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

[Where'sPiglet?]

Julie – We’re so ready for this trip, very excited! The only cooking that will be done in our villa will be Kyle making hot dogs. I don’t cook on vacation.

I don't cook on vacation, either!

Is anyone surprised?

 

[liamandcaili]

Hi Everyone,

I ended up working a little late today, so my mom was kind and made me dinner. We had the leftover cole slaw and potato salad and chicken salad using the leftover fried chicken. I thought for sure Liam's baseball game would be canceled tonight, but no. They are playing. My dad was nice enough to offer to go get Liam. None of us were going to sit out in the cold and drizzle, but since my dad will do the pick-up, Caili was able to go to bed. I just went to check to see if her light was off. It wasn't, but she was fast asleep.

I ended up making frittata

I love frittata. I have some eggs to use, I think I will put that on my menu this week.

Yesterday was graduation at the college and it was quite nice

I'm glad graduation went well. Nice to see you back!

Today is our 12 year wedding anniversary.

Happy Anniversary!

I really love the asian marinade that I have already shared with all of you

We love that one too...well, Caili and I do. I always think of you every time I put it together. I'm glad you got some time to yourself this morning.

My only excuse is that Alan and I have really kicked into high gear to complete a documentary for the 50th anniversary of the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

Sounds like an interesting project!

He starts his internship at the Bank this morning.

I'm sure he'll do great. It probably will be an adjustment at first, but I hope he has a good experience.

I'm back to work soon and I already know I'm going to have computer trouble.

My computer at work is pretty slow. I think it is getting switched out in the next couple of days.

Naked Chef.....no.....ok, only me then.

My neighbors appreciate me cooking with clothes on.

You ladies are a riot!

Kathy -- I laughed that the only cooking would be Kyle making hotdogs. Hotdogs are one of the foods that are plentiful all over Disney! Although, my kids noticed that the hotdogs were different on our last trip and they didn't like them. I guess Disney is trying to offer a healthier hotdog. Isn't that a contradiction?

 

[Aimeedyan]

Aimee, the scallops have a spice rub on them that I bought in the Carribean, so I can't give you the exact recipe, but here is what I did:

combine the juice of one lime with 2 tbsp. soy sauce and 2 tbsp. olive oil. Add seasoning to taste and marinate for one hour.

Preheat a cast iron skillet on a hot grill until smoking. Dump in the scallops and their marinade and cook, turning once, until carmelized and just cooked through. My scallops were very large and they took about 4-5 minutes total.

The sauce on the scallops is a cilantro-chile butter. I make this in large batches and then roll it into logs and freeze it. Then I can just slice off a piece when I want it. Here is that recipe:

2 sticks butter, softened
1 jalepeno or serrano pepper, minced
1 bunch cilantro, finely minced
juice of one lime
1 tsp. black pepper
salt to taste.

Combine everything well and freeze. Makes enough butter for many meals.

Awesome, thanks! What did you serve with it?


I need to make these potatoes, evidently - they must be delicious!!

Tonight I had a meeting so I drove through someplace on the way home and picked us up something. I HAVE to grocery shopping tomorrow on my way home from work. We are foodless!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Good evening everyone! Dinner was great...but I ate alone. Andrew was hungry early so I let him eat as I waited for Tom who was in a late meeting. I also fed the baby and then Tom called and they decided to go to dinner. He has been very busy at work lately and getting home late. He is in WV today so I assume he will be in really late now. I dont know why he doesnt keep a change of clothes in the car.

Marilyn, Your Godson looked very handsome! I think I have been calling him your nephew...sorry! You took some great pics!

seems wrong to be looking for tomato plants when you have your hands freezing and you are stuffing them in you pockets. I hope we are past the frost.

The weather has been yucky! I wanted to plant a raised garden this year but cannot since we need some work done in the yard so i am just going to do some containers. I was really looking forward to that. Stay warm!

Lauren- I was uncomfortable a little that day, it seemed to be pulling a bit. Tylenol fixed that. I am already glad it was done, I was so self conscious of the one right on my forehead. I felt like it was the sun in the solar system

I made a huge pot of cabbage soup and we all know what that means.I am going on a diet and he is coming with me

Thanks for the info. I have been wanting to get this thing off my nose for some time (mine looks like a 3rd nostril ). It was put on the back burner with all the thyroid stuff going on.

I need to get my eating under control. I have been doing good at the gym though.

keep the windaes open.....

I broke down and turned the furnace back on .

Oh no!

