The What's For Dinner Thread - November '09(recipe index in OP)

[FormrCastMbr]

Good Morning!

Sorry I have not been here...Tom was home for the holiday and it was a little hectic but in a good way. We had a very nice Christmas...The 4 of us had baked ham and sides for Xmas Eve and then headed to the Celtic service at Church. It was very nice. A local family Irish band was there called Dogan's Hooligans. The kids were excellent on the fiddle, harp and tin whistle. The baby was a bit fussy and at times sang along!

The kids are loving their gifts. A got an Ipod Touch and loves it and T got many many toys that he just loves.

Xmas day was spent at my sisters. We had a ton of food...she asked everyone to bring app, entree and dessert. I made stromboli, chicken parm and rum cake...Kathy, That rum cake is to die for!!!! It was a nice day...no family drama! My brother that causes most of it was not there.

The day after Tom's Mom and Charlene's family came here. It was very nice. I was very glad that they were happy with Chinese take out...I did have a cheese plate and cookies and tollhouse bars for dessert. Lots of wine and lots of laughs.

Tom left yesterday and so did A. A is heading to Arizona with his dad...he will be back on Sunday. I miss him already.

T let me sleep alittle late today so we are just getting going now. I have to straighten up today and I think a couple of friends would like to take me to dinner for my bday.

Tomorrow I am heading to PA. Not sure what we will do for New years but Pittsburgh has a big celebration...it seems like a really fun city. I am happy with staying in but we will see. I think the weather will be crappy.

My brother is still sedated and not really doing much when taken out. I guess that has had me a bit in a funk. Not knowing what will be is a little upsetting...this may have caused some brain damage. My sister is going there tomorrow so maybe we will get more answers. I am not sure my SIL is asking all the right questions, etc.

Hugs to all of you. I truly enjoyed receiving all of the Xmas cards and wish all of you the Happiest, most magical New Year!

Lori, Prayers for Rick, you and the family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Lauri, Glad your furbaby is doing better.

Gretchen, Great job Kenny!

Maria, I am sorry that you had drama with Greg's family. I am keeping you both in my prayers.

I know I missed alot...I keep you all close to my heart and if you ever need me and I am not here, please know you can call or text me.

Have a great day all!

 

[TigerKat]

Haven't read back, still not feeling well. Going to the dentist to get a crown on the tooth that had the root canal...fun times.

WFD -White beans & rice with grilled smoked sausages.

 

[shovan]

Hi y'all,

I'm sorry I haven't been around. Just so much going on. We had Christmas Eve at my Aunt's, then I was home & up until 2:30 prepping the roast & setting the table, etc. Up early Christmas Day & exhausted by the end of it. Then Saturday we had another round at DH's brother's house. Yesterday we were finally able to just collapse & stay home.

I have not read back & I need to run to make it to PT.

Lori, Please tell Rick that Bob & I send our sincere condolences. We'll be praying for the family.

 

[liamsaunt]

Lori, my condolences to Rick and your family.

We did not end up going to California Grill. WE could not add Greg to the reservation, despite multiple attempts, so we cancelled and went to Jiko instead.

Here are some pictures from last night' meal. Roasted racks of lamb:

Potatoes, wild mushrooms, and taleggio cheese:

roasted brussels sprouts

 

[Aimeedyan]

Good Morning!

Sorry I have not been here...Tom was home for the holiday and it was a little hectic but in a good way. We had a very nice Christmas...The 4 of us had baked ham and sides for Xmas Eve and then headed to the Celtic service at Church. It was very nice. A local family Irish band was there called Dogan's Hooligans. The kids were excellent on the fiddle, harp and tin whistle. The baby was a bit fussy and at times sang along!

Sounds like the Christmas Eve service was awesome! Glad you had a nice holiday. Continued prayers for your brother

Haven't read back, still not feeling well. Going to the dentist to get a crown on the tooth that had the root canal...fun times.

Augh, that's an awful way to start a week

We did not end up going to California Grill. WE could not add Greg to the reservation, despite multiple attempts, so we cancelled and went to Jiko instead.

I hope Jiko was wonderful. I had my birthday meal there a couple years ago and it was delicious.


