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

[Goofyluver]

DH is trying to leave town - his flight has now been delayed 2 hours so he's actually still at the airport - but he's supposed to be at a family reunion this weekend. Which means I have 2 full days with NO schedule, NO work, NO other person to consult, and I love it! I had big plans for today and instead, I've slept more than I've been awake. And I refuse to feel guilty about it.

My mom called and wanted to bring over some steaks she bought so I could grill them. I'm going to do a roasted green chile cheese grits and grilled zucchini/squash to go with them. It'll be nice to have just a night with the two of us.

I hope your hubby finally got off the ground. And I hope your dinner was great. It sounds wonderful!

Aimeeenjoy your down time. You deserve every minute. Do not feel guilty about sleeping your poor body needs to get well.

I just finished mowing the lawn and in the process fed some mosquitos

I need to finish decluttering my house. I am starting to think I might have hoarding issues. I have stacks of magazine that I am having a hard time letting go off. They food magazines I am going to try the tough love approach and just pitch them anything older that 3 months goes

I am on my own for dinner not sure yet what I am having.

I just got my next wave of food magazines yesterday.

Which ones do you get? I'm in a rut and looking for something new. Do you have anything you'd recommend?

Good morning - idea for those magazines.. I had the same problem, so I went thru them, picked my fave recipes, copied on my printer, then put them in a 3 ring binder.. It worked great! So now I have a huge binder, with dividers for chicken, beef, etc etc... Have a great day!

What a great idea!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Still taking it easy around here. I'm still very tired, but feeling good!

J is making us dinner tonight...we are having "Maria's tacos"...a great taco recipe that is very easy that incorporates veggies into the tacos. YUMMY! And he's also making us (with help) chocolate chip pie.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[HERSEY]

Jen Oh let me see, I get the Foodnetwork mag (really like that one),Bon appetit, Food and Wine, Cooking Light, Cuisine. That is all that is coming to mind right now. I got most of them with freq flyer miles and coke rewards.

 

[TigerKat]

Jen – I’ve never made or even eaten posole. I need to do something about that!

Ellen – Kyle is working with Johnny at the nursing home as an admin asst to the director. So far he really likes it, thanks for asking about him!

Aimee – The menu at Ellerbee’s looked great, I can see why y’all enjoyed it! I hope you and Mom enjoyed your time together and I so get you looking forward to that alone time.

WFD - Bacon wrapped chipotle shrimp, charred corn relish and rice pilaf.

 

[shovan]

Hey y'all,

I have just had the worst 3 minutes of my life !!
Colin thinks the balance for our October trip is due soon so asked me to call Disney.
He left out some paper work with the ressie number on it.
I called and the the girl said " Oh that bookin has been cancelled,yes,there is a cancelled notice on it !! "
I frantically started readin my papers and right there on the bottom ......CANCELLED

I swear the room started to spin I thot I was gonnae throw up then little Miss Sunshine pipes up with " Oh no wait, there is a note and another number here and that seems to be fine, oh yes here you are ha ha not cancelled after all "

HA HA...HA - Bloody HA.... I'll tell ye, that lassie has no idea how lucky she is that she is ower the water.

thank you so much,it means the world to me.

I didnt know you were thinking about F&W,or did I ??
Anyways we there 7th thru 21st,would be so cool to meet you and I would love you to meet the boy.

I told Colin about my phone call , cue nervous laugh.
Turns out he knew about the mix up and forgot to tell me.....

He wont forget again....

I don't know how I missed this!!!

Oh my goodness! That gal is certainly lucky she was ower the water! Poor Colin, I'm thinking he couldn't run fast enough!

Thanks y'all.

WFD - Smoked ham, gruyere and caramelized onion frittata, hash browns, maple bacon and wheat biscuits.

Boy that sounds delicious!

Hey, all! Sorry for yet another drive-by, but life's been nutty and for some reason I just can't get going. I am sleeping very well at night but remain sleepy during the day. I'm blaming it on the heat, lol.

The food went over very well! My SIL came over yesterday morning to get her food. I was showing her the cake and told her she had a quart of homemade ice cream to go with it. She laughed and said she doesn't know if I'm evil or amazing, lol. I got a kick out it. I hope they like the ice cream. I make it with a custard base and took it a little further than I normally do. The result was some pretty rich ice cream. Mmmmmmm!

Today I am making Kitten Cajun Pasta. Any old timer WFDers remember that one? It's the jambalaya pasta that's one of my husband's favorites. I'm going to try and get my butt in gear and go work out here in a little while. Hopefully that will help my energy level. I need something, that's for sure.

Hey lady! Who are you calling OLD?!!

Sheryl – I’m so glad your procedure went well! It’s odd that your dentist said that because I wasn’t put on an antibiotic for either of mine and they were both pretty much pain free. I’ve never tried the beans & shrimp together, may need to check that out! The video of Jude “talking” on facebook is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.

