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

[Glynis]

I HAVE A WORKING AIR CONDITIONER!!!

It was actually an easy fix, too. It only cost us 39.00!!! I like that. On the down side, he did say that it looks like we are going to need a new furnace in the next couple of years. Guess we'll start saving for that, now.

Ellen - Katie was my only modest child. The others were all out there! It's amazing what those ultrasounds can show, now.

Sheryl - I'm so glad the celebration for Jude went well. I always have a hard time letting babies cry, too. That's probably why Timothy still comes into our bed during the night. I just can't stand it!

Aimee - Yummy pictures. I can't wait to try the pork!

Dinner tonight will be tuna salad, and if I get ambitious, some brownies for dessert, now that the air is working. I'm spending the day babysitting a niece and nephew, and that means a lot more work, but so far, so good. They haven't broken anything, or written on any walls, and there have not been any arguments. They all just might deserve brownies!

Have a wonderful, cool, day!!!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Thanks for all the prayers for my Dad please keep them coming though as were waiting on more test results. He had an abdominal cat scan this am and cultures are growing to see if its infection in his knee. He keeps loosing weight and no energy. Hes down to 180 and hes 6ft 7 in. I'm sorry I havent been around trying to keep to myself and not complain. Been in a lot of dicomfort as had to stop my artheritis meds and I'm getting bad leg pains from my back. Oh an 2 days ago our air conditioner went need a new one grrr. Hope all of you have a good Day To all

Oh sweetie, my prayers and good thoughts are with you and your Dad. Dang I wish you felt better as I am sure worrying about your Dad isn't helping you at all. Sorry to hear about the AC - I swear when it rains it pours.
Please take care!!

Whe I had the boy almost 11 years ago it was still the old school scans.You could see the arms and legs but that was about it.
I had to get lots of scans done because of how he was lying and I had one done about a month before he was born.
The nurse put the camera thingy on my tummy and we both jumped in shock because it was obviously right on his wee face.....it was unbelieveable,so clear.
When he was born I remember lookin down and seeing the face I remembered,it was like I had met him before.,it was so cool.

Now I've not told DH or anyone this but we never knew if I has havin a boy or a girl and after that scan I prayed to god I was having a boy because if if it was a girl she wasnae very bonny !!

Oh I just love this - and I knew exactly what you were saying. How cool!! Thanks for sharing.

Ellen, Your going to be a GrandMother again?!!! Woohoo! Congratulations!

DD is working late plus this morning she tells me that "WE" have started to try to get Jude to self-soothe! i.e. put him in his bed to sleep, if he cries, let him cry, I can go in & talk to him & pat him, but no picking him up nor giving him his pacifier!!!

Tried twice now, after 10 mins, then 15 mins. of screams, I picked him up. He had worn himself out crying & both times almost immediately fell asleep. Nana isn't liking this "new style" parenting very much at all!

Oh I WOULDN'T like this at all!!! I always say "What happens at Grandma's house stays at Grandma's house". If that is what they want to do FINE but not at my house. I just HATE to hear a baby cry - I just feel there is no need. When I am crying I would hate for someone to put me in a room and leave me alone. Ok I will quit for now - Sorry!!
I say do what you want!!

Nan ~ Thanks!!

Glynis ~ Yea for the working AC. Now Momma is a happy girl.

 

[Rogue26]

Glynis- Glad your AC is working. We just got back from the pond and it felt so good. Considering we don't have ac that's as good as it gets!

Sheryl- I'm in the "it's impossible to spoil babies that are that young" camp, however I really regretted it when she got a bit older and still couldn't get to sleep on her own at night. Glad your getting to spend so much time with him. Hope Alexis is enjoying her summer vacation.

Ellen- Sorry you still don't know, so happy everything is going well even if s/he is keeping you in suspense.

Last night we had antipasto pasta salad, it really hit the spot on such a hot day. Tonight is pancakes and bacon, my 11 year olds birthday dinner request. Strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Have a great day all!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Thanks for all the prayers for my Dad please keep them coming though as were waiting on more test results. He had an abdominal cat scan this am and cultures are growing to see if its infection in his knee. He keeps loosing weight and no energy. Hes down to 180 and hes 6ft 7 in. I'm sorry I havent been around trying to keep to myself and not complain. Been in a lot of dicomfort as had to stop my artheritis meds and I'm getting bad leg pains from my back. Oh an 2 days ago our air conditioner went need a new one grrr. Hope all of you have a good Day To all

Oh, I'm so sorry you have so much going on! and continued prayers

Now I've not told DH or anyone this but we never knew if I has havin a boy or a girl and after that scan I prayed to god I was having a boy because if if it was a girl she wasnae very bonny !!

