The What's for Dinner Thread- June 2012 (recipe index in OP)

[EJ4Disney]

Alison, have you and Fran ever seen this? I saw it and immediately thought of you. I saw one of the collectors had a chain holder from the Haunted Mansion. It was so neat and something I know Fran would love. Give it a look - just a thought.

If you are a collector of Disney art or memorabilia, you really should plan a visit to Dayton Disneyana. Next year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn I-675, 2800 Presidential Drive, Fairborn, OH June 13 – 14, 2015. Check the Dayton Disneyana web site for more details: http://daytondisneyana.org/1801.html

 

[EJ4Disney]

Happy Thursday all,

Brandi ~ I was going through some recipes here at work yesterday. Getting my "summer" ones out. I saw this and thought of you. It is really good and my go to for the summer when I can get the squash.

Southwest Style Spaghetti Squash
1 medium spaghetti squash
1/2 lb ground turkey (substitute black beans for meatless)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 red onion
chopped garlic - 2 cloves
1 minced jalapeno pepper
1 minced red bell pepper
1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
1/2 Tbsp oregano
1/2 Tbsp chili powder
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn - thawed
1/2 cup freshly torn cilantro, more for garnish (I don't like cilantro so used parsley)
juice of 1 lime
grated cheddar cheese to top

Cook the squash. The recipe recommends slicing the squash lengthwise, removing the seeds, sprinkling with salt and pepper and placing cut side down on a baking sheet and baking for 30-45 mins in a 400 degree oven. Remove from oven and scrape the squash into strands. I cook the squash whole in the microwave then cut lengthwise and remove the strands. It's faster and the squash is easier to cut.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add ground turkey, onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Sauté until turkey is browned. Add (the black beans at this point if you are not adding the turkey) red bell pepper and stir in cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir in corn, half of the cilantro and lime juice until well combined. Add the spaghetti from the squash to the mixture, tossing to combine. Season as desired.

Set oven to broil. Stuff each squash half with the squash-vegetable mixture and top with grated cheese. Broil until cheese melts and gets brown and bubbly. 1-2 minutes. Garnish with remaining cilantro. Enjoy!!!


We had so much fun last night. And I know Lilly is my blessed grand baby but she was perfect!! Doug and I were remarking that there would have been nothing to have her be better. At 2 years old, I think she enjoyed it. She sat on my lap and watched everything. She has been potty trained for just over 3 weeks so that was a concern for me but we only had to go 3 times. It didn't get over till 10:45 and this baby is in bed at 8 every night. She fell asleep about 10:30. Doug carried her to the car and she woke up when we got there so I got her jammies on and gave her, her milk and her duck (her blanket) and she was out and slept all night till 7:45 this morning. We had so much fun, I am almost scared to take her again tonight as she was so good last night. Oh and yes it stormed - of course it did!!

WFDT ~ and elephant ear at the fair grounds. So not good for me but I only get them once a year and by golly I am going to get it loaded and love every bite of it.

Make it a great day.

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen,

That recipe sounds really goo, and thanks for the node in the black beans!

WFDT? Garlicky Kale, Butternut Squash, and Quinoa, David will have a piece of grilled chicken in there too.

Well all of my Family yesterday, it was so nice having them here. Thursday David's cousin comes in for a quick visit. So it will be a very fun June!

Wednesday night and Thursday night have both been full of storms with hail, rain, lightening and lots of thunder, enough to wake us up.... Today the temp dropped almost 20 degrees, and the humidity finally dropped. Today is just so nice.

 

[dgbg100106]

Oh I was going to say that I go a new UP 24, and this thing is so addictive...

https://jawbone.com/up

 

[EJ4Disney]

Can't believe it is Friday already.

Brandi ~ What a fun June you have planned. That is what summer is all about.
Love the Jawbone. I looked into it. I really was thinking I wanted a FitBit, almost was ready to get it and then I found my Fitness Pal. On the app I was able to sync it to my IPhone so it does the exact same thing. I really don't want to know my sleep patterns - I sleep all night with no problems I really just wanted something that would count my steps and keep track of my calories, water, and exercise. This is perfect for me!! And it was free - that is even better. And you are so right - it is addictive, but in a good way!

Hi to everyone else!

