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

[Nancyg56]

I have been cooking. Last night I roasted turkey legs and thighs. I baked a sweet potato for buddy, roasted cauliflower and steamed haricots vertes. Green salad...............again.

Saturday night Buddy asked for burgers on the grill. He has been working in this heat and wanted a light dinner. I cooked broccoli for me and salad. Grilled onions and sliced tomatoes for Buddy along with some half sour pickles.

I started two batches of wine yesterday. I think I waited too long, they are for Donny's wedding rehearsal dinner. I chose a viognier and an Argentinian malbec.
The white will probably be fine, the wine guy said it is good young but I am not sure if the malmec will be ready, it needs to balance in the bottle. I can use some of Welby's Italian Brunelo and just change the labels. The wine guy told me how to force it and i will try but if not, how do you ladies feel about Brunelo? It is a little dry I think but I like it. DO you think it is a red that folks who like soft reds will like?


These labels swill read Anna and Donald's Wedding Wine with the date of their wedding. I will have plenty to send home with the guests at the rehearsal dinner/

 

[shovan]

Gosh how do I get so far behind here so quickly!

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.


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.

Well Aunt Kitty, I for one, am very happy you decided on the book date!! Every child NEEDS to read One Fish, Two Fish.. & Berenstain Bears!!!

I do remember that you NEVER COMPLAIN about your disability! So I know you must be hurting! Feel free to vent. I know I only sort of understand, since it's Bob with the disability not me, but I do understand some of it. Bob too has been hurting since our little Jude was born. He was only able to hold him when he was newborn. We purchased one a carrier, but Jude doesn't really like it much. I'm really happy that Ryan enjoyed the shopping, sorry that the rest of the day didn't go as well.

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

Wow I feel your pain on this one too!


I hope Chloe improves quickly!

 

[shovan]

Now that I'm done with my rant... I know there was other stuff I wanted to say!


Princess, I WANT those fish cakes!!!! YUMMY!! Was the sweet chili sauce just straight from the jar?

Janice, Enjoy your lunch!

Nancy, I have never tasted italian Brunelo!! That will need to be remedied! I am envious of you & Welby's wine making!

Sorry I didn't have any kid pics for you this weekend! I sure am missing my kids! Jude is still away at Josh's family reunion in Branson. They are dying with the heat & I wanted to jump on a plane & get my baby! They come home tomorrow evening. Hopefully I'll have Alexis tomorrow. I was hoping for 2 fun days with her. With Jude away & thought she finally be feeling better. But no go. Maybe tomorrow.

Marilyn, I'm glad you had a fun weekend.

I didn't do much cooking this weekend. Just those chicken thighs which I did a sweet & spicy cooking light recipe that was disappointing.

We are going to be upping the veggies & fruits again this week. So food will probably be boring around here.

 

[TigerKat]

Jen – I held dinner for y’all until 6, where were you???? Seriously, please take as many naps as you need, you need to be well rested for next week.

Marilyn – I’d have been throwing up right along with your niece, I don’t do anything that spins.

Lindsay - I hope Chloe is feeling better.

Nan – I can’t wait to see the wine bottles, will you post a pic please?

Sheryl – I don’t blame you, I’d have been upset with your SIL as well, what was she thinking?

Johnny is home with an upset tummy so that means extra gym time for me.

WFD - White beans & rice, green onion sausages and a Creole tomato salad.

 

[Nancyg56]

Sheryl- I don't understand Chris. You are like A's grand[arent and only want the best for her, punishing both of you for being honest is just ridiculous!

 

[Goofyluver]

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.

I saw this on your blog. Uncle Remus loves her some iced coffee and we grow our own rosemary, so I'm definitely going to give this a try!

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

What a sweet auntie you are.

Hope the little one is doing better today.

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

I do work for the schools, but not as a teacher. I'm a Speech Pathologist. I love being in the schools because it allows me to have their schedule.

Those look great!

I have been cooking. Last night I roasted turkey legs and thighs. I baked a sweet potato for buddy, roasted cauliflower and steamed haricots vertes. Green salad...............again.

Saturday night Buddy asked for burgers on the grill. He has been working in this heat and wanted a light dinner. I cooked broccoli for me and salad. Grilled onions and sliced tomatoes for Buddy along with some half sour pickles.

