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

[Aimeedyan]

Tonight's dinner was REALLY tasty - this is ranked as one of my fave burgers now for sure. I didn't get to grill them, since the hailstorm came through right at dinnertime, so I did them in my cast iron skillet on the stove. Delicious! You could use any cheese you wanted - I did two with smoked gouda and two with the Meunster.

Fig-Glazed Burgers with Red Onion Jam
makes 4 burgers

Red Onion Jam
4 cups thinly sliced red onions (about 2 medium or 1 large)
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

Cheeseburgers
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
3 Tbs. fig preserves
4 (1/2-oz) Meunster cheese slices
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Saute the onions in hot oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet for 10 minutes. Stir in the sugar, vinegar, and thyme, reduce heat to low, and cover and cook an additional 10 minutes, or until onion is very tender. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Prepare grill and heat to medium-high and grease grates with vegetable oil using a paper towel and tongs. Gently stir together all the ingredients for the burgers (through black pepper) and shape into 4 (1/2-inch) patties.

Grill patties 5 minutes on each side. Brush each patty with fig preserves and top with a slice of cheese. Grill an additional 2 minutes, or until beef is cooked and cheese is melted.

Serve on buns with red onion jam.




Served with:
Garlic Oven Fries
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 large baking potatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Heat the garlic and oil in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2 minutes. Strain the garlic from the oil. Set both garlic and oil aside.

Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch sticks. In a large bowl, toss the oil, potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and spread the potatoes onto it in a single layer. Bake until golden and crisp, about 35 minutes.

Remove potatoes from the tray with a metal spatula (plastic won't work - I tried!). Toss with parsley, reserved garlic, and additional salt, to taste. Serve immediately.

 

[liamsaunt]

Tonight's dinner, Roast cod with bacon, potatoes, and kale
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46225862@N02/5635804191/

That looks awesome! YUM!

Ellen, I know how you feel. Our living room furniture took six months to show up after we ordered it. Ridiculous! I swore I would never order any more furniture from this company (Pottery Barn), but eventually I caved and bought a coffee table from them. That table took EIGHT MONTHS to show up! John and I joked that somewhere a carpenter was hand planing our table.

Here is a photo of dinner. It was OK, John liked it a lot, but I was not very hungry:

 

[Rogue26]

Kathy- Thanks! I adore my husband, he's my best friend...but I'm enjoying not having to deal with his picky palete.

Becky- I think my whole house is going to take less time than your furniture! Of course after our addition we won't be able to afford furniture.

Aimee- I went over to your blog to see a picture, and I just have to say- Congratulations to Jason! He hasn't even been at that job for very long has he? I love carmelized onions on my burgers (and on everything else) and a nice big piece of brie. I have a recipe for bacon-onion jam, I haven't tried it yet but I think it would be awsome on a burger.

 

[TigerKat]

Aimee - That burger sounds great and congrats to Jason!!!!!

WFD - Back-a-town chicken, noodles & a salad.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Vic

Princess You and this thread will make a great match you like to take pictures of food we love to look at pictures of food I am happy you eat "gourmet" too.

With all the recipes and food porn, I'm drooling every time I wander on in here!

Hey y'all!

I'm jumping back in, hopefully this week will be much slower for me.

PrincessInOz - Welcome to our group! My dream is to one day visit Australia.

If you do, let me know. I'm always up for the DisMeet and I'm good for a coffee and cake!


WFD - Wednesday nights are always dinner at mum's with my siblings and their families. She cooks rice, stirfry and curry's. Sadly, I was too busy at work to go....but DH brought me a doggie bag.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Ellen- Sorry about the furniture, the good news is you won't have to worry about something getting spilled on it at Easter. My mom still has all our weebles!

So true!! I hadn't thought of that. Your cod looked amazing - YUM!!!

Ellen, I know how you feel. Our living room furniture took six months to show up after we ordered it. Ridiculous! I swore I would never order any more furniture from this company (Pottery Barn), but eventually I caved and bought a coffee table from them. That table took EIGHT MONTHS to show up! John and I joked that somewhere a carpenter was hand planing our table.

Too funny! but SO true. Good grief!! I am so glad to know you and John are feeling better.

Laura ~ Yea Liam! Let the summer begin!!

Gretchen ~ You are right and usually I don't really care to much. But Doug and I have worked SO hard that I really wanted it to look finished. Now it just looks funny - my old furniture does NOT match my wall colors. Plus the fact we have asked our Minister and her family for dinner. What was I thinking.

