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

I guess I am in a sentimental mood today. Today marks 2 years since my brother, Charles, passed away. You guys got me through his passing, along with my Mom's and brother, Jim's, and I love you for that. I remember the kind words that Nancy told me when Charles passed..."God only takes the really special people during Holy Week" and Ellen finally came out of lurking then too.

Lauren, I so remember that day. I had been lurking here for over a year. You all were a bright spot in my day. I knew you all, but you didn't know me. When the news came that Charles had passed I cried like a baby. I was at work and couldn't even see my computer, I was crying SO hard. I knew right then that I HAD to reach out to you.

My prayers are with you through this rough spot my dear friend.

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

You are so good for my soul lady. I about spit my coffee on this.:rotfl:

FredinFl ~ Welcome. Please stick around and chat with us.

Julie ~ I so hope you find what is wrong. You are in my prayers today.

Michelle ~ good to have you back among friends.

Becky ~ Girl, you don't have time to be this sick. I sure hope you are on the mend real soon.

You all have a great day!!!
 
Vic ~ glad you love the new job. Sounds like it will be a keeper. Are you loving the new kitchen?



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 am loving my kitchen... there is still one part not completed :rolleyes1 time to get back on the contractor. Waiting (supposedly) for hood vent to arrive. Had a problem with the seal around my sink so the granite installer came back yesterday to redo and he was crabby about it. Overall I am happy with it.

So sorry about your furniture not coming in. That is so frustrating and disappointing. I'm sure your bunko buddies will understand. And it will make for a good conversation tonight! That happened to me one year at Thanksgiving time, furniture was about a week overdue and delivered the day before.:eek:.

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!!

Sorry you are still sick. I hate being sick!

Doing the happy dance today because my price alert from Kayak saved me $520 on my airfare to our big family reunion this July 4th! I've been watching fares like a hawk for a couple of months and they have just been going up up up! The reunion is at my B-I-L's house in Maine then me, DH and kids will head down to Boston for a 3 day vacation! :banana:

WFDT = salad bar at home, I make bowls with different fixings and we each make the dinner salad we like best. I'll make homemade 1000 Island dressing as it is DS's fav.
 
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.

I'm glad it worked for you!!

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 completely understand!! I know you were excited about showing off all the new stuff. What a bummer!!

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!!

It's probably a good sign that you're hungry... I just hope it settles well. Two weeks is just awful. :hug:



I haven't really noticed our grocery prices going up too much yet. Milk is typically 99 cents a gallon, though occasionally goes up to $1.50 or $1.99. I think those are all good prices. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are on sale every few weeks for $1.59 or $1.99 a pound and I stock up. We don't eat organic or anything, though. Ground beef (90/10) is on sale for $1.99 a pound every few weeks. I buy large shrimp (deveined, easy peel) for $4.99 a pound. But, things could have changed in the last week. I'll find out later this week!

Tonight is pumpkin and gouda mac and cheese. Classic winter comfort food, and it's not winter here, but I had to file it away until I had a working oven so we're having it now!
 
Quick fly by...just wanted to tell all of you that Kat is not going to be on the computer that much this week; she has the auditors in work and she is going away for baseball this weekend. Didnt want anyone to worry. :goodvibes

OK, now back to cleaning the bites the cat just gave me...:mad:
 

Well Ladies, you all make me smile lately!


Becky- two weeks! I sure hope not. How are you today?

Ellen- enjoy your company,the LR will get done soon! Try not yo work too hard.

Lauren- :hug:

Vic- great fares!

dinner is the rest of the pasta sauce with angel hair and a salad. Buddy has been taking the greenhouse down and moving all that was inside so he will not be home early.
 
Dinner is the rest of the leftovers from this weekend.:thumbsup2

Lauren I hope the bites are not to bad. My goofy cat just scratches which is bad enough.
 
Thank you all for your prayers the last couple of days. They were answered!
It is not a lymph node, it is scar tissue that has wrapped around a nerve. I have to see how much pain I can live with or see a pain specialist.

We are so ecstatic it isn't anywhere near where my mind was going. :cool1: :banana:


I hope to be able to catch up here this week. It is fun to see what every is doing.

Dinner tonight was "boring" chicken enchiladas (canned sauce, sour cream, mushroom soup, cheese, and already cooked chicken) with rice. It was semi-fast.
 
