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

[zipuzee]

Bethany That turkey looks wonderful . Great job!

Bethany - Edi did a great job!!!!!

Thanks. My husband made it, and yes it was very good!

He did a great job but it's upside down
Just love it...so cute

:ya know, I was looking at it and couldn't figure out why it looked different. Glad it came out okay!!

MIL is hating the nursing home and it's so hard to watch.

I want to share our Christmas story - It dawned on Doug and I that with J not home that Elizabeth wouldn't have anything from Santa or in her stocking. I called her and told her not to question me but after Ethan went to bed to give us a call and to leave her front door open. D & I played Santa and had a ball!! Oh the magic of a 5 year old lives on!! Christmas morning as they were getting ready to go see what Santa brought J got on Skype and was able to be there to see Ethan open his gifts. Isn't technology wonderful? As we sat down to dinner he was also there for our prayers. And we got to talk to him through out the day. He got some neat pictures of Christmas in Iraq. I will post them on FB, if I can figure out how to do it. But all in all a very very nice day.

Aww, Ellen - how incredibly sweet and thoughtful...and that's super that Jay was able to "be there". I'm glad everyone made it safely and ya'll had a nice time.

This Christmas was not one I will remember fondly & happy to say it's past.
The gloom is still lingering~
It's a pj day & lasagna I made for my inlaws

Wendie - glad you were able to "laugh it off" with the out-laws. My great-niece got a puppy like that for Christmas. It's pretty neat!

Gretchen, I hope you have a good time this evening.

Laura - enjoy your dinner with Greg!

Janice - sorry you are spending the day shoveling snow. I hope the weather clears and you can get to the store!

Marilyn - that's really funny about Santa. I can imagine the expression on your niece's face at the thought that Santa didn't visit!

We had a very nice time yesterday at my niece's. But we came home to a sick dog - our little one has a UTI. So it was a rough night for us and then when I called our vet, he won't be back to Monday, so I had to find a clinic I could take her to. So that took most of the morning, but we have medicine and she seems to be feeling better.
Today, we did Christmas with our kids, which was really nice. Our daughter and her boyfriend got us some DVD's and the Guy Fieri Diner books that we wanted. And our son and DIL surprised us big time and gave us a Wii!!

 

[HERSEY]

My neighobr's are the best. She sent her husband over with a case of Diet coke all is goodnow. It looks like we had about a foot of snow. It seems someone can't count. We were only expecting 1-3 inches

Kathy I really hope for all your sakes, your MIL allows herself to see the good in this place. It is never easy for anyone to see that things need to change.

My stepmom used to start the turkey breast down and then finish it breast up. We like crispy skin, that way there was enough for my dad and myself and I won't have to pull out the cute starving child card

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have not really read back, please forgive me. Thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes, Christmas cards and continued prayers for my brother. He was diagnosed and the continued prayers are appreciated...I do not want to get into the whole thing here.

Last night was really magical. We started the night in one of my favorite restaurants & we had champagne & cheese, asparagus, black olives & baby artichokes.
We were then off to the Nutcracker which is so beautiful. Then to Petrosian where we actually had our first date 8 years ago. We had caviar & lots of delicious champagne. The city looked beautiful dressed for the holidays.

Well what a difference a day makes. Today all of Greg's family canceled for Saturday & Greg's heart broke. I made the mistake of calling his brother trying to make him see how hurt Greg was & there was a major blow up which I was equally at fault. You can hurt me but not my family & friends & I said things that I will never take back. My heart breaks for Greg that in the years we have been together they have never visited Boston or NJ.

I'm so glad you had a moment of magic admist the crazy family drama

We all were together in spite of the most terrible ground blizzard I have ever seen. And we have seen a few. We have 10 - 12' drifts and snow and ice everywhere. But it was good at the times we needed it to be so everyone got here and home safely. PTL!!

Your Christmas sounds great! Glad you stayed warm in the weather!

But we came home to a sick dog - our little one has a UTI. So it was a rough night for us and then when I called our vet, he won't be back to Monday, so I had to find a clinic I could take her to. So that took most of the morning, but we have medicine and she seems to be feeling better.

Hope she is better ASAP! Seems they always get sick on holidays and weekends...




Well, Merry 2nd Day of Christmas! We celebrate all 12 days in our house, and it's a good thing since we haven't celebrated with anyone but mom at this point! Our flight got in tonight and I was sad to leave the Boardwalk (and mom) but was excited to see my pups and celebrate with the rest of the fam.

