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

[shovan]

Vickie, I've had that moment too. Calm is the feeling after. It's the thinking about it that will mess with your head!

 

[shovan]

Princess, Beautiful food!! But.... all that work for a picture! I think you definitely beat Vickie.

 

[shovan]

I have been on the computer all afternoon, searching recipes. I was looking for something different to do with chicken thighs. Now it's late & I'll probably just throw them on the grill!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Princess, Beautiful food!! But.... all that work for a picture! I think you definitely beat Vickie.

Sadly, I know you're right! But at least I've enjoyed the chowder for a couple of lunches now.

 

[Aimeedyan]

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.

Me too with the magazines!! I can throw just about anything else away but am weirdly attached to the magazines. I already give my mom tons of them and donate some to the library but I still can't let them all go.

Thanks for the idea. Since it is rainy here again this morning. Yeah what are the chances that we get more moisture. Hello we don't need it.

Will you send it our way? Day 30something of above 100+ weather and not a drop of rain for even longer. Major drought!

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.

Well, I made lemon cream cheese bars, rosemary syrup for iced coffee, and tons of iced coffee via a cold brew method. PLUS I am working on two Pinterest craft ideas - the crayon melt canvas and mod podge coasters.

DH leaves town and I get inspired to do fun stuff

I picked up Panda Express after running errands.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
1 box lemon cake mix
1/3 cup butter or margarine - softened
3 eggs
8 ounces cream cheese - softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 lemon - grated
2 tablespoons lemon juice or 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a mixing bowl, blend dry cake mix, butter, and 1 egg. Press into a 9 x 13 pan, ungreased.

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar.

Stir in lemon peel and lemon juice until smooth. Remove 1/2 cup of this mixture and refrigerate it for later use.

Beat the remaining 2 eggs, add the vanilla, and then beat this mixture into the remaining cream cheese mixture until well blended. Spread over the cake mixture.

Bake at 350° until set, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

Cool completely.

Spread the reserved cream cheese mixture onto the bars. Refrigerate until firm; then cut into squares and serve.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Hey lady! Who are you calling OLD?!!

Hee hee, you know I love you I just remember posting that particular recipe a looooooooooong time ago and didn't know if I would have to explain the name again.

As you lassies know my family has been going thru some stuff this year.

I'm so sorry to read this, Vicky. My prayers are with you.

Lindsay ~ Do you have room for another SIL - even long distance? WOW, lady you are awsome. What a wonderful thing your are doing for them.

I'd gladly take you! And thanks for the kind words. It's a nutty situation and I can't do much too lend a hand, but I can at least cook.

Want to hear about the book date?

Well, Aunt Kitty got the brilliant idea to do the book date on Tax-Free Weekend. Ugh. The mall was an absolute zoo. Scott and I went early so we could run a few errands before we met my BIL and SIL. We got together and B&N and sent the rest of them off. LOL, Ryan was more interested in the Cars toys than the book so I had to pry him away from them and get him into the reading area.

You moms can help me out on this one, I'm forgetting the exact name of them. But he picked out a Handy Manny book that you read with a pen-thingy. I think it's a Leapster off-shoot thing. If I saw the book I could tell you for sure. Anyway, he got that one. He also picked out a Bernstein Bears book (he'd never heard of them- ACK!!!!) and I introduced him to One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. It was one Dr. Suess he didn't have yet. I actually read part of it for him right there in the store, he was so intrigued. Well, on our way out he started looking at the stand where the Handy Manny book was and found a Star Wars one. I tried to explain to him we were all out of money, but then decided I wasn't going to make book/reading a battle, so Aunt Kitty and Uncle Pooh "padded" the price a little bit (those pen books are wee bit expensive!)

We took him to check out and he paid for it himself. It was so cute. I told the girl it was for his birthday and she made a huge fuss over him. She even came all the way around the counter and brought him his bag. He then rode on my lap up to where we were going to have dinner. Things went kind of downhill from there. Long story following if you want to stop here, lol.

Chloe has been battling an ear infection for quite awhile now and it's obvious she doesn't feel good. She broke out into a huge screaming fit in the middle of the restaurant. You guys, you know I don't complain about being disabled very often. I really don't. But you have no idea how bad I wished I could walk last night. If I could, I would have taken little Chloe out (it's a restaurant inside the mall) and walked with her a little while to calm her down so her parents could eat. It was really bad. That's really all she wanted, you know? But since I can't walk, my "hold" isn't really soothing. I can just semi-bounce her, know what I mean? That just doesn't cut it sometimes.