/
Thank you all for the warm welcome back. It is good to be back with my friends. I hope that I can get caught up with everyone over the next few days and meet our newer members.

Becky- I really hope you are not sick for 2 weeks and start to feel significant improvement soon. I also can't believe you lost 10 pounds! And you're right, the nicer weather we've had has done wonders for my mood.

Lauren- I remember when Charles passed as well. I was lurking at that point too but I recall being so moved by what Nancy said. It truly was one of the most comforting things I had read.

Aimee- thanks for asking about my friend. Things have improved between us when we're alone together. Its almost like old times. When we're in a group in invariably includes his girlfriend and he withdraws and I wind up not having a good time. A little odd since the group also includes my husband so she has no reason to be threatened. Without speaking of it we've chosen to spend time alone and avoid the group situation and we both have a great time. It makes me sad to remember what used to be but I am grateful we've managed to stay in each others lives at least. I just wonder what will come of it since while Mike is well aware and I'm not sure his girlfriend is and when she finds out I'm afraid he'll withdraw again and I'm not sure I should risk the hurt. Anyways... I'm sure you weren't expecting a saga with a simple question.

Busy week here. I took on a temporary assignment which makes me wonder how I ever managed a full workload. But I really am enjoying it and the business it brings to my days and surprisingly think I will be disappointed when its over. We all ate on our own today and my dinner was a frozen pizza and raw green beans. Gourmet I know...
 
Thank you all for your prayers the last couple of days. They were answered!
It is not a lymph node, it is scar tissue that has wrapped around a nerve. I have to see how much pain I can live with or see a pain specialist.

YAY!!! I'm so excited for you. GREAT news. I personally would encourage you to just talk with a pain specialist just to see what options there are. Constant pain is difficult to live with and since there are some good methods for controlling it out there, it might be worth your sanity to consider giving them a shot. Just my uncalled for opinion :laughing:

Aimee- thanks for asking about my friend. Things have improved between us when we're alone together. Its almost like old times. When we're in a group in invariably includes his girlfriend and he withdraws and I wind up not having a good time. A little odd since the group also includes my husband so she has no reason to be threatened. Without speaking of it we've chosen to spend time alone and avoid the group situation and we both have a great time. It makes me sad to remember what used to be but I am grateful we've managed to stay in each others lives at least. I just wonder what will come of it since while Mike is well aware and I'm not sure his girlfriend is and when she finds out I'm afraid he'll withdraw again and I'm not sure I should risk the hurt. Anyways... I'm sure you weren't expecting a saga with a simple question.

That sounds good - at least you aren't completely cut off at this point. Do you think the girlfriend is marriage potential? I mean, do you think this is a permanent relationship? Or something you can wait out?
 
This was yummy deliciousness.

dinner+1346.jpg


Pumpkin and Gouda Mac & Cheese
3/4 of a 14.5 oz box of elbow macaroni (about 10 oz)
2 links of sausage (turkey, chicken, meat, or vegetarian) - I used 3 chicken sausage links
1/4 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
1 cup milk
6 oz Gouda cheese, grated
1 (5-6 oz) bag baby spinach
Sprinkle of dried mustard
Sprinkle of nutmeg
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for topping
Panko crumbs for topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.

Slice, or crumble, and cook the sausage; set aside.

Coat a large saucepan with olive oil or cooking spray. Cook the onions over medium heat until browned and soft (4-5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Add the pumpkin and the milk and stir to combine. Continue to stir the pumpkin and milk so the mixture thickens. Add the Gouda cheese and stir to melt. Season the sauce with a dash each of mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and pour the pumpkin sauce overtop. Stir to coat. Stir in sausage. Tear the baby spinach leaves and add to the mixture, stirring to wilt the spinach. Taste the pasta and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and/or pepper if needed. I added a good amount of salt and pepper at this stage.

Coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the mac & cheese to the dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss some Panko breadcrumbs on top. Spritz a few spritzes of cooking spray on the Panko and then pop it in the oven (uncovered) for 20 minutes until the top is browned.
 
Bethany - I am very superstitious...:scared1::eek:

:hug: Me too!

Bethany- i just had a vision of you and that guy in the grocery store :rotfl2::rotfl2: ANd do not get me started on grocery prices!!!!!!!!!!!