Unfortunately not...
but I am comforting myself with the fact that when I wake up every morning I will look in the mirror and thank the lord Im not a Rangers fan.

Im sad to say the Neil Lennon story has hit your papers.....makes me so proud of my Country !!!

Sorry they lost. It is very sad about Lennon.

However, they are evacuating the area that is expected to flood from Morganza since they started opening it yesterday.

Lunch was McDonald's. I was again reminded why I don't eat there. It does not agree with me at all. Aimee, I have no idea how you eat there so often!

Praying for all those affected by the flooding...I love Mc Ds and it does agree with me...I wish it didnt!

I'm glad to hear it. How is Andrew doing in baseball this year? I am glad he is doing better in school. for you for keeping strong and pushing him.



It wasn't really a recital. It was a ballet performance of Alice in Wonderland. Caili did not have a big part. She was grass, so she was mostly scenery with weird hair, but I thought the production was very creative. Two of Caili's friends came to see it, and they really enjoyed it.

I hope you got some rest today. I would need a week to recover from an all-night movie-fest.

I used to think of it as an obligation, but now it is more a weekly spiritual renewal.

Thanks Laura! Andrew is doing pretty good this year. I had him take some private batting lessons and they seem to have helped. He hit his first homerun last week. He has been playing the outfield this year and has made some good plays. He threw someone out at home in the same game all the way from right. The coach was impressed. The team is not doing so great. It seems they lost their mojo. How is Liam doing? I know he was doing quite well with the pitching. Caili looked beautiful as grass!

How is work?

Becky/Laura, I loved hearing about Caili singing the Stones!

Well, that is 4 drinks... and trust me, I don't drink often, but I enjoy scotch, hot and spicy foods, and pineapple!

:Hope the rest of you are doing fine and in good health.

Thank you! Right back at ya!

But their fries and iced coffee? Crack.

Thomas loves his happy meals. Every time we see the golden arches he says french fry...chicken...

Hi All!
Sorry it has been a while...just so very busy.
Julie

Hi! Glad you can chillax now!

BTW, my wife is in San Fran as I mentioned. Today is our 12 year wedding anniversary. She would have loved the meatloaf and hated the sauce.

Happy Belated Anniversary!

Lauren – We love the crash hots too. That flank steak marinade looks great!

The marinade was really good. I am on a flank steak kick. It is the only london broil or steak that I can actually cook right. I am not great at steak.

How could it not be?

I even hit the snooze button twice this morning and I don't EVER do that. And even after that, Kenny had to wake me to tell me the alarm was going off.

Ihope this weekend you can chillax!

Good morning, everyone! I'm so sorry that I went AWOL from Friday on. My only excuse is that Alan and I have really kicked into high gear to complete a documentary for the 50th anniversary of the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

I'm happy to report that as of this morning, Katie is no longer failing any classes. We have the kid's school carnival today from 4-7:30, so things will get pretty hectic around here. Luckily I wasn't volunteered to do any baking for the bake sale this year. I am volunteering to man a booth for an hour, and then the kids will want to play, so I'm sure I'll come home with a headache! It will be fun, though.

Sounds like a nice project. You Dad is going to love it! Does he know about it? yay for Katie! Hope the fair was fun!

Matthew is back in Lincoln, he left yesterday around 4. The house is so quiet today. He starts his internship at the Bank this morning. likes it.

Doug has golf league tonight and I have Zumba tonight so a busy and quiet night.

I hope he had a great day! How is zumba for a girl who just started exercising again 2 weeks ago? Will I die?

Lauren- I love the crash potatoes too, we have them way to often.

I think we will be having them all the time now too!

Lauren - I had never heard of Crash Hot Potatoes, so I looked them up. Guess what?! -- We are trying them tonight!!!!!!! Can't wait! We love potatoes, but get tired of the same old thing...this sounds wonderful!

Did you like them? I found myself wanting more and the little bag of potatoes did not offer much for seconds.

I am tired from not doing much the weekend. Today was sunny and 56 degree yesterday was in the 40's windy and crummy. I want a refund on my weekend!Julie Glad to see you back. I warn you those crash potatoes are really good especially with a little parm sprinkled on top.

Me too!

Puh.....I make whole car crash meals....but I guess thats no the same thing !!

Naked Chef.....no.....ok, only me then.

Oh boy!

Julie – We’re so ready for this trip, very excited! The only cooking that will be done in our villa will be Kyle making hot dogs. I don’t cook on vacation.

I only do coffee, cereal, toast, snacks and of course booze!

I don't cook on vacation, either!