Once we moved back on property, we lost our free WiFi so I wasn't able to post anymore pics or anything. I will though!

Tomorrow after church, we have to drive and meet my immediate family for lunch and gift exchange. We drove through and got fast food on the way home from the airport tonight.

More later!

 

[Nancyg56]

Lauren- Let me know if I can do anything

 

[TigerKat]

Lauri U - I feel so bad for your poor pup, UTI's are horrible. Hopefully she's feeling better.

Aimee - Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about it!

WFD - Rachael Ray's Christmas pasta, salad and garlic bread.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Hi everybody!

We are back on dry land. These last few days just flew by!

Hope everyone had a good Christmas.


We did have one downside, Rick's Mom passed away late Christmas Eve night. We were expecting it, so it wasn't a surprise, but nonetheless if you can spare a thought for the rest of the family I'd appreciate it. Rick's pretty stoic and seems to have things in perspective, but the rest of tem, not so much.


We're driving today so WFD is probablt just fast food somewhere....though Taco Bell sounds good!

 

[HERSEY]

Lori Sending a prayer for Rick however expected it is never easy.
Safe travels.

 

[Nancyg56]

We did have one downside, Rick's Mom passed away late Christmas Eve night. We were expecting it, so it wasn't a surprise, but nonetheless if you can spare a thought for the rest of the family I'd appreciate it. Rick's pretty stoic and seems to have things in perspective, but the rest of tem, not so much.

I am so sorry. It is especially sad to lose someone during the Holidays, and to be far from home must be even worse. Your family is in my prayers.

Lauri- hows the puppy this morning?

Aimee- welcome home! I can't wait to hear about your trip!
Janice- are you plowed out yet?


I am not sure what is going on today. The kids and our neighbors were here last night to play cards and they ate some of the leftovers. I am expecting my niece and her roommate today along with the rest of the family. Again, they are playing cards. I don't know what we will eat, I have a monster headache so cooking is not on my list.

 

[HERSEY]

Nancy Almost! We are getting more snow now. I do have to make a Target run later so I am hoping the plows are out cause they sure have not been down my street since yesterday around 6:00.

I am making rice pudding for the boy. I promised him some for christmas but I never got around to it.

Tonight dinner will be something with the leftover pork roast.

Maple Sugar–Ginger Roast Pork

ACTIVE: 20 MIN TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 30 MIN Plus overnight marinating SERVINGS: 8
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds boneless pork loin roast, tied
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons maple sugar (see Note)
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Blood orange slices, red currants and sprigs of mint, for garnish (optional)

Directions
1.Using a small, sharp knife, make thin slits all over the pork loin roast and slip a garlic slice into each one. In a small bowl, mix the maple sugar with the ginger, salt, red pepper and olive oil. Rub the paste all over the pork, wrap it well in plastic and refrigerate overnight in a small roasting pan; let stand at room temperature for 1 hour before roasting.
2.Preheat the oven to 450°. Roast the pork for 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 400° and roast the pork for about 35 minutes longer, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 135°. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes;Maple sugar, made from reduced maple syrup, is available at specialty-food stores. Alternatively, use granulated brown sugar.

 

[OKWMom]

Stay in your Jammies! I am doing nothing but a few loads of laundry today. Somehow we managed to spill coffee on two throws sp those wee the first thing in the washer.

Laundry is what is on my agenda for today. The hamper is over flowing and I don't think we have another clean towel in the house. I have really taken it easy the last few days.

Gretchen, hoping the vodka worked wonders
This Christmas was not one I will remember fondly & happy to say it's past.
The gloom is still lingering~
I made a standing rib roast, food was delicious I just wasn't into it.

Maria, as long as there is enough of it (and there was), vodka can always work wonders. I still say next year you and Greg need to try out a Southern Christmas. If nothing else, it will make his family wonder.

We went to see my Gram at the nursing home around 3:30. I had made her a bulletin board with photos scrapbooked on it of my brother and her family and Kris, Ross and I. She was very touched. I also got her a stuffed dog that when you pat his head he barks and wags his tail. She and her 103yo roommate loved it. It was so cute.

What great gifts! I always had such a hard time buying for my great aunt in the nursing home, but I think you nailed it!

I just looked I am running dangerously low on Diet Coke I'll have to borrow some from my neighbors to hold me over till tomorrow. I am not going out driving in this stuff even for diet coke.

Janice, in my house, that is a bonafide EMERGENCY!!!! I'm so glad the neighbor was able to help.