I sent him to the next aisle over to get the mac and cheese and I saw him asking a lady in that aisle about it. :rotfl2:

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.

I forgot to go back and get more on the way home. :headache:

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.

Oh no! That is a bummer! LOL at the comparison!

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

After all this chatter about mac and cheese, Kraft Blue Box is what we had for dinner tonight!

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!!

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! :eek:

Two weeks! :scared1: I hope you are feeling better very soon. Something is going around though.

I am fortunate to have 4 supermarkets all very close together, so it's not too much trouble to hit the loss leaders and great sales at more than one store. Lately, Rouses have been having better regular prices but Winn-Dixie usually has better sales. Our chicken goes on BOGO about every 3 weeks if not more often, and it freezes well.

You are so good for my soul lady. I about spit my coffee on this.:rotfl:

I couldn't figure out what went together. :rotfl: I had just come in from outside and had been eaten alive by mosquitoes. So vampire-bugs it was.

I am loving my kitchen... there is still one part not completed :rolleyes1 time to get back on the contractor. Waiting (supposedly) for hood vent to arrive. Had a problem with the seal around my sink so the granite installer came back yesterday to redo and he was crabby about it. Overall I am happy with it.

Doing the happy dance today because my price alert from Kayak saved me $520 on my airfare to our big family reunion this July 4th! I've been watching fares like a hawk for a couple of months and they have just been going up up up! The reunion is at my B-I-L's house in Maine then me, DH and kids will head down to Boston for a 3 day vacation! :banana:

I'm glad you're happy with it!

:dance3: on saving on airfare! I've never been to Maine before. I've heard it's nice (in the summer).

I am going to Washington and I was just reading that there could be "winter driving conditions" over a mountain pass I need to drive over. I am not amused. It says "drivers need to be prepared for winter driving conditions" because they "are expecting 1-2 feet of snow between now and the end of next week". :scared1: :faint: And I'll be in a rental car, so I won't have my Louisiana plate as a warning to other drivers!

I'm just hoping and praying the pavement is dry...I do NOT do ice or snow on wheels. Actually, come to think of it, I don't do ice or snow while walking too well either.

I haven't really noticed our grocery prices going up too much yet. Milk is typically 99 cents a gallon, though occasionally goes up to $1.50 or $1.99. I think those are all good prices. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are on sale every few weeks for $1.59 or $1.99 a pound and I stock up. We don't eat organic or anything, though. Ground beef (90/10) is on sale for $1.99 a pound every few weeks. I buy large shrimp (deveined, easy peel) for $4.99 a pound. But, things could have changed in the last week. I'll find out later this week!

Those are great prices! Too bad your store is too far away; I'd go stock up there. :lmao: I just keep telling myself "It's cheaper than New York...It's cheaper than New York..."

Quick fly by...just wanted to tell all of you that Kat is not going to be on the computer that much this week; she has the auditors in work and she is going away for baseball this weekend. Didnt want anyone to worry. :goodvibes

OK, now back to cleaning the bites the cat just gave me...:mad:

Thanks for letting us know!

OUCH! On the bites!

Thank you all for your prayers the last couple of days. They were answered!
It is not a lymph node, it is scar tissue that has wrapped around a nerve. I have to see how much pain I can live with or see a pain specialist.

We are so ecstatic it isn't anywhere near where my mind was going. :cool1: :banana:

:dance3: Yay!!

Glynis - I'm thinking about you and your family. :hug:

Maria - :hug: Prayers for your MIL.
 
Thanks to everyone for the pasta salad suggestions. Right now I’m leaning towards Becky’s pasta, pesto and peas because I love pine nuts and pesto.

Becky, I hope this virus doesn’t last two weeks. That would be miserable. Thank you for posting that recipe for me even though I know you feel cruddy.

Vicb, I’m sorry about your kitchen remodel dragging out. I know the last part of any project is the most aggravating because you are just ready to be finished with it. Hopefully your hood will come in soon.

Aimee, how is the new oven? Do you love it?

Julie, so glad to see that you got good news medically. The waiting must have been excruciating, and I think it is human nature to fear the worst. I think Aimee’s advice is very good. If a pain specialist can help, it is certainly worth a try.

Michelle, I hate that about your friend. I think that you are right to be cautious. Once his girlfriend finds out, it is very likely to be trouble. I sincerely hope it works out well.

