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

[TigerKat]

Gretchen – Glad to see you are back with us! Sorry I had to cut our conversation short last week. I’m still dealing with the rental. You are such a considerate SIL for keeping the girls.

Becky – That’s one heck of a virus you have. I sure hope you feel better soon.

Lauren – Dare I ask how he got the nickname “Meat”???? The boys won their third game of the season, they’re now 3 – 29.

Vicb - I’m glad to hear the job is working out well for you. I hope y’all enjoy the pork roast as much as we did!

Laura – Your schedule for this week wore me out just reading it.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Didn't post over the weekend because I worked both Sat and Sun at the library. It is much more physical work than I had imagined so I was pretty tired both days. Today I only worked a four hour shift so not so tired. I really like my co-workers and think this will turn out to have been the right move for me.

Yesterday was almost 80 here! I understand there was some wicked weather else where, hope everyone is ok today.

I'm glad you're liking it so far and I hope the physical aspect gets easier on you as time goes on.

We had crazy storms here but thankfully the fence (that we just put back up last night!) didn't blow over this time. Many others did, though. There was some serious damage with possible tornados in other parts nearby. And, an extra dog in the bed I'm just thankful for the rain!

It's been hot here - in the 90s - which I'm not ready for.

I LOVED that book.

So far I love it but the animal lover in me struggles a little... nothing too bad, yet, but just the conditions of circus animals (I boycott all circuses).

 

[Glynis]

I loved "The Help." Our club read it a few months ago, and it was a great hit!! We also read "Water for Elephants", and loved it, too! I can't wait to see the movie!

Talk about wicked weather! On Saturday, we had a rain/snow mix all day long. We braved it to take the kids to the aquarium, and then did some shopping, but we were all happy to get home to dry off. We had hot chocolate and soup for dinner! By the time we went to bed, the weather had turned positively wintry! When we woke up yesterday morning, we had a couple of inches of snow on the ground, and it was still snowing. It snowed until about noon, and then started clearing. By dinnertime, the snow had all melted away. Today we have blue skies an sunshine. Our temp is in the high 50's. Welcome to Sprinter!

Today is the first day of spring break. The kids are having a sleepover at their cousins house tonight while I pack up for our trip to my dad's house tomorrow. For those of you not on FB, Alan's little brother lost his wife to cancer this weekend. Her service will be next Monday. I think Alan will drive up, but the kids and I won't be able to make it. It's about 6 to 8 hours away, and Katie has state History Fair the next day. It's been really crazy trying to figure it all out.

Because the kids are at my sister's house tonight, I think Alan and I will have our weekly date night tonight. Don't know what we'll have, but I'm thinking some Thai takeout food would be good to eat while packing (me for my dad's house, and Alan for NYC). We'll see.

I'll try to check in from my dad's, but can't promise anything. His internet is spotty, so cross your fingers!

 

[HERSEY]

Becky Sorry you are still feeling ill. I hope things improve very soon.

Laura I always get tired just reading the kids schedules. I don't know how you keep up.

Vic I am glad you are liking you new job. That alway helps the day go fast.

Lauren Mr A's nickname was baby bird. He would walk around with his mouth open waiting for food.

The storms didn't even get close to us. But Wisconsin got hit pretty bad. I slept with the windows open and the wind opened my bedroom door. Minnie had a grand time sleeping on the couch and wrecking havok once she woke from her nap. . That made for a great morning of cleaning and drinking coffee before work.

Tonight is leftovers.

 

[MickeyShow]

Hi Everyone... worst friend ever checking in here. I'm so sorry I've been MIA for so long. I went through a bit of a funk and withdrawn period for a few days and once I was out of it it just seemed so overwhelming to jump back in. That's no excuse and I'm so sorry for being out of touch with you guys. You're all my very dear friends and I consider you family and I hope you can forgive me for being so withdrawn. An especially big thank you to Kat for reaching out and encouraging me to come back.

There's no way to catch up so I'll just jump back in. Dinner tonight was teriyaki turkey breast, buttered noodles, and broccoli.

 

[Glynis]

Hi Everyone... worst friend ever checking in here. I'm so sorry I've been MIA for so long. I went through a bit of a funk and withdrawn period for a few days and once I was out of it it just seemed so overwhelming to jump back in. That's no excuse and I'm so sorry for being out of touch with you guys. You're all my very dear friends and I consider you family and I hope you can forgive me for being so withdrawn. An especially big thank you to Kat for reaching out and encouraging me to come back.

