The What's For Dinner Thread - March '11 (recipe index in OP)

[Glynis]

Well, Alan decided that the chicken chili sounded best for him, so I got that going in the crock pot, and reconciled myself to no buffalo chicken sammie for me. Then, after it's all cooking in the crock, he calls and tells me that he's been asked to stay late at work... late like 11:00 tonight, late. If I'd only known. I did remind him that he's only seen his kids for about 2 hours so far this week, and they're starting to forget what he looks like. He was quiet for a minute and then said that he'll see if they can get someone else. So, at this point, I'm not sure if he's coming home for dinner, or not. Maybe it was crummy for me to go for the guilt, but honestly, I think he forgets, sometimes, that his kids need to see him once in a while. I think it's enough that he works full time and goes to school full time. He doesn't need to volunteer for all the overtime opportunities that come up. Am I being unreasonable?

Anyway, we're having chicken taco chili tonight. It's actually a good thing, since I've got parent/teacher conferences with all of Katie's teachers this evening.

 

[Goofyluver]

My idea of spending time outdoors is getting drunk on a restaurant patio.

This is an awesome philosophy on life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi all.

Tomorrow's Friday!!!

Tonight's dinner is actually breakfast! We're having pancakes and bacon...not sure if I may whip up some eggs to go along with them or not.

Hope everyone makes it a great Friday.

 

[Nancyg56]

No. I just used the canned stuff. I'd like to try to make my own puree, at some point, but I have never gotten around to trying it.

Don't bother. It is better out of the can

Good morning all! It's been crazy here but I'll try and catch up a bit. I got called in for a second interview, but yesterday I got the letter that said they hired someone else. I'm a little dissapointed, but also relieved- so are the people I currently work with! It was awsome to have so many people rooting for me, but also scared of the fact that I might leave.
I'm sorry I forgot to thank you for the well wishes for my husband. His cut is healing well and I think the stitches come out in a few days. I have to say, the timing was perfect. He ended up staying home on my days off and since he was hurt, not sick, he was a lot of fun to be around. We hadn't had a day off together since the beginning of May.
l!

It sounds like everything worked out the way it was supposed to work out. The right job will pop up at the right time if you are meant to leave this one.

i am so glad you got the day with your DH!

My headache finally went away overnight. Thank goodness!

!

Thank goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My idea of spending time outdoors is getting drunk on a restaurant patio.

Becky- Buddy told me to head down this year when i told him all the girls were going to be there but I know it would not be the same if I went without him. Especially after all the money I just spent

Laura- Thank goodness she is a mouse! I love the Nutcracker!

Dinner is leftovers from Tuesday night. Buddy will turn them into sandwiches I bet. I need to make sure we use up all that food, there is still pizza as well and I am craving sweets of all kinds so I need it gone. i hate to toss it all though

My niece brought her little boy over for a visit today. Remember Amy, who had so many issues conceiving? Her Tiger is so adorable! They moved to Ca and we were so happy when she and her family were able to make it for the wedding.

 

[franandaj]

Hi Everyone!

What do you know I spend 8 hours at Disneyland and it throws off the whole rest of my week! I'm still two days behind on reading my email and about a week behind on my snail mail, but I thought I would check in here!

My parents are coming down this evening (San Francisco Bay Area), and I just got the call they are hitting the road, so I have about six or seven hours to get the house all cleaned up!

Also, we have raccoons living in our crawl space.

This is me after making the sour cream enchiladas ---> I'll blog them tomorrow, prob, and post the recipe. I think DH finally stopped after 7 of them... he's gonna be sicker than a dog later but he loved them so much.

Those sour cream enchiladas sound wonderful!

Marilyn - hoarders house??? I think I know someone who might take some beating for Hoarder of the Year title.....

Since it feels like Fall, I'm going to make my first batch of oatmeal! As it's cooking, I'll add a little pumpkin and some pumpkin pie spice. It sounded good to me, and as my kids love pumpkin pie, I'm hoping they'll like it, too.

This sounds really good! No oatmeal weather around here for a few more months!

I'm home sick today. Ugh.

to all of you. (without germs)

I hope you feel better today

We don't camp A can't handle bugs he is not a nature boy. Never has been even as a little guy. I remember he wanted to hold a worm I found in the garden. I put it in his hand and he turned green and start yelling for me to take it away. It pooped in his hand

I have dentist appointment this afternoon - YUCK!! Just a cleaning but YUCK!!!! I totally loath the dentist.

I was supposed to have an appointment, but the hygenist wasn't feeling well and the Dentist told her to take the day off today. Now I have to reschedule.