Janice ~ You are so right - the check was cashed the next day. I always say I'm never going to pay in full again. Maybe if I still owed money it would be here.

Nan ~ Oh sweetie that sounds like it really hurts. Bless your heart!! I so hope you gave Buddy the real angry look when we said that about the cookie. But I do have to agree with him about the house - Doug says the same thing.
Poor Sassy - bless her dear heart!!

Kat ~ I am so darn excited for you. Have you looked at your ticker lately? 1 month to go. You are going to have a ball!!

Aimee ~ I have to admit something. I am starting to feel like Bethany. First you all were massaging your Kale and now figs and burgers. Really!!! Those are 2 things that I would NEVER EVER put together. You all just amaze me. But I love each and every one of you. I am such a meat and potato kind of girl.
And what about Jason? But whatever it is tell him good job!!

PrincessInOz ~ You are one lucky girl - dinner at Mum's sounds heavenly. Even if it was a doggie bag.
I have been to your wonderful country and I just LOVED it. Even the 17 hour plane trip. I was in Australia on my birthday, flew back to LA and was able to go to Disney Land and celebrate my birthday again. It was still the same day.


We are busy every night this week. I finally sat down last night and made my Easter Dinner list and my grocery list. We are supposed to go to a live reading of the "Last Supper" tonight - I had really looked forward to it but we really need to go grocery shopping instead. We only have 1 grocery store here so we will drive the 35 miles to the "BIG" city and shop there. I am having dinner at my house so of course I have a large list.

Elizabeth had surgery yesterday on her knee and is out of commission for a week - 10 days, so I am taking dinner over to her tonight. They (Ethan) has requested spaghetti with meat balls, I will also take a nice green salad and garlic bread. Jay is THRILLED he doesn't have to cook!!!

WFDT ~ Out - hopefully Applebee's.

 

[OKWMom]

Gretchen Don't you just love "upgrades" we had one a couple of weeks ago and I still can't find what if better yet.

I understand completely. Not only have I not been able to find anything that is better. There are some things I haven't been able to find at all! And small rant, but they changed my keyboard too. I loathe the touch on this one and my typing, which wasn't phenomenal to begin with, has declined measurably. Ok, rant over. Thanks for letting me vent.

It really is true. I stress when we have folks over. But now I am telling you what Buddy told me not too long ago...........on your worst day your house is ten times better than most people so stop worrying.

Thank you. I know that you are right. It's just all those years of living with a perfectionist mother. She didn't think the carpets were truly vacuumed unless there were perfect rows left by the vacuum cleaner. I swear she would walk through the room and pick up nonexistent lint from the floor. I always think I'm be judged by those standards every time we have company and I'm trying very hard to just let it go and enjoy my visitors.

Already this house is much better because we have a dedicated playroom/therapy room. All those teaching/therapy materials are out of sight and my house is WAY less cluttered.

Gretchen – I’m sorry I missed your call yesterday. I’ve been crazy busy as I know you have too but don’t give up on trying to catch me on the phone !!!!!

I will. It was nothing really but a check up call to see how you were. I'll try again later.

Ellen- Sorry about the furniture, the good news is you won't have to worry about something getting spilled on it at Easter. My mom still has all our weebles!

I haven't ever thought of it that way, but true. And btw, your dinner picture looking delicious! I can't wait to see the pics of your upcoming pastries. Since I can't bake, I have to live vicariously through my friends who can.

Ellen, I know how you feel. Our living room furniture took six months to show up after we ordered it. Ridiculous! I swore I would never order any more furniture from this company (Pottery Barn), but eventually I caved and bought a coffee table from them. That table took EIGHT MONTHS to show up! John and I joked that somewhere a carpenter was hand planing our table.

It sure sounds like it.

Aimee- I went over to your blog to see a picture, and I just have to say- Congratulations to Jason! He hasn't even been at that job for very long has he? I love carmelized onions on my burgers (and on everything else) and a nice big piece of brie. I have a recipe for bacon-onion jam, I haven't tried it yet but I think it would be awsome on a burger.

Aimee, I haven't seen your blog. What is happening with Jason?

WFD - Wednesday nights are always dinner at mum's with my siblings and their families. She cooks rice, stirfry and curry's. Sadly, I was too busy at work to go....but DH brought me a doggie bag.