Bethany, bless your heart, honey. I don’t drive in snow and would be terrified doing so. My sister thought at one point they would be transferred to Minnesota and she and I were only semi-joking when we said that if we lived there we wouldn’t come out of the house from the first snowfall until the thaw.

Tonight is leftover spaghetti. I’m going to hopefully spend the evening catching up on laundry and other chores.

I know this is dorky, but I thought I would share my strange day with y’all. I’m sure several of you saw the news reports about the 150th anniversary of the civil war yesterday. Well, I don’t know how many of you know it, but I work just outside of Charleston, which is where the first shots were fired. I had not been keeping up with the local news reports, so I spent the whole morning yesterday trying to figure out what those loud booms were. I had no idea they were going to do a cannon fire “memorial”. I was jumping at my desk at every boom and was afraid I was going to develop a nervous tic before the day was out.
 
Hey y'all! Thanks to everyone for all the congrats on our sweet boy! :goodvibes

Kathy is such a good, dear friend! Keeping everyone updated, plus checking on how we're doing! :lovestruc

Being a grandmother is amazing! Jude is just fantastic! I'm so proud of Angelina, she did so well & became a wonderful Mom immediately. Josh is a great Dad too.

I have been over there every day & need to get going now. I haven't done much cooking. Although I did cook a pot roast in the middle of the night! I was having trouble sleeping and the little family needed food!


I read through very quickly.

Lauren, :hug: I'm sorry this time of year brings along sorrow. :hug:

You have to explain T's new nickname "Meat"!!! :laughing:

Becky, I'm so sorry you're still sick!

Gretchen, Glad you had a great trip! I've missed you!:hug:

Julie, I'm glad that you've received good news! I am sorry that you are in such pain. I certainly do recommend a pain specialist! I get epidural spinal injections that really help. He has also found some medications that help without "drugging" me.

Michelle, Welcome Back!!

Aimee, That mac & cheese sounds good! Do you think a lover of traditional homemade mac & cheese lover (Angelina) would enjoy that? It looks healthy & looks easy. I really need some healthy, easy recipes for them.

Sorry I don't have more time to chat, but I'm sure y'all understand. I've got to get over there to Jude!!

( Oh my house is just a total wreck, laundry seriously backed up, but Life is Good!!! :cloud9:)

:grouphug:
 
Thank you all for your prayers the last couple of days. They were answered!
It is not a lymph node, it is scar tissue that has wrapped around a nerve. I have to see how much pain I can live with or see a pain specialist.

We are so ecstatic it isn't anywhere near where my mind was going. :cool1: :banana:

YES!!! Prayers are answered again. I am so happy and relieved for you.

I know this is dorky, but I thought I would share my strange day with y’all. I’m sure several of you saw the news reports about the 150th anniversary of the civil war yesterday. Well, I don’t know how many of you know it, but I work just outside of Charleston, which is where the first shots were fired. I had not been keeping up with the local news reports, so I spent the whole morning yesterday trying to figure out what those loud booms were. I had no idea they were going to do a cannon fire “memorial”. I was jumping at my desk at every boom and was afraid I was going to develop a nervous tic before the day was out.

Oh sweetie, bless your heart. I can just see you hitting the floor and hiding under your desk. LOL not really but I would have been. I sure hope today is quietier.

Aimee ~ your Mac & Cheese looks so good. I want to try that one. But I think I might have to nanitize it - I wonder if instead of sausage you could substitute bacon? I just might try it!!!

Sheryl ~ I am so excited for you - My Momma's favorite saying was "If I would have known Grandchildren were this much fun, I would have had them first" She was so right - nothing better than a grandbaby!! Enjoy and give him a good smell for me - UHHHHHHH!!

Well last night was a blast!! We had all 3 tables full and the laughter was wild. Everyone was very nice with their compliments about my new living room - but I still wish my new furniture would have been in place. It just would have looked so much better. But oh the fun we had. No one left till after 10:00 - and that is so late for us.

We have our special 9 x 13 night here at the Church for Lenten Dinner tonight. I can't wait - these little ladies can really cook and there isn't ANYTHING better than a Church Potluck!! IMO anyway!! I am bringing my Corn & Chili salad. It is always the first to go and everyone requests it, so who am I to deny them. Doug is doing the Inspirational Reading tonight so that will be a real treat also. A nice night in store all the way around.

