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

[liamandcaili]

I'm back...at least temporarily.

Maria -- That is so wonderful about Emily! Big congratulations to her, and I bet going to be with her in Chicago is exactly what you need! A bubbly teenager who just realized she is living her dream definitely will lift your spirits.

We really need to bring their gift, I packed a bottle of wine and two crystal hand painted wine glasses. I hope they like them!

I am sure they will love them! I know I would. Buddy cracks me up.

Sheryl -- YUM! That prime rib is perfect!!

My DM went to my SIL for Christmas Eve. She asked DM to borrow her meat thermometer. When they got there she pulled out their prime rib and asked my DM what the temp should be. DM replied, and DSIL said well I guess 180 is a bit over cooked!!!

I nearly cried one time at my ILs because MIL had made a standing rib roast and it was completely well done.

Lauren -- I am glad things went well at the dentist. It makes such a huge difference if you find someone who makes you comfortable. I am sorry you have so much else to deal with right now. for you and prayers for your brother.

Vickie -- Your boy is so sweet. And no, I still haven't received your card. I am sure it is my post office...they delivered cards to the wrong addresses all over my neighborhood...so please do not worry about it.

Dinner tonight was not exactly worthy of the day. Caili had ravioli and applesauce and I had a cheeseburger. I really didn't feel like stopping at the store. Getting in and out of the American Girl store was adventure enough!

Oh, and I am trying to upload the video (it is very home-movie shaky, but I am loading it anyway because Greg has never seen Caili skate this program. I would use a tripod, but the rink walls are too high) but it isn't working at the moment. It will be up eventually if you don't mind the video quality.

 

[shovan]

Ann, 180! OMG! I pulled mine out at not quite 125!

Maria & Vickie, I LOVE that picture!!! Maria ya did good!

Easier beef chili beans won out over that Creamy garlic seafood soup. I do think I will make it this week, it sounds so good.

 

[LBKB]

Don't work too hard in the house, after such a hard week at work! You need to take care of yourself!

Thanks Sheryl for the concern I did behave and didn't get what I wanted done because of my back and hip are sore from sitting in that seat so much this week. But I'll be ok. My hubby helped me after he got home from work at noon.

 

[TigerKat]

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick post for now to let you know Caili won! She is so excited and pleased with herself. I know I am kind of biased, but I thought she skated pretty darn close to perfect. I'm not sure how the video will be. It seemed pretty shaky in parts. I'll look at it later. Right now, I have to get us some food. We're both starving!

Thank you, thank you for all the good luck and well wishes! I'll catch up later.

I am so happy for her, congrats Caili!!!!!!!!

 

[bigmerle1966]

You would probably like the cookbook Beck gave me for Christmas. It is The Pioneer Woman Cooks. The stories are very entertaining.

Marilyn -- Most instructors offer you a low impact or high impact choice in the zumba class, so you could just do the steps and get a good workout, but not as strenuous. My classes have a wide range of ages, sizes and dance ability, and everyone seems to get something out of the class.

I have that book requested from the library, it's been almost a month now! Guess the people in front of me really like it.

I really do need to take off at least 50 lbs before I doing anything too strenuous and from what I have heard our Zumba classes are fast paced.

I have been thinking about doing the belly dancing that they have on FitTV. A lot less strenuous and no audience

First thing though is to get my workout stuff together and put it in the car, that way I don't have that excuse. Then I am hoping to get to the gym twice a week and use the bike and weight machines. Going to try walking a couple days a week too.

For Caili's win!

Sherryl- that is one beautiful piece of meat! Might have to do that one year when it is just me, DM, sis, BIL and the girls.

Dinner tonight was chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, peas w/mushrooms & pearl onions, and carrots.

I really have to take over the potatoes, the ones my DM have been making lately are really soft and have no flavor. I watched tonight and she put in about a tablespoon of butter and to much milk. I honestly don't know if she even put salt and pepper in them.

 

[shovan]

Thanks Sheryl for the concern I did behave and didn't get what I wanted done because of my back and hip are sore from sitting in that seat so much this week. But I'll be ok. My hubby helped me after he got home from work at noon.

Good I'm glad I didn't have to fuss!! I chose to do laundry & cook instead of taking down the Christmas decorations! Tomorrow is another day!


Marilyn, I never seen an actual zumba class yet, so I really have no idea if it's something I could ever manage.