At least he was thoughtful enough to bring you dinner. I don't know that my DH would have thought of it. He is a good husband, he just doesn't think that far ahead usually.


After Robin's picture, I've decided that we're having fish tonight. Whatever the seafood place says is the freshest today. I'll decide how to cook it after I see what is available. Here it is normally grouper or flounder.

 

[shovan]

Hey y'all, Checking in. I read back but didn't retain much of anything.

Except that Nan fell! I am so sorry that you're hurting & that your new mattress is making it worse! Please take care of yourself.

Princess, Loving your pics! You are very organized! I think pics of my cabinets would cause you to hyperventilate.

Laura, Glad Liam is pitching well & enjoying himself! I can already see that I will be trekking to baseball fields before I know it!

I've been cooking, but no time for pics. Bob came home with fresh redfish that I cooked on the grill last night. Had that with leftover potatoes & onions and an artichoke salad. I made this for Angelina earlier in the day:

Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

Serves: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) box jumbo pasta shells (recommended: Barilla)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/4 teaspoon
1 (8 to 10-ounce) package frozen artichokes, thawed and coarsely chopped
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
5 cups Arrabbiata Sauce, recipe follows

1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella (about 5 ounces)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and partially cook until tender but still very firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the garlic and cook until the onions are soft and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the ground turkey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is slightly golden and cooked through. Add the artichoke hearts and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large bowl combine the cooled turkey mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, basil, parsley, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
To stuff the shells, cover the bottom of a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish with 1 cup of Arrabbiata sauce. Take a shell in the palm of your hand and stuff it with a large spoonful of turkey mixture, about 2 tablespoons. Place the stuffed shell in the baking dish. Continue filling the shells until the baking dish is full, about 24 shells. Drizzle the remaining Arrabbiata Sauce over the shells, top with the grated mozzarella. If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 day and up to 1 month.
To bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake until the shells are warmed through and the cheese is beginning to brown, about 60 minutes (20 minutes if shells are unfrozen.)

Arrabbiata Sauce:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 ounces sliced pancetta, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups jarred or fresh marinara sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until tender, about 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool until ready to use.

Yield: approximately 6 cups

This made enough for an extra small casserole dish for her freezer.

 

[Glynis]

Hey, everyone! Thanks for all the good thoughts for Katie. Unfortunately, she does not get to go to Washington D.C. She was a bit disappointed, but handled it very maturely.

Dinner tonight will be fried rice. It's fast and easy. I've got kids going in different directions, and I also have to get Alan packed for a trip for work leaving tomorrow.

We are having an Easter bbq at my SIL's house on Saturday. We'll also have an egg hunt for the kids. I'll try to remember to take pictures. I'm just praying that it doesn't snow! Anyway, SIL is furnishing hot dogs, buns, etc., and the rest of us are making side dishes. I thought I'd make PW's baked beans. They are super yummy!

For Easter, I'm making a ham with currant-cherry glaze in the crock pot. I found the recipe on the Betty Crocker website, and it looks so good. For sides we'll have broccoli (done some way, not sure, yet), sweet potatoes, and hot cross buns. No dessert, as the kids will be pigging out on candy all day long!

Nancy - I'm so sorry that you fell! Please get those ribs looked at!

Laura - Tell Liam "congrats" on the pitching! Sounds like he's getting better and better! Also tell him I think it's great he's lasted without video games this long!

Aimee - Those burgers look so yummy!!!

Princess - I'm loving your recipes!!! Those potato jackets looked amazing!

Sheryl - I hope things are going well with Jude and everyone else! You sure do have your hands full with that cute bundle!

Ellen - Sorry about the furniture! Still, Easter will be nice with the company and the food!

Gretchen - It's so nice to see you posting, again!

Robyn - It's hard to believe I'm going to say this, but as someone who doesn't really like fish, your picture sure had me wanting to try it!

I know there's been more, but my brain is mush! Timothy has a cold, and I was up a lot with him last night. Have a great day, everyone!

 

[vicb]

Just back from the Honey Baked ham store, picked up a ham for Easter. Got to get a turkey breast tomorrow to cook... got a couple who don't eat ham. Apparently DD's roommate is no longer vegetarian now she eats turkey and chicken... well alrightly!

Running around today prepping for the carpet cleaning crew I've got coming tomorrow.