Is anyone surprised?

I am...I thought you would cook on vacay...yeah right!

***
Have a great night all...Oh, dinner for tomorrow is made. Beef enchiladas. We are supposed to have practice if it doesnt get rained out again!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I am...I thought you would cook on vacay...yeah right!

It's just because I don't have DVC. I would consider it if I had a kitchen.

 

[MrsHerbie53]

Did you like them? I found myself wanting more and the little bag of potatoes did not offer much for seconds.

OMG!!!! Those Crash Hot Potatoes were IT!!!!!! My guys loved them too! Mine weren't as pretty as the pics on PW, but that was because I need to get a smasher. Also I used big potatoes and cut them in half, but they were still big. Lots of extras, but we managed to finish them off.


WFD: I am thinking about making a breakfast casserole...but that is probably because I only got a nibble of my son's turkey sausage this morning! We'll see what the day brings.

 

[Nancyg56]

Lauren - I had never heard of Crash Hot Potatoes, so I looked them up. Guess what?! -- We are trying them tonight!!!!!!! Can't wait! We love potatoes, but get tired of the same old thing...this sounds wonderful!

.

I looked them up too and we are having them tonight! welcome back Julie! I missed you!

Puh.....I make whole car crash meals....but I guess thats no the same thing !!

You are killing me!

Mine do too!!!(I'm against having curtains much and have really big windows.)

I don't have curtains either! Buddy has asked me to get some for the living/dining room and I might but not until fall time. I like my celular shades with seasonal swag things.

Hi Everyone,

I ended up working a little late today, so my mom was kind and made me dinner. Kathy -- I laughed that the only cooking would be Kyle making hotdogs. Hotdogs are one of the foods that are plentiful all over Disney! Although, my kids noticed that the hotdogs were different on our last trip and they didn't like them. I guess Disney is trying to offer a healthier hotdog. Isn't that a contradiction?

Don't you just love your Mom?!?!?!?!?

Lately Buddy adn I have been on a hot dog kick and I don't like the ones that even pretend to be healthy so I am right there with your kids!

Buddy got dinner out for us last night. He is having some rust fixed on his "Blue Avenger" so when we went to check on it last night we just picked up an antipasto salad for him and some healthy version Chinese for Marisa and me. I have to tell you that Buddy loves old iron so he REALLY loves this truck. It is an old old grungy dump truck that howls so loud that Nola can tell when he is on the way home before he even hits our street I was dying last night when he and the guy working on it were discussing paint and blasting and color choices.............it is still going to be an old rattletrap that is geared so low it cannot go over 45 MPH, piled up so high with treasures that no one can sit in it unless there is a major overhaul of the front seat and floor...just with a touch-up!

Brian has this really pretty dump truck but Welby says that he is all green monster over this hunkajunk Buddy drives.......... I guess the poor blue beast has character

Dinner tonight is chicken somehow and crash potatoes with a huge salad. I never cooked the chicken yesterday because I was buriesd in paper that needed sorting and filing..............I am a Flylady Flop

 

[HERSEY]

OMG!!!! Those Crash Hot Potatoes were IT!!!!!! My guys loved them too! Mine weren't as pretty as the pics on PW, but that was because I need to get a smasher. Also I used big potatoes and cut them in half, but they were still big. Lots of extras, but we managed to finish them off.


WFD: I am thinking about making a breakfast casserole...but that is probably because I only got a nibble of my son's turkey sausage this morning! We'll see what the day brings.

I don't always use my masher, I use a glass with a flat bottom.

Dinner plans are up in the air. It all depends on if A goes to his Karate class tonight. If that happens it will be just sandwiches since we will get home late. Now since school is almost over he is getting a ton of homework and finals are coming up quickly.

 

[TigerKat]

Good morning!

We'll be going to Kyle's game tonight, it will be the last game we will see for the season. I have a lot of leftovers so we will have that.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Good evening! (It's nearly 10 pm here)

Just got home from work about half an hour ago...late dinner...baked potatoes with the trimmings.

Another day in the salt mines tomorrow and I hope to catch up on Thursday (my time) with everyone's news.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Well my dear friends I have BIG news and you are the first I have told -

I am going to be a Grandma again

Elizabeth and Jay and of course Ethan came walking into the house last night looking like they swallowed a canary. Ethan walks up to me and says "Read my shirt Nanny" It said - I am going to be a big brother - Finally!!

We are thrilled beyond words. She is 8 weeks and due on January 2nd. I do ask for prayers please as she had so much trouble with Ethan and even getting preg. So we are holding our breath, but she has been to the doctor and all is good. WooHoo!! I am going to be a Grandma again!!!