WFD - Going out to my favorite French restaurant courtesy of a restaurant.com gift card I earned through my coke rewards!

Kathy, That is odd. But now I know that I must need the antibiotics first.

I don't think everyone can see that video, because I borrowed it from Angelina's FB page. Looks like only friends who are also Angelina's friends can see it! Not to brag, well heck yeah I'll brag, I want everyone to see him talking! He is so darn cute, that I can't stand it!!!

How was Degas? Did the rest.com gift card work out? I just noticed that I have enough points to get a gift card.

Morning girls,

Sorry I didn't get back in yesterday. The day got completely away from me, and before I knew it, it was 4 and time to go home. Is it just me or did this week - heck the summer - just fly by. I can't believe school is to start here in less than 2 weeks. Where did my summer go? But I totally have to agree with Kat - I am so ready for football to start!!

Ok I will try to catch up now -

Sheryl ~ I am so glad to hear that you got through with no pain. I thought of you all day yesterday. Hope you are feeling much better this morning.

Kat ~ I agree - You have NO idea how I wish we were closer. Doug and I were so dissapointed that we couldn't go in October, but we have talked about a cruise with us leaving from NO. If so maybe we could get together for dinner some night. I am determined to meet you someday!!
Did Kyle decide on the job yet??

Thanks Ellen! But you really worry about me too much!!!

You let us know when your coming down here!! I want to meet you too! One day....

I've used Shutterfly forever and just stay with it, since years of pics are hosted on there already. Super easy to use.




Yeah for painless dental procedures!! Too bad they aren't costless, as well!!



I tried to go back and pick up posts I missed and I'm so sorry if I still missed some.

DH is trying to leave town - his flight has now been delayed 2 hours so he's actually still at the airport - but he's supposed to be at a family reunion this weekend. Which means I have 2 full days with NO schedule, NO work, NO other person to consult, and I love it! I had big plans for today and instead, I've slept more than I've been awake. And I refuse to feel guilty about it.

My mom called and wanted to bring over some steaks she bought so I could grill them. I'm going to do a roasted green chile cheese grits and grilled zucchini/squash to go with them. It'll be nice to have just a night with the two of us.

Thanks I'll check out shutterfly!

Costless!!! Haha! Don't I wish. Bob just about had a cow when I told him how much it was going to be. We don't have dental insurance, just get a discount. With the discount $1400!! for the root canal & crown!

Enjoy your down time this weekend!

Good morning - idea for those magazines.. I had the same problem, so I went thru them, picked my fave recipes, copied on my printer, then put them in a 3 ring binder.. It worked great! So now I have a huge binder, with dividers for chicken, beef, etc etc... Have a great day!

Oh that is so organized!! Smart! Which is so not me!!


For Julie & Kathy, here's the link for Emeril's white beans & shrimp recipe

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-live/creole-white-beans-with-shrimp-recipe/index.html


Dinner

 

[shovan]

Creole White Beans with Shrimp
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2007

Prep Time:1 hr 0 minInactive Prep Time: -- Cook Time:2 hr 15 min
Level:
Intermediate
Serves:
about 2 1/2 quarts, 6 to 8 servings

Directions
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Ingredients
1/3 pound cured ham, diced
2 large onions, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 pound great northern beans, rinsed well and soaked overnight, drained
6 cups chicken or shrimp stock
2 cups water
2 3/4 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley leaves
1/4 cup chopped green onion tops
Cooked white rice, for serving
Hot red pepper sauce, for serving
In a heavy Dutch oven heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 4 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the beans, chicken stock and water and bring to a boil. Partially cover the pot, reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and creamy, about 2 hours.

When the beans are tender and cooked to the desired degree of doneness, season with 1 1/4 teaspoons of the Essence, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the black and cayenne pepper and stir to combine. In a small bowl toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons Essence and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and stir until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning. Add the shrimp, parsley and green onions to the beans and stir to combine. Remove beans from the heat, cover, and allow to sit for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Stir well and serve beans immediately, in shallow, wide bowls, spooned over cooked white rice. Pass the hot sauce for guests to season their beans to their liking.

My notes: I used bacon & tasso instead of ham. Homemade chicken stock. Don't forget the hot sauce, crystal or tabasco.

 

[TigerKat]

Sheryl - You should be bragging, that video of Jude is precious, priceless, over the moon CUTE!!!!!!!!!!

Degas was awesome as usual. The restaurant.com worked great, and they were packed, good thing we had a reservation. I had the mussels and rack of lamb. Johnny had the crab salad and a special, filet Oscar stuffed with crabmeat that was to die for. Everything was great!

 

[scotlass]

Lassies, I dont quite now how to say this but I just had a crazy spiritual moment.