WFDT = steak fahitas, fruit salad, chips and salsa

 

[Aimeedyan]

Aimee- I went over to your blog to see a picture, and I just have to say- Congratulations to Jason! He hasn't even been at that job for very long has he? I love carmelized onions on my burgers (and on everything else) and a nice big piece of brie. I have a recipe for bacon-onion jam, I haven't tried it yet but I think it would be awsome on a burger.

He's been there about a year but they seem to like him He's been promoted once already and they are working on another one, too! You should totally try the bacon and onion on there - that would rock on a burger!

Aimee, I haven't seen your blog. What is happening with Jason?

Aimee ~ I have to admit something. I am starting to feel like Bethany. First you all were massaging your Kale and now figs and burgers. Really!!! Those are 2 things that I would NEVER EVER put together. You all just amaze me. But I love each and every one of you. I am such a meat and potato kind of girl.
And what about Jason? But whatever it is tell him good job!!

At work, they give out points when you go above and beyond and he earned enough to cash them in for a new grill for us - a really pricey one, actually. We were going to grill last night but a hailstorm flew through and since they were golfball size, I opted to grill indoors

Hope Elizabeth heals up soon!


We're having goat cheese and herb stuffed chicken tonight; I haven't figured out side dishes yet. Maybe mashed potatos? Rice? Creamed corn? no idea.

 

[TigerKat]

All of your Easter plans are making me sad we won't be cooking at home. We are hosting Temple University for this weekend's baseball tournament and are having a feast after Sunday's game for the teams & parents...boiled crawfish, grilled burgers, hams & sides and desserts.

PrincessInOz – Believe me, if I ever make to your amazing country I will take you up on that offer!

Ellen – Yes I have seen my ticker and it’s making me nervous about all the excitement & the packing yet to come. I’m hoping Elizabeth’s recovery is smooth & speedy!

Sheryl – That little Jude is just too precious! Is Angelina doing OK?

Glynis – I’m sorry Katie doesn’t get to make the trip but somehow I knew she would handle it like the lovely young lady that she is.

 

[shovan]

Dinner is going to be take-out poboys. Alexis is sleeping over. Her fav po-boy is the Greek one! lol! It's a gyro on french bread.

 

[liamandcaili]

Sheryl -- How is Alexis doing now that Jude is in the picture? I hope she is starting to enjoy him as much as the rest of you.

Gretchen -- I am sure all of your guests will just be happy to join you, and they won't be judging the rows in your carpet. That did make me laugh. Having a playroom makes such a huge difference. We have one here, but it needs to be retiled, so the kids can't use it yet. It's a little frustrating for them because the playroom was the one room they could stash tons of toys in and make a bit of a mess and it never bothered me because I didn't see it.

Laura – It sure sounds like Liam is ready for opening day!!!! I’d love to see a video of him pitching….

I think he is ready (although he still needs work on his hitting. He is seeing the ball well and making contact, but it isn't going anywhere...) but the team still needs some work. They got crushed in their scrimmage today. Of course, most of the opposing team was taller than the coaches. I would love to videotape him pitching, but I think it would make him nervous and probably embarrassed.

We are have a nice vacation, but a little boring.

I'm sure the weather isn't helping. We were freezing at the baseball field this morning. I came home and had soup and tea for lunch; Liam jumped into a hot shower, and Caili crawled back into bed and under her covers. That cod looks delicious! I guess your husband wasn't home for that meal.

Let the summer begin!!

I wish!! I would even settle for Spring. It was really miserable today. I hope Elizabeth recovers quickly.

Aimee -- Congratulations to Jason and to both of you on the new grill!

Glynis -- I'm sorry Katie didn't get that trip, but she should be proud that she was at the competition. She is a good kid to handle it well. I know she worked hard. I hope Timothy feels better!

Apparently DD's roommate is no longer vegetarian now she eats turkey and chicken... well alrightly!

I think at that age food preferences can change from week to week. It makes it easier on you!

All of your Easter plans are making me sad we won't be cooking at home. We are hosting Temple University for this weekend's baseball tournament and are having a feast after Sunday's game for the teams & parents...boiled crawfish, grilled burgers, hams & sides and desserts.

It sounds like you will be eating well though!

Dinner tonight was roast chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes, pureed turnips and green beans. I was so cold after baseball, I figured a lot of cooking would warm us all up. Tomorrow Liam has practice at 8:30 AM. I told him Caili and I would be dropping him off in our pajamas.

