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

[Glynis]

Is anyone interested in me sharing my chicken alfredo lasagna recipe?

Me, me me!!!! Pretty please???

 

[Glynis]

Last night's dinner was a disaster, and I cooked it.... I'll leave it at that.

Ah, come on! You can't just leave it! Share and make us mediocre cooks feel a bit better. Just kidding. I've had some disasters in the kitchen, that's for sure. Luckily, my husband was raised by the worst cook in America, so he'll gag anything down if it means he doesn't have to cook!

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

Ah, come on! You can't just leave it! Share and make us mediocre cooks feel a bit better. Just kidding. I've had some disasters in the kitchen, that's for sure. Luckily, my husband was raised by the worst cook in America, so he'll gag anything down if it means he doesn't have to cook!

Well, it was Indian inspired by something I ate last time I was at an Indian restaurant. They called it cabbage and potato curry. As soon as I started making mine I could tell it was not the same as whet they made. I just googled a recipe and went from there, as most seemed to be pretty much the same.

I ate one bowl of it, as did my wife, and we threw the rest away. Fortunately the ingredients were cheap.

On another note, I took pictures of my spice cabinetS. Yes, I have more than 1. I have two in the kitchen, and another in my garage, plus a special box just for Indian spices. I'll post them when I get time. Heck, I have about 15 kinds of salt.

 

[liamsaunt]

Last night's dinner was a disaster, and I cooked it.... I'll leave it at that.

It happens to all of us. I have set my oven on fire, and even set MYSELF on fire! I think one of my most spectacular disasters was the time that I was removing a beautiful fresh tomato tart from the oven. Somehow the edge of the pan caught on the lip of the oven rack, and the tart went flying into the air, turning over completely, and landed halfway in the oven and halfway on the oven door. Of course it left a molten trail of tomato, cheese, and tart dough all along its path. I was scraping cheese out of the seams of the oven for about a year afterwards!

Ellen, I am so glad you are OK!! That must have been terrifying. I am sorry about the damage you sustained. Hopefully you'll be able to fix it up soon.

Glynis, I am glad the documentary is coming along well. Good luck with the finishing touches!

Nancy, I hope Joanie isn't in too much pain after the surgery.

WFD: not sure. We were going to go out but John has an early meeting tomorrow so I think he is bringing fish home.

 

[figaromeetsmarie]

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

You will need...

• 6 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce
• 3/4 cup 2% cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 4 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

You can add 1 cup of mushrooms if you like them.
How to make it...

• In a large skillet, saute the chicken, (mushrooms) and onion in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour until blended; gradually stir in Alfredo sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until thickened.
• In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning and parsley.
• Spread 1/2 cup Alfredo mixture in an 8-in. x 4-in. loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Layer with two noodles (trimmed to fit pan), half of the cottage cheese mixture, 3/4 cup Alfredo mixture and 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
• Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

This makes a small loaf pan perfect for 3 people...I double this recipe if I have all the kids home from college,etc

 

[OKWMom]

Ellen - How terrifying! I'm sorry about your house but so very thankful that you are ok. I hope dealing with the adjuster turns out well. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

Kat - I'm glad they're starting on your new roof but sorry for the aggravation that goes with it. We're finally getting the pavers installed around the pool and I think poor Hailey (and the therapists) have suffered through most of that aggravation. Paige said the "stamping machine" created vibrations that went through the entire house. They swear it will be done by Friday for the party but I'll believe it when I see it.

Nan - Sorry to hear that Joanie is still in pain. One of my coworkers had a wrap around brace (don't know what is it really called) that she had to wear for several months. Her son kept telling her it was her championship belt.

Glynis - Glad to hear that the documentary is coming along. I hope it doesn't wear you out before it is done.

Aimee - Your project sounds beautiful. I'm sure it will be worth all of the hard work.

Laura - I hope you're settling in to the job and enjoy it. I've been thinking of you.

Becky - Sorry to laugh at your tomato tart story, but I can just see that happening. I did something like that once with those lemon bars. I had made the crust and had poured on the lemon topping. The pan slipped and I had that sticky lemon stuff all over my Mom's stove door. I don't think she ever got it out of the seals.

BCB - It does happen to all of us. To me probably more than you, but it does happen. If your family is like mine, they have learned not to bring up the mistakes too often, lest they get dinners they don't like.