There's no way to catch up so I'll just jump back in. Dinner tonight was teriyaki turkey breast, buttered noodles, and broccoli.

No need to catch up. That's what's great about families: you can just jump in any ole place! I'm glad to see you! Sorry about the funk. I can surely relate. Just don't give up on us forever!!!

 

[liamandcaili]

So far I love it but the animal lover in me struggles a little... nothing too bad, yet, but just the conditions of circus animals (I boycott all circuses).

Understandable. Have you read the Chet and Bernie series? I think the first book is Dog On It. (Or maybe that is the most recent...) You would love it. It is funny, intriguing, and written from the dog's perspective.

Michelle -- Welcome Back!

Kat -- Congrats to the team!

 

[TigerKat]

Sorry to hear about all the bad weather. This has been one insane weather year so far.

Glynis – Have a safe trip!!

Janice - Poor little Minnie.

Michelle – No need to thank me, we are a family! Welcome home.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Hi Everyone... worst friend ever checking in here. I'm so sorry I've been MIA for so long. I went through a bit of a funk and withdrawn period for a few days and once I was out of it it just seemed so overwhelming to jump back in. That's no excuse and I'm so sorry for being out of touch with you guys. You're all my very dear friends and I consider you family and I hope you can forgive me for being so withdrawn. An especially big thank you to Kat for reaching out and encouraging me to come back.

No need to apologize! We all have those occasions Have things between you and your friend improved any? Or has he stayed pulled away?

Glad you're back!

Understandable. Have you read the Chet and Bernie series? I think the first book is Dog On It. (Or maybe that is the most recent...) You would love it. It is funny, intriguing, and written from the dog's perspective.

Haven't heard of it but will go look it up - thanks!

 

[Aimeedyan]

These were delicious!

Chicken Enchiladas
1 medium onion, chopped fine
2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped fine
1 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
3 medium cloves garlic, minced
3 Tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons sugar
1 15-oz can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
2 cups shredded cheese (any combination of sharp, mild, monterey jack, etc), divided
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
12 (6-inch) soft corn tortillas
Cooking spray
Salt and ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400.

Combine the onion, jalapeno, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and oil in a large saucepan. cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the onions and peppers have softened, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and sugar, and cook until fragrant, less than 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce and water. Bring to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, 5 minutes.

Nestle the chicken into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 12-20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and set aside to cool.

Strain the sauce through a strainer into a medium bowl, pressing the onion mixture to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer the onions to a large bowl and set aside. Season sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add to the onion mixture, and add 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce, 1 cup cheese, and the cilantro. Toss to combine.

Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover with plastic wrap; Microwave on high until warm and pliable, 40-60 seconds. Spread the tortillas on a clean work surface, and spoon 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture evenly down the center of each. Tightly roll each tortilla and lay seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

If you want crispy tortillas: Up the temp to 425. Lightly spray the tops of the enchiladas with cooking spray. Place in the oven, uncovered, for about 7 minutes, or until the tortillas start to brown slightly. Then pull the enchiladas out and continue on.

Pour the sauce evenly on top. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover dish with foil, and bake 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes, until cheese browns. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

So today at the supermarket I got asked TWICE by other shoppers for advice on stuff to buy. wth? Do I LOOK like I know what I'm doing in this store?

One person was asking me about heavy whipping cream. I do not know about heavy whipping cream!

Then I got asked about what is the best macaroni and cheese. I was in the aisle that has the dry pasta noodles. I pointed out the elbow macaroni, but told him that was if you were making homemade. If he wanted boxed macaroni and cheese, like Kraft, he needed to go one aisle over. He wanted Kraft, with the powdered cheese. Yup, that's "the best"!

And the prices at the supermarket are just ridiculous. $3.44 for a loaf of bread! One brand of milk is $6.39/gallon! I got the one that was "only" $4.69. Last week I paid $3.95. They do have Barilla Plus Pasta on sale for $1/box. I hear it's good stuff, so I might go back and get a few more boxes tomorrow, since the sales end on Tuesdays. (This is Winn-Dixie.)