The rodeo was just as much fun last night and Lilly Bug was again such a good girl. No problems what so ever. She only had to potty once so that was good to. We got out a bit early and were home in bed by 11. We have so enjoyed her this week. Well Doug has got to play more with her as he stayed home with her. Her Momma and Daddy are coming to get her later this afternoon. So Doug and I will go by ourselves to the Rodeo tonight. Gee we will miss her.

WFDT ~ Liver and onions (at a wonderful place - kind of like a neighborhood diner) - We can't wait!!

Make it a great day and a wonderful weekend.

 

[pigletgirl]

Happy Friday!

Not too much to report -- got my teeth cleaned yesterday only to find out I have two cavities that need to be filled. I go back on Wednesday to do it. On the flip side, I found a great gal to watch DD and I will use her for the first time on that day. Got to see the good in everything, right?

WFDT - Out to eat. Whatever DH wants!

Have a great weekend!!

 

[pigletgirl]

Happy Friday!

Not too much to report -- got my teeth cleaned yesterday only to find out I have two cavities that need to be filled. I go back on Wednesday to do it. On the flip side, I found a great gal to watch DD and I will use her for the first time on that day. Got to see the good in everything, right?

WFDT - Out to eat. Whatever DH wants!

Have a great weekend!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Saturday morning here! Good morning everyone.


Last night, I headed to a pop-up whiskey bar and had snacks for dinner. It was a lot of fun!
I'm going to have to think about what to have for dinner tonight; and will need to see if I can get a roll-up dinner happening. It's been pretty hectic around here and we've been having scratchy meals. I'll have to think about what we can roll-up for DH; if not, I might not have a chance to do this meal this month.
We're away next weekend.

Make it a great weekend all.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - Thanks for the recipe. Sounds like you're having fun in real life!

Brandi - How long are the family visiting for?

Pigletgirl - Sorry about the teeth. But it sounds like DD is growing up.

 

[PrincessInOz]

All Rolled Up Dinner - Poh Piah Spring Rolls



It's another group cook-off weekend the WFDT crowd. The cook-off this time is anything that we can roll-up and eat. For my roll-up dinner, I've gone with an Asian favourite - Poh Piah (spring rolls), that I've adapted for easy cooking.


My starting ingredients for the filling:

• 2 small/medium sized Jicama, grated
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 packet of Cole Slaw
• ½ tin bamboo shoots, julienned
• 1 packet pre-cooked shrimp
• 2 tbsp black bean paste
  (NOTE: This recipe is traditionally made with BROWN bean paste but my local chinese grocer was all out so I substituted with black bean paste instead)
• Garlic and Ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking

I don't know how much Jicama I started out with. I got 2 medium sized globes, skinned it and just grated it. With this recipe, the more the merrier.

Grate and julienne the vegetables. You can add green beans to this mix if you want.







In a pot, heat up some oil and fry a teaspoon each of garlic and ginger for about 1 minute.







Add the black bean paste and fry for another minute.







Add the shrimp to the pot.







And the carrot and coleslaw. I did save a bit of preparation time buying the coleslaw. If you have cabbage, you can finely slice that up instead. Fry for about 3 - 4 minutes.







Add the jicama to the pot. I did squeeze some of the excess water out of the jicama beforehand. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes.







Add the bamboo shoots, mix in and cook for 7 - 8 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Make sure that the mix doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.








Season to taste.







Use the cooked filling for the roll-up. If there has been a bit of liquid sweated out during the cooking process, make sure that the filling you use if moist but not wet or the wrapper will just break.




For the roll-up, my other filling ingredients included:

• Spring Roll pastry skins, prepared or thawed according to the instructions
• Lettuce
• Coriander or cilantro leaves
• Cooked egg, shredded
• Bean Shoots
• Hoi Sin sauce

To assemble, use one of the spring roll skins and smear some hoi sin sauce. Place a lettuce leaf on top of the sauce and heap some hot filling over the top. Top with coriander, bean shoots and the egg.








Roll the whole thing up to form a spring roll. You can add anything to the meal. This is traditionally served with roast pork and/or chicken (shredded). But you could add additional proteins to the meal. For my family, we decided that we will need to add this to the meals rotation.