I dont want to just post because I dont want to make anyone uncomfortable but if you give the go ahead I am desperate to share.

 

[TigerKat]

Vickie, please share!

 

[shovan]

Sheryl - You should be bragging, that video of Jude is precious, priceless, over the moon CUTE!!!!!!!!!!

Degas was awesome as usual. The restaurant.com worked great, and they were packed, good thing we had a reservation. I had the mussels and rack of lamb. Johnny had the crab salad and a special, filet Oscar stuffed with crabmeat that was to die for. Everything was great!

Thanks for letting me brag!

Gosh that all sounds delicious! Johnny's filet must have been good, but I too would have gone with mussels & lamb!!! Oh no, now I won't be able to quit thinking about those mussels & frites!!

Lassies, I dont quite now how to say this but I just had a crazy spiritual moment.

I dont want to just post because I dont want to make anyone uncomfortable but if you give the go ahead I am desperate to share.

Vickie, Are you sure you're not talking about football?!

 

[scotlass]

Vickie, Are you sure you're not talking about football?!

As crazy as it sounds no.....I got my catholic back big time tonight.

It should be messin with my mind but I am strangely calm, I guess thats a good thing.

 

[shovan]

As crazy as it sounds no.....I got my catholic back big time tonight.

It should be messin with my mind but I am strangely calm, I guess thats a good thing.

Yes that is a good thing!!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Lassies, I dont quite now how to say this but I just had a crazy spiritual moment.

I dont want to just post because I dont want to make anyone uncomfortable but if you give the go ahead I am desperate to share.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Sunday morning here! Good morning everyone.

I had dinner at a friend's place last night. They just got back from Europe and we were desperate to see their pictures.

About 1000 photographs and 2 hours worth of condensed DVD material (condensed from about 20 hours of footage)....we had dinner that consisted of pumpkin soup, served in mugs, over the kitchen island bench as we poured over the photographs. I think it was nice....but we left the soup in the mugs for about 10 minutes before anyone of us tasted it and by that stage, it was lukewarm.

And then we had main of Green Fish Curry and Jasmine Rice eaten from plates on our laps as we watched the DVD of UK, Switzerland, Italy, Greece...

Followed by Chocolate Lava Cake. This dish registered...it was YUM!

By the time they served coffee, we'd pretty much gone through their trip. Coffee was served with macaroons.


No food porn of the meal last night....we were too busy looking at other things!

But never fear....food porn coming up. I prepared a meal for lunch yesterday….in search of…….clambake…..or the things I do for the DisBoard Scavenger Photography Hunts!

This meal has been made solely for the purpose that I can take a shot that might qualify under the category of Clambake Related in the 2011 DisBoard Scavenger Photography Hunt. It is definitely proof that……sometimes….I am one frame away from insanity!

And if that isn’t proof enough, I’ve got some white fish thawing out at the moment because WFDT is FishCake (yes, another category item!). Hopefully, I'll have pictures and recipe of the Fish Cake to share tomorrow or the day after.




ps. Based on my fanaticism to get pictures for the photo scavenger hunt, I had thought that I might qualify for the insanity award this month but I'll hold off until after we see what Vickie has to share!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Seafood Chowder


My starting ingredients:

• Clams, 1 – 2 lbs
• Crab, 1 (optional)
• Shrimp, 6
• Potatoes, 3 medium sized
• Corn, 2 cobs
• Celery, 3 sticks
• Onion, 1 medium
• Carrots, 2 medium
• Oil, 1 tablespoon (or butter)
• Plain flour, 2 tablespoon
• Fish stock, 2 cups
• Milk, 1 – 2 cups
• Tumeric, ½ - 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Dill, 1 heaped teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Wash clams well and place in a pot with about ½ cup of fish stock. When stock is boiling, reduce heat to medium/low to achieve a moderate simmer. Cover and allow to steam.

Steam the clams for about 8 minutes, until the shells open. If you have green shrimp, place the shrimp into the pot at this stage and cover. After about 2 minutes, turn off the heat. Do not open the pot and allow the seafood to steam for another 5 minutes.

In the meantime, finely dice the onion, carrots and celery.

Peel and chop the potatoes and remove the corn kernels from the cobs.

In a large soup pot, fry the onion, carrots and celery in some oil or butter for about 3 minutes.

Add the flour….

…and fry for another 2 – 3 minutes, ensuring that the flour does not burn and that all the vegetables are well coated.

Add the stock and milk and still well to ensure that the liquid mixes in without any lumps. Add the stock used to steam the clams and shrimp to the pot as well for extra flavour. Add the corn and potatoes and heat to simmering for about 10 minutes.

Season with tumeric (optional – I wanted the based to be a Yellow colour), salt, pepper and the dill. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes.