Tonight's dinner & adult beverage. So much for losing weight!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I took another 2-3 hour nap tonight, I am just not well. DH munched while I slept and I put on a pot of creamy chicken noodle soup when I woke up. It's 930 but I need to eat something "comforting" and he'll eat it for lunch tomorrow.

Don't be impressed by the soup - it's one of those jar mixes I got for Christmas.

Did I tell y'all that I'm lying to my momma? I hate doing it... but I think it's best. She wants to know details of my health and what my GI said and I brush it off. She REALLY does not need to come - she would stress me out - and she really doesn't need to worry about it until it happens. I plan to tell her a few days prior. I'm a bad daughter, aren't I? She is just neurotic and already struggling where she is...

 

[HERSEY]

Amiee I think you don't need anymore stress. It does affect your health. You are not a "bad" daughter. Now is not when you need your Mom plus she probably can't afford the time off.

The chili was really good.
Eating Well Ultimate Beef Chili
12 servings, 1 cup each | Active Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 3 1/4 hours

Ingredients
•1 pound beef round, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
•Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
•1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
•3 onions, chopped
•1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
•1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
•6 cloves garlic, minced
•2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
•2 tablespoons ground cumin
•2 tablespoons chili powder
•1 tablespoon paprika
•2 teaspoons dried oregano
•12 ounces dark or light beer
•1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
•8 sun-dried tomatoes, (not packed in oil), snipped into small pieces
•2 bay leaves
•3 19-ounce cans dark kidney beans, rinsed
•1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
•2 tablespoons lime juice
Preparation
1.Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, 2 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with another 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and remaining beef.
2.Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pot. Add onions and bell peppers; cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Add garlic, jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, paprika and oregano. Stir until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3.Add beer and simmer, scraping up any browned bits, for about 3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bay leaves and reserved beef. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4.Add beans; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
Per serving : 235 Calories; 5 g Fat; 1 g Sat; 2 g Mono; 24 mg Cholesterol; 31 g Carbohydrates; 17 g Protein; 11 g Fiber; 496 mg Sodium; 582 mg Potassium

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 1/2 vegetable, 2 1/2 lean meat

Yes it seems like a lot of onions but I used 3 med size onions. They break down and the sun dried tomatoes give a deeper flavor. Alex really liked it and ate all of it without picking things out like he normally does.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Good Morning! I am trying to catch up a bit but only went back a few pages. My goal this week is to pop in twice a day to quickly post and catch up.

We are going to my friend's again today. She is having a party for her son that turned 2 yesterday. It is really funny that T is almost as big as him already. I think she is making lasagna.

I have to thank you all again for your prayers and good thoughts for my DB and for being there for me with all of my medical crap. I have not been to the dentist in a very long time (too embarrassed to tell you how long) and was glad that I did not have anything too major going on...a couple filling need to be redone and my veneers need to be replaced. It eased my mind that the dentist teaches cosmetic dentistry since my veneers are my front teeth! They were amazed with my pork chop getting stuck in tooth story...that dr I last went to did a horrid job!

Maria, Janice, Bethany, Aimee, Lauri and anyone else who is under the weather...I hope today finds you feeling better.

Wendie, I am so glad that you found a way to go on your trip. I am so happy for you. Prayers and good thoughts worked again!

Laura, So happy for Caili! The video and her skating were great!!! Loved the music too!

Maria, I am so excited for Emily! You need to make a stronger hot toddy! I had glug the other day...wow! strong!

Off to visit with MIL!

How is she doing? I know this whole thing has you stressed...I hope it all calms down.

How did the Keurig break? I guess it was under warranty?

Have you ever tried Melatonin to help you go to sleep?

It was shutting off by itself and the trouble shooting was not helping so I called their customer service and they walked me through a couple things that did not work...so they are sending a new one. It sounds like the water was not emptying into the machine. Their CS is great.

I have to look for the melatonin...thanks for the tip.

Today's brunch. Y'all have seen this before but it was super yummy with jarlsberg

I am going to make this for breakfast with egg whites...I love Jarlsberg...it is my fav swiss!

The roast was utter perfection!

I think Maria was meaning the pic's I put on her page of the boys wee bit excited reaction to Froot Loops.

Loved that pic! Yay on the laptop!

Thanks Sheryl for the concern I did behave and didn't get what I wanted done because of my back and hip are sore from sitting in that seat so much this week. But I'll be ok. My hubby helped me after he got home from work at noon.

