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

[PrincessInOz]

Finally catching up! Hope I haven't missed anyone.

Jen - pasta looked great! Hope you are feeling better.

Nancy - HNY to you and Buddy. Hope it is a good one for you.

Cassie - Glad your DH is coming home for a break. Hope your new cookware was fun to cook with.

Brandi - Hope that the car gets fixed. Sorry its more $$ than you like. Good luck for today.

Lindsay - Romantic dinners at home sound like a great idea! Wish we could do that.

Glynis - Life sounds busy for you. Hope Alan got home safe and hasn't passed anything on to you. We have some coverage in the news of the Iowa GOP. Results look close.

Janice - I always find that holiday season is a time for remembering loved ones. We lost my FiL last year 2 weeks before Christmas. MiL came round to visit yesterday and she was not good.

Becky - Happy New Year. My brain is mush too!

Marilyn - I was reading your post where you started off 'behind again'. And then you went on to talk about bras. My brain is mush....took me a while to figure out why you were talking about 'bahookies' and bras in the same post.

Ellen - Hope you are well. YAY for nearly finishing EoY procedures, which I assume means that you can spend more time with the kids and babies?

Aimee - Hope you got your budget in.

Alison - I don't think you've updated the cat situation on this thread.


Sorry if I missed anyone...

Dinner tonight? I think we're going to do zucchini pasta of sorts. My garden is cropping 2 - 3 zucchinis every 2 - 3 days. Zucchini everything!

 

[Glynis]

Nancy - Thanks for the offer! I've loaded myself up with chocolate for me and Nyquil for Alan! Hopefully, I've got enough of both.

Jen - I love that story! Your new cheesy bake looks wonderful! Can't wait to try it!

UncleR - You totally need to chime in more! I feel like I'm really getting to know you two! Can't wait to do it in "real life".

Well, Alan is on the ground in Salt Lake, and should be home in about an hour. He still needs to drop his gear off at the TV station, and then he's homeward bound. I don't know who's more excited, me or the kids.

Dinner changed tonight, though. This head cold really got me today, and I spent most of the day napping. When Katie got home, she took pity on her poor old mom, and fixed Poor Man's Stroganoff. So, that's dinner tonight. I'm going to do the cheeseburger salad another night.

 

[Goofyluver]

Jen - I love that story! Your new cheesy bake looks wonderful! Can't wait to try it!

UncleR - You totally need to chime in more! I feel like I'm really getting to know you two! Can't wait to do it in "real life".

Well, Alan is on the ground in Salt Lake, and should be home in about an hour. He still needs to drop his gear off at the TV station, and then he's homeward bound. I don't know who's more excited, me or the kids.

Dinner changed tonight, though. This head cold really got me today, and I spent most of the day napping. When Katie got home, she took pity on her poor old mom, and fixed Poor Man's Stroganoff. So, that's dinner tonight. I'm going to do the cheeseburger salad another night.

You are sweet as pie. And we can't wait either.

Hope you feel better. I'm wavering up and down. I did cook today, but only because my other half has cleaned up after me. I made dinner and a Texas Sheet Cake. Cake and pasta...really, what is better than that?

PIO, I wish I was closer. We would love to take a few of those squashes off your hands!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I know a couple of you are visiting my PTR; so apologies for repeating the pictures. I just wanted to share some of them with everyone.

New Year's Eve in Melbourne.

Early fireworks....around the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Lots of entertainment for kids!

Fireworks looked like this.

The Midnight Fireworks...was set off from various buildings around the city.


We congregated around some of the parks around town. Lots of live entertainment; but I was too busy setting up the camera to bother.

Fireworks looked like this.

They were really let off from quite a few of the buildings around town.

 

[PrincessInOz]

PIO, I wish I was closer. We would love to take a few of those squashes off your hands!

Here you go....

Beans and snow peas...

 

[Goofyluver]

Here you go....

Thank you!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

Princess- I know I have told you before but I have to say that your photos are gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jen- you too are make me over the steak! Buddy took me to dinner at a little hole in the wall place here on the lakes when we first started dating. He ordered the steak dinner for two....................for him.

And if you want to talk about eyes glazed over with beef................Welby! Brian grows his own beef and he said he cannot keep up with her! She is steak crazy!