Anyway, it was a very long meal. Ryan is at an age where eating just really isn't big on his radar, there are much more important things going on. Well, my BIL (his stepfather) just constantly picks and picks and picks at him about it. The poor kid can't do anything right. Drives me nuts! Ugh! I said it, now I feel better.

After dinner, we went by Bath and Body Works for a product I was wanting. I got it and we were outside saying goodbye. Ryan crawled up in my lap, put his arms around my neck and said, "No, Aunt Kitty, please don't leave me. Take me with you!" Ahem, Aunt Kitty was to say the least. I love this kid, you guys, and feel he just got a hard deal in this life. If you guys don't care, I may vent to you from time to time.

Amanda posted on Facebook this morning that Chloe had woken up screaming at midnight and she'd been up all night with her. This baby girl is sick and needs to be kept home. Seriously, if she had called me yesterday and told me Chloe was still under the weather and they were keeping her in, I would have gladly planned the date for another weekend and brought them some take-out. But no, they always seem to truck on. *sigh*

Rant over.

I am battling a sinus infection that I just can't shake so I am staying in today. Scott is picking us up Shane's (BBQ) after church.

I hope you guys have a great day. And thank you so much for the birthday ideas!

ETA: I just thought I would add a picture for you guys. This is me and my husband, his bro and wife, and Ryan is in my lap. This pic is 2 years old, he was only 3 there, but I thought I would share.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

You guys, I just texted Amanda to see how everyone was and she said that they are talking Chloe to the ER. They think she's swallowed something.

 

[HERSEY]

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.

Vic you do very well talking about feelings You had me in tears (not a hard thing to do) I am glad you have let God back in to your life.

I have been on the computer all afternoon, searching recipes. I was looking for something different to do with chicken thighs. Now it's late & I'll probably just throw them on the grill!

I am a overthinker maybe we need an intervention

You guys, I just texted Amanda to see how everyone was and she said that they are talking Chloe to the ER. They think she's swallowed something.

Ear infections are nothing to play with. They go bad rather quickly and can have a profound affect on that child (deafness) I am praying that Chloe gets better.

Some parents need a good kick in the head. Meals have always been a particular sore point with me. That was when my mom decided that was the time to point out things that we did wrong during the day. I vowed that I would never do that to any of my children and have not. Meal time is meal time and should be pleasant and positive. I hope all realized so very special Ryan is a give him some postive feedback. It is so important for him to get a good Male role model to look up to and have a relationship with.

 

[HERSEY]

We are meeting up with friends for lunch so my attention is lunch and not dinner quite yet I haven't seen them in a couple of years they moved to Vegas but now they are moving back

Aimee If I could send the rain back and down to you I would but alas my super powers are wanting . I have heard how you all were kind of praying for that topical storm last week but it petered out in all that dry heat.

I am now off to research tomato recipes I have an overload of them.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Ok, whew. Just heard from Amanda and it turns out, yes, her ear infection (in BOTH ears) is much worse. They gave her some numbing drops and are changing her antibiotic. I am so thankful it wasn't worse. Poor baby girl. I hate this for her.

 

[TigerKat]

Aimee – Those lemon cream cheese bars look great!

Lindsay – Feel free to vent here anytime, we all do at some time. I hope Chloe feels better soon. I'm happy to hear the B&N shopping went well, too bad the restaurant part didn't.

WFD - I put a pork butt in the slow cooker yesterday, using Hard Rock Cafe's recipe. We'll have pulled pork sammies with cole slaw and sweet potato fries.

 

[Goofyluver]

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.

Yay! Something to do today!

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

Yes, you really do.

If you like hominy, you're golden!

Seafood Chowder


My starting ingredients:

That was art! Not lunch!

Those look sooooo good!

Want to hear about the book date?

Your book date sounds like a success and you have a gorgeous family!

I'm sorry Chloe wasn't well.

You guys, I just texted Amanda to see how everyone was and she said that they are talking Chloe to the ER. They think she's swallowed something.

Ok, whew. Just heard from Amanda and it turns out, yes, her ear infection (in BOTH ears) is much worse. They gave her some numbing drops and are changing her antibiotic. I am so thankful it wasn't worse. Poor baby girl. I hate this for her.

I'm SO glad she's okay! Ear infections are so rough on the littles.