I HAVE A WORKING AIR CONDITIONER!!!

AWESOME!!




We have our first outdoor concert tonight. You all know that I did NOT think of this plan. 107 degrees in the shade, grass, bugs, eating outside - not my thing but I'll be there. With a smile on my face!

Dinner will be there. A local Mediterrean restaurant is catering food options.

 

[bigmerle1966]

DD is working late plus this morning she tells me that "WE" have started to try to get Jude to self-soothe! i.e. put him in his bed to sleep, if he cries, let him cry, I can go in & talk to him & pat him, but no picking him up nor giving him his pacifier!!!

Tried twice now, after 10 mins, then 15 mins. of screams, I picked him up. He had worn himself out crying & both times almost immediately fell asleep. Nana isn't liking this "new style" parenting very much at all!

I know it's hard, grandmm, but it's best for him in the long run, believe me. At his age it shouldn't take long for him to be able to get to sleep just fine with no problems.

 

[HERSEY]

Sheryl I also dislike hearing babies cry. Hopefully Jude will sign on quickly to Mom's rules. I had to put Mr A down with Smokey's songs playing. He really hated when I tried to sing him to sleep.

Aimee As I am sitting here having a cold diet coke pressed to my face, I am in awe that you can be out in the heat. This warm air is setting off hot flashes that I would welcome if it was 30 degrees.

Glynis I am so glad you have AC again and it was a cheap fix.

Dinner is cooked frozen pizza for Mr A and chicken salad for me.

 

[shovan]

Pineapple Express- The Columns Bar

2oz Milagro Reposado Tequila
¾ oz Agave Nectar
3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
1 ½ oz Ginger Beer
1oz Fresh Lime Juice
4 Fresh Pineapple Chunks
5 Fresh Basil Leaves

Put pineapple chunks and three fresh basil leaves in a shaker. Muddle and shake.
Add tequila, agave nectar, bitters, fresh lime juice, and ice. Shake hard.
Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with ginger beer and garnish with basil leaves.

I used 1/2 oz of agave nectar. I don't like drinks that are too sweet. Really good. Didn't know if we'd like this with the ginger beer & bitters, but it was an undertone, really layered drink. I got the recipe off of one of our local news programs! Is that only in Nola?

 

[shovan]

I know it's hard, grandmm, but it's best for him in the long run, believe me. At his age it shouldn't take long for him to be able to get to sleep just fine with no problems.

Marilyn, You really think so? My SonIL picked him up today. He told me they've been working on it for 2 days. He's crying about 45 minutes at night! I know I can't do that with him! I did do it with his Mom but I was much, much younger! and she was a good deal older than him.

Sheryl I also dislike hearing babies cry. Hopefully Jude will sign on quickly to Mom's rules. I had to put Mr A down with Smokey's songs playing. He really hated when I tried to sing him to sleep.

Aimee As I am sitting here having a cold diet coke pressed to my face, I am in awe that you can be out in the heat. This warm air is setting off hot flashes that I would welcome if it was 30 degrees.

Glynis I am so glad you have AC again and it was a cheap fix.

Dinner is cooked frozen pizza for Mr A and chicken salad for me.

Janice, I would enjoy putting him down to some Smokey!!!

Alexis was 4 or 5 before she asked "Nana, Could you sing when you were little? or you never could sing? " But gosh the child was telling the truth!

 

[HERSEY]

Marilyn, You really think so? My SonIL picked him up today. He told me they've been working on it for 2 days. He's crying about 45 minutes at night! I know I can't do that with him! I did do it with his Mom but I was much, much younger! and she was a good deal older than him.



Janice, I would enjoy putting him down to some Smokey!!!

Alexis was 4 or 5 before she asked "Nana, Could you sing when you were little? or you never could sing? " But gosh the child was telling the truth!

