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

[PrincessInOz]

Sweet and Sour Battered Shrimp

I’ve previously posted a recipe for Sweet and Sour fish and have used the same recipe for the sauce component. You can find the link here.

At the appropriate time, I heated up the sauce for about 5 – 10 minutes.

My starting ingredients for the Battered Shrimp component:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact – about 1 lb
• Self raising flour, 1 ¼ cup
• Corn flour, ¼ cup
• Egg, 1
• Water, 1 cup
• Turmeric, 1 tablespoon
• Paprika, 1 teaspoon
• Salt, 1 teaspoon
• Oil for frying, 1 cup

Mix all ingredients together until you get a smooth batter. The batter should have the consistency of thick cream. Add additional flour or water to thicken or thin as appropriate. Let the batter sit for about 20 minutes before use.
NOTE: There is a LOT of batter mix here and you can reduce the quantity by half if you prefer. I had originally thought I might have more shrimp to cook with. I also sometimes like to increase the corn flour to 1/2 cup and decrease the SR flour if I want a lighter batter.

Drop the shrimp into the batter and stir to ensure that the shrimps are well coated.

Heat the oil over a medium heat. When hot, turn the flame down to low. Cook the shrimp in batches for about 1 – 2 minutes.

Turn over if required and cook for another minute.

Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.

Continue frying until all the shrimp is cooked. Keep warm in a pre-heated oven. When ready to serve, place several shrimp on the plate and spoon over some sauce.

My dinner!

p.s If I were doing the batter again, I would reduce the amount of water so that I would end up with a thicker batter. For this time, I wanted a thinner batter because DH was having indigestion issues and I wasn't sure that a thick batter would have been good for him.

 

[franandaj]

OK, I was trying to respond to everyone's stuff, but it's too awful that I can't deal. We have to cancel our WDW trip. I posted pictures of Fran's leg on my PTR and the responses I've gotten make me feel better becuase I should not make someone in this condition and pain get on a plane.

But it's still hard dealing with the fact that we have to cancel a trip I've been looking forward to for over a year. I guess now we'll have a two years to plan. I just hope nothing happens to this trip or I'll think that I'll truly give up on PTRs!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Hi, all! Just popping in really quick to say good morning! For those of you who pray, say one for me at 8:30 and 11:00 this morning. I need all the help I can get! For those of you who don't, just think of me I'd appreciate it!

Since my day is bananas, we are having pizza

OK, I was trying to respond to everyone's stuff, but it's too awful that I can't deal.

I was so sorry to read this. Please keep us updated with you guys. I know we are all praying for you.

 

[Goofyluver]

My retreat went well - I'm home long enough to eat and change for an afternoon wedding. We were invited to a party/dinner tonight but I declined the invite a few days ago - I will be WIPED by then. Dinner will likely be picked up somewhere - again!

Glad it went well!

Sweet and Sour Battered Shrimp

I’ve previously posted a recipe for Sweet and Sour fish and have used the same recipe for the sauce component. You can find the link here.

p.s If I were doing the batter again, I would reduce the amount of water so that I would end up with a thicker batter. For this time, I wanted a thinner batter because DH was having indigestion issues and I wasn't sure that a thick batter would have been good for him.

These look so good. I have your recipe on tap to try with chicken, but I think I'm changing it to include shrimp. Because hot damn girl, these look wonderful.

AND, great job on the index. I know you worked hard.

OK, I was trying to respond to everyone's stuff, but it's too awful that I can't deal. We have to cancel our WDW trip. I posted pictures of Fran's leg on my PTR and the responses I've gotten make me feel better becuase I should not make someone in this condition and pain get on a plane.

But it's still hard dealing with the fact that we have to cancel a trip I've been looking forward to for over a year. I guess now we'll have a two years to plan. I just hope nothing happens to this trip or I'll think that I'll truly give up on PTRs!

Alison, you don't have to respond to us individually. I know all of us just want you to know we're thinking of you.

I am very sorry you guys are having a difficult time.