WFD - I put a pork butt in the slow cooker yesterday, using Hard Rock Cafe's recipe. We'll have pulled pork sammies with cole slaw and sweet potato fries.

We'll be there at 5, is that okay?

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

Good morning lovely people! Hope everyone has a good rest of their weekend.

I am still very tired. I think that's the hardest part of this whole thing. I'm a woman who never stops! And I hate needing to take breaks and a nap.

Just one more week until I go back to work! Where did the time go?

J made us all his tacos last night and they were great. He strutted around here like he'd carved the Leaning Tower of Pisa out of cheese.

Today's dinner is spaghetti. I'm looking for some things to add to my sauce to "bulk it up"...I'm thinking some mushrooms and olives with the meat. We'll see how it comes out.

Have a great day!

 

[bigmerle1966]

Busy weekend here. The girls came Thursday to stay and I took them home a couple hours ago.

Friday night we went to Olive Garden for dinner then to the frozen yogurt place for dessert.

Yesterday we rans errands and then on to the county fair. We ended up leaving way earlier then usual because it had been raining off and on and I wasn't feeling too good. The three older kids did get to ride a good amount, I ended up with the middle godson too, but the little one stopped after she upchucked.

The first go-round of rides she only rode two rides and when she got off the swings she said that her tummy hurt. She did end up doing one more ride after sitting out for one. We went off to do the round of "get the free crap that we'll throw away next week" and then the three oldest went back to the rides while she and I did the petting barn.

We met back up with them and she went back on the rides and actually rode what I call the wall of death, that thing where you stand along the wall and it spins. But the minute she got off the swings again she said she felt like she was going to throw up. Being the nice Aunt I told her to go throw up on the fence. She promptly, thank goodness, turned around and upchucked. She did feel much better after that.

I am here at work getting caught up on a few things then it's off to do more errands. Thinking of making spaghetti with a homemade tomato sauce for dinner.

 

[Aimeedyan]

You guys, I just texted Amanda to see how everyone was and she said that they are talking Chloe to the ER. They think she's swallowed something.

I'm glad to hear she didn't have anything more going on than raging ear infections. Those are the worst! Hope she's on the mend soon.


I made Mongolian Beef over rice - new recipe, and it was delicious! I'll post it once I get it on my blog.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I made this over the weekend, too, and it was such a nice treat to have! I am digging this cold brew method for SURE.

Rosemary Simple Syrup
3-5 fresh Rosemary Sprigs
1 ½ cup sugar
1 cup water

Bring sugar and water to a light boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is completely dissolved. Add Rosemary and allow water to still slightly boil for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low for another 10 minutes, continuing to stir frequently. Turn off heat and allow rosemary to sit in mixture for another 15-30 minutes. The more you let it sit, the more potent the flavor will be. Place in mason jar and keep in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Iced Coffee - cold brew method
1 pound Ground Coffee (good, Rich Roast)
8 quarts Cold Water
Whatever cream, milk, syrup you like

In a large container, mix ground coffee with water. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature eight hours or overnight.

Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a pitcher or other container. Pour coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds.

Place coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I made this over the weekend, too, and it was such a nice treat to have! I am digging this cold brew method for SURE.

WOW! I am totally giving both of these a try! Dumb question though. What all do you use your rosemary simple syrup in?

Today I am making us shredded beef sandwiches. I am actually "concocting" this recipe so if it works out, I will post the recipe.

Amanda said that as soon as the numbing drops hit Chloe's ears, she went to sleep. Poor Puss*. I haven't heard from them since yesterday morning. I am a bit concerned, though. They had plans to take my nephew school clothes/supplies shopping yesterday afternoon and according to Facebook, it looks like she did. I pray with everything in me that my BIL stayed home with Chloe. That poor baby needed to be at home, IMO. But you know, what can I say? Nothing. I will just vent to you guys

Again, feeling sorry for myself. There house isn't accessible. If it was, I would have marched my butt over there and kept the baby while they ran their errands. You know, there are times when little ones need just be at home. UGH!

ETA:*Explanation of Puss.

When this child was born, the first time I "cooed" at her, I began calling her Pussafuss. Pronounced puss-a-fuss. Don't ask me why, it just came out. So now I call her a combination Pussafuss, Puss, Fuss, Puss-why-you-fuss, etc. I know it's silly, but I can't help it. Even Amanda calls her Pussafuss sometimes, lol.