I started two batches of wine yesterday. I think I waited too long, they are for Donny's wedding rehearsal dinner. I chose a viognier and an Argentinian malbec.
The white will probably be fine, the wine guy said it is good young but I am not sure if the malmec will be ready, it needs to balance in the bottle. I can use some of Welby's Italian Brunelo and just change the labels. The wine guy told me how to force it and i will try but if not, how do you ladies feel about Brunelo? It is a little dry I think but I like it. DO you think it is a red that folks who like soft reds will like?


These labels swill read Anna and Donald's Wedding Wine with the date of their wedding. I will have plenty to send home with the guests at the rehearsal dinner/

I'm so impressed that you do your own wine! Beyond that, all I know about wine is that I like it light and fruity.

Jen – I held dinner for y’all until 6, where were you???? Seriously, please take as many naps as you need, you need to be well rested for next week.

I slept though dinner!!!

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

Ugh. What a day. I'm not feeling 100% today, but all should be well soon.

I must say, I love having this thread to check. I hope we all get to know each other better as time goes along, and that I get to stick around. I just adore you ladies already!

Since I'm not feeling good, my lovely is making dinner...she's currently working on chicken 'n dumplin's in the kitchen. Not the most "summery" meal, but it is comfort food at its' best!

Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[Nancyg56]

Janice- I was not fond of the white I made last time and we drank the malbec and pinot noir during the Holidays. I think I will try the reisling again now that it has had 8 months to rest. The Brunelo is good but I am not sure it is soft enough for everyone. I will have the Malbec and the viognier already bottled and ready for everyone to take home but I want to serve what I made for the party.

I did not realize that I needed to allow so much time in the bottle, I have been a heathen drinking it as soon as it is ready

 

[EJ4Disney]

Morning Gals, It sounds like you all had a great weekend.

Sheryl ~ I wish I would have been on Friday I would have suggested to you that you try my Maple & Mustard (although, we didn't do the mustard) Chicken Thighs. They are so good and easy!! It is on the OP under chicken.

Kat ~ I am so excited for Kyle. I hope he continues to love the job. Hope Johnny feels better today.

Lindsay ~ Your book date with Ryan sounds like it was a hit. Sorry Chole isn't feeling good, little ears can hurt so bad. Bless her heart.

Vic ~ Sweetie I am so happy for you and TOTALLY understand.

Janice ~ I had to chuckle at your dinnertime rituals. When I was little my Momma would never let us sing at the dinner table. I always thought that was silly, so at my table we would sing whenever we wanted. Still do!!

Aimee ~ Wow, you had a fun weekend. Those are the kinds that totally recharge us for Mondays. So glad you had fun - you deserved it - even all of the naps!!

Jen ~ glad you are feeling better.

Merle ~ Sounds like again your weekend was jam packed. Yuck on the fair but otherwise you had a great time.

Nan ~ I can't give any advice on the wine. But God Love 'ya for doing this. I only wish I was one of the guests so I could have a bottle to take home. What a wonderful thing for you to do.


My oh My, It IS Monday again. We had such a nice weekend - I sure didn't want to come to work this morning. But here I am!!

WFDT ~ Grilled sirlions, steamed zuccunni, deviled eggs and sweet potatoes.

Make it a great Monday everbody!!

 

[TigerKat]

Ugh. What a day. I'm not feeling 100% today, but all should be well soon.

I must say, I love having this thread to check. I hope we all get to know each other better as time goes along, and that I get to stick around. I just adore you ladies already!

We love having you here with us. I hope you start feeling better soon!

 

[HERSEY]

Dinner is spaghetti and meatballs. I was going to grill but surprise we are having a thunderstorm.

What are the chances we would get a storm. It has only been raining on and off for what the last month Sorry for the rant, I am just so sick of the rain. I really wish it could go to the poor people in Texas and other places that so desperately need it.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Princess, I WANT those fish cakes!!!! YUMMY!! Was the sweet chili sauce just straight from the jar?

The sweet chilli sauce was straight out of a bottle. Much easier than making it!


Unexpectedly home today. DH is experiencing a bout of food poisoning that started at 2.30 am last night (no sleep for the wicked) and is laid up in bed. I ate everything he did...except for the bread, which had a layer of mould growing on it this morning. Oh well....lots of warm water and TLC.

 

[shovan]

Jen, Hope you feel better!