 

[Nancyg56]

Nan – I know the feeling of losing the “old guys” all too well and it’s sad. When I started with the credit union thirty years ago I worked with my Dad and over the years I got to know a lot of folks through him. I have to check the obits daily to see if any of my members have passed and it just breaks my heart.

I really is difficult. Buddy started at his company when he was 18 YO and got attached to a lot of these men. Like you, his dada was already working there and so he has a long history with them. He is starting to take their passings very hard.

Sassy sounds like Beanie. She had a dislike of Minnie. Minnie would just be sitting minding her own business and Beanie would go over and give her a whack across the face. Minnie would just look at my with a look that said what just happened.

Janice- Minnie sounds like my dog, the cat will swat him across the face and the dog just stands there and takes it looking sad. Sometimes the cat will get up on his back paws so he can swat with both of his front paws. The dog is 60 pounds and the cat is 8. (I can't laugh to much, the cat has me trained to stay out of the way.)
!

WFD - Wednesday nights are always dinner at mum's with my siblings and their families. She cooks rice, stirfry and curry's. Sadly, I was too busy at work to go....but DH brought me a doggie bag.

What a nice tradition!

Elizabeth had surgery yesterday on her knee and is out of commission for a week - 10 days, so I am taking dinner over to her tonight. They (Ethan) has requested spaghetti with meat balls, I will also take a nice green salad and garlic bread. Jay is THRILLED he doesn't have to cook!!!

.

How is she feeling?

Thank you. I know that you are right. It's just all those years of living with a perfectionist mother. She didn't think the carpets were truly vacuumed unless there were perfect rows left by the vacuum cleaner. I swear she would walk through the room and pick up nonexistent lint from the floor. I always think I'm be judged by those standards every time we have company and I'm trying very hard to just let it go and enjoy my visitors.
.

My Mom was like that too. I don't want to be like that but there are times when I seem to get all caught up in that mindset and make the family crazy! I have decided that the house is going to be fine this Easter though.

I've been cooking, but no time for pics. Bob came home with fresh redfish that I cooked on the grill last night. Had that with leftover potatoes & onions and an artichoke salad. I made this for Angelina earlier in the day:

Oh Sweetie! i never doubted that you were cooking! New Nana's are known for feeding everyone in their path!

Hey, everyone! Thanks for all the good thoughts for Katie. Unfortunately, she does not get to go to Washington D.C. She was a bit disappointed, but handled it very maturely.

!

Next time!

He's been there about a year but they seem to like him He's been promoted once already and they are working on another one, too!
At work, they give out points when you go above and beyond and he earned enough to cash them in for a new grill for us - a really pricey one, actually. We were going to grill last night but a hailstorm flew through and since they were golfball size, I opted to grill indoors
.

Good for him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All of your Easter plans are making me sad we won't be cooking at home. We are hosting Temple University for this weekend's baseball tournament and are having a feast after Sunday's game for the teams & parents...boiled crawfish, grilled burgers, hams & sides and desserts.

You are going to have a blast!

Tomorrow Liam has practice at 8:30 AM. I told him Caili and I would be dropping him off in our pajamas.

Years ago when Buddy's dad was in the hospital my kids would sometimes stay at his cousin's house. She would take them to school in her bathrobe and jammies but her hair, which used to take two hours to do, was always done. She would get them to mind their P's and Q's by threatening to leave her hair for later. Oh my goodness! That kept them in line!

Thanks for the good wishes! I am feeling better. Three days with a heating pad and minimal moving.....except for my "farming" and I am way better!

Dinner was egg sandwiches at 10 PM! Buddy's Mom is in the hospital again adn we got a frantic call from his nephew. Buddy's sister is her POA and no one would talk to Joe. His sister has not shown up but still no talk to anyone else. We went down with him to get her moved to a rehab. Bud is a mess, this is not going to be pretty but there is no more room for her to try to pacify his sister. Her health is failing and I am not going to deal with the sister, no one can advocate for her if our hands are tied. Buddy told her her will do this but she needs to give him the tools, no more fooling around.

 

[PrincessInOz]

We've been having Wednesday night's family dinner at my parents for as long as I can remember.

Even when all my siblings and I were dating (pre-marriages), Wednesday nights were always the interesting nights because we never know who was bringing home a new GF (or BF in my case).

Here are examples of the sorts of food that my mum and dad cook:

WFD - tonight we had take-out. Pizza, half marinara and the other half with olives and anchovies. It's Good Friday tomorrow - so dinner will be Fish and Chips. I'll try and take a picture to post.