We had a very nice time yesterday at my niece's. But we came home to a sick dog - our little one has a UTI. So it was a rough night for us and then when I called our vet, he won't be back to Monday, so I had to find a clinic I could take her to. So that took most of the morning, but we have medicine and she seems to be feeling better.
Today, we did Christmas with our kids, which was really nice. Our daughter and her boyfriend got us some DVD's and the Guy Fieri Diner books that we wanted. And our son and DIL surprised us big time and gave us a Wii!!

Sorry about your puppy. I hope she is better today. And I hope you enjoy your Wii! We really like ours, and Hailey does too.

We did have one downside, Rick's Mom passed away late Christmas Eve night. We were expecting it, so it wasn't a surprise, but nonetheless if you can spare a thought for the rest of the family I'd appreciate it. Rick's pretty stoic and seems to have things in perspective, but the rest of tem, not so much.

Lori, I'm so sorry about Rick's Mom.


As I told Nancy, today is laundry, laundry, and more laundry. With a few other jobs thrown in. Tonight may be appetizer type things - we don't have leftovers. Christmas Day was steak at my Mom's and I gave our Christmas Eve leftovers to Kenny's sister. They had been sitting out on the buffet too long for Kenny to be willing to eat them again. Them still being warm wasn't good enough for him. Maybe because he isn't doing the cooking.

But my husband actually surprised me for the first time in our marriage. Kenny is NOT a gift-giver. He hates to shop and always asks me what I want for an occasion a day or two before and either I pick up my own gift or he tells me to go to the spa on him.

Anyway, a couple of months ago, I was looking at house things with him when I asked to run in an antique/gift store to look for a gift for a friend. In there, I saw a beautiful painting of two egrets in the marsh at dusk. It was huge (over four feet wide and over three and one-half feet tall) but I fell in love with it. I priced it and told her I would check the wall size and get back with her. Kenny pulled out the house plans and told me because the new house had an open floor plan and so many windows, there wouldn't be a wall it would fit on. I was disappointed, but forgot about it.

Needless to say, Kenny lied about the wall size. He went back to the store the next Monday morning and bought the painting and had the lady hold it until Christmas. I was thrilled.

 

[TigerKat]

Lori – Sending prayers for Rick and his family. It’s especially hard to lose a loved one during the holidays.

Nan – I hope your headache goes away soon.

Janice – I was wondering why you were making rice pudding for Vickie’s son?

Gretchen – That was so sweet of Kenny!

 

[Nancyg56]

Needless to say, Kenny lied about the wall size. He went back to the store the next Monday morning and bought the painting and had the lady hold it until Christmas. I was thrilled.

 

[HERSEY]

Kathy That would be MY Boy If I knew Vickie's boy liked rice pudding like my boy I would make it for him too. This pudding should be good it has heavy cream and half and half. Not diet food but it is the holidays Oh I did add some skim milk about a cup and a half I wonder if that makes it less fattening

Gretchen Kenny just bought him a "get out of the freezer" free card with that gift

 

[Disney Ron]

HI all... lurking while feeding my girl.

Lori, prayers for Rick & his family. May his DM rest in peace in God's hands.

Gretchen, what a guy! No freezer for him this year.

Maria, thinking of Greg. (and you too!)

I have alot to read back on.

We had a busy but nice holiday. Last night we went to my parents for dinner and to exchange presents alone...one problem I forgot theirs under my tree. They gave us a huge bag full of everything to redecorate my bathroom. A beautiful country shower curtain, liner, shower curtain hooks, 3 matching rugs, a bath mat, ticking stripe curtains to coordinate, and an iron star lamp that matches. I can't wait to put it all up. DM spoiled me with a new Vera and accessories, two pairs cords, some turtlenecks, and a cord blazer. I so needed clothes.

 

[Glynis]

Happy Sunday! It's a beautiful, but cold day here!

My brother and his family arrived last night, so the kids are all happily playing together! I love the sounds of kids getting along!

Tonight we are going to my sister's house for dinner and game night. It ought to be a lot of fun! My dad is staying at her house, so there will be a mob scene! We are having soup in bread bowls... yummy! My sister is making a tomato/basil/parmesan soup, and I've got a pot of hamhocks and beans going! It turned out so good! Just like my mom used to make. Alan is making bread bowls, and we'll have crackers and cheese, and ice cream for dessert! I can't wait!!!