Hi everyone! I had a wonderful time in California and came home late Wednesday evening. I planned to catch up this weekend here but had some family stuff to do for Kenny's family. His other BIL was released from the hospital Saturday morning so I had both of their girls over to give BIL and SIL a chance to settle in and meet with the home nurse without their kids underfoot.

I'm glad to see you back, and that you had a great time in California!

Hello! I am still sick so have no food to share with you all. I weighed myself this morning and I have lost 10 lbs. since Thursday! Time for this bug to go away!

Bethany, Water for Elephants is a wonderful book. I have read it three times.

Wow! 10 pounds in a few days! I hope you are feeling better now.

Thanks (everybody) for all the book suggestions. I got a little notebook and am writing them all down. I went to the library today and found three of the suggestions on the shelves. I got Mudbound, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, and The Wednesday Wars (which was suggested by someone at work a couple months ago).

I could not find on the shelf, but these are all listed in the library catalog:
Water for Elephants
The Help
The Graveyard
Fortune's Rocks

Three Cups of Tea was on the shelf but I decided not to get it at this time.

The library has 4 student chairs at a table and 2 cushioned chairs (the maximum occupancy is posted as 21). They had the New York Times from yesterday and an article about a South Bronx school caught my eye, so I sat down in one of the soft chairs to read it. I was in the library for an hour! Based on the traffic and the requests the desk was getting, this trailer is clearly operating at far less than optimal capacity for this area. They kept sending people to libraries across town, and even in another parish. I can't wait until they build the library I have seen plans for. They actually will have to start construction in order to finish, however...

I think I missed some stuff but I have to go bring "Meat" up for his nap. Yeah, a new knick name for T! My little character!

Meat? I suspect there is a story behind this?

Didn't post over the weekend because I worked both Sat and Sun at the library. It is much more physical work than I had imagined so I was pretty tired both days. Today I only worked a four hour shift so not so tired. I really like my co-workers and think this will turn out to have been the right move for me.

Yesterday was almost 80 here! I understand there was some wicked weather else where, hope everyone is ok today.

Yay on having a good move!

This week is crazy. Today is the only afternoon we are home until Friday. Tomorrow the kids have dentist appointments, Liam has a baseball practice and his science fair is tomorrow evening. Wednesday is skating and another baseball scrimmage. Thursday is skating and a baseball practice. I have no idea what we are going to manage to eat. Tonight I am making quesadillas because Liam has been asking for them for two weeks. His will have black beans and cheese and mine will have chicken, roasted red peppers, onions and cheese. Caili will have the chicken and probably a salad.

My eyes glazed over reading that.

WFD - Red beans & rice with leftover pork roast. bbl....

Hmmm...must be Monday!

WFD....Red beans & rice. We just didn't have leftover pork roast.

Talk about wicked weather! On Saturday, we had a rain/snow mix all day long. We braved it to take the kids to the aquarium, and then did some shopping, but we were all happy to get home to dry off. We had hot chocolate and soup for dinner! By the time we went to bed, the weather had turned positively wintry! When we woke up yesterday morning, we had a couple of inches of snow on the ground, and it was still snowing. It snowed until about noon, and then started clearing. By dinnertime, the snow had all melted away. Today we have blue skies an sunshine. Our temp is in the high 50's. Welcome to Sprinter!

Today is the first day of spring break. The kids are having a sleepover at their cousins house tonight while I pack up for our trip to my dad's house tomorrow. For those of you not on FB, Alan's little brother lost his wife to cancer this weekend. Her service will be next Monday. I think Alan will drive up, but the kids and I won't be able to make it. It's about 6 to 8 hours away, and Katie has state History Fair the next day. It's been really crazy trying to figure it all out.

Snow and spring break! They just GO together like... mosquitoes and water.

That does sound crazy trying to work that all out. It sounds like you are making the best compromises. I hope Katie's History Fair goes well!

The storms didn't even get close to us. But Wisconsin got hit pretty bad. I slept with the windows open and the wind opened my bedroom door. Minnie had a grand time sleeping on the couch and wrecking havok once she woke from her nap. . That made for a great morning of cleaning and drinking coffee before work.

I feel bad for the people that got the storms this time. A lot of people got hit really hard.

LOL about Minnie though! Not so nice for you, but glad she had a fun time!