 

[OKWMom]

Hey, everyone! Thanks for all the good thoughts for Katie. Unfortunately, she does not get to go to Washington D.C. She was a bit disappointed, but handled it very maturely.

I know there's been more, but my brain is mush! Timothy has a cold, and I was up a lot with him last night. Have a great day, everyone!

Glynis, I'm sorry that Katie doesn't get to go to Washington. But I know she did a great job anyway and that you and Alan must be proud of her performance and for handling the loss gracefully. I hope Timothy is doing better today.

Just back from the Honey Baked ham store, picked up a ham for Easter. Got to get a turkey breast tomorrow to cook... got a couple who don't eat ham. Apparently DD's roommate is no longer vegetarian now she eats turkey and chicken... well alrightly!

Don't ya just love kids? Btw, it looks like we have the same ham recipe. I'm picking up mine tomorrow (ordered it last week).

He's been there about a year but they seem to like him He's been promoted once already and they are working on another one, too! You should totally try the bacon and onion on there - that would rock on a burger!

At work, they give out points when you go above and beyond and he earned enough to cash them in for a new grill for us - a really pricey one, actually. We were going to grill last night but a hailstorm flew through and since they were golfball size, I opted to grill indoors

That's wonderful! I'm so glad to hear that his job is going so well. And that you decided not to use his new prize in the hail.

All of your Easter plans are making me sad we won't be cooking at home. We are hosting Temple University for this weekend's baseball tournament and are having a feast after Sunday's game for the teams & parents...boiled crawfish, grilled burgers, hams & sides and desserts.

Kat, if you would like, I'd be glad to send some of Kenny's family to your house for dinner. I have more than enough folks to share. Not that they will give me a real head count, but it is somewhere between 15 and 20.

Dinner is going to be take-out poboys. Alexis is sleeping over. Her fav po-boy is the Greek one! lol! It's a gyro on french bread.

I'm so glad to hear that. I've been worried about her with Jude here. I know that she isn't being slighted, but she's been used to being the center of your families world, it must be a little difficult to share the spotlight.

Gretchen -- I am sure all of your guests will just be happy to join you, and they won't be judging the rows in your carpet. That did make me laugh. Having a playroom makes such a huge difference. We have one here, but it needs to be retiled, so the kids can't use it yet. It's a little frustrating for them because the playroom was the one room they could stash tons of toys in and make a bit of a mess and it never bothered me because I didn't see it.

That really does make a huge difference, doesn't it? It makes the rest of the house so much less cluttered. Hopefully, you will be able to get yours usable soon.

I really is difficult. Buddy started at his company when he was 18 YO and got attached to a lot of these men. Like you, his dada was already working there and so he has a long history with them. He is starting to take their passings very hard.

Bless Buddy's heart. I'm sure he is taking is hard. When you work with people that long, they become a second family.

Here are examples of the sorts of food that my mum and dad cook:

No wonder you hate to miss it. Those dishes looked delicious.


Tonight is chicken pilau with field peas. I'm making extra to take to Kenny's sister's family. This is the family with the most recent surgery, for those of you who are trying to keep it straight. Hopefully I'll also have time to squeeze in a load of laundry too.

 

[Rogue26]

Gretchen- That's quite a group for Easter dinner! My mom is also still waiting for a final count and she is getting a bit ticked.

Princess- I went to my parents for dinner last night and they had the same pattern corning ware dish with the shrimp in it, but it was filled with lima beans- I passed.

Nancy- One of the guys my husband worked with passed in the fall, they all felt like they lost a family member. We consider these guys closer than most of our family, I'm sorry Buddy's going through it much to often.

Laura- My daughter has an 1100 square foot playroom and she loves it, oh wait that's our whole house. I figured you must be hoping for a rainy day or two so you don't have to spend the whole week on a field. It's just me and the kiddo this week, my husband is away for work. Fortunatly he doesn't have to travel often for work, but for the next few months it's possible. Of course he still has a ton of work here that needs to get done. Good luck with the tiling, after watching DIY network enough times, my daughter can't wait to help tile the bathrooms.

Sheryl- I'm glad Alexis is getting a sleepover, and a tasty dinner. Hope she's coming around to the idea of Jude. I've been wanting to try those stuffed shells for a while, they look good. After seeing that recipe I always add red pepper flakes to the oil before making my sauce.

