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

[LBKB]

Spring has definitely sprouted here....

And with it, come the sneezes and hayfever!



However, there is one small business/farm up in the local hills that will occasionally draw me out and about in Springtime.

This place....sells the Prince of Orange of all flowers.....

Tesselaar's is a family owned business and have been doing mail-order bulbs for the last 55 years. The family is originally from Holland....and every spring, for about 4 weeks, the farm is opened for a display of tulips. The family put the word out that the tulips had bloomed early this year and today was the opening day of the 4 week period. So, I made the effort to head for the hills to take a stroll around their 'garden'.

I had a meat pie for lunch....not really porn worthy...but these were...

And my more artsy shots of the day......

I'm hoping to convince DH and DS to head up in 2 weekends time...it will be a Dutch themed weekend up there. Might be fun!

O my this really makes me feel like I'm home. Our town Holland MI has a festival called tulip time and we have farms that look just like this with all the tulips. Only up here it fall and getting cold frost warning for tonight. Brrr

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi All!

Glynis- I hope that Allan gets some rest soon! That is one busy guy.

Robin- Poor both of you! Buddy is waiting for some prices on installing pipe for a little pot bellied stove just to make the rest of the house cozy I love a wood stove!

Jen- I know what anemic feels like and it is not good! Feel better soon!

Princess- When is hubby getting home? I have to say those pics are gorgeous!!

Becky- I cannot imagine how yo make those meals and no oven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aimee- keep resting!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to get into the shower and off to PT....then a pedicure Bud is going for his tux and I think they guys are all eating out. I hope.

 

[Goofyluver]

WFD -Aimee's Mongolian beef and fried rice.

That's one of our favs!!! Had you tried it before today?

Spring has definitely sprouted here....

What GORGEOUS photos!!!

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

Hello all! Tomorrow's Friday!!!!

I got my blood results today and I'm on the low side of normal with my iron. So, I don't know. If I don't start feeling better I'll make an appt. with my PCP.

Hope all of you are well!

Tonight we had one of my favorite mac and cheese's for dinner.

Smoky Mac 'n Cheese

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (12 oz)
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon coarse (kosher or sea) salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
8 oz smoked Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
1 cans (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes, well drained
1/4 cup sliced green onions (4 medium)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons olive oil


Preparation Directions

1. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on box. Return to saucepan; cover to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, heat whipping cream, mustard, salt and red pepper to boiling. Reduce heat; stir in Cheddar cheese with wire whisk until smooth.
3. Pour sauce over macaroni. Stir in tomatoes and onions. Pour into baking dish. In small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Stir in oil. Sprinkle over top of macaroni mixture.
4. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are bubbly and top is golden brown.

YUMMMMMMMY!

 

[TigerKat]

It's our first time trying the Mongolian Beef, in fact I was coming to post how awesome it is! Do y'all all use woks? I don't have one and that's the reason why I hesitate to try anything that is stir fried.

 

[Goofyluver]

It's our first time trying the Mongolian Beef, in fact I was coming to post how awesome it is! Do y'all all use woks? I don't have one and that's the reason why I hesitate to try anything that is stir fried.

I didn't. I just used a large saute pan and it worked just fine.

Isn't it divine?????

 

[TigerKat]

I didn't. I just used a large saute pan and it worked just fine.

Isn't it divine?????

Yes it is! Good thing I doubled the meat because my guys can EAT!!

 

[Goofyluver]

Yes it is! Good thing I doubled the meat because my guys can EAT!!

We double it too. Only it's not for "the guys"...

 

[bigmerle1966]

Got a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store, had it with mashed potatoes, gravy and asparagus.

Came out of the grocery store and saw a rainbow. Really wish I had had my real camera with me, the cell phone didn't do it justice. I haven't seen one that big and bright in a long time.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I got my blood results today and I'm on the low side of normal with my iron. So, I don't know. If I don't start feeling better I'll make an appt. with my PCP.

A basic OTC iron supplement should perk it up some more. I'll warn you, though, they are often hard on the tummy.

I get fairly regular iron infusions (constant bleeding thanks to the Crohns) but tried supplements in the beginning. They are fairly cheap at places like Target. You could always call your PCP and ask which type/brand they recommend. Or just ask your pharmacist.

Low iron can suck!

It's our first time trying the Mongolian Beef, in fact I was coming to post how awesome it is! Do y'all all use woks? I don't have one and that's the reason why I hesitate to try anything that is stir fried.

It's damn good, isn't it? And SO easy!! I have a wok but I don't think it makes much difference, honestly.



Princess, love the pics! I adore tulips.

Jen, that mac and cheese looks tasty!!

Today was another fairly good day - finally feeling halfway normal! DH brought home BBQ for us. I really miss cooking. Obviously didn't go to work again today.