Glynis - feel better! i am going to crawl into bed next to Buddy and hope he is generating a furnace! I am freezing! Usually I am opening windows, lowering the thermostat and kicking the blankets off but tonight I cannot warm up. I may need your nyquil!

 

[Goofyluver]

Princess- I know I have told you before but I have to say that your photos are gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jen- you too are make me over the steak! Buddy took me to dinner at a little hole in the wall place here on the lakes when we first started dating. He ordered the steak dinner for two....................for him.

And if you want to talk about eyes glazed over with beef................Welby! Brian grows his own beef and he said he cannot keep up with her! She is steak crazy!

Glynis - feel better! i am going to crawl into bed next to Buddy and hope he is generating a furnace! I am freezing! Usually I am opening windows, lowering the thermostat and kicking the blankets off but tonight I cannot warm up. I may need your nyquil!

I think Buddy and I would get along real good. Real, real good. And I think Brian needs to be my friend.

UncleR says I'm the furnace in the relationship, but I'm always freezing. There was a mixup with the heater overnight and when I woke up this morning it had reset itself to 62. I thought I was gonna die.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I think Buddy and I would get along real good. Real, real good. And I think Brian needs to be my friend.

UncleR says I'm the furnace in the relationship, but I'm always freezing. There was a mixup with the heater overnight and when I woke up this morning it had reset itself to 62. I thought I was gonna die.

I am the opposite...Well, kind of.

I am always cold during the day with the air on...But I HAVE to be cold to sleep. You know how cold it has been the last few nights? Yep...I had to open the window on my side of the bed. DH was NOT happy when he got up at 5:30am for PT

 

[Goofyluver]

I am the opposite...Well, kind of.

I am always cold during the day with the air on...But I HAVE to be cold to sleep. You know how cold it has been the last few nights? Yep...I had to open the window on my side of the bed. DH was NOT happy when he got up at 5:30am for PT

Oh my lord! Yea, I need to be buried in blankets. I barely poke my head out.

It's been down around 30 here at night. There is no way in hades we could open a window.

 

[dgbg100106]

We are with you in spirit! Please let us know what time you go in for surgery so we can concentrate our thoughts and prayers for you! I know you're going to be fine!!!

I will be there at 12:30 edt and surgery is at 1 pm. Thanks everyone for sending positive thoughts.

 

[dgbg100106]

I'm PMing you over on FB.

I got it thanks... I told David and he is going to text you.

 

[dgbg100106]

You hacked off two pieces, chewed 'n swallowed 'em before I even reached that way. I was halfway to that steak when you said "let me cut this in half for us."

Yes, she then cut the remainder of that steak in half, I stay outta the way when she's slingin' a knife coz she's quick with it!

Well at least you knew what you were getting into...

 

[Goofyluver]

I got it thanks... I told David and he is going to text you.

Thank you. I'll pass his good news along.

Well at least you knew what you were getting into...

And even with that, here she is sitting in the chair next to me. She must love me more than steaks.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Dinner changed tonight, though. This head cold really got me today, and I spent most of the day napping. When Katie got home, she took pity on her poor old mom, and fixed Poor Man's Stroganoff. So, that's dinner tonight. I'm going to do the cheeseburger salad another night.

How lovely it is that Katie is sufficient enough to take care of things! She's a good kid. I hope you feel better soon

I will be there at 12:30 edt and surgery is at 1 pm. Thanks everyone for sending positive thoughts.

Glad he's going to let Jen know how it went - you both will be in my prayers tomorrow! Try and get some sleep tonight



We went to Logan's Roadhouse when I got off, had a B1G1 free coupon which evidently half the city had too It was tasty, though, and two entrees are enough for 4+ people so we both have lunch tomorrow. What a deal!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I'm a big nerd and posted our top 11 recipes of 2011 on my blog if you want to check it out... PM me if you want the address.

Other recipes:

Butternut Squash Pasta Casserole

Butternut Squash Pasta Casserole
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (15-ounce) can light coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped sage
¾ pound dried whole wheat penne (I didn't use whole wheat)
½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
½ cup bread crumbs (I used Panko)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a 9- x 13-inch casserole dish; set aside.

Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add squash, coconut milk, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium low and simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in sage and simmer 1 minute more. (This part can be made ahead, up to 1 day in advance.)