Hi Everyone... worst friend ever checking in here. I'm so sorry I've been MIA for so long. I went through a bit of a funk and withdrawn period for a few days and once I was out of it it just seemed so overwhelming to jump back in. That's no excuse and I'm so sorry for being out of touch with you guys. You're all my very dear friends and I consider you family and I hope you can forgive me for being so withdrawn. An especially big thank you to Kat for reaching out and encouraging me to come back.

There's no way to catch up so I'll just jump back in. Dinner tonight was teriyaki turkey breast, buttered noodles, and broccoli.

We all have times we just can't keep up with this thread. It moves fast and life is busy. Don't beat yourself up over it, we're just glad to see you back!

Sorry to hear about all the bad weather. This has been one insane weather year so far.

Yes, it has been. The superstitious side of me about blew a gasket the other day when I was explaining holidays to some kids. I was telling them how some are on certain days of the week (ex Thanksgiving on Thursday) but the date changes each year, while some are on the same date each year but the day changes (like Christmas). So, I was going to show them by comparing it to a different calendar year. Well, I have a calendar with cute pictures that I keep to use for picture writing prompts. It's from 2005. Lo and behold if the dates and days MATCHED the ones for 2011. Then I find out this week that the 2005 hurricane name list has rolled around again.

Well, I didn't realize it got so late! It's past my bedtime and tomorrow is more state testing! I don't like to wish away time, but I'll be glad when this test is over so I can actually teach!

 

[TigerKat]

Bethany - I am very superstitious...

WFD - Chicken parm, spaghetti, Caesar salad and garlic bread.

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi everyone! I had a wonderful time in California and came home late Wednesday evening. .

Welcome home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello! I am still sick so have no food to share with you all. I weighed myself this morning and I have lost 10 lbs. since Thursday! Time for this bug to go away!

~!

How are you today?

Didn't post over the weekend because I worked both Sat and Sun at the library. It is much more physical work than I had imagined so I was pretty tired both days. Today I only worked a four hour shift so not so tired. I really like my co-workers and think this will turn out to have been the right move for me.

.

Glad to hear that you are fitting right in!

I apologize in advance if I disappear for a couple days!

Between you and me................if I had your Spring schedule I would hide under a rock!

Because the kids are at my sister's house tonight, I think Alan and I will have our weekly date night tonight. Don't know what we'll have, but I'm thinking some Thai takeout food would be good to eat while packing (me for my dad's house, and Alan for NYC). We'll see.
!

Thinking of your family this week

Lauren Mr A's nickname was baby bird. He would walk around with his mouth open waiting for food.
.

I am having a tough time picturing "Baby Bird" and that tall tall son of yours in the same sentence...

Hi Everyone... worst friend ever checking in here. I'm so sorry I've been MIA for so long.

There's no way to catch up so I'll just jump back in. Dinner tonight was teriyaki turkey breast, buttered noodles, and broccoli.

Stop stop stop worrying! I do this a few time a year, I think I am a seasonal person. Jump in!

Bethany- i just had a vision of you and that guy in the grocery store ANd do not get me started on grocery prices!!!!!!!!!!!

DInner last night was grilled turkey tenderloins and a veggie lo mein thing. Salad on the side. I had Welby and the girls here so we also had corn.

 

[Rogue26]

Sheryl- Congratulations!!!!!!!!

Kathy- Thanks for posting about Jude, one day I might actually join facebook. I feel like I'm missing out on so much with all of you, and I have an awsome little girl I'd like to show off!

Nancy- Your dinner sounds really good, with food like that it must make it so much easier to eat well.

Bethany- I can't get over the price of milk! It just happened all of a sudden. We are buying half of a steer and my husband suggested we might be better off buying a milk cow! It's $4.99 a gallon for store brand at the grocery store, but I went to BJ's yesterday and it was $2.66 for landolakes. BJ's is to far away though to go everyweek. You should get more barilla plus, $1 a box is as low as it goes here and that's only a couple of times a year. It's the only pasta we really eat, sometimes I get the whole grain. With the barilla plus you really can't tell the difference, I really think it's worth the extra money.

Aimee- Can't wait to try the enchiladas. The canned sauce is so salty, but I don't have enough experience with enchiladas to experiment, thanks for doing it for me. I made the general tso's chicken, it came out really good. I used the back of a fork to work the marinade into the cornstarch like I was making pie dough or biscuits and it worked well.

Michelle- Glad to see you back!

Glynis- I'm sorry to hear about your sister-in-law, my thoughts are with your family.

Gretchen- Glad you had a good time!