I'm sorry I forgot to thank you for the well wishes for my husband. His cut is healing well and I think the stitches come out in a few days. I have to say, the timing was perfect. He ended up staying home on my days off and since he was hurt, not sick, he was a lot of fun to be around. We hadn't had a day off together since the beginning of May.

Yay for getting to spend some time together!

To those going to F+W -- I'm jealous!! I can't wait to see pictures and read trip reports.

Although I'm still a month out, I will definitely post pictures from F&W!

My idea of spending time outdoors is getting drunk on a restaurant patio.

Love this!

I think it's enough that he works full time and goes to school full time. He doesn't need to volunteer for all the overtime opportunities that come up. Am I being unreasonable?

I don't think it's unreasonable at all. You never know what will happen tomorrow, there needs to be a balance. Kids need to see their dad, and hopefully not all wiped out and cranky!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I mentioned earlier my parents are coming tonight so we're having my version of Balsamic Chicken (not nearly so fancy as the recipe posted a few pages back). S&P, Garlic Powder, Extra Light Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar on chicken and bake 35-45 minutes until golden brown. Served with Zucchini

This was last night's dinner. (I used an old picture so pretend the corn isn't in there! )

Cube Steak with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Green Beans

 

[Aimeedyan]

Well, Alan decided that the chicken chili sounded best for him, so I got that going in the crock pot, and reconciled myself to no buffalo chicken sammie for me. Then, after it's all cooking in the crock, he calls and tells me that he's been asked to stay late at work... late like 11:00 tonight, late. If I'd only known. I did remind him that he's only seen his kids for about 2 hours so far this week, and they're starting to forget what he looks like. He was quiet for a minute and then said that he'll see if they can get someone else. So, at this point, I'm not sure if he's coming home for dinner, or not. Maybe it was crummy for me to go for the guilt, but honestly, I think he forgets, sometimes, that his kids need to see him once in a while. I think it's enough that he works full time and goes to school full time. He doesn't need to volunteer for all the overtime opportunities that come up. Am I being unreasonable?

Glynis, I don't think so at all. I mean - it's not like you stomped your foot and demanded he come home but instead just reminded him of the little people in his life who miss him when he's gone. And for what it's worth, I think a little guilt is healthy sometimes

I hope he can arrange to come home earlier tonight.



So, a local grocery store is going out of business and liquidating everything. Some of the deals aren't good yet (like most food is just 10% off) BUT their spices were 40% off the lowest price. So, I of course just started chunking stuff into the cart. The best score? Bottles of saffron - $7.39 40% off!!! I got them for like $4 a bottle! Usually they are $17.99ish so I've never bought it before.

Tonight I'm going to use some for the first time - I'm making paella. Never made it before but it seems simple enough I'm using lobster meat and shrimp, plus I have some sausage to use up. Probably not authentic but I don't care. So excited!!

 

[Goofyluver]

Glynis, I forgot to respond to you earlier, but I agree with the others. You're not being unreasonable. It's difficult to balance hard work both out of and in the home. Sometimes we need to be reminded of that.



So, we had our breakfast for dinner. UncleR requested that after I fried up the bacon, that I cook the pancakes in the bacon grease. I felt dirty......but it was sooooo good.

Now she's in the kitchen making homemade beef jerky.

I don't know if I've shared with all of you my love for everything meaty. I'll have her post her recipe here. And once it's done tomorrow, I'll take and post pics. OMG. There is really NOTHING like homemade beef jerky.

 

[franandaj]

So, a local grocery store is going out of business and liquidating everything. Some of the deals aren't good yet (like most food is just 10% off) BUT their spices were 40% off the lowest price. So, I of course just started chunking stuff into the cart. The best score? Bottles of saffron - $7.39 40% off!!! I got them for like $4 a bottle! Usually they are $17.99ish so I've never bought it before.

Tonight I'm going to use some for the first time - I'm making paella. Never made it before but it seems simple enough I'm using lobster meat and shrimp, plus I have some sausage to use up. Probably not authentic but I don't care. So excited!!

That's an awesome deal! I love Paella, but have never made it myself!

Now she's in the kitchen making homemade beef jerky.

I don't know if I've shared with all of you my love for everything meaty. I'll have her post her recipe here. And once it's done tomorrow, I'll take and post pics. OMG. There is really NOTHING like homemade beef jerky.

I would be so curious as to how you make it, my Doctor told me I could eat Beef Jerky on my diet!