Princess, Food poisoning! Ugh that's awful. I hope your hubby recovers quickly.


Dinner was takeout. I am not feeling well at all. Don't know what's going on with me. Either meds I'm on or maybe hormones all out of whack. Plus I have a another tooth hurting & the temp filler has come out of the one I had worked on.


I know I'm probably going to confuse the heck out of everyone reading, but I going to delete my vent earlier. Feeling guilty.

 

[shovan]

Ellen, Glad you had such a good weekend! Wish I had tried the maple & mustard chicken. The sweet & spicy wasn't sweet or spicy!

Jen, This thread has been amazing the friendships it has grown! Much more than cooking.

Janice, We've been getting a lot of rain here too. Aimee can have some of our's also.

Kat, I'm getting excited about F&W!!!

 

[Aimeedyan]

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

I just used it in the iced coffee, to make rosemary iced coffee. Is really delicious!

I started two batches of wine yesterday. I think I waited too long, they are for Donny's wedding rehearsal dinner. I chose a viognier and an Argentinian malbec.

Great idea! I hope they turn out well!

I must say, I love having this thread to check. I hope we all get to know each other better as time goes along, and that I get to stick around. I just adore you ladies already!

I hope you start feeling better soon - I saw on FB you had a slight set back. when do you have to return to work for the year?

Glad you're a part of the group!

Unexpectedly home today. DH is experiencing a bout of food poisoning that started at 2.30 am last night (no sleep for the wicked) and is laid up in bed. I ate everything he did...except for the bread, which had a layer of mould growing on it this morning. Oh well....lots of warm water and TLC.

Oh, poor guy!! Hope it runs it's course quickly.

Dinner was takeout. I am not feeling well at all. Don't know what's going on with me. Either meds I'm on or maybe hormones all out of whack. Plus I have a another tooth hurting & the temp filler has come out of the one I had worked on.

I hope you feel better tomorrow.



Tonight I grilled BBQ chicken skewers alongside some asparagus and shells and cheese (I PPH Velveeta shells and cheese!!). I made the BBQ sauce so I'll post it soon.

 

[Aimeedyan]

This was delicious! This was enough for two large portions.

Mongolian Beef
1 lb of flank steak, thinly sliced crosswise
1/4 cup of cornstarch
3 teaspoons of canola or vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger (about 1/2 inch piece)
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic (about 2 -3 large cloves)
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of soy sauce (I use low sodium)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
3 large green onions, thinly sliced

Pat the steak slices dry and mix them with the corn starch. Place them in a strainer and shake off excess corn starch.

Heat half of the oil in a large wok at medium-high and add the garlic and ginger. Immediately add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar and pepper flakes. Cook the sauce for about 2 minutes and transfer to a bowl. Don't worry if the sauce doesn't look thick enough at this point. The corn starch in the beef will thicken it up later.

Turn the heat up and add the remaining oil to the wok. Add the beef and cook, stirring until it is all browned. Pour the sauce back into the wok and let it cook along with the meat. I let it simmer some to thicken and then even sprinkled a bit more cornstarch into the sauce to aid in thickening it up some. Or, you can leave it thinner.

Serve with hot rice and top with the green onions.

 

[TigerKat]

Princess – I hope your DH is feeling better. I had food poisoning once and will never forget it.

Sheryl – I’m so sorry you are having more tooth problems, I really do know what you’re going through. Next week at this time we’ll be booking our events, not looking forward to it from what I’ve heard.

Aimee – That Mongolian Beef looks really good!

WFD – Ham & Swiss stuffed chicken breasts, pasta and a salad.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Just a quick drive-through tonight.

I'm beat. Been up since 2.30 am and between making sure DH was well hydrated, cooking to make sure he had food he would eat and running DS between school and his activities, I'm ready to get to bed.

I made some cauliflower soup for lunch today....thank goodness it was nice and cheap at the market and that I got some at the weekend. It was just all DH could keep down at lunch.

We had the standard baked potato for dinner today (it's Tuesday). Poor DH! He definitely looked worn out by the time dinner came round.

I'm hoping he'll be better in the morning so that I can go to work to recover!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Morning friends,

Jen ~ you poor thing, I sure hope things settle down and you start feeling better.

Princess ~ to you for taking care of DH and I sure hope he feels better today.

Sheryl ~ You too!! Feel better.