I am mostly off work this week and we are discussing what we want to do. Last year, I repainted most of the house but DH doesn't seem keen on doing a major project this year I WANT to go shopping but I really spent way too much last week. I hit every outlet mall in Orlando plus Mall of Millenia and barely made it home. Our bags were both over the limit, I was wearing layers of clothes, and we drug on several shopping bags But I got some great Christmas gifts for myself!

We are going to grocery shop today because we are hungry Dinner will be TBA.

I am going to upload my food pics so I can post them here and review the spots we dined at. They are all on FB, too.

 

[zipuzee]

We haven't had snow on Christmas since 1975 - we might get snow once during the winter, but some years nothing. And I mean snow flurries - rarely something that sticks long enough to make a snowball. Though we do get ice usually once a season. This was very unusual. The kids were VERY excited! Still talking about it today at church.

I didn't think you would see much there; it just seems that you've mentioned it quite a bit lately so I was beginning to wonder. Enjoy your time off, you so deserve it and seem to get so little of it. Looking forward to the pictures. BTW, how are you feeling and did you ever here from that doctor??


Lauren - no apologies needed for not being around. Its the holidays and everyone is busy.

Kathy - hope you are feeling better soon.

We did not end up going to California Grill. WE could not add Greg to the reservation, despite multiple attempts, so we cancelled and went to Jiko instead.

Here are some pictures from last night' meal. Roasted racks of lamb:

Bummer - but I'm sure Jiko was pretty good. And yummy pics! Those lamb chops look really good!!

 

[bigmerle1966]

That gives me some hope. I really need a new tree and thought I'd wait until after Christmas but all the places I checked today were sold out.

It seems to depend on the store, the two near my house had no trees, they were gone before Christmas. The one I went to near my sisters had about 10 of them. Each year I also try to stock up on the lunch bag type gift bags and small handled bags and our two stores had little to no bags left yet my sisters had a lot. I got 40 of the lunch bag type alone.

Dinner tonight is salmon, roasted zucchini and some sort of starch. I am in the mood for grits, lets see if I can remember them at the store. We had some in the cabinet but my DM got in to a cleaning out frenzy and dumped them and I keep forgetting to get some. I'll do them up with some goat cheese and make a balsamic glaze for the fish.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good afternoon friends,

I am very very sad today as my beloved Quarter horse, Sandy, died in the night. Doug went to do chores this morning and found her dead. I will miss her so much. She was my riding partner for 15 years. She was 24, yes she was up there, but I really didn't think she would go so soon. She was a lively old girl. Jump over the rainbow bridge my dear girl.

I am off today and getting caught up here at home. I am going to go for a massage later this afternoon. Pure bliss!!

WFDT ~ Spinach raviloli, homemade tomato sauce, green salad and garlic bread sticks.

Make it a great day my friends. If you have a pet, please give them a good hug and scratch behind the ears. You are all they have and they depend on you for everything - but most of all your love.

I will be back later to catch up with you all.

 

[liamandcaili]

Hi Everyone,

Greg left this afternoon, so things should settle down here for a while. I should say, I think he left. He thought his flight was later this afternoon, but realized at 12:30 that he was leaving at 1:40. I haven't heard from him yet, so maybe he made it.

We all had a nice couple of weeks together, and we are all a little sad to see the leave end, especially since we really don't know when Greg will get time off again.

Anyway, I am sorry I haven't been around much, but I'll be a better friend going forward.

Lori -- My condolences to Rick and his family. It is hard to lose a loved one at this time of year.

Gretchen -- What a great present from Kenny! I didn't get any gargoyle books this year, but I did get a bottle of teriyaki sauce.

Caili does have skating this week, so dinner tonight will probably be pasta with red sauce or some other easy, comfort food.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Mini Dining Review

Our first night, we ate at Bahama Breeze for the first time. I had GCs that were good there. I'll be honest and say it was probably in the top 2 meals we had all week. Mom had never been there and she couldn't wait to go back with her boyfriend. I didn't take pics, though should have!

The ones near us all closed a few years ago, before I got to try it. Wonder why?