Good girl and good husband! The house is going up fast! Tom was able to walk through the basement, first and second floors and take a video. The showing on this house yesterday went well...we shall see. Thanks for asking!

Then I am hoping to get to the gym twice a week and use the bike and weight machines. Going to try walking a couple days a week too.

I really have to take over the potatoes, the ones my DM have been making lately are really soft and have no flavor.

My goal is to hit the gym this week too. Don't ya hate when you are looking forward to mashed taters and they are not as flavorful? The same thing with pasta that was cooked in unsalted water...blech!

Did I tell y'all that I'm lying to my momma? I hate doing it... but I think it's best. She wants to know details of my health and what my GI said and I brush it off. She REALLY does not need to come - she would stress me out - and she really doesn't need to worry about it until it happens. I plan to tell her a few days prior. I'm a bad daughter, aren't I? She is just neurotic and already struggling where she is...

Maybe tell her after you see the surgeon...you know your Mom and how she will react. No sense in her worrying especially since she is in FL. Please don't get upset about it...

Janice, that chili looks yummy!

I have been loving all the photos! Robyn nice to see you posting them as well!

********************
Have a great Sunday everyone...off to feed the little ones!

 

[Disney Ron]

Aimee, I think you were probably smart hlding off telling DM. Take care of yourself.

WFD- lasagna

 

[OKWMom]

Lauren - I'm so sorry about the problems your DB is having.

Laura - Congrats to Caili!! And the baked fish really was good. I love the crunchiness when it is fried but not all the oil. This recipe had what I believe is the trick. It is baked on a wire rack atop a baking sheet. That way both sides got crispy.

Aimee - I'm sorry you're still feeling so bad. And I don't think you are being a terrible daughter, at all.

Janice - I love chili, but Kenny says he can't eat it because of the chili powder. Oh well, it is something I order out.

I know I'm forgetting so many of you and I'm sorry. I'm just so tired. We have had what I think is a stray cat coming into our yard late each night and fighting with our cats. Kenny has tried running him off but hasn't been successful. He's going to try a trap, and I hope that works. I am now at the stage where I have a hard time going back to sleep once I wake up.

Yesterday, we went to meet with the lady who's doing our hardwood floors and tile so we can get the estimate for the bank. Kenny has decided that he can sub the house out himself and save the $$$ we would be paying the contractor. We are supposed to meet with the bank on Tuesday to get the construction loan in process and I finally have all of our financial info together. We have a bunch of hungry workers waiting on the loan to get closed, so I hope it doesn't take too long.

ETA - Nan, I did drop the balloon too! Broke my leg AND lost the game.

 

[TigerKat]

Aimee - You aren't being a bad daughter at all. There were many things I chose not to tell my parents for the same reasons.

WFD - A big pot of vegetable soup and crusty bread!

 

[liamsaunt]

Aimee, I agree with everyone else--don't tell you Mom and add more stress to your life! Feel better.

Last night dinner was cod poodoro--no picture because you have all seen it a bunch of times. WFD today: clam chowder and popovers.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Good Morning All,
Greg is in the ER with what we think is gout. He was in so much pain the weight of the sheet was painful. He wouldn't let me go with him because I'm sick...........

Laura, hugs & high fives to Caili

Lauren, prayers for you.......thanks for the chat yesterday! Have fun today!

Aimee, I think your doing the right thing with your Mom. Prayers for all of you.

Gretchen, I'm so excited for your new house.

Ann, loving the idea of lasagna on a day like this!

Janice, feeling better today?

Bethany, hope your feeling better.

Dinner is beef barley soup~

 

[Aimeedyan]

It was shutting off by itself and the trouble shooting was not helping so I called their customer service and they walked me through a couple things that did not work...so they are sending a new one. It sounds like the water was not emptying into the machine. Their CS is great.

So glad to hear their CS was good! I bet you miss it... I would

Yesterday, we went to meet with the lady who's doing our hardwood floors and tile so we can get the estimate for the bank. Kenny has decided that he can sub the house out himself and save the $$$ we would be paying the contractor. We are supposed to meet with the bank on Tuesday to get the construction loan in process and I finally have all of our financial info together. We have a bunch of hungry workers waiting on the loan to get closed, so I hope it doesn't take too long.

Being your own sub is a lot of work... are you sure you can handle him doing that? It really would save a ton of money. At least your DH has the ability to do that. Mine stops at hammering nails for pictures, I think.

