prayers for him. As far as your hair, when I was preggers with both kids I grew my hair out, for the same reason you said, it was just so much easier to pull it back and go. And then after both kids were born I chopped it off. I guess I needed to feel "pretty" again and that helped a bit.

Sheryl--PD and prayers that Angelina gets this job and that the insurance gets sorted out. COBRA sucks!

Glynis--what an awful situation for you dad and the family of the person that had the heart attack. Sending lots of prayers there as well

Well, I guess it's time for me to ask for some prayers as well. I just got an email from my mom saying that her sister has been having some issues. She's been in a lot of pain and has lost 20lbs. She had some blood work and an upper GI done yesterday and from what my mom said the results are troubling. My mom's other sister is a breast cancer surviovor and her dad died of lung cancer, so I know she's thinking the worst. Please send some prayers out to my mom and her sister if you have some to spare.

Made a good (but definitely not healthy) pasta dish last night. Tonight will be leftovers for the troops and whatever I scrounge up at Walgreen's to eat.

Stephanie - I'm sending out prayers and good thoughts for your mom and your aunt.

 

[Glynis]

I've read that it is pretty normal for kids to have a little rebellious stage at that age. They say it is a preview for adolescence.

Liam is usually pretty responsible about his schoolwork, but these big projects are torture. He is used to being able to do his work quickly, so when he has to spend a lot of time on something, he gets overwhelmed. I have now learned that I am going to have to set up a timetable for these projects and have him do pieces of it a little at a time.

It sounds like your rules are working for Katie.

It's all trial and error with these pre-teen, isn't it?