 

[liamandcaili]

Hi Everyone,

The ballet director invited Caili to understudy the polichinelle role for the Nutcracker, so Caili is excited. She probably won't get to perform it, but I am sure she will learn a lot dancing with the more advanced girls.

Dinner tonight was much more respectable than dinners of late. We had sauteed chicken, mesclun salad with cherry tomatoes and lemon olive oil, green beans and corn on the cob. Caili and I stopped at a farm stand on the way home from skating. The vegetables were so delicious.

I was talking to a friend today about my recipes, I have a ton all over the place.

My suggestion would be to put them into a blog. Go to Wordpress.com and you can set up an account for free. You can mark it private if you don't want to give other people access. By all means, keep the physical record, but this is a way to store them so if something ever happened to those recipe cards, you would still have the recipes.

And you're a better woman than me. I can never work from home. I'd never get any work done.

It is so much harder than I would have imagined. Yesterday, I had the kiddos at home so that made it more of a challenge. Maybe I could manage it if it were just me.

I keep my recipes in a file box on index cards and that box goes with me in the event of an evacuation.

Hopefully, that won't be necessary any time soon! Again, though, you could put them online.

Am I being unreasonable?

I don't think so, but my opinion doesn't really matter. It matters what Alan thinks. Does he need to be the guy who is always willing to take the extra assignments to keep his job? I know there have been a lot of layoffs in the media industry lately.

Don't bother. It is better out of the can

That is true! My mom tried to make her own pumpkin puree. The can was better.

Aimee -- Good luck on the paella! I know it is expensive, but I don't love saffron.

 

[bigmerle1966]

My suggestion would be to put them into a blog. Go to Wordpress.com and you can set up an account for free. You can mark it private if you don't want to give other people access. By all means, keep the physical record, but this is a way to store them so if something ever happened to those recipe cards, you would still have the recipes.

I am going to laminate the cards. The problem with putting them online is that when I need one I would have to print it or use my phone, I don't have a laptop.

Busy couple of days ahead. Have football tomorrow night, going to the Amish market Saturday morning, a Bull Roast Saturday night and lots of sewing on Sunday.

I am thinking about doing a couple of craft shows this holiday season. Went to the fabric store and got a few pretty fabrics. I took pictures of them all and am going to save them online so I can use them for my patterns. I use Publisher to work out the patterns and am going to use the pictures in the patterns.

 

[HERSEY]

Marlyn Years ago I bought a scrapbook for my recipes it still is empty, but it was a great idea. I have all my best recipes stuffed in old cigar boxes, remember those, and school folders. At one time I put them in plastic sleeves and have some in a binder.

Laura that is a good idea about the blog. I used to work from home a couple days a week. I use to have to tell people I was at work. I loved it once I got into a routine. It is not for everyone.

Aimee Paella is one dish I would love to make. Maybe I need to invent a reason for a party and make it.

I forgot all what I wanted to say. I think I need more coffee. I will be back once it kicks in.

 

[Nancyg56]

Maybe it was crummy for me to go for the guilt, but honestly, I think he forgets, sometimes, that his kids need to see him once in a while. I think it's enough that he works full time and goes to school full time. He doesn't need to volunteer for all the overtime opportunities that come up. Am I being unreasonable?
.

I don't think that you are unreasonable. I do think that Alan is in a tough position though. I remember when my kids were young they were with me 90% of the time. Buddy was super busy at work and then he had the cows, hay, cows, hay............ I was generally always mad at him. He was in a tough spot though, when his employer told him that there was another run or that he was heading out to move another piece of equipment after he thought he was done.............well it was not really a request. I remember one time he came in with his time card because he knew I was going to lose it. Anyway, I am just saying that while Alan needs to strike a work/home balance he may be getting pressure at work that leads him to believe those requests are not really suggestions. They are command performances.

I would talk to him and find out what the climate is at work and how that affects the way he responds to overtime. If he is worrying about the extra money and wants to earn more, well you can manage that. The time at home has a value. If he is worried that if he is not there his position is jeopardized that is another issue not so easily changed.


No matter how you look at it I think it is very hard to be the one who is at home carrying the weight. I remember how difficult that was and do not envy you. You don't get to have that work/ life balance

So, a local grocery store is going out of business and liquidating everything. Some of the deals aren't good yet (like most food is just 10% off) BUT their spices were 40% off the lowest price. So, I of course just started chunking stuff into the cart. The best score? Bottles of saffron - $7.39 40% off!!! I got them for like $4 a bottle! Usually they are $17.99ish so I've never bought it before.
!

Now she's in the kitchen making homemade beef jerky.