Laura- Good luck with your spring schedule!

Lauren and Aimee- I didn't forget the larabar recipes, but they are in grams so I'll find the originals and get them for you. There really are a lot out there, I just google larabar recipe. I've had the best luck with the ones that are by weight instead of volume. I'll get you our favorites hopefully later today.

Not sure on dinner but I here my oatmeal boiling away, I'll try and be back later.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Hi all - did ya think I deserted you??!!

Nah I would never do that - just REALLY really busy - Sorry!!

I keep thinking I will catch up, but that probably won't happen - I am too far behind now. But reading this page I can do a bit --------------

Sheryl ~ Congratulations Nana!! I really need to get over to FB and see the pictures. I am so happy for you all.

Laura ~ Happy Birthday about a week late. So sorry - I hope your day was magical. You so deserve it my friend.

Kat ~ So darn happy for Kyle!! That news just made my day.

Vic ~ glad you love the new job. Sounds like it will be a keeper. Are you loving the new kitchen?

Glynis ~ I need to go read back but I think you are in need of prayers. You got them my friend.

Gretchen ~ Welcome home!! I can't wait to hear all about it.

Ok that is it until I go back and read - AND I WILL!!!!

Well the living room is not finished and Bunko is tonight. My furniture is not here. So I put the old stuff back in. I am so dissapointed!! Doug says, "It looks just fine" but I told him, "It's like working out in the yard all day and you finally get that nice hot shower. When you come out you put your dirty stinky grimy clothes back on". Yea, it looks alright but darn I really wanted the finished product to look nice. Now it looks just like it did with a funny color on the walls. -----The new paint matches/compliments the new furniture not my old stuff. DARN darn darn!!! Oh well - It is what it is and yes, life will go on.

I miss you all when I don't get in here every day. Work is busy. Hopefully after Easter is over things will settle down. We can hope!!

WFDT ~ Wine and M & M's -----no, no, no that is for Bunko. Something on the girll that won't dirty my kitchen up. Probably turkey burgers. I have a pasta salad made so that will make the plate too.

Make it a great day everyone!!!

 

[OKWMom]

Becky, I’m so sorry you have had the stomach bug, especially for such a long time. Please take care, dehydration is nothing to play around with.

Lauren, I love “T’s” new nickname, however he got it. And with his new trick, well, you can certainly tell that you live in a “boy” house. My house, on the other hand, usually has the sounds of girl squeals and smells like nail polish and/or remover.

Aimee, the enchiladas sound wonderful. I love Mexican food but unfortunately have a husband who does not. He will suffer through taco night once per month in order to get the dog to take her heartworm pill, but that is his limit.

Laura, thanks for the welcome home. I see that your life is just as hectic as always which I guess means that the children have settled into the new house/neighborhood just fine. I hope so anyway.

Kat – I’m sorry you are still dealing with the rental company. That really stinks. Did Kyle like the truck? Are you going to get it?

Glynis – I’m sorry I missed you prior to your leaving for your Dad’s house. I hope you and the kids have a good time. I’ll be thinking of and praying for Alan and his family in the next few days. Especially for his brother. Cancer is such a terrible disease.

Janice – Baby Bird? !? That just cracks me up, especially since we all now he’s more of a Big Bird now.

Michelle – It is absolutely wonderful to see you again. I have been MIA too and have once again found my way back “home”. I understand completely how difficult it is to keep up when you barely have the emotional energy just to make it through your day. I hope this means you are pulling out of your funk.

Bethany – I try not to be superstitious, but that would make me a little nervous too.

Nancy – Thanks for the welcome home. It really is good to be back. I read about Donny and his engagement. I’m so thrilled that he is marrying someone you like. That makes all the difference in the world.

Robin – I joined fb, but I don’t really go on much. Mostly to check the pictures posted by our friends here and my sister in CA. I don’t really ever update my own stuff because I have such a hard time transferring pictures, etc. And I’m way overdue in posting house pictures. I keep telling myself that one day I’ll take the photos and then let the 12 year old update my photo album with them. I’m sure she will be able to do it much faster than I.

Tonight’s dinner is Kenny’s request – spaghetti with garlic bread. I’m doing the 15th of the month payroll taxes tonight and tomorrow night so it needed to be something quick and easy.