Kathy- Sorry your sad about not hosting Easter, but that sounds like an awsome time. All the fun of a big meal with no stress.

Vic- I used to work at an inn and when reservations were taken dietary restrictions were noted. Well I can't tell you how many people said they were vegetarians, until they saw bacon was on the breakfast menu.

Glynis- I'm glad Katie did well but sorry she's dissapointed. It's hard to compete with the best of the best.

Ellen- I hope Elizabeth is as comfortable as she can be. I can imagine Jay's relief that he doesn't have to cook. I told my husband he will be cooking one meal a week while I'm working, and ramen noodles or scrambled eggs doesn't count. Good thing I have a few pounds to loose anyway.

Last night I went to my parents for dinner. I had some leftover kale and was going to make greens and beans to bring over. Well I got bored and was watching Barefoot Contessa and she made espresso ice cream. I had everything in the house to make it so I brought that instead, it was soooo good. Kind of the opposite of a healthy leafy green. I'm not sure on dinner tonight. Have a great day all!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Gretchen ~ Enjoy that new house with all of your family this weekend. You so deserve it lady. I bet Hailey is loving the playroom as well as her Momma.

Sheryl ~ Do you have Jude's & Alexis' Easter Baskets all ready? I finally got Ethan's last little bit done last night. I was wondering like the rest how Miss Alexis is handling Jude. Bless her heart!! I am so glad she was with you last night.

Glynis ~ So sorry to hear that Katie is not going to D. C. but I know she did the best she could, and that is all that matters.
I so hope the kids are feeling better today and no one else is sick.

Vicb ~ enjoy those nice clean carpets.

Aimee ~ Oh how exciting. I would love to have a new grill - ours is about 7 years old - but it still works. Darn it. I am so proud of Jason and the job is going so great.

Kat ~ Sweetie, your Easter Day sounds like a blast and just remember you won't have any dishes to do. Good luck to Kyle this weekend.

Laura ~ I love picturing you and Caili going to Liam's practice in your jammies. Good for you, but please don't have a flat tire or something. You are such a good Mom!!!

Nan ~ So glad you are starting to feel better.
Thanks for asking about Elizabeth - she is doing ok - everyday is better. She had a HUGE Bakers Cyst that had ruptured removed behind her left knee. Not good, but in the end she will feel so much better. She is a runner and had to bow out of a Marathon in Lincoln in May. That hurt worse than the surgery - well almost anyway.
My prayers are with Buddy and the whole family. That sounds rough, but you are so right - stand your ground - something HAS to be done.

Oz ~ I love you family dinners. Family dinner here is on Sundays. I never know who is showing up - it's an open invitation. Sometimes there are LOTS of leftovers and sometimes none.

Robin ~ oh sweetie!! ice cream/greens and beans. Hands down you made the right decision.


Doug and I had a good time last night even if it was to just buy groceries. We ate at Applebees. There was a 30-45 miniute wait so we grabbed a couple chairs at the bar. Oh my what a hoot that was. We were waited on immediately, drinks served, complimentary chips & salsa and the best bartender ever. We were in and out in 30 minutes - there was still quite a line to get in. I felt like we had fast passes.

On the way out of town I dropped 2 complete meals off to Jay and Elizabeth. Jay was beyond thrilled. He doesn't have to cook for a couple of nights. He was just giddy - it's the little things - right?

Tonight is Holy Thursday - let the fun begin. From here on out until next Tuesday it's going to be go go go. I love it, but I will be glad when its over.

WFDT ~ Crockpot roast, potatos, carrots, with a peach jello salad.

Make it a great day everyone.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Dinner was egg sandwiches at 10 PM! Buddy's Mom is in the hospital again adn we got a frantic call from his nephew. Buddy's sister is her POA and no one would talk to Joe. His sister has not shown up but still no talk to anyone else. We went down with him to get her moved to a rehab. Bud is a mess, this is not going to be pretty but there is no more room for her to try to pacify his sister. Her health is failing and I am not going to deal with the sister, no one can advocate for her if our hands are tied. Buddy told her her will do this but she needs to give him the tools, no more fooling around.

oh no! I'm so sorry she's ill again but even sorryer (is that a word?) that you have to deal with painful relatives.



I should do the right thing and make dinner tonight before the Maundy Thursday service, since I have a doctor's appt that will get me home early, but I'd really rather just go eat out. We'll see what happens.