When we were kids my Mom saved her bacon fat and cooked all kinds of foods in it. I remember her home fires So good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My DBIL made jerky once. He was so proud if it but none of us got to try it. They had a dog who loved any people food and she ate anything not nailed down. He turned his back on her and she wiped out every last bite.
He had established a good relationship with the butcher and had just picked up some custom cut Steaks. He ran into the hardware store and left her in the car. When he got out she had eaten the entire package I don't know how this dog survived, she would somehow get into the Easter eggs, swallow up the chocolate and later Gail would find chewed up pieces of foil all over the house. She was a sneaky pup..............

The ballet director invited Caili to understudy the polichinelle role for the Nutcracker, so Caili is excited. She probably won't get to perform it, but I am sure she will learn a lot dancing with the more advanced girls.

I don't think so, but my opinion doesn't really matter. It matters what Alan thinks. Does he need to be the guy who is always willing to take the extra assignments to keep his job? I know there have been a lot of layoffs in the media industry lately.



That is true! My mom tried to make her own pumpkin puree. The can was better.

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Caili!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You said so well what i was trying to say. The guy across the street is on the line now for "performance". It was "suggested" that he show up on a weekend after the tornadoes. He felt he was not really needed, everything was covered so he was comfortable staying home. Nothing was said about that but he has been coached for every little detail since. He has worked for this company for years and has never had a negative review but the past few months have been horrible. He is on a 45 day PIP right now and it is not looking good. He is not much younger than me so his chances of finding another position in his industry are negligible if he is fired.

I have a long day today and then we are having more leftovers for dinner. dan and Erica are coming by so they can help us eat up that food.

 

[Glynis]

Thanks, everyone, for your honest feedback. Alan called yesterday afternoon, on a break, and we were able to really talk it out. He didn't HAVE to do the overtime shoot, because there were enough photographers available, he just felt like he SHOULD, because we need the money. I explained to him that I understood that and would support whatever he decided to do, but that the kids really need to see him for more than 2 hours per week. I also told him that when he is at home, he needs to BE here, mentally. Not on facebook, or playing computer games. Homework is one thing, and we all understand that, but playing games, and ignoring the kids just won't cut it.

The upshot was, we came to an understanding, and both felt better for it! He called his work, explained the situation, and they let him come home 2 hours early, if he would cover a story later in the evening. He was home in time to help with the kid's homework, and then, after dinner, we all went with him to the story (it was neat for Jacob! The story was about a troop of Boy Scouts that are all physically or mentally disabled. One "boy" is 52, and has just earned his Eagle). Once the story was done, it was only 8:00 so we took the kids for ice cream! It ended up being a really great night! The kids have not been that happy in ages!!!

Dinner was really good! It was a WW recipe, and I'll post it in a little while. Everyone liked it, except my picky Jacob, and I even managed to get several bites into him (as long as he could pick out the onions and the tomatoes, first).

No idea about dinner, tonight. I have bowling this morning, and then I'll think about dinner. I'm leaning towards my soup and sammie idea, though!

 

[bigmerle1966]

Marlyn Years ago I bought a scrapbook for my recipes it still is empty, but it was a great idea. I have all my best recipes stuffed in old cigar boxes, remember those, and school folders. At one time I put them in plastic sleeves and have some in a binder.

I had a scrapbook my DM bought me and never used as well. They usually end up in Avery label boxes and in piles here and there.

It's footbal night, maybe, depends on the weather. It's supposed to rain most of the day and they will either cancel or move it to an artificial turf field.

 

[TigerKat]

Becky – Welcome back, how was your trip? Between Sheryl & I we’ll get should get quite a few F&W pics. Uploading and posting them, I’ll leave to her because it would be F&W time 2012 before I got mine up.

Glynis – I’m so sorry I wasn’t around yesterday to offer advice on the work situation with Alan. The ladies all gave you great advice and it sounds like your talk with him made a huge difference already. So happy for that.

Nan – I wish you were coming down to F&W with us. Maybe next year?????

Alison – Do you live close to Disneyland? I’m jealous!!!

Laura – I’m so happy Caili will have the opportunity to understudy the polichinelle role. That will be a great experience for her!

WFD - Going out for Mexican, that's what the guys want. Not too excited as I still have 5 lbs to lose before vacation.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Glynis, I'm so glad y'all got to talk about it. And had a great night to boot!

Re: recipe storage - the blog is the only way I've been able to stay on top of keeping track of them. That was why I originally started it. I lose EVERYTHING (just ask our finance dept at work!) and recipes are part of that. But, I do have a laptop and printer at home. Though I usually just stick the laptop on the counter.