My dinner!








Enjoy!

 

[EJ4Disney]

I AM BUILDING AN ARK!! Oh my goodness are we drenched!! We got another .60 last night. We are about 12" for the last 2 weeks. The beans look horrible - too much rain but the corn is looking good. We really need some hot weather though.

PIO ~ WOW those spring rolls look just amazing. I love spring rolls but have never thought of trying them. You make it look easy. When I feel adventurous I just might try them. You did real good Lady!!

pigletgirl ~ too bad about having to go to the Dentist but good deal about the lady to watch DD. A good daycare provider is worth her weight in gold. They are out there but hard to find. Good for you!!

We had a ball this weekend. The rodeo was a blast but it stormed every night. We drove home Friday night in torrential rain and hail. I was scared to death. I kept wanting Doug to pull over and wait it out but there really wasn't a safe spot to stop so we kept going and ran out of it after about 10 minutes. It was pouring so bad you couldn't see anything in front of you - scared me to death.

Yesterday we took Doug's Dad into Kearney for the day. Saturday was his Birthday so we took him to Dinner and did a bit of shopping for him. We had a really nice day and I know he really enjoyed it.

WFDT ~ Grilled (if it doesn't rain) Beef Kebabs, green salad and cheese biscuits.

Make it a great day.

 

[franandaj]

PIO, the spring rolls look great. Thanks for reminding me about the rolled dinner. I better get stared early in the week.

Ellen, I heard about all the flooding in the Midwest on the news this morning. Stay safe!

We had a busy busy busy weekend. Friday night I was too tired to cook and Fran was supposed to put mine and her frozen meat back in the freezer. Instead she put hers and Olga's back in the freezer. So last night when I looked for Olga's turkey it was gone, but my lamb was completely thawed.

That neant that regardless of hiw tired I was last night I had to coke us burgers. After an exhausting day Saturday with a rehearsal and trip to the park, Sunday was very long. We had a concert in the park. It was an oceanfront park in Long Beach and while the weather was nice, we were there setting up at 10:30AM and the concert wasnt over until 5PM. We still had to pack up and once we got home I had to do grocery shopping so I could make dinner.

This was my first big shopping trip since moving into the new house. Around 8:30 I had a lambuger and Fran had a beef burger. We also had tater tots and summer salad. Following dinner I took a bath in our leaky tub and then passed out in our comfy bed with the massage feature running.

Today we're taking it easy. The washing machine repair company is coming between 9-12 this morning, and we are just going to put stuff away and get organized.

WFDT? Costco crab stuffed ravioli in butter sauce and veggies from the garden. Probably more summer salad.

 

[franandaj]

Posting to resubscribe. Stupid smartphone!

 

[dgbg100106]

Can't believe it is Friday already.

Brandi ~ What a fun June you have planned. That is what summer is all about.
Love the Jawbone. I looked into it. I really was thinking I wanted a FitBit, almost was ready to get it and then I found my Fitness Pal. On the app I was able to sync it to my IPhone so it does the exact same thing. I really don't want to know my sleep patterns - I sleep all night with no problems I really just wanted something that would count my steps and keep track of my calories, water, and exercise. This is perfect for me!! And it was free - that is even better. And you are so right - it is addictive, but in a good way!

Hi to everyone else!

The rodeo was just as much fun last night and Lilly Bug was again such a good girl. No problems what so ever. She only had to potty once so that was good to. We got out a bit early and were home in bed by 11. We have so enjoyed her this week. Well Doug has got to play more with her as he stayed home with her. Her Momma and Daddy are coming to get her later this afternoon. So Doug and I will go by ourselves to the Rodeo tonight. Gee we will miss her.

WFDT ~ Liver and onions (at a wonderful place - kind of like a neighborhood diner) - We can't wait!!

Make it a great day and a wonderful weekend.

That is so special that you got to spend such wonderful times with Lilly!

Memories, I love making them...

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - Hope you're staying dry. Stay safe.

Alison - Are you enjoying the Casa?

Brandi - Hope you're well.




Tuesday night and I came home to a lentil curry tonight.....and baked potatoes. I gave the spuds a miss again. I think I might be up to facing them again next time we have this meal.

 

[dgbg100106]

Happy Friday!