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender but still firm, about 8 minutes. Rinse in cold water, drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Transfer squash mixture to bowl with penne. Add walnuts, salt and pepper and toss to combine. Transfer to prepared dish and top with bread crumbs. Bake until just golden brown and hot throughout, about 30 minutes.


Dark Chocolate with Pistachios and Sea Salt

Dark Chocolate with Pistachios and Sea Salt
8oz of 70% dark chocolate, melted (I always use the microwave)
1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
1/4 tsp sea salt
Optional toppings: dried cranberries or cherries

Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Pour the melted chocolate over the paper and smooth with a spatula into an even layer.

Sprinkle pistachios, sea salt and any other optional toppings.

Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until completely set.

Peel off paper and break into pieces.

*Dried cranberries or cherries would be great on it too!


Italian Nachos - Johnny Carino's Style

Italian Nachos - Johnny Carino's Style
1 package wontons, cut on the diagonal to form triangles (as many chips as you anticipate wanting)
1 package ground sweet Italian sausage, browned and cooked through
2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cooked and thinly sliced (throw them on the grill!)
1 jar Pepperochini peppers
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup sliced olives
Jalapenos

For the Cheese Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, or other good-quality Parmesan

In a heavy, medium saucepan melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and then the flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the half-and-half little by little. Cook until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat; add 2 cups of the grated Parmesan. Season with the salt, pepper and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Cover and set aside. *If the sauce becomes a bit thicker than you might like, simply add some milk or more half & half.

Heat a heavy saucepan or deep fryer to medium. Cook the wontons until light brown. This only takes a few seconds per side. Set aside on paper towels to drain.

Top wontons with sausage, chicken, tomatoes, olives, peppers, and drizzle with warm cheese sauce.

 

[franandaj]

So I'll get it out of the way first. The Cat Nazi was an awful person, they turned us down and it was awful. I didn't post over here last night because I began to console myself in liquid format and couldn't keep up with posting in more than one thread, especially one as complicated as this one.

This morning I went to the pound, and found out that both of us needed to be there and interact with the cats before they would let us take one (or more) So I went home to get Fran, but I forgot that she had a hair appointment. I felt a little better when our hairstylist told us he was turned down by the poodle rescue people because he had a job.

I found two cats that I really liked this morning and they were young. Fran convinced me that we should get two young ones and an older one. We went home to get another carrier after her hair appt. and headed over to the pound. This was a gamble becuase Fran truly wanted to take all of them home with us, and I'm not kidding. She really liked the one that I was most happy with from the morning. We checked out all the cats and came back to find the little girl we had settled on going pushy pushy on the stomach of another cat. Evidently they were litter mates, so we decided we better take both of them.

There was a seal point siamese that I liked from the morning so we picked him. Fran kept saying, let's get four! But I kept her at three. The girl needed to stay so that she can get spayed on Friday, but the two boys came home with us. One has adjusted very well and has explored the entire house and his playmate Mac (while still hissing at him) followed him all over the house.

The other was in hiding until about half an hour ago, since then he's been sitting on my lap, cuddling and purring! I think he is getting comfortable enough to start exploring the house.

Nope. Not usually boring. Sometimes, though, he has to cover stories that are heartbreaking. Things like politics, though, can be a lot of fun for him. He has seniority, so he gets first chance at a lot of the traveling stories. Since he started graduate school, he's had to opt out of a lot of traveling, but this one came at a good time, before the second semester starts on the 9th.

That's great! Not the heartbreaking part, but that he gets to cover lots of interesting things.

Howdy, all!

Today I'm not cooking since we have leftover black bean soup. My goal today is to work on my cooking blog. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, so I need to get cracking with it.

What do you guys think of this recipe? Barefoot Contessa Steak This may be one of the first things I make for our romantic Saturday meals. I won't make the topping for it, so disregard that part of the recipe. Any and all opinions welcome!

I hope you all have a happy and healthy day!

I agree with everyone else and the butter sounds great on top. If you want to make it extra special, I learned this from the "Rescue Chef" on Food Network. Take some plastic wrap and spread butter across the wrap, then take some chives and place them in the middle of the butter. Roll up the plastic, and put it in the freezer, then you can cut off discs of butter to place on top of the steak and they look all artistic with the chives in the middle of the butter, and it's tasty too!