Tomorrow, my cousins son is getting married, so we'll spend the day doing wedding festivities! Again, really fun times! I love having such a large, close extended family!

Lori - I'm so sorry about Rick's mom! Even though he was expecting it, it's still tough to lose a parents. Give him a hug from me!

Gretchen - Kenny did good! What a wonderful surprise!

Bethany - I had heard of the upside down turkey trick, but have never tried it. I just always smear butter on the outside of the skin, and under the skin, and that seems to help, as well.

Aimee - Sorry you had to come home. It's always a bummer when vacations come to an end. I bet the furbabies were happy to see you, though!

Ann - Sounds like your parents did a great job with the bathroom stuff. I love getting things like that, that I would never get for myself!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

 

[Aimeedyan]

We did have one downside, Rick's Mom passed away late Christmas Eve night. We were expecting it, so it wasn't a surprise, but nonetheless if you can spare a thought for the rest of the family I'd appreciate it. Rick's pretty stoic and seems to have things in perspective, but the rest of tem, not so much.

Oh, I am so sorry.

Needless to say, Kenny lied about the wall size. He went back to the store the next Monday morning and bought the painting and had the lady hold it until Christmas. I was thrilled.

I want to see a pic of that painting!!



Did y'all hear the massive (for us) amts of snow that Texas got on Christmas Eve? It put a damper on holiday get togethers on Christmas Eve because the roads turned to ice but evidently was beautiful. I have a slope in my yard and dad said I had a snow drift that the dogs loved to run through. It came to Winston's chest and Lucy was completely buried in it. Should snow again this week so maybe we'll get to enjoy it!

After church, we drove to Dallas to do Christmas with my dad, sister/bil, and brother. My dad bought me the Keurig from Costco that I wanted!

Tonight's dinner is There is no food here and I have no intentions to grocery shop tonight. We'll figure something out.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Lori-

Gretchen- that was really sweet!


Just got home from Dsis's. We did Christmas presents with her DH and the girls, my sister had a tea party today. We would have gone yesterday instead but it was nasty rainy here.

I did go to 3 Targets this weekend for Christmas clearance and found a bunch of good things including a new tree. Ours is years old and the lights weren't working well.

 

[zipuzee]

Lauri- hows the puppy this morning?

She's much better! Thanks for asking. I hope your headache is gone - those are not fun.

Hi everybody!

We did have one downside, Rick's Mom passed away late Christmas Eve night. We were expecting it, so it wasn't a surprise, but nonetheless if you can spare a thought for the rest of the family I'd appreciate it. Rick's pretty stoic and seems to have things in perspective, but the rest of tem, not so much.

to you and Rick and the rest of the family.

Sorry about your puppy. I hope she is better today. And I hope you enjoy your Wii! We really like ours, and Hailey does too.


But my husband actually surprised me for the first time in our marriage. Kenny is NOT a gift-giver. He hates to shop and always asks me what I want for an occasion a day or two before and either I pick up my own gift or he tells me to go to the spa on him.

Anyway, a couple of months ago, I was looking at house things with him when I asked to run in an antique/gift store to look for a gift for a friend. In there, I saw a beautiful painting of two egrets in the marsh at dusk. It was huge (over four feet wide and over three and one-half feet tall) but I fell in love with it. I priced it and told her I would check the wall size and get back with her. Kenny pulled out the house plans and told me because the new house had an open floor plan and so many windows, there wouldn't be a wall it would fit on. I was disappointed, but forgot about it.

Needless to say, Kenny lied about the wall size. He went back to the store the next Monday morning and bought the painting and had the lady hold it until Christmas. I was thrilled.

I'd love to watch Hailey playing Wii games! Wow - good for Kenny. That was a very thoughtful and sweet thing to do.

Aimee - welcome home! It that amount of snow usual for Dallas? Sounds like Dad gave you a great gift.

Tonight was leftovers from Friday and Saturday. I think that might be dinner tomorrow as well. Oh, I forgot to mention that my DH gave me a 8 bottle wine chiller for christmas!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I did go to 3 Targets this weekend for Christmas clearance and found a bunch of good things including a new tree. Ours is years old and the lights weren't working well.

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.

Aimee - welcome home! It that amount of snow usual for Dallas? Sounds like Dad gave you a great gift.

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.


We ordered wings for dinner. They were eh. I wanted chinese but DH didn't.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Just a quick "hello".
Hope everyone is well, I will read back tomorrow.

Tonight I made buffalo shrimp & brownies for dessert.