Robin - Good to see you. Is your job now in full swing?

Tonight's dinner will be out with Mom if she feels like it. Amanda is off with a friend so Kenny will have leftovers.

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

So, 2 questions I would like to ask:

1. What is your most used pot or pan? Mine is either my Dutch Oven or my HUGE - like it weighs 20 pounds - cast iron skillet.... must be 15" wide.

2. What is your favorite kitchen gadget? ( other than a food processor ).... mine is this really heavy duty garlic press. It even - sorta - self cleans.

I also just bought, but have not used, and old fashioned hand crank meat grinder. I actually have one for the stand mixer, but I like old fashioned stuff.

 

[Glynis]

So, 2 questions I would like to ask:

1. What is your most used pot or pan? Mine is either my Dutch Oven or my HUGE - like it weighs 20 pounds - cast iron skillet.... must be 15" wide.

2. What is your favorite kitchen gadget? ( other than a food processor ).... mine is this really heavy duty garlic press. It even - sorta - self cleans.

I also just bought, but have not used, and old fashioned hand crank meat grinder. I actually have one for the stand mixer, but I like old fashioned stuff.

1. My skillet or my griddle. I wish I had a cast iron skillet. I keep asking Santa, but he forgets. Maybe Mrs. Santa will bring me one next Christmas.

2. My KitchenAid mixer!!! I use it all the time. I used to mix everything by hand, and was amazed at how much faster it is to make anything with the KitchenAid. I also like the grain grinder attachment that Alan bought to use with it. I can grind my own wheat flour for bread!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Hello! Quick fly by...Tommy and I just got home from the gym and grocery store so I have to get him fed and off for a nap and straighten up.

Ellen I am so glad that you are all OK...hugs my friend. How scary and devastating. I hope insurance and repairs go smoothly.

Nancy, Glad that Joanie is feeling pretty good. I hope she begins to feels comfortable and better soon. I know how I felt after my (somewhat small) surgeries so I can understand how uncomfortable that can be.

Dinner tonight is burgers (turkey burgers for me a T) and not sure of the sides. Probably a tossed salad. Tom is getting his 4th wisdom tooth out this afternoon...have I mentioned that every times he comes home he has to show me the tooth they pulled?

Drew has practice tonight and that wont be pretty since they lost last night 15 - 0 and the coach had a fit. He was actually throwing all the kids stuff out of the dugout! Such poor sportsmanship to teach the kids. If I saw it happening, I would have said something but I got a second hand story from Andrew and he exaggerates sometimes.

I will try and get back on later or tomorrow. I miss coming here everyday but I cant get my act together for some reason.

Hope everyone is doing well!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Hi my friends!!

Robin ~ would you please post your peanut sauce. I would love to have it.

Kat ~ Thanks so much for your thoughts yesterday. It meant a LOT!!

Janice ~ You would have laughed at Doug - Cooper and I were hunkerd down in the steps and Doug was walking from window to window. Silly, silly man!! I don't know what he was looking for.

Marilyn ~ Sounds like your Godson's graduation was a great celebration.

Aimee & Bethany ~ Thanks so much for your thoughts. I so appreciat ethem.

Laura ~ Congratulations to Liam. You must be so proud. That is an awsome award. How is the job going?

Figaro ~ Welcome!! Thanks for the recipe, it sounds wonderful and something Doug would love. He doesn't care for red sauce.

Nancy ~ I am so glad to hear the Joanie is doing ok! My prayers continue for a speedy recovery - well ok - at least a less painful time.

BCB ~ It happens!! I don't think there is a one of us that hasn't thrown a meal in the trash.
My favorite pan ~ my dutch oven
My favorite gadget ~ I would have to agree with Glynis - my Kitchen Aid mixer.

Becky ~ Sorry but I had to chuckle a bit over your story. I bet we all have a few just like it.
Happy Anniversary my dear friend. I hope your day is as special as you are.

Gretchen ~ Thanks so much my friend. Your kindness really touched my heart. I hope the pavers are settled soon so the pool can get its proper work out.

Aimee ~ Are we going to get to see pictures of the finished project? I bet it is amazing.

Lauren ~ Good luck to Andrew tonight. Poor Tom - I love the fact he has to show you. I pulled Ethan's tooth last night. It was hanging literally by a thread. I reached in to wiggle it and it came out. He was so excited. He had to show his Mom!!