Not too much to report -- got my teeth cleaned yesterday only to find out I have two cavities that need to be filled. I go back on Wednesday to do it. On the flip side, I found a great gal to watch DD and I will use her for the first time on that day. Got to see the good in everything, right?

WFDT - Out to eat. Whatever DH wants!

Have a great weekend!!

That is a true positive side, that you found someone to watch DD. Sorry about the cavities. knock on wood, I have never had one... Neither has my DH....

 

[dgbg100106]

Saturday morning here! Good morning everyone.


Last night, I headed to a pop-up whiskey bar and had snacks for dinner. It was a lot of fun!
I'm going to have to think about what to have for dinner tonight; and will need to see if I can get a roll-up dinner happening. It's been pretty hectic around here and we've been having scratchy meals. I'll have to think about what we can roll-up for DH; if not, I might not have a chance to do this meal this month.
We're away next weekend.

Make it a great weekend all.

Your pictures from the pop up whiskey bar were really cool!

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen - Thanks for the recipe. Sounds like you're having fun in real life!

Brandi - How long are the family visiting for?

Pigletgirl - Sorry about the teeth. But it sounds like DD is growing up.

Grands are gone but David's cousin will fly in on Thursday, so that gives us enough time to clean everything and start again!

Sorry I have been missing in action, but I will be back in a week I promise...

 

[dgbg100106]

I AM BUILDING AN ARK!! Oh my goodness are we drenched!! We got another .60 last night. We are about 12" for the last 2 weeks. The beans look horrible - too much rain but the corn is looking good. We really need some hot weather though.

PIO ~ WOW those spring rolls look just amazing. I love spring rolls but have never thought of trying them. You make it look easy. When I feel adventurous I just might try them. You did real good Lady!!

pigletgirl ~ too bad about having to go to the Dentist but good deal about the lady to watch DD. A good daycare provider is worth her weight in gold. They are out there but hard to find. Good for you!!

We had a ball this weekend. The rodeo was a blast but it stormed every night. We drove home Friday night in torrential rain and hail. I was scared to death. I kept wanting Doug to pull over and wait it out but there really wasn't a safe spot to stop so we kept going and ran out of it after about 10 minutes. It was pouring so bad you couldn't see anything in front of you - scared me to death.

Yesterday we took Doug's Dad into Kearney for the day. Saturday was his Birthday so we took him to Dinner and did a bit of shopping for him. We had a really nice day and I know he really enjoyed it.

WFDT ~ Grilled (if it doesn't rain) Beef Kebabs, green salad and cheese biscuits.

Make it a great day.

Ellen,

Prayer for the rain to stop and for to get lots of sunshine.
I hate being scared like that, you know there is nothing you can do, and you just have to wait it out.

Hugs...

Brandi

 

[EJ4Disney]

Terrific Tuesday today!!

Today is Ethan's birthday - the little scoot is 10. How in the world did that happen. I just can't believe he is that old already. Man time flies. He was to have his family birthday party tonight, but his baseball team did so well that they made the tournaments and they are to start tonight. So the party is on hold, but it rained again last night - .75 again - and the fields are soaked. If it dries out the games will be on, if not we will have the party. We shall see!!

Alison ~ I wish I could have been to your concert. It sounds just amazing.
Sweetie, I worry about you doing to much. You are burning the candle at both ends and I worry that you are going to get sick. You need to take some time for you and just lay back. It will all get done, it just doesn't have to be done today.
Love your garden bounty pictures.

Brandi ~ Looks like you had a great time with the Grands. Talk about memories - you made quite a few also. Enjoy!!

PIO ~ YUM - a lentil curry sounds so good right now. You are lucky that you have a DH that will take the initiative to cook. Doug will, if I tell him what to do. He loves to cook and especially bake, but he needs definite instructions.
Why the aversion to potatoes right now?

Doug and I are taking Ethan to lunch today. I can't wait!!

Yes we got more rain last night. The roads into town are just terrible. I slipped and slide the whole way to town. My nice pretty car is mud covered, but there is no sense washing it in this crappy weather.

WFDT ~ Pizza and brownies (Ethan's choice) if the party is on! If not, grilled brats and a cucumber salad.

Make it a great day!!