I'm up, but only because I had to wake up to get J up for school.

I am not going in again today. I need one more day to get better. I think it may be some sort of virus, because of all of the symptoms I'm having.

I hope you feel better tomorrow since you're going back to work he!! or highwater!

Then, I don't have to leave the house today! It's a jammie day for sure! I think Timmy and I will snuggle in my bed and watch movies all day!

Perhaps it's the difference of having kids, but I don't have any jammies!

I am getting very nervous about tomorrow, I feel like someone has punched my in the stomach.

I'm glad that Jen will be letting us know how things go. Is there a contact on the Jamborini thread or should I let them know?

Would you believe I've not cooked at all since Christmas?

I've barely cooked, only simple easy things. When the new girl arrives on Friday, I'm going to make a one bone Prime Rib to celebrate with all the new kids. Prime Rib for all!

Alison ~ As I was fixing dinner last night I couldn't get you off of my mind. I so hope the kitty will be placed with you. Please let us know how it went.

I think we ended up better off with the ones we got. I only feel bad for the poor guy who will still be in a cage for who knows how long, because his handlers are holier than thou and would rather keep cats than give them good homes.

Alison How did you all do with the cat?

Well I guess you have seen the answer to that!

You're killing me! I really think Buddy fell for my food before he fell for me! And it took a looooong time for me to admit what I really ate..............at that time I used to eat three sandwiches for lunch and have room for dessert! I am not sure when that caught up to me but it was fun while it lasted!


Need a kitty update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are so right about lady issues and men! I was trying to readjust my MIL so Buddy took off. She did not want to be covered but I had to explain that her big burly tough son was squeamish and would never be able to come into the room if she was flying free

Wow! I was only able to eat that much when I was on the swim team back in Jr High. I miss those days!

So I gave you the update, I think it worked out better this way!

It amazes me how squeamish guys are! You'd think they might want to see these things, but I guess when it's a family member all the rules change!

Hamburger Helper it is.

Yes...yes I know...The new pans have made a gourmet out of me.

Hey I know it gets knocked here, but I really like Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

She does this impression of me going at that steak with a glazed over look in my eye. I always tease her that that's when she fell in love. And that she should have learned right then...don't get in the way of Jen and her meat.

Fran KNOWS not to get in the way of me and my food! I can be a crazed mad woman, especially if I am really hungry!

Yes, she then cut the remainder of that steak in half, I stay outta the way when she's slingin' a knife coz she's quick with it!

Smart woman!

Alison - I don't think you've updated the cat situation on this thread.

No, not until now. As I said earlier, with my liquid therapy I didn't have enough brain power to deal with more than one thread last night.

 

[Goofyluver]

Well, Alison...sounds like things worked our exactly like they were supposed to.

I'm up. And I'm feeling pretty rough. But, I'm off to work anyway. Cause I'm a big girl, and that's what we do. Or so I hear.

UncleR is making dinner tonight. It will probably be potato pancakes, but we'll see if either of us get a hankerin' for something else.

Make it a great Thursday everyone.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Just a quick fly-by here. I'm thinking about going and laying back down for awhile. I woke up with a monster headache and I'm not going to get anything accomplished until it goes away. Ugh.

Scott is having lunch with an old coworker today and said if he was hungry tonight he would eat what's left of the black bean soup. So woo hoo for me, I don't have to cook.

I hope everyone has a great day!

And psst, Jen and Linda, I want to meet you guys, too! Please let me know if you are ever in the Chattanooga/Atlanta/Nashville/Knoxville area

 

[HERSEY]

Allison Siamese have a special place in my heart. They are so like people. They allow you in to their lives not you into theirs. I think you found your little soulmates in the right place at the right time. Some of those "rescue" people mean right but the "power" is too much.

Soldier's*Sweeties My cousin has inlaws stationed at Ft Hood. I am glad your husband is with you for the holidays. I like doctored up HH I put in half Jimmy Dean in with half of the ground meat.

Well I must jump into the shower and get moving. I have to go in and hope we have power and more important heat at work. Good thing I work where I do. As long as there is electricity the guys can fix the heating unit. Better round up my flashlight