Sheryl you should write down the saying Alexis comes up with and give them to her at her wedding or baby shower. They are prizeless

 

[Glynis]

Marilyn, You really think so? My SonIL picked him up today. He told me they've been working on it for 2 days. He's crying about 45 minutes at night! I know I can't do that with him! I did do it with his Mom but I was much, much younger! and she was a good deal older than him.

With Katie, Jacob and the twins, I let them do it when their stretches of sleeping at night had grown to about 5 hours.

With Timothy, I'm pleading age! I just am having a hard time doing it. I need to, though. It sure would be nice to have a bed with only 2 people in it instead of 3.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I hope my random recipes/pics aren't getting obnoxious... I don't want to be one of those people that just tells people to go check out their blog just to get traffic there. I want to pass on the recipes that are good because y'all are my friends!

Summer Vegetable Crepes
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives, divided, plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons low-fat milk
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups chopped zucchini
1 1/4 cups chopped green beans (I subbed black beans)
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I used swiss - I had it on hand)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 9-inch “ready-to-use” crêpes, or make your own

Stir sour cream, 1/4 cup chives, milk, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until combined. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, green beans and corn and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to low; stir in ricotta, Monterey Jack, the remaining 1/4 cup chives, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, stirring gently, until the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

To roll crêpes, place one on a piece of parchment or wax paper (or leave it on the piece of plastic separating the crêpes in the package). Spoon one-fourth of the vegetable-cheese mixture (about 3/4 cup) down the center of the crêpe. Use the paper (or plastic) to help you gently roll the crêpe around the filling. Place the crêpe seam-side down on a dinner plate. Repeat with the remaining crêpes and filling. Serve each crêpe topped with 2 tablespoons of the reserved sauce and more chives, if desired.

Crepes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (add a bit more if the batter is not runny enough)
1 egg
1 pinch salt

In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, egg and salt.

Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium high heat. When the pan is hot add a teaspoon of butter and lightly coat the surface of the pan with the melted butter.

Pour one quarter cup of the batter into the pan and tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface in a smooth and even layer. (I ended up using more on each one due to my pan size)

After two minutes, lift up an edge of the crepe with a spatula to see if it is browning. When the underside has begun to brown, flip the crepe and cook the other side until it is also brown; about 2 minutes.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 to cook the remaining crepes. Serve hot.

Cake Batter Rice Crispy Treats
3 tablespoons butter
1 (10 oz) bag of mini marshmallows
1/2 cup yellow cake mix (or more)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Sprinkles (just eyeball it)

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until they begin to melt. Add one spoonful of dry cake mix to marshmallows at a time, until all is incorporated. After the marshmallow mixture is completely melted, add Rice Krispies. Stir until cereal is completely coated with marshmallow mixture. Sprinkle in sprinkles and mix well. Press into a greased 9×13 in pan, and top with more sprinkles. Let sit for about 30 minutes before cutting.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I hope my random recipes/pics aren't getting obnoxious...

OMG! I hope my random recipes/pics aren't getting obnoxious either!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

Good Morning- Lauri- still worrying about your Dad..........and you as well.

Sheryl- I think that I am going to be Ellen's sidekick here! I think that Jude is too young to be crying like that. When my kids were young we let them cry and I wish I had not done that. It was that old fashioned thinking and I have tossed that out the window! Marisa told me her pediatrician's method when Nola was little but she was older than Jude.

I gotta tell you that Alexis is a SCREAM

Janice- Smokey...Hersey................Smokey...Janice...Hmmmmmmmmmm.... I just wound music boxes for Donny I did sing to Kady and Nola. They liked my singing.......did that mean they fell asleep in self defense???????

Girls--------------------PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep the food porn coming! I am following a diet and our meals are boring at best. I am eating through your pics!

Today Kady and I are going to help Gail sort through some of her things for a tag sale. I think that this is a hard day for her and the weekend will be worse. Her house is sold and unless something happens she closes on the 22nd. She has looked at several different homes but so far nothing she wants. I want her to come closer to me.

 

[HERSEY]

KEEP those pictures coming!!! I can't take food pictures to save my pitiful life.
Besides I don't think pictures of frozen pizza is exciting.

Nancy Prayers for Gail. It is going to be difficult for her. I don't think I could see people fingering and dickering over my loved ones stuff.