WFDT ~ POTLUCK - enough said!!

Make it a great day everyone!!
 
Gretchen I just picture you in that scene in all time fav movie Sweet Home Alabama.:rotfl2:
 
I'm lost. :rotfl: I briefly skimmed yesterday and retained nothing. :sad2:


Trying to get lots done as I leave for my DB's Friday to go visit the new baby. It's supposed to rain almost every day. :headache: First snow on my last trip, rain this one, probably a hurricane during the one I am taking in August.

Dinner tonight is going to be sweet potato gnocchi and some sort of green veggie. I was thinking some sort of carrot dish, I bought a big bag of baby ones Monday, but think that might be a bit too much orange.
 
I'm lost. :rotfl: I briefly skimmed yesterday and retained nothing. :sad2:


Trying to get lots done as I leave for my DB's Friday to go visit the new baby. It's supposed to rain almost every day. :headache: First snow on my last trip, rain this one, probably a hurricane during the one I am taking in August.

.

safe travels!

Thank you all for your prayers the last couple of days. They were answered!
.

Thank God!

Thank you all for the warm welcome back. It is good to be back with my friends.

Well I missed you! I am glad tha tthings are better with your friend. i don't get the jealous girl thing but :confused3 It is going to be a long road for your friend:sad2:



Gretchen I just picture you in that scene in all time fav movie Sweet Home Alabama.:rotfl2:

:lmao:

Sheryl- I am loving the pictures! Enjoy pampering the little family for a while, the house is not going anywhere!

Ellen- I love pot lucks!

KAt- If you stop in please don't be working too hard!

Dinner is up in teh air. I do nto live in a pig sty but I have not been too fussy lately. My neighbor stopped by for coffee yesterday and I was apologising for the house. I hate that so i have been cleaning. As luck would have it, Buddy came home from work early and has been telling me to stop and rest....he says I look tired :laundy: I think he is trying to be nice but I do look like a truck ran over me:scared1:
 
Nancy- My husband has been away for a couple of days for work and for the first time in a long time I have a clean house! I swept the floor after he left and I haven't done it since! I hope you get some rest and in the mean time the house can wait. How is your kitchen repairs coming along or are they already done?

Marilyn- My mom hates when there is to much of one color food on the plate. My husband on the other hand loves it, it usually means boring food.

Ellen- I love calling a potluck a 9x13, so clever. Have a great night, it sounds like a lot of fun.

Sheryl- I hope your giving Angelina and Josh a turn with the baby! Again, many, many congratulations.

Gretchen- I got an electric tea kettle about a month ago, and everytime it boils the noise gets me- I keep thinking something is wrong with the furnace. Not quite as loud as cannons though.

Bethany- I was thinking the same thing about Aimee's grocery store prices, maybe she can send care packages. I think places that have alot of tourists generally have higher grocery prices, so I'm assuming you are in the same situation as me.

Julie- Glad you got some good news! I have chronic pain, and eventually it just becomes your new normal. Hope you find something that works for you.

Lauren- My cats a biter. His vet was shocked at the size of his canines. It's a shame too, he'd be such a handsome cat if I could brush him.

Well it's been a long time coming- we finally chose a builder!!! We really like this guy alot, but his price was much higher than the others. He came down to the price of another and it's one we can handle. We start construction the end of June!

Last night for dinner we had leftover manicotti. I saw on "America's test kitchen" a neat way to make it. You take the no boil lasagna noodles and soak them in hot water for a few minutes. When they are soft enough, put the filling on them and roll them up! So much easier than dealing with the shells. Of course now we have it more often than we should.

Tonight we are having eggs and toast. I know, very fancy. Have a great day all!
 
Those are great prices! Too bad your store is too far away; I'd go stock up there. :lmao: I just keep telling myself "It's cheaper than New York...It's cheaper than New York..."

:laughing: I live in a very low cost area, plus there is lots of competition for grocery stores. In other parts of the city, when there is just one store to choose from, the costs are higher.

Aimee, how is the new oven? Do you love it?

LOVE! I haven't even used the lower oven yet :confused3 The top one heats up SO fast, and even the stovetop heats up much faster! I'm boiling water in probably half the time of the last POS oven I had. For an impatient person, that's a big deal! :laughing:

I'm :rotfl2: at the cannons freaking you out!