I have a retreat tonight/tomorrow - I'm very excited! I am picking up 3 kids on the way so we'll grab fast food for dinner close to camp.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Morning Ladies,

Robin ~ Did DH get his stitches out?
I also am sorry about the job, but it does sound like the timing was off. Hopefully something will turn up.

Merle ~ Yes, sweetie you were right. I am so thankful that I was able to get my hedgeapples this year. Almost missed them?
What are you sewing? Care to share?

Laura ~ I am over the moon for Caili. This will be such a great experince for her.
Sorry about the racoons. I would not like that either. EWWW!!

Aimee ~ PLEASE slow down. I know you think you have to be there and do things, but if you don't rest, I am so worried that you will relapse.
I do have to agree with your way of camping. I am SO there with you.

Becky ~ Welcome home. Oh how I would love to go to Bermuda. My Momma and I were all set - bags packed and an hour from leaving the house -to go on a cruise to Bermuda when it was cancelled. It was 2 weeks after 911 but it was cancelled due to a hurricane. I've never had the chance to go again. I would love to see some pictures.

Glynis ~ So glad that things turned out ok. Sometimes we all need a bit of a wake up call. Sounds like a fun night was had by all. And thank goodness he works for a CO. that understands family.

Alison ~ Hope you are enjoying your parents.

Jen ~ So glad your headache is gone and you are feeling better. My Momma used to pop our popcorn in bacon grease. Oh the memories.
Please share the jerky recipe. We just got a dryer and I would love to try my hand at Jerky.

Nan ~ sweetie what you are feeling is "Wedding letdown". You have been on a high for so long that now your body is trying to get use to "normal" again. Take it easy this week and I bet you will feel like yourself real soon.

Kat ~ enjoy your boys tonight. Oh how I wish I was going out for Mexican. YUM!!!

Janice ~ I have all of my recipes in a Binder. I print them off and store them according to the dividers. That way whenever I want one I know right where to go.


We are in a beautiful weather streak right now. Cool mornings but upper 70's to almost 80 in the afternoon - PERFECT!!!

I am so excited that we are staying home this weekend. We have an away game this Saturday (Wyoming). I have a list a mile long with things that need to be done. I told Doug that he was part of this list so no plans for Saturday. Sunday he is golfing all day so he needs to work on Saturday.

We are going to a Husker party at Marty & Stephanie's, Saturday evening so that should be fun. "GO BIG RED" We are all suppose to bring a finger food and I have no idea what to bring. Any suggestions that will knock their socks off?

WFDT ~ White Chicken Chili, corn bread and toppings.

Make it a great day all.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Re: recipe storage - the blog is the only way I've been able to stay on top of keeping track of them. That was why I originally started it. I lose EVERYTHING (just ask our finance dept at work!) and recipes are part of that. But, I do have a laptop and printer at home. Though I usually just stick the laptop on the counter.

I don't lose them, I just have to remember which Hoarder pile they're in.

What are you sewing? Care to share?

I am currently working on a commisioned sports team quilt and then I am going to start on some quilts and bags for the holiday craft fairs. Found a cool pattern for a pillow that I am going to use as a quilt pattern. I may use it to do a matching quilt and pillow set.

 

[Glynis]

We are going to a Husker party at Marty & Stephanie's, Saturday evening so that should be fun. "GO BIG RED" We are all suppose to bring a finger food and I have no idea what to bring. Any suggestions that will know their socks off?

WFDT ~ White Chicken Chili, corn bread and toppings.

Make it a great day all.

Ellen - This is my all-time favorite "knock their socks off" appetizer.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/12/flashback_1981_-_holiday_bacon_appetizers/

I've made them sweet and savory, and I like the savory a little bit better. However both are good. They are easy to make and I've never had any left over after a party. I usually have to make a huge batch so I can be assured of getting at least one!

 

[franandaj]

Hello Everyone!

Glynis - So glad that you worked things out and had time with your family!

Kat - Yes, I live about half an hour from Disneyland, it's rather convenient!

Ellen - Yes we're having a nice time. We're all about to go to the market.

WFD? We're going to Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel. We're celebrating both of our wedding anniversaries which were earlier this week.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Good morning everyone. I so need to go back and catch up but I thought I'd check in.

Saturday over here and we're going out for breakfast with friends. And then we'll just have the standard housework and cleaning to do. At least the sun is out and I'm hoping that the washing will dry.....leaving me with ironing!


Have a great day.

WFDT? No idea!