Mom and I tried Sand Trap for lunch the day DH golfed at Osprey Ridge. It was good! I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there but if I were driving already and in the area, I'd stop back in. The view of the course is beautiful, the restaurant had 2 parties the entire time we were there, and they had a good menu. I had a Jack Daniels chicken sandwich with potato salad and mom got a club wrap with fruit salad. No pics, sorry.


On Sat night, we went to Tchoup Chop for dinner. The valet was right outside the restaurant area so it was really easy to get to. Once seated, you get these cellophane looking puff things. We debated what they were as we crunched on them and finally asked - they were shrimp puffs. Tasty.

Mom ordered miso soup and loved it

DH ordered Pan Seared Maine Jumbo Sea Scallops
Shrimp & Fire Roasted Sweet Corn Risotto, Creamy Yellow Thai Curry-Lobster Sauce and I wished I had

Mom ordered Furikake Crusted Atlantic Salmon Filet
Coconut Purple Sticky Rice, Cucumber Namasu and Sweet Sake Yuzu Soy Jus and it was really good (though at first glance of the menu, we all thought it was fruitcake crusted!)

I ordered Pepper Grilled Yellowfin Tuna Steak
Wild Mushroom-Pea Tendril Stir Fry, Fingerling Potatoes, Charred Scallion Ginger Reduction. It was good, but nothing to write home about.

For dessert, Dh and I split the pumpkin bread pudding they had. Good, but not Raglan Road good.

Mom had a flourless chocolate torte that was very good and rich

All in all, we had good service and it's a beautiful restaurant but it wasn't a top favorite for the week.


On Mon night, we had late reservations for 'Ohana but MK was so crammed that we ended up "done" by 7pm and had nowhere to go. We wandered through Bay Lake Tower, did a little shopping at Contemporary, and even tried to get seating at the Wave just so we could eat something (45 min wait and the menu didn't look that appealing). Mom and I both didn't feel great, she was now running fever, so we hopped the monorail to Poly where we were parked anyways. Tried to get into Kona, 45 min wait which would put us at the 'Ohana time anyways. We ended up at Captain Cooks, which I think is pretty tasty anyways. I had a burger, DH had the pulled pork, and mom ate nothing.

Wed night we tried Captain's Grille which was a first for all of us. We were on DDP, mom wasn't of course. Their 3 course menu is on the DDP and it gets you an appetizer. Since DH was ordering the crabcakes and gelato anyways, he ordered the 3 course since those were both options and got an additional crabcake as his appetizer

Captain's Grille Experience
Appetizers: Caesar Salad OR New England Clam Chowder OR Lump Crab Cake

Entrees: Market Fish OR Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast OR Grilled Pork Chop OR Lump Crab Cakes

Desserts: Key Lime Pie OR House-made Gelato OR Chocolate Profiterole

Crab cake appetizer:

Crab Cake meal:

Gelato dessert (strawberry):

I ordered snow Crab Legs - with new potatoes and corn on the cob. I asked for garlic mashed instead of new and squash/zucchini instead of corn (which I really can't eat) and this is what I got:

Dh ate the corn, and the squash/zucchini on the potatos was actually really good. DH has never had snow crab legs so watching him try to crack them had me and mom crying hysterically in laughter. He is SO funny sometimes.

Mom got two appetizers, the crab cake and Captain's Tasting for Two - caramelized onion tart, buttermild fried shrimp, and seared beef bruschetta:

She couldn't pick a favorite, said they were all delicious.

For dessert, I got the double chocolate cheesecake which was rich and yummy:

We had really good service here and the food was all great. I love all the seafood, too. We'll be back!

More in next post

 

[Aimeedyan]

Good afternoon friends,

I am very very sad today as my beloved Quarter horse, Sandy, died in the night. Doug went to do chores this morning and found her dead. I will miss her so much. She was my riding partner for 15 years. She was 24, yes she was up there, but I really didn't think she would go so soon. She was a lively old girl. Jump over the rainbow bridge my dear girl.

I'm so sorry

 

[Aimeedyan]

Continued...

On Christmas Eve, we slept in and wandered to MGM. The original plan was to hit MGM near opening, ride the 3 we wanted to ride (TSM, ToT, and RnR), and head to Epcot for lunch at Tangierine Cafe. Instead, we slept late and mosied around but we STILL only had to wait 35 min in standby for TSM (the wait time sign said 70 min - the wait times were ALL almost double what reality was so we didn't believe them anymore).