 

[PrincessInOz]

It's FRIDAY night! I made it through the working week. We had take-away tonight for dinner....burgers (the sloppy kind) and french fries. Even more astounding....it was the first take-away dinner all week.

Hubby is home Sunday, my time. In your time, he'll be flying out on your Friday night.

Glad y'all liked the tulip pictures. I'm hoping to go again in a couple of weekends but I don't know if the tulips will still be as beautiful as they were on Thursday.
I love tulips too. Used to grow them...then they became too much work.

So...catching up on events here....

Nancy - hope the wedding goes well THIS weekend. Sorry about the Dryer and how did PT go?

Glynis - that chicken recipe sounds delish. I have a wok; but no crock pot (that works). I'd love to try it...think it will work in a pot on the stove?
And I hope Alan gets some rest. Doing full time work and part time study is no fun. I know...I've been there! Just make sure you schedule in one night a week or a fortnight just for "you two".

Robyn - Sorry about your husband. Hope he gets better soon.

Aimee - hope you are better soon. Is your x-ray showing an improvement? And I'll try to get pics of my goodies.

Lauri - I'd love to see Holland, MI in springtime some day!

Kat - hope your laptop is fixed now.

Jen - low iron? Hope you get what you need to get better!

Janice - Internet is a MUST for schooling; not cheating and not a luxury. My DS just completed an assignment at school and the teachers actively encouraged internet searching...and proper referencing!

Hope I haven't missed anyone out. If so....my apologies!

Keep well.

 

[HERSEY]

I thought I would share a website with anyone with kids. It has video demos of math and sciences. http://www.khanacademy.org/
it looks like it goes pretty far maybe well into high school and beyond ?

 

[Glynis]

Glynis - that chicken recipe sounds delish. I have a wok; but no crock pot (that works). I'd love to try it...think it will work in a pot on the stove?
And I hope Alan gets some rest. Doing full time work and part time study is no fun. I know...I've been there! Just make sure you schedule in one night a week or a fortnight just for "you two".

I think you could definitely do the chicken in the oven. Most anything you do in the crockpot you can do in the oven. You just have to adjust the timing.

Alan and I schedule in a date night at least every 2 weeks. Usually we try for Saturday nights. I don't think that will happen this weekend, though. He's going on a Father's/Son's campout with Jacob and Timothy tonight, and tomorrow night is the big rivalry football game. He, Jacob and Mary will hunker down in front of the tv with snacks to watch the game. I may try to get him to take me out to lunch, but that will depend on whether or not we get all the "honey do" projects out of the way early. I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Glynis]

Good morning, all! It's a pretty morning here, but there is a Fall nip in the air. I keep expecting to see some colored leaves on my mountains, but so far, nada.

This morning is bowling. After that, Timothy and I will run some errands to the library and the grocery store. We've got to get stuff for Alan to take camping with the boys tonight. Because they are having a father/son outing, the girls and I are planning something special, too. There is a concert here tonight. A prominent violinist, Jenny Oakes Baker, is putting on a concert with the local symphony. Normally, I wouldn't go with all the girls, but this concert is special. It's all Disney music! So, we'll go to the concert and then out for a treat afterwards.

Not sure about dinner. We'll just have to see what hits me at the store!

Have a great day, y'all!

 

[TigerKat]

Princess – Your pictures are beautiful, thank you for sharing! My laptop is fixed, it was a minor problem.

Aimee – The Mongolian beef recipe is extremely easy, we all loved it! Glad to hear you are feeling better, continue to take it easy though, or we’ll send Vickie.

Glynis – Sounds like you and the girls will have a very nice evening, enjoy!!!

WFD – Going out to a new (for us) place tonight called Boucherie, can’t wait! Off to the gym…bbl…

 

[EJ4Disney]

Morning girls,

I could have sworn I stopped by yesterday - but I guess not. Sorry!! I'm swamped today so love and hugs to you all.

It is cold cold cold here on the plains. We actually turned the heat on last night as it was 56 when we got home. It is only to get in the low 50's today. Tomorrow is to be in the 70's though. We always say if you don't like the weather in Nebraska just wait a bit and it will change. I have seen it snow, rain, thunder and sunshine all in a matter of hours.

We took Marty and Stephanie out for dinner last night and really had a nice time. We sat and talked for 2 hours. Then we went back to the house and looked at baby furniture on line.

We are headed to Lincoln this weekend as Nebraska plays Washington. "GO BIG RED". I probably won't be on till Monday - You all play nice.

WFDT ~ I got the crock pot out this morning and fixed this:

Crock Pot Swiss Chicken Casserole

4-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen works best)
4 slices swiss cheese
1 Can cream of mushroom soup (I use low sodium and FF)
1/2 can milk
Package of stuffing mix
1 stick of melted butter

Spray Crock Pot with cooking spray. Place chicken in bottom of crock pot, layering as necessary. Place swiss cheese slices over top. Mix mushroom soup with milk, adding spices to taste (I use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper). Pour over chicken. Empty bag of stuffing on top. Pour melted butter over entire thing. Cover and cook on high 4 hrs, low 6-8 hrs. Tastes like Thanksgiving!