I will be back later to post dinner and catch up. I just couldn't wait any longer to tell y'all. WooHoo I am going to be a Nanny again!!!!!

 

[liamsaunt]

Awesome, thanks! What did you serve with it?

We had a big salad, some crusty bread, and also some cedar planked salmon.

I guess the poor blue beast has character

Dinner tonight is chicken somehow and crash potatoes with a huge salad. I never cooked the chicken yesterday because I was buriesd in paper that needed sorting and filing..............I am a Flylady Flop

on the truck!

I am afraid to look at the Flylady site. She would not approve of my cleaning skills (or lack thereof).

We'll be going to Kyle's game tonight, it will be the last game we will see for the season.

Good luck to Kyle!

Well my dear friends I have BIG news and you are the first I have told -

I am going to be a Grandma again !!!!

Congratulations!!

It's another rainy and miserable day here. John offered to take me out to dinner but I think I'd rather curl up in PJs. WFD: either corn and cheddar cheese chowder or burgers.

 

[Nancyg56]

Ellen- I am beyond thrilled for you! A new grandchild to love! Of course Elizabeth is in my prayers, you did not even need to ask. Now promise not to laugh....I used to clean houses and most of my customers were elderly or infirm. I used to talk about all of them to my Mom so she always felt like she knew them and whenever there was a problem she just added tehm to her prayer list. I still talk to her and I still tell her everything so I imagine Elizabeth is already on her list. It is better now though, I think she is our own personal Angel so she has clout

 

[Glynis]

First of all.... CONGRATULATIONS ELLEN!!! That is so exciting. She will definitely be in my prayers!!!

Bethany - You crack me up!!!

Lauren - That was quite the catch up job!!! I'm super impressed. Sounds like things are going well and busy with you.

For everyone who asked, Alan and I were hired to do this documentary. It is a HUGE project, but it's kind of fun, too. We're just getting to the hectic time, and that means we're on each other's nerves!

Dinner last night was a HIT!

Chicken Stroganoff

Place 4 to 6 chicken breast halves in the bottom of a crock pot. In a small bowl, mix up 12 ounces of sour cream, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and an envelope of onion soup mix. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. At the end of the cooking time, cook wide egg noodles according to package directions. Shred the chicken with 2 forks and mix well with the sauce. Serve over the hot noodles.

My kids loved this meal! They have requested that it be a standard! It was very yummy!!!

Dinner tonight will probably be spaghetti. I'm not too sure, though. It's rainy and windy, and I don't want to leave the house. I know I have everything for spaghetti, so that's sounding really good!

 

[bigmerle1966]

Ouch...

TOO.MANY.JOKES.MUST.WALK.AWAY !!!!

My neighbors appreciate me cooking with clothes on.

I'm sure your lady parts do too. Hot grease & nakedness=

I don't cook on vacation, either!

Is anyone surprised?

Just shocked!

Marilyn, Your Godson looked very handsome! I think I have been calling him your nephew...sorry! You took some great pics!

Thank you. And it doesn't matter, I call them nephew myself. Technically I am only godmother to the youngest but the older two claim me as theirs.

Well my dear friends I have BIG news and you are the first I have told -

I am going to be a Grandma again

Congratulations.

Busy days right now, we are in the middle of registration and I am behind. I have a meeting tonight so cannot stay late and get stuff done. Was going to come in this Saturday no matter what but just remembered today that I have a training.

Dinner tonight is at the meeting.

 

[liamandcaili]

He hit his first homerun last week.

How is zumba for a girl who just started exercising again 2 weeks ago? Will I die?

Congratulations to Andrew! That is awesome. I am glad he is doing well, even if the team is not. Liam's team isn't winning many games either. They did win last night, and Liam had two hits and three RBI's, so that was good. He lost the last time he pitched, although he did pitch well. I think he pitches again Saturday. Despite the losses, Liam is enjoying the season. He is playing a lot and he has a really good coach. That makes such a difference.

I think you could handle zumba. They gear the classes so you can do low or high. It's really fun. Of course, I think it has been a year since I have been to a class, but I would go back if I could find time.

Brian has this really pretty dump truck but Welby says that he is all green monster over this hunkajunk Buddy drives.

I went on the Flylady site once, and never returned, so you are doing better than I am.

We'll be going to Kyle's game tonight

Have fun! I hope it is a good game.

I am going to be a Grandma again

Congratulations! Prayers for Elizabeth and a healthy pregnancy.