We just met with the adjustor. He was out at the house for over an hour. On top of everything else he found cracks in our bedroom ceiling that we didn't even see. It seems to be much worse than we first thought. We shall see!! It is what it is and life will go on. What a mess.

WFDT ~ Grilled pork chops, sliced tomatoes, and watermelon. That's about all I can muster today.

Make it a great day my friends.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I've been trying to post more often on here....so far, not doing a fantastic job! I tried to catch up last night but had a horrible migraine. Just reading about the food was turning my stomach. At one point I got up from the couch and I was walking down the hall and I still can't tell you if I was standing up straight or leaning I was so dizzy and disoriented. I'm better now.

So, 2 questions I would like to ask:

1. What is your most used pot or pan? Mine is either my Dutch Oven or my HUGE - like it weighs 20 pounds - cast iron skillet.... must be 15" wide.

2. What is your favorite kitchen gadget? ( other than a food processor ).... mine is this really heavy duty garlic press. It even - sorta - self cleans.

I also just bought, but have not used, and old fashioned hand crank meat grinder. I actually have one for the stand mixer, but I like old fashioned stuff.

1. The 2 quart pot. Blue box mac and cheese fits perfectly in it.

2. Hmm.....toaster oven, but that's an appliance. We cook oven foods in it in the summer as much as possible; it heats the house WAY less than the regular oven. Also, it toasts!

As far as gadget, the cheese shredder gets the most use.....not sure if it's a "favorite" though!

We just met with the adjustor. He was out at the house for over an hour. On top of everything else he found cracks in our bedroom ceiling that we didn't even see. It seems to be much worse than we first thought. We shall see!! It is what it is and life will go on. What a mess.

It sounds like the adjuster was doing a thorough job. Sorry you have to deal with this.

 

[HERSEY]

Ellen It sounds like you had a good adjuster. I like to see that they have experience so they know what to look for.

BCB My fav pan of late is my cast iron skillet. It just depends on my mood. yes I am fickle.
And my current fav gadget is my Cuisinart ice cream maker. I would be lost without garlic press in fact I have two.

I think I am making a salad for dinner.

 

[HERSEY]

Bethany I hit enter before I was done. I am sorry you are suffering with migraines again.

BCB I forgot to mention I have many bright ideas that have gone by way of the garbage. I keep a frozen pizza around just in case

 

[Nancyg56]

Is anyone interested in me sharing my chicken alfredo lasagna recipe?

Thank you for sharing it! Please stay and share meals with us

Nan just to let you know I also slept in recliner for quit a while after my back surgery Still keeping Joanie in my prayers thanks for the update. The wearing a brace is common also although its no fun.

The Dr told her three months. I asked her to tough it out and only undo it if she absolutely had to. She told me that she slept much better last night with it on. Thank goodness!

The roofers will be out here shortly to start on my roof, I see a headache on it's way. Back to work in a bit, then the gym.....

I hope that it passes quickly!

Last night's dinner was a disaster, and I cooked it.... I'll leave it at that.

Hmm............ now you are officially one of us

I have set my oven on fire, and even set MYSELF on fire! I think one of my most spectacular disasters was the time that I was removing a beautiful fresh tomato tart from the oven. Somehow the edge of the pan caught on the lip of the oven rack, and the tart went flying into the air, turning over completely, and landed halfway in the oven and halfway on the oven door. Of course it left a molten trail of tomato, cheese, and tart dough all along its path. I was scraping cheese out of the seams of the oven for about a year afterwards!

I also got a little chuckle at your expense!

Kat - I'm glad they're starting on your new roof but sorry for the aggravation that goes with it. We're finally getting the pavers installed around the pool and I think poor Hailey (and the therapists) have suffered through most of that aggravation. Paige said the "stamping machine" created vibrations that went through the entire house. They swear it will be done by Friday for the party but I'll believe it when I see it.

Nan - Sorry to hear that Joanie is still in pain. One of my coworkers had a wrap around brace (don't know what is it really called) that she had to wear for several months. Her son kept telling her it was her championship belt.

.