Make it a great day my friends.

 

[franandaj]

Hello Ladies! :wave1:

Princess has been suggesting that I join in on this thread for some time now. I love to cook and have been doing so since I was a child. My cooking skills really took off in college as I was dirt poor but loved to eat on a champagne budget! I learned to recreate a lot of fancy restaurant meals at home on my meager budget. Over the years my cooking has evolved. Whereas I started out making fancy small portions, since meeting my spouse about 15 years ago, I have been introduced to what I call "large meat" and American Comfort Food while also expanding my international food tastes.

I have a Turkey in the oven as I type and that's dinner for tonight along with Gravy, Green Beans and a Dinner Salad.

I read the last few pages and I'm already excited to try the Balsamic Chicken. I have something I call Balsamic Chicken, but it's much more simple.

Anyways, I hope I can share in some of the fun and dinner!

 

[Goofyluver]

Hello Ladies! :wave1:

Princess has been suggesting that I join in on this thread for some time now. I love to cook and have been doing so since I was a child. My cooking skills really took off in college as I was dirt poor but loved to eat on a champagne budget! I learned to recreate a lot of fancy restaurant meals at home on my meager budget. Over the years my cooking has evolved. Whereas I started out making fancy small portions, since meeting my spouse about 15 years ago, I have been introduced to what I call "large meat" and American Comfort Food while also expanding my international food tastes.

I have a Turkey in the oven as I type and that's dinner for tonight along with Gravy, Green Beans and a Dinner Salad.

I read the last few pages and I'm already excited to try the Balsamic Chicken. I have something I call Balsamic Chicken, but it's much more simple.

Anyways, I hope I can share in some of the fun and dinner!

Well hello!

Are you Fran or AJ?

I'm Jen/Goofyluver. I'm married to fellow DISer, Uncle Remus. And we love cookin'. We have a 15 y.o. son and a very special BIL that both love to eat our cooking.

I have found the MOST wonderful ladies on this thread. All our very supportive. (I think I'm the newest here)

Jump right on in and I look forward to sharing recipes with you!

And a whole turkey? Do ya' have extra? I birds.

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

And to the rest of you...today has been quite a day! I'll leave it at that. I'm about to settle down with a nice bloody mary to dull the pain from the week.

Tonight's dinner was tostadas.

to everyone. Make it a great weekend!

 

[franandaj]

Well hello!

Are you Fran or AJ?

I'm Jen/Goofyluver. I'm married to fellow DISer, Uncle Remus. And we love cookin'. We have a 15 y.o. son and a very special BIL that both love to eat our cooking.

I'm Alison, but sometimes people call me AJ too! Nice to meet you Jen.

I've got two or three more in the freezer, so I'll be making a few in the next couple months (we stock up every Thanksgiving). Not to mention the 4-5 Prime Ribs, 2 hams and 3-4 corned beefs....we take advantage of the seasonal holiday sales for cheap "big meat"!

Enjoy your bloody mary, I'm about to go pour myself a glass of wine.

 

[Goofyluver]

I'm Alison, but sometimes people call me AJ too! Nice to meet you Jen.

I've got two or three more in the freezer, so I'll be making a few in the next couple months (we stock up every Thanksgiving). Not to mention the 4-5 Prime Ribs, 2 hams and 3-4 corned beefs....we take advantage of the seasonal holiday sales for cheap "big meat"!

Enjoy your bloody mary, I'm about to go pour myself a glass of wine.

Enjoy your wine!

Your freezer sounds like heaven. My wife fell in love with me over a steak. Some day I'll have her tell that story. Anyways...we understand "big meat" here.

Welcome to the food thread, Alison.

 

[Nancyg56]

Good evening girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I see we have AJ joining us, Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have several turkeys in the freezer and have been craving a hearty Fall meal!

Ellen- waiting for baby news,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Janice- it is fall here too. I think that the air is crispy but Buddy and I think you can tell it has really arrived when you step out at night and smell some wood smoke in the air.

I just got in from the rehearsal dinner. It was lovely. Maybe 30 of us for a great meal. I made Malbec and a Voigner to give as gifts and also had some sparkling cider. I will take some pics and post on FB ( I can now that i have the fancy new phone )

For Anna's gift from me, I rented the B&B for her family and bridal party. Lorraine will take good care of them. The happy couple will spend Saturday night there and when I suggested that Donny check for Sunday night openings Lorraine invited them to stay as her gift. SHe took so much off of my shoulders today, even packing food up for Buddy and the boys tomorrow. I am not sure I will check in, I am a bit scattered btu will catch up on SUnday.