Good Morning All,
Greg is in the ER with what we think is gout. He was in so much pain the weight of the sheet was painful. He wouldn't let me go with him because I'm sick...........

Augh, poor guy!! I hope they can get him relief and that you can see him soon.



I stayed home from church today... haven't done that for illness in a long time but I didn't think I could muster up the energy to be chipper for 6 hours today. It was a bad day to miss, as activities started back up and I was teaching a class, but it happens.

I will say that Food Network has good TV on Sunday mornings. I always wondered when the good new shows were on


We need to hit the store and buy stuff for meals. WFD is TBD.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I stayed home from church today... haven't done that for illness in a long time but I didn't think I could muster up the energy to be chipper for 6 hours today. It was a bad day to miss, as activities started back up and I was teaching a class, but it happens.

I "went to church" online and one of the Saints was speaking and giving part of the message! Very cool! I had forgotten they mentioned that last week. So yay! (It was Heath Evans by the way.)

I am feeling better. Still have some crud but it's not as bad. I did N O T H I N G yesterday. Just sat at the computer and surfed all over the place. I was looking at abandoned buildings and at pictures from Alaska (beautiful but cold as all get out). Just took a virtual world tour. I slept in yesterday and today too, so I'm getting a lot of rest in. I think that is helping.

 

[bigmerle1966]

I plan to tell her a few days prior. I'm a bad daughter, aren't I? She is just neurotic and already struggling where she is...

No.

Getting ready to go do errands, dinner will be leftovers when I get home.

 

[OKWMom]

Greg is in the ER with what we think is gout. He was in so much pain the weight of the sheet was painful. He wouldn't let me go with him because I'm sick...........

Oh Maria, I'm so sorry. I've heard it is horrible. I hope he feels better soon. And thanks, I'm getting excited too. It was especially fun meeting with the floor and tile lady. I have a much harder time getting excited over the shingles and HVAC.

Being your own sub is a lot of work... are you sure you can handle him doing that? It really would save a ton of money. At least your DH has the ability to do that. Mine stops at hammering nails for pictures, I think.

Aimee, heavens no, Kenny is NOT doing any of the actual hammering himself. He is simply cutting out the general contractor and hiring all the subcontractors himself. Because of the economy, a lot of the really good people are sitting around with nothing to do, so we have had our choice of the best cabinet people, framers, painters, etc. At first glance, we may save 25% over what the contractor quoted. You'll surely find out later on just how this affects my marriage. Hopefully we'll both survive it.

I'm sorry you weren't well enough to go to church today, but I'm glad you had the sense not to push yourself. When is the surgery going to be again?


Bethany - I tried to quote your post, but it deleted. Anyway, I think you can never go wrong by taking it easy. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[liamandcaili]

Sheryl -- That creamy garlic seafood soup sounded good to me too. You'll have to let me know how it is if you try it.

My hubby helped me after he got home from work at noon.

Nice hubby! I hope you're feeling better today.

Aimee -- Like others have said, you are doing the right thing. You are protecting both of you.

Lauren -- That is great that there is so much progress on your house. I hope the showing turns into an offer!

Gretchen -- Did you post the fish recipe? If not, and you have time, would you? You know we love our fish around here.

Maria -- I hope Greg is doing better.

Bethany -- I'm glad you're feeling better.

Thanks for all the congrats for Caili. She gets a kick out of seeing all of them. The team beat the book today too, so Caili has two new gold medals to add to her collection.

Her luck wasn't enough to help the Pats today though. Boy, did they look awful. Congrats to the Ravens, Marilyn. They played a great game.

 

[shovan]

Hey Y'all,

Maria, Gosh I'm sorry for Greg! He must really be hurting to head to the ER. Prayers he gets help quickly & they send him home feeling a lot better!

Laura, I will probably make that soup tomorrow! I can't get it out of my mind, but I have too many leftovers in the fridge to cook today.

Gretchen, Good luck to you & Kenny on the contracting! I've heard that it can be quite stressful.

Lauren, Your house sure is moving quickly! You must be excited. I'm happy you liked your dentist! I wish I could have veneers, but my dentist said No because I grind my teeth. That I would pop them right off. He also said that I will soon need to cap my whole mouth due to the damage I've done from grinding!

Aimee, I'm sorry you are feeling so bad! It sounds like you are making the right decision for yourself in not worrying your Mom now. You surely can't handle any extra stress. Hugs & prayers!