We were starving so we used a CS at Studio Catering Co and it wasn't half bad! We both got the BBQ pulled pork sub with chips.

For dinner, we went to Epcot for Akershus. We've had the princess breakfast here several times and it's one of DH's favorite so he chose this one I had low expectations but was pleasantly surprised.

Belle in her Christmas gown was in the lobby for pics. At the dinner, we saw Aurora, Snow White, Ariel, and Cinderella (big surprise!). DH was sad to not see his favorite, Jasmine.

The cold buffet was really good. We all ate way too much of that but the cheeses and salads were delicious.

Both DH and myself ordered the Mustard-glazed Seared Salmon - with Roasted Carrots and Potatoes and Mustard-Shallot Drizzle. We asked to sub the potato/carrot for mashed which was fine. This was sweet and very good:

Mom got the Citrus-marinated Mahi Mahi - with Mashed Potatoes, Arugula, and Mushroom Vinaigrette but asked for the roasted carrots and potatos instead . Hers was very good, the mahi mahi had a nice grill taste to it.

The dessert is a plate to be shared with Sweet and Savory Chocolate Mousse, Traditional Rice Cream, and Apple Tart. It was all very good but we were stuffed and didn't finish it all.

This was a great way to spend Christmas Eve. We saw IllumiNations the night before just in case we didn't out in time and it did start as we were finishing dessert but our window looked into the lagoon so we could see it through those stained glass windows - very pretty. After we finished, we still caught half the show in person.


On Christmas morning, we had reservations at Kouzzina but we knew we had a CS credit leftover and DH wanted to go back to Pepper Market at Coronado Springs. So, we hopped in the car and went over there. It was drizzly so we were waiting for the rain to stop before hitting a park anyways. We were seated immediately and had the CUTEST waitress. A cappucino was not included on the DDP but she got me one anyways and just marked it as coffee on the slip. We also got 2 drinks each so DH got OJ and a bottle of water, which we gave mom when we got to AK (she was working). I had a cappucino and OJ. For a meal, I got french toast and bacon and DH got an omelette with potatos. Honestly, it was about the same stuff we would have paid OOP for at Kouzzina so it was a fine switch.

Coronado Springs is located right near AK so we just zipped over there and it was DEAD on Christmas Day. Mom actually called while we were at breakfast to tell us it was the place to be! We walked on everything we wanted to see and then went back to the hotel to nap.

For Christmas lunch, we had a 425 reservation at LeCellier. Our one and only exp here was HORRID but since I was able to snag a reservation for Christmas Day, we gave it a 2nd try. I'm glad we did. Our waiter was excellent.

We both ordered the Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon - with wild mushroom risotto, white truffle and herb butter sauce. The steak was perfect, though mine was a true med-rare while DH's was more med, but the risotto was not cooked all the way. Still good, just a little crunchy.

We also both ordered the maple creme brulee. Last time we were here, they were out of it and I wanted to try it. It tasted like maple syrup and was way too sweet for me. Glad I tried it but won't order it again.

It was a good meal and I'm glad we got to try it again. I'm still unsure what all the hype is about though.

For a late dinner, went to CA Grill for the first time. Mom was off work so she joined us. This restaurant is really pretty and the view was amazing! Our waiter was obnoxious - he was really condescending but I tried to kill him with kindness in an attempt to get him to tone it down.

Since we had a big lunch, we opted to go light on dinner. DH and I both ordered sushi - Spicy Kazan Roll - crab, shrimp, bay scallops, tuna and fireball sauce:

Mom ordered a roasted squash soup that was absolutely delicious. She ate it all before I got a pic! Along with the soup, she ordered an apple salad:

For dessert, I ordered a chocolate molten cake that was very rich but very good:

Mom and DH split the Bananas and Caramel - Crispy Baked Phyllo Squares Layered with Banana, Caramel, Mascarpone Mousse, and Caramelized Banana which they really liked (but found it challenging to eat without pulling it apart!)