I don’t remember who was asking about Easter menus (vicb maybe?) but I’m working on mine now. I will be having Kenny’s family over since both SILs have recuperating husbands they are taking care of. Honestly, it was almost surreal to think that both BILs had almost the exact same surgery within 5 months of one another. BIL #1 is still walking with a cane and has his “bag”. BIL #2 just got out of the hospital and they expect his bag to be temporary but he is still very weak. We are hoping that he will be able to come. If not, we will have his kids and send dinner to him and SIL.

I’m thinking of ham, baked mac and cheese (the kids insist on it), green beans, squash casserole, creamed peas, deviled eggs and PW’s rosemary rolls. I’m also going to do a cheese board and some crab dip and am thinking of pasta salad but I don’t have a really good recipe for it. Anyone have a tried and true pasta salad recipe they want to share?

 

[HERSEY]

Just popping in for a quick minute.

Gretchen My go to pasta salad is just soo hard Boil small box of spaghetti(the long strings) 1 small bottle of Italian dressing and chopped tomato and Lawlry"s seasonal salt sprinkled over, chill.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Good Morning! I have to post quicklly here...I had to run to Sams club this morning (not in the schedule) because meat and been wetting through his Huggies at night. The only diapers I find do not leak are the Sames brand. So now I have to do all the things I planned this morning. Not that I really plan but I have some errands to run later so I wanted to get the house and laundry caught up...theres always tomorrow though.

OK, babble over. Dinner tonight is going to be Kat's chipotle lime pork chops and whatever sides I throw together. Andrew is supposed to have practice but it is raining. The weather has been so dreary.

Glynis, Hugs to all. i am glad Alan can be with his brother.

Becky, how are you feeling?

Laura: hope the week goes fast for you...you have a lot going on.

Vicb, glad youre liking the new job and coworkers.

Bethany, love your grocery store story. Prices are nuts here too oh and I love kraft with the powdered mix!

Janice, The thought of little Alex walking around like a little bird has be ...too cute. Does he go by Big Bird now?

Gretchen, what type of pasta salad do you want? Mayo or oil based? Veggies? This one looks good:

http://www.food.com/recipe/greek-pasta-salad-13303


Ellen, have fun and don t worry about the house. It will be a great conversation explaining your new furniture and then they will see it next time. I know its disappointing though.

Robyn, now worries on the Larabar recipe....I can google one.

aimee, that recipe looks so good!

No need to catch up. That's what's great about families: you can just jump in any ole place! I'm glad to see you! Sorry about the funk. I can surely relate. Just don't give up on us forever!!!

Michelle, Glynis said it perfectly. God knows I have been coming and going a lot lately. I am really glad to have great friends here.

OK, gotta run...have a great day...BBL

 

[liamsaunt]

Gretchen one of my favorite pasta salad recipes is by Ina Garten. It is called Pasta, Pesto, and Peas. It looks so pretty and tastes awesome!:

1 1/2 lbs. pasta
1/4 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 cups pesto (packaged or see recipe below)
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/4 cups good mayonnaise
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, defrosted
1/3 cup pignoli (pine nuts)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
[*]3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss into a bowl with the olive oil. Cool to room temperature.
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and puree. Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta and then add the Parmesan, peas, pignoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.

Pesto

1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup pignoli (pine nuts)
3 tablespoons chopped garlic (9 cloves)
5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good olive oil
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Place the walnuts, pignoli, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.
Notes: Air is the enemy of pesto. For freezing, pack it in containers with a film of oil or plastic wrap directly on top with the air pressed out.
To clean basil, remove the leaves, swirl them in a bowl of water, and then spin them very dry in a salad spinner. Store them in a closed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel. As long as the leaves are dry they will stay green for several days.
Yield: 4 cups

 

[liamsaunt]

So I am still sick. UGH. I went back to work today and one of my coworkers told me that his partner has the same thing and he has been sick for TWO WEEKS!!! If this lasts for two weeks I am going to pitch a complete temper tantrum!!

Michelle, welcome back! Sorry you were in a funk. Hopefully the warm weather will help cheer you up a little bit.

Kathy, congratulations to Kyle and the team!

Bethany, I have noticed the prices going up on everything too. It's crazy! I bought some boneless chicken last week and it was $10.99/lb!

Ellen have fun at Bunko tonight!

Hi to everyone I missed, my brain is mushy.
WFD: not sure. I am hungry though so I am going to make something.