Aunt Kitty is nothing if not nutty

 

[PrincessInOz]

Aimee - Love the look of that lemon slice and the rosemary syrup! I'm going to have to try the rosemary drink when summer comes round.


Jen - Back to work next week? Are you a teacher (and apologies if I missed it in your intro).


Marilyn - I totally agree! There is nothing that makes you feel better after an upchuck!


Lindsay - I hope you (and then us) find out about how poor Chloe is doing. An ear infection is not a fun thing!




I survived my crazy-too-many-activities-on-filled weekend. Thank goodness I go back to work tomorrow so that I can recover from the weekend.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thai Fish Cake


My starting ingredients:

• White fish, 500 g – I used Orange Roughie
• Beans, 100 g – Snake variety or if not available, String
• Coriander, 1 bunch
• Spring Onions (or Scallions), 3 stalks
• Kaffir Lime Leaf, 4
• Red Curry Paste, 1 – 2 tablespoon
• Plain Flour, 3 tablespoon
• Egg, 1
• Salt and Pepper – to taste
• Oil, 1 – 2 tablespoons

Wash the fish and the coriander. Set aside to dry. Slice the Kaffir Lime leaf into thin slivers.

Finely chop the white section of the Spring Onions; and finely chop the coriander stems so that you have roughly an equal quantity of spring onions and coriander.

Finely slice the beans. It is preferable to use Snake Beans; but I couldn’t find them at the market and substituted with String Beans instead.

In a small pan, lightly fry the spring onions and coriander for about 1 minute.

Add the beans and toss for another minute.

Transfer to a bowl and add the finely sliced kaffir lime leaves and coriander leaves.

(You may notice that I forgot to add the coriander leaves!!)



Place the fish into a food processor and blend for about 20 seconds.

Add the red curry paste, flour and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend for another 20 seconds.

Transfer the fish paste to the bowls with the greens and mix thoroughly.

Heat a pan with the oil on a medium flame. Make the fish cakes by dropping spoonfuls into the hot oil. Gently press down with the spatula to form patties/cakes.

Fry on each side for about 3 – 5 minutes or until golden brown.

NOTE: On my stovetop, I was turning the patties over after 1 – 2 minutes to stop them from burning on one side.


When cooked on both sides, remove from the pan and place on kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.

Serve with any sides you like.

I served the Fish Cakes with a green salad (and added the forgotten coriander leaves) and made a pickle carrot side to go with it. I also liberally poured some Sweet Chilli Sauce all over my Fish Cakes.

My dinner!

 

[Nancyg56]

Ladies, you are making me HUNGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am still on my diet but want to stray in the worst way, especially after the seafood chowder, the lemon bars, the simple syrup........get the picture?????

Marilyn- Getting sick is horrible! Between the little ones not feeling well and you.... Hope you all are better today!

Lindsay- it is so difficult to step back and let them parent their own way. Donny dated a girl who would give the kids meds and then take them out. He was not happy about that, my kids stayed home when they were sick and everything else came second. He was used to seeing someone just stop and snuggle Kady so taking the girls out used to infuriate him. I am glad that all the baby had was an infection and that it was caught in time.

Goofyluver= when I make sauce I add every veggie I have left in the fridge. Summer squash and zucchini stand up well in sauce. I also love grating eggplant into the pan and sauteing the water out. It adds so much flavor to the sauce.

Princess- your pics are gorgeous! I love the porn on this thread and I have to say that the ladies who post could have their photos printed! They are that beautiful!

Kat- I am glad that Kyle likes his job. I bet Johnny likes having him there with him as well

Sheryl- Your little ones are making my summer! I love seeing them everyday on FB!

I am glad that your root canal was painless.if not costless! I had one years ago and Marisa and Buddy had to take turns with my dental visits...........I am a coward so I needed to be drugged. Yup..........2 atavan and I was in a coma. Marisa had to take me from the dentist to meet Buddy and he took me to the procedure. I was such a drooling stumbling mess he carried me in I started sort of waking up and needed to use the restroom. When he offered to take me I was so offended! I had to be told later that I was not able to walk for a while My kids took terrible advantage of me for a while............drugged Moms will agree to anything

Ellen- I was dying when I read your post! Little stubborn girl I bet! Kady did the same thing and to this day she sleeps always has her little legs crossed

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.

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 !!!

I am so glad that you have found your place in the Church

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