On our last day, we had lunch at WPE to use that last CS credit. It was our 2nd time to eat there during this trip and it's consistently good, IMO. I must prefer it to Earl of Sandwich. We also dined a few offsite spots like Chilis and Chick Fil A.

All in all, a great trip and honestly - we didn't eat our way through like some trips. We had nice meals but we didn't have tons of reservations and we didn't feel obligated to keep them. It was very restful.

 

[bigmerle1966]

I am very very sad today as my beloved Quarter horse, Sandy, died in the night. Doug went to do chores this morning and found her dead. I will miss her so much. She was my riding partner for 15 years. She was 24, yes she was up there, but I really didn't think she would go so soon. She was a lively old girl. Jump over the rainbow bridge my dear girl.

 

[zipuzee]

Good afternoon friends,

I am very very sad today as my beloved Quarter horse, Sandy, died in the night. Doug went to do chores this morning and found her dead. I will miss her so much. She was my riding partner for 15 years. She was 24, yes she was up there, but I really didn't think she would go so soon. She was a lively old girl. Jump over the rainbow bridge my dear girl.

Ellen, I'm so sorry to hear this. to you my friend.

 

[THE HAT]

Afternoon friends...I see a bunch of hugs are in order....

Kat-- Hope you are feeling better!
Lori/Rick-- It is never easy to lose a loved one, nevermind during the holidays.
Laura--To you and the kids...I am glad you had a nice visit with Greg.
Lauren--I am sure you are missing A..hopefully the week goes by quick!
Ellen--I gave my big ole Black Lab "Tahoe" a hug and kiss on the nose for you.
Sheryl--I hope you get a chance to catch your breath this evening.

and to whoever else needs one Cause I am sure I missed someone....and besides Who can't use a hug?!!?

We had a nice quiet weekend just the 3 of us. Kris is back to work until Thursday and Ross has a housefull of friends over today. We did go to the gym this morning.

Nothing to exciting going on here this week....I am ok with that!

I will read back and do a better "catch up" later on, but I need to get laundry going and make the biscuit topping for the turkey pot pies. I just wanted to get hugs out to everyone!

Wfd--lol Turkey pot pie!!

ps-Aimee..loved the food review!

 

[liamsaunt]

Nice photos and reviews, Aimee! I should write up ours...I only took pics at a couple of places though.

Here is tonight's dinner (John and I have this week off, so dinners will be SO much earlier than normal for us).

Asian foods...all on my dishes I bought at the Japan pavillion! Starting at the front and moving clockwise: carmelized tofu, rice, soy-blasted baby bok choy, gyoza dipping sauce, vegetable gyoza, shiitakes in sesame soy sauce:

 

[Zandy595]

Hello WFD people.

I'm dropping by to say hi and to ask if anyone has a tried and true beef empanada recipe. My brother's MIL makes wonderful empanadas, but she keeps telling me she can't give me a recipe because she doesn't use one.

 

[TigerKat]

Lauren – So happy to hear y’all had a good Christmas! I’m keeping your brother in my daily prayers. Have fun in Pittsburgh!

Ellen - I am so sorry you lost Sandy. I know how much it hurts my friend.

Laura – Wishing Greg safe travels. Hope it’s not too long before he can come home again.

Aimee – Thanks for the mini dining review, everything looked really good!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Good afternoon friends,

I am very very sad today as my beloved Quarter horse, Sandy, died in the night. Doug went to do chores this morning and found her dead. I will miss her so much. She was my riding partner for 15 years. She was 24, yes she was up there, but I really didn't think she would go so soon. She was a lively old girl. Jump over the rainbow bridge my dear girl.
.

I'm so sorry & sad for your loss. Prayers of comfort headed your way.

Lily & I will be off to the vet in the morning. Her neck is acting up again. She has winced several times, won't do stairs, eat, play etc.
She was doing so great I had put her injury as something in her past.
I had 1/2 of her pain pill left from last time so I started her on that

Aimee, thanks for the report.

Laura, hope Greg is safely on his way.

Lauren, safe travels.

I still haven't caught up, I'm so sorry. I just haven't been myself.

Dinner was sandwiches.

 

[TigerKat]

Maria - No apologies please. I hope little Lily gets better soon!