Gretchen- when we got our driveway put in we created quite a scene. Buddy works for a construction company and they were paving the new development down the way so we decided that we would do it while they were nearby. Our road is too narrow for the lowbed to bring the equipment in so they walked the grader and the vibrator down the street. OMG! This was all road machines, not machines generally used for driveways and that thing had cabinets shaking all through the neighborhood!

I think Joanie is a champion now too!

So, 2 questions I would like to ask:

I love my family skillet I bought from Pampered Chef about 15 or 16 years ago. I use it several times a week

I love my can opener. Now before you laugh, it is a rockin' can opener that will saw through just about anything. I love it!

I have my Mom's grinder and I use it whenever I make green tomato relish. It was my Memere's before my Mom got it.

I've been trying to post more often on here....so far, not doing a fantastic job! I tried to catch up last night but had a horrible migraine. Just reading about the food was turning my stomach. At one point I got up from the couch and I was walking down the hall and I still can't tell you if I was standing up straight or leaning I was so dizzy and disoriented. I'm better now.

.

Feel better Bethany!

Dinner tonight is a huge salad and hamburgers. It is freakin hot today and my air conditioner refuses to start so we are just not hungry. the air man is coming in the morning.

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

WFDT - well tonight was "clean out the fridge" fridge night. So we had a bit of everything.

The "main" item was my Ruben Burger. We had leftover cooked burgers from the holiday, so we just heat them up and add the fixin's for a Ruben.... sauerkraut, 1000 Island, and Swiss cheese.

We also had some leftover Kielbasa, and some leftover noodles. "Mom" isn't home tonight so I am letting the kids have a meal with no veggies, But that is fine because my kids LOVE veggies and eat them all the time, especially raw veggies.

I have this one weird daughter..... goes to restaurants and orders house salads for dinner....

 

[Nancyg56]

I just want to tell you that just over the border from us tornadoes are touching down. There is one on the ground near Westover AFB. My neighbor saw one touch down in Westfield on his way home from work and my friend looked out her work window just as on hot the ground in Springfield near the baseball hall of fame.

Also, I just heard we lost a soldier in Afghanistan, he was from our neighboring town so please say a prayer for him and for our men and women in uniform.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I just want to tell you that just over the border from us tornadoes are touching down. There is one on the ground near Westover AFB. My neighbor saw one touch down in Westfield on his way home from work and my friend looked out her work window just as on hot the ground in Springfield near the baseball hall of fame.

Also, I just heard we lost a soldier in Afghanistan, he was from our neighboring town so please say a prayer for him and for our men and women in uniform.

Oh, Nancy. What a rotten start to the month. Prayers for your area and please be safe!

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh, Nancy. What a rotten start to the month. Prayers for your area and please be safe!

I know. I feel so badly about our soldier, I hope that these brave warriors are not getting forgotten.

There are more tornadoes touching down to the North and East of us, just over the border.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - Sorry to read about the home damage. Hope you are well....and safe.

Becky - . In my case, it was a baked cheesecake. I didn't have enough butter in the base and it was awfully crumbly. When I finally put it on a plate to serve, I turned around (like on a pivot) and the whole cake and crumbly base went flying like a frisbee and hit the wall about a meter away. Half the cheesecake stuck to the wall, the other half slid down the wall on to the carpet. The crumbly base.....well, it was scattered like a kids in a playground between me and the wall.


Nancy - Stay safe and I'll be thinking of you.

So, 2 questions I would like to ask:

1. What is your most used pot or pan? Mine is either my Dutch Oven or my HUGE - like it weighs 20 pounds - cast iron skillet.... must be 15" wide.

2. What is your favorite kitchen gadget? ( other than a food processor ).... mine is this really heavy duty garlic press. It even - sorta - self cleans.

I also just bought, but have not used, and old fashioned hand crank meat grinder. I actually have one for the stand mixer, but I like old fashioned stuff.

My most used pot or pan is my wok.

My favourite kitchen gadget is my cherry pitter. I love cherries! And when they are in season, I love pitting them and sitting there eating a big bowl of cherries. Sometimes, life really is a bowl a cherries.


WFDT - No idea. DS wants sushi...so I think takeaway may be on the cards. Fine with me!


STay safe everyone!

 

[HERSEY]

I hope all stay safe, this spring is just as crappy as the winter was. I am still hoping summer calms down.

I better nail down what I am having. I am leaning toward pan fried beets and some kind of protein. I just don't feel saladish.