Aimee, That mac & cheese sounds good! Do you think a lover of traditional homemade mac & cheese lover (Angelina) would enjoy that? It looks healthy & looks easy. I really need some healthy, easy recipes for them.

DH, whose favorite mac and cheese is Velveeta Shells and Cheese, ate three bowls before packing up the rest to take to work. It's not as gooey cheesy as Velveeta... You could make a lot of of changes to it, like use a stronger cheese instead of Gouda (like sharp cheddar) or throw in even more cheese. I'd just taste it as it goes.

It made a LOT.

Aimee ~ your Mac & Cheese looks so good. I want to try that one. But I think I might have to nanitize it - I wonder if instead of sausage you could substitute bacon? I just might try it!!!

Sure! THe original called for sliced sausage and I ground mine. You could throw in any kind of meat you wanted, or leave it out all together.

I'm so glad it went well last night and that everyone loved your new space!! Have fun tonight!

Well it's been a long time coming- we finally chose a builder!!! We really like this guy alot, but his price was much higher than the others. He came down to the price of another and it's one we can handle. We start construction the end of June!

Awesome!! Do you have plans already, I'm assuming?


Since I'm working late, we're both on our own for dinner.
 
Marilyn - Be careful on the road!


Hey y'all! Thanks to everyone for all the congrats on our sweet boy! :goodvibes

Being a grandmother is amazing! Jude is just fantastic! I'm so proud of Angelina, she did so well & became a wonderful Mom immediately. Josh is a great Dad too.

Sorry I don't have more time to chat, but I'm sure y'all understand. I've got to get over there to Jude!!

I'm so happy to see that everyone is doing so well. I'm sure the baby is absolutely perfect and is adored by all. :cloud9: I've thought several times about calling you to offer my congrats, but I know you are super busy right now and just basking in the happiness of it all. I'll call later.


We have our special 9 x 13 night here at the Church for Lenten Dinner tonight. I can't wait - these little ladies can really cook and there isn't ANYTHING better than a Church Potluck!! IMO anyway!! I am bringing my Corn & Chili salad. It is always the first to go and everyone requests it, so who am I to deny them. Doug is doing the Inspirational Reading tonight so that will be a real treat also. A nice night in store all the way around.

That sounds delicious and like loads of fun. Have you shared the corn and chili salad recipe yet?


Gretchen I just picture you in that scene in all time fav movie Sweet Home Alabama.:rotfl2:

I have never seen that movie, so I don't know what the scene is. However, I kept picturing the scene from Steel Magnolias when Julia Roberts' father kept shooting to scare the birds away and made the dog's hair fall out. :laughing: No hair loss, thankfully but I'm glad the cannons are quiet today.


Dinner is up in teh air. I do nto live in a pig sty but I have not been too fussy lately. My neighbor stopped by for coffee yesterday and I was apologising for the house. I hate that so i have been cleaning. As luck would have it, Buddy came home from work early and has been telling me to stop and rest....he says I look tired :laundy: I think he is trying to be nice but I do look like a truck ran over me:scared1:

Then take the rest. As I know from way too much experience, the laundry and cleaning will be right there waiting for me when I get to it. Kenny's mother works too hard too and always tries to help me whenever she comes over. Hailey has heard me ask her to sit down so often that now when she comes over, Hailey will take her by the hand and lead her straight to the sofa. If she doesn't sit down, Hailey will gently push her to sit. I just wish I could train her to do me that way. :laughing:


Well it's been a long time coming- we finally chose a builder!!! We really like this guy alot, but his price was much higher than the others. He came down to the price of another and it's one we can handle. We start construction the end of June!

Oh Robin, that is so exciting! I know you will be thrilled to get started, aggravated at the huge mess, and delighted when it is done. ;) I can't wait to hear all about it.


LOVE! I haven't even used the lower oven yet :confused3 The top one heats up SO fast, and even the stovetop heats up much faster! I'm boiling water in probably half the time of the last POS oven I had. For an impatient person, that's a big deal! :laughing:

I'm :rotfl2: at the cannons freaking you out!

It's easy to get spoiled with a good cooktop and oven pretty quickly, isn't it? I love my double oven too and I don't think you could drag me back to my old one kicking and screaming. Glad yours is working out good for you too.

Now I'm off to search some of the old threads for Easter ideas.
 





New Posts










Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top