Okay who stole my morning? I guess I will have to finish this post later.

 

[Nancyg56]

Janice- Gail and Mike used to host big Halloween parties and Mike was really into the decorating. He turned the garage into a ghoulish jail scene with working mummies, etc. They has coffins, jails, talking ghouls, and that was just the garage. The entire lower level of the house was transformed into an Adams family meets Freddy Kruger and the outdoors was like a graveyard.

Christmas was also like that. I think that she is just going through the basement right now. She does have a lot in storage. I hope that Deb and Kim will have the space in their new homes to use some of her furniture that she does not think she needs. Kim has signed a lease for the condo next door to Marisa. Her neighbor gave Kim a great deal after Marisa told her that even though Kim said she could afford the rent it would leave her with nothing left. I will update on Tim after I talk to him today.

Thanks for thinknig of Gail today

Glynis- I forgot to say for the cool house! Our AC did not kick on the first time I used it and we sweltered until the guy could come out. Turned out to be the thermostat............who knew that I had two sides to the darn thing. New one and good to go!

 

[TigerKat]

I've been keeping the OP updated but haven't had time to catch up with y'all. Hoping to be able to tomorrow.

 

[liamsaunt]

Marilyn, You really think so? My SonIL picked him up today. He told me they've been working on it for 2 days. He's crying about 45 minutes at night! I know I can't do that with him! I did do it with his Mom but I was much, much younger! and she was a good deal older than him.



Janice, I would enjoy putting him down to some Smokey!!!

Alexis was 4 or 5 before she asked "Nana, Could you sing when you were little? or you never could sing? " But gosh the child was telling the truth!

I remember one time I was watching Liam when he was a baby and I was trying to sing him to sleep. He actually reached up and covered my mouth with his hands! Even now if I threaten to sing they run away screaming

I hope my random recipes/pics aren't getting obnoxious... .

No way! I love seeing your pictures and recipes here! Those crepes look delicious.

OMG! I hope my random recipes/pics aren't getting obnoxious either!!!

See above--no way! I think everyone likes the food pictures.

I ended up changing dinner last night and making a pasta fresca (the recipe was posted here before) subbing in the tat soi I had for the basil. It was good but I forgot to take a picture.

WFD: not sure yet!

 

[Glynis]

PLEASE DON'T STOP THE PICTURES!!!! I love them! You all inspire me so much with the photos!

The only song my kids would ever let me sing to them was "You are my Sunshine." Any other song, and they would wiggle away. Now, I can't sing that song anymore without crying. My niece who passed away a couple of years ago loved that song, and we sang it at her funeral.

No idea what's for dinner. I have book club tonight, so it will have to be something fast and easy. Maybe tacos.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Marilyn, You really think so? My SonIL picked him up today. He told me they've been working on it for 2 days. He's crying about 45 minutes at night! I know I can't do that with him! I did do it with his Mom but I was much, much younger! and she was a good deal older than him.

Yes I do. It shouldn't take long for him to realize "no one's coming to get me, I'll just go to sleep"

With Timothy, I'm pleading age! I just am having a hard time doing it. I need to, though. It sure would be nice to have a bed with only 2 people in it instead of 3.

Do it! My BFF just in the last year FINALLY got her 10 year old to sleep in his own bed for the entire night. It took several years to even get him to start out in his own bed then she had to get him to stay there.

I hope my random recipes/pics aren't getting obnoxious... I don't want to be one of those people that just tells people to go check out their blog just to get traffic there. I want to pass on the recipes that are good because y'all are my friends! .

Yes, recipes and pics of yummy food are SO obnoxious!

Dinner tonight will be grilled chicken and yellow squash.

 

[bigmerle1966]

The only song my kids would ever let me sing to them was "You are my Sunshine." Any other song, and they would wiggle away. Now, I can't sing that song anymore without crying. My niece who passed away a couple of years ago loved that song, and we sang it at her funeral.

I sang, and still sing, that song to the kids starting when they were babies.

I guess my voice is okay because they rarely tell me to stop. This past weekend my youngest neice and I were sitting in a chair in their living room and I was playing, and singing along with, the ringtones and songs on my cell phone. I had the Tigger song and my DN had me sing it a second time.