Whilst the stock is simmering, remove the clam meat from the shells. Only use the meat from shells that have opened. For any that are still closed, discard and do not use.

Peel the shrimp and remove the middle vein.

Roughly shop the seafood meat.

Remove the meat from the crab (if you are using it…it is strictly optional and unnecessary).

Add the seafood meat to the stock and cook for another 3 – 5 minutes.

My lunch!

 

[TigerKat]

Yes that is a good thing!!!

I agree!

 

[scotlass]

As you lassies know my family has been going thru some stuff this year.
For youse that dont,my wee nephew is dealin with illness.
I had lapsed big time from my faith but I did what lots of people do and I called on the big man to help.
I have been going to mass for about 6 months and have been really enjoying it and gettin lots out.
Because I have been away for over 20 years I still feel I have dues to pay and have not been ready to take the sacraments.
I spoke to my Uncle about it and he said to go up to the alter with my hand over my chest and the priest would give me a blessing.
I did this tonight and I really dont know how to describe how I felt.
As soon as the priest touched my head I felt a full , wonderful,powerful force rush over me.
I started to fill up and I was shaking.....now you lassies know me and as I said,this should be freakin me out but I feel so calm.

The funniest thing was on the way out the priest looked over to me and smiled and winked.....it was like he felt it too !!!

Actually,reading this back it is kindae freakin me out.


So you know Im crappy at talkin about feelins but I hope you get it.

 

[PrincessInOz]

As you lassies know my family has been going thru some stuff this year.
For youse that dont,my wee nephew is dealin with illness.
I had lapsed big time from my faith but I did what lots of people do and I called on the big man to help.
I have been going to mass for about 6 months and have been really enjoying it and gettin lots out.
Because I have been away for over 20 years I still feel I have dues to pay and have not been ready to take the sacraments.
I spoke to my Uncle about it and he said to go up to the alter with my hand over my chest and the priest would give me a blessing.
I did this tonight and I really dont know how to describe how I felt.
As soon as the priest touched my head I felt a a full , wonderful,powerful force.
I started to fill up and I was shaking.....now you lassies know me and as I said,this should be freakin me out but I feel so calm.

The funniest thing was on the way out the priest looked over to me and smiled and winked.....it was like he felt it too !!!

Actually,reading this back it is kindae freakin me out.

Vickie - The Lord moves in mysterious ways. That sounds like one powerful reaffirmation with the faith you experienced. I guess that there must be something to that "born again" phrase that people use and that you've experienced what it feels. If you are comfortable with the feeling, then I wish you peace and joy.

I'm sorry to hear about your nephew and I hope that things work out for him, you and your family.

 

[shovan]

As you lassies know my family has been going thru some stuff this year.
For youse that dont,my wee nephew is dealin with illness.
I had lapsed big time from my faith but I did what lots of people do and I called on the big man to help.
I have been going to mass for about 6 months and have been really enjoying it and gettin lots out.
Because I have been away for over 20 years I still feel I have dues to pay and have not been ready to take the sacraments.
I spoke to my Uncle about it and he said to go up to the alter with my hand over my chest and the priest would give me a blessing.
I did this tonight and I really dont know how to describe how I felt.
As soon as the priest touched my head I felt a full , wonderful,powerful force rush over me.
I started to fill up and I was shaking.....now you lassies know me and as I said,this should be freakin me out but I feel so calm.

The funniest thing was on the way out the priest looked over to me and smiled and winked.....it was like he felt it too !!!

Actually,reading this back it is kindae freakin me out.


So you know Im crappy at talkin about feelins but I hope you get it.

Vickie, I'm very happy for you! Sometimes I think being away from the Church for years is part of being Catholic!

 

[TigerKat]

Vick, I am thrilled for you and I agree with Sheryl, straying from the Catholic church is normal, we've all done it.

 

[TigerKat]

As you lassies know my family has been going thru some stuff this year.
For youse that dont,my wee nephew is dealin with illness.
I had lapsed big time from my faith but I did what lots of people do and I called on the big man to help.
I have been going to mass for about 6 months and have been really enjoying it and gettin lots out.
Because I have been away for over 20 years I still feel I have dues to pay and have not been ready to take the sacraments.
I spoke to my Uncle about it and he said to go up to the alter with my hand over my chest and the priest would give me a blessing.
I did this tonight and I really dont know how to describe how I felt.
As soon as the priest touched my head I felt a full , wonderful,powerful force rush over me.
I started to fill up and I was shaking.....now you lassies know me and as I said,this should be freakin me out but I feel so calm.

The funniest thing was on the way out the priest looked over to me and smiled and winked.....it was like he felt it too !!!

Actually,reading this back it is kindae freakin me out.


So you know Im crappy at talkin about feelins but I hope you get it.

I wish I were with you so I could hug you.