Kat ~ have fun planning

Aimee ~ your Mong. beef looks amazing.

Janice ~ Yes, got those storms. They were doozies. Lots of rain and wind.

Pastor Tess gets back from a conference today. I am so excited as this office has been WAY to quiet. No one in, no phone calls - really boring.

WFDT ~ We are going to Kearney to pick up the new living room window (remember this summer when it was broken?). It is finally in.
So we will grab something in the "Big City"

Make it a great day all!!

 

[Goofyluver]

Dinner is spaghetti and meatballs. I was going to grill but surprise we are having a thunderstorm.

What are the chances we would get a storm. It has only been raining on and off for what the last month Sorry for the rant, I am just so sick of the rain. I really wish it could go to the poor people in Texas and other places that so desperately need it.

And we'd take it here in Texas!

Jen, This thread has been amazing the friendships it has grown! Much more than cooking.

That is very apparent!

I hope you start feeling better soon - I saw on FB you had a slight set back. when do you have to return to work for the year?

Glad you're a part of the group!

On Monday!

WFD – Ham & Swiss stuffed chicken breasts, pasta and a salad.

Yummy.

Just a quick drive-through tonight.

I'm beat. Been up since 2.30 am and between making sure DH was well hydrated, cooking to make sure he had food he would eat and running DS between school and his activities, I'm ready to get to bed.

I made some cauliflower soup for lunch today....thank goodness it was nice and cheap at the market and that I got some at the weekend. It was just all DH could keep down at lunch.

We had the standard baked potato for dinner today (it's Tuesday). Poor DH! He definitely looked worn out by the time dinner came round.

I'm hoping he'll be better in the morning so that I can go to work to recover!

I hope he's feeling better soon.

WFDT ~ We are going to Kearney to pick up the new living room window (remember this summer when it was broken?). It is finally in.
So we will grab something in the "Big City"

Make it a great day all!!

Have fun in the big city!

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

On top of everything, last night, J got sick. He has some sort of tummy thing, poor kid.

I think we're all doing better today, though. He seems to be feeling better. My meds are starting to work. And poor Uncle R, she's just taking care of all of us like a champ.

Today is going to be a better day!

What's for dinner: leftovers from last night, Uncle R made chicken and dumplings, we're having round 2 tonight.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

 

[Nancyg56]

Nan ~ I can't give any advice on the wine. But God Love 'ya for doing this. I only wish I was one of the guests so I could have a bottle to take home. What a wonderful thing for you to do.


!

You have no idea how I wish you were closer too! I would love to have you and all my WFD friends as my guests, distance is not fun!

The sweet chilli sauce was straight out of a bottle. Much easier than making it!


Unexpectedly home today. DH is experiencing a bout of food poisoning that started at 2.30 am last night (no sleep for the wicked) and is laid up in bed. I ate everything he did...except for the bread, which had a layer of mould growing on it this morning. Oh well....lots of warm water and TLC.

Oh No!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope today is a better day for you DH!

Dinner was takeout. I am not feeling well at all. Don't know what's going on with me. Either meds I'm on or maybe hormones all out of whack. Plus I have a another tooth hurting & the temp filler has come out of the one I had worked on.

:

I think that you need to relax my friend. You are getting run down. Please feel better.

Now as to the vent..............there is no reason to feel badly about venting here. There is a vast difference between being annoyed at any given time and being mad and nasty. I love my children but as Marisa will tell you.........I vent. I disagree. I sometimes challenge. This is because I love them and that love is not conditional. They don't agree with me many times but they recognize that I get upset. It does not mean anything because my irritation is like yours.short lived.

WFDT ~ We are going to Kearney to pick up the new living room window (remember this summer when it was broken?). It is finally in.
So we will grab something in the "Big City"

Make it a great day all!!

Big city....

On top of everything, last night, J got sick. He has some sort of tummy thing, poor kid.

I think we're all doing better today, though. He seems to be feeling better. My meds are starting to work. And poor Uncle R, she's just taking care of all of us like a champ.
!

I hope that today finds all of you feeling better. Stomach bugs are no fun! Poor kid!


Last night we ate out of the fridge. Buddy had his tuna sandwiches and I had leftovers. WE shopped for Kady's dress and that was not fun.

Tonight dinner will be fast. Welby is filling in for her friend so I have the two girls and Kady. I am not used to having them all day so it is going to be interesting.