And it doesn't matter, I call them nephew myself. Technically I am only godmother to the youngest but the older two claim me as theirs.

I don't blame them. You are so active in their lives.

Glynis -- Good luck getting the documentary done!

Liam is scheduled to have baseball practice tonight, despite the dreary weather. I think I am making a stir fry with chicken and broccoli and PWs sesame noodles.

Happy Birthday, Becky!!

 

[Rogue26]

Ellen- Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for all of you. My sister in law had a difficult pregnancy, and it just made us love the little guy even more. I hope she has an easier time than with Ethan.

Becky- Happy Birthday!!! I'm sorry you won't be getting your 300 presents, but when you blow out your candles if you wish for sunshine that would be great.

Laura- I guess if they don't play baseball in this weather they will never get a chance to play! I love when I find my kiddo sound asleep, it doesn't happen very often but she's just so cute when she's asleep (and awake.)

Marilyn- Good luck getting through this busy time.

Princess- Do you really work in a salt mine or is that an expression? My dad went down in one once and decided it wasn't something he needs to do again.

Kathy- Have fun at Kyle's game! Is he excited about the trip too?

Julie- Like Janice I just use the bottom of a glass for the potatoes, I don't have a masher. Jaques Pepin makes them on the stovetop, I'm going to try that next time because I can't get them crispy enough in the oven.

Nancy- Boys and their trucks. My husband has a really nice truck that is just a couple of years old, but he really misses his big old not starting junking unsafe red ford with barely working seatbelts. Lets just say AAA was a good investment that year, lots of towing.

Lauren- I really like container planting, but I miss my raised bed. I'm going to rebuild it next year. The containers are much more managable when you don't feel like doing much that day.

I think we might have spaghetti and meatballs. I want sloppy joe's but don't want to go to the store just for rolls. Oh well, I'll figure it out. Have a great day all!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Well my dear friends I have BIG news and you are the first I have told -

I am going to be a Grandma again

Elizabeth and Jay and of course Ethan came walking into the house last night looking like they swallowed a canary. Ethan walks up to me and says "Read my shirt Nanny" It said - I am going to be a big brother - Finally!!

We are thrilled beyond words. She is 8 weeks and due on January 2nd. I do ask for prayers please as she had so much trouble with Ethan and even getting preg. So we are holding our breath, but she has been to the doctor and all is good. WooHoo!! I am going to be a Grandma again!!!

I will be back later to post dinner and catch up. I just couldn't wait any longer to tell y'all. WooHoo I am going to be a Nanny again!!!!!

YAY!!! Congratulations!!!

For everyone who asked, Alan and I were hired to do this documentary. It is a HUGE project, but it's kind of fun, too. We're just getting to the hectic time, and that means we're on each other's nerves!

Awesome! Congrats on the project!! And good luck working together



Happy birthday, Becky!!


I AM going to the store on the way home from work - have my list, my grocery bags, etc and I'm ready! No excuses! I think we'll have shrimp pad thai when I get home.

 

[TigerKat]

Ellen – Congrats, I am so excited for you!!!! I will keep Elizabeth in my prayers.

Nan – I loved reading about you telling your Mom everything, brought a smile to my face.

Glynis – Good luck to you & Alan on your big project!

Laura – I’m glad to hear that Liam is enjoying his season. Having a good coach can make a huge difference.

Robin – Let me know how the potatoes on the stovetop work out. I have a hard time crisping them too.

Becky – I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!!!!!

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

So, here is dinner tonight:

BCB's 5 Alarm Chili.... There are 5 habaneros in this chili. And the beans will be added shortly. I just make it without beans at first and then pull some out of the pot because my one daughter hates beans. Then I put in about 5 cans of beans. Everybody else will have it over rice. I won't have the rice because I am diabetic.... Beans are on the OK to eat list for me according to my doctor.

Here is the "recipe"..... I don't measure, but this is close:

2 pounds 93% ground beef
2 pounds chopped sweet peppers
1 chopped onion
3 - 4 TBS chili seasoning
1 cup Heinz ketchup
a can of tomato sauce - 15 ounce
8 ounces of water
2 TBS garlic - I use chopped
1/2 cup sugar
salt to taste

and yes.... FIVE HABANERO PEPPERS.

Brown the meat.... dump everything else in and simmer.

Oh, and I cut the peppers really large on purpose so that my other daughter can easily find them to pull them out!

ETA: Today I added to drops of hickory flavored liquid smoke.... I don't always do that.