Hi, all! Just popping in really quick to say good morning! For those of you who pray, say one for me at 8:30 and 11:00 this morning. I need all the help I can get! For those of you who don't, just think of me I'd appreciate it!

I'll be sending you good vibes!

 

[Goofyluver]

Happy Sunday y'all!

We slept late. I ignored Tooter's advances and slept till 8:45, which for me is like 1:00.

Dinner last night was wonderful. I'll post pics and recipes later.

Tonight's dinner will be performed by UncleR, so I don't know what it is yet.

Have a wonderful day!

 

[dgbg100106]

PIO - your food looks amazing. I think we call that veggie you are using, napa cabbage or Chinese cabbage.

Alison - I am so sorry, PM me if you need to talk.

Lindsey - prayers are on the way.

 

[Goofyluver]

Last night's cookin'

Carne Guisada

Ingredients

4 pounds of chuck or bottom round beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tablespoons of peanut oil
1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
5 cloves of garlic, minced (about 1/4 cup)
1 14.05 oz. can of diced tomatoes or 3 fresh tomatoes, diced
2 jalapeno peppers, diced
2 serrano peppers, diced
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
1 bay leaf
2 cups of water
1 12 oz. bottle of dark Mexican beer such as Negro Modelo
1 tablespoon of flour (optional)

Method

In a large pot or a Dutch oven, brown the beef on medium high heat in 2 tablespoons of the peanut oil, may have to do in batches.

Remove beef from pot, add the final 2 tablespoons of peanut oil and cook on medium heat the onions and chiles for about 10 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Throw in the browned beef, add the herbs, spices, water, tomatoes and beer and mix everything really well. Turn up the heat to high, bring the stew to a boil and then turn heat down to low and simmer for five hours, stirring occasionally. At this point, some of the meat will have turned to strings thus thickening the gravy.





Homemade Tortillas

Ingredients

2 T unsalted butter
3/4 cup milk
1 T vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for needing
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Method

Place butter and milk into a pot and heat until butter has melted. Turn off the heat and add in the vegetable oil.

In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. Pour in the melted butter, milk, and oil and stir until a loose, sticky ball is formed. Place dough on a floured surface and knead for 2 minutes until dough is firm and smooth. Cover the dough and let rest for 1 hour.

After an hour, divide the dough into 8 pieces. Cover again and let it rest for 30 minutes. After dough has rested, place each dough ball one at a timeon a floured surface, pat it out into a 4-inch circle, and then roll with a palote or a rolling pin from the center until it's thin, about 8 inches in diameter.

In a dry cast-iron skillet heated on high, cook each tortilla for 30 seconds on one side, flip it and cook for 1 more minute, flip it again and finish for 30 more seconds on the other side. Tortillas may puff up a bit while cooking.




The tortillas were the hit last night, rather than the meat. But, the meat came out very flavorful and tender.

 

[Goofyluver]

And dessert...

Texas Sheet Cake

Cake Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
4 T unsweetened cocoa
1 cup water
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vabilla
1 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 and grease a 9x13 cake pan.

Sift the sugar and flour together in a bowl. Melt the butter on low in a saucepan and when melted add cocoa and water and heat until boiling. Pour cocoa mix over sugar and flour, and mix well with a spoon. Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Pour batter into greased pan and bake for about 30 minutes, checking after 20 minutes. The cake will be done when an inserted knife comes out clean.

Icing Ingredients

8 T unsalted butter
4 T unsweetened cocoa
6 T whole milk
1 pound powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans

5 minutes before the cake is done, make the icing. Bring to a boil the butter, cocoa and milk. Remove from heat, and mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and pecans. Beat well and then spread over cake while both are still warm.





***Okay, I've made Texas sheet cakes before. I didn't realize until this morning that I made a mistake when I made the cake. I TOTALLY left out the cup of water. The result is a very dense, brownie-like cake. We've decided that we like it so much that this is the way it should be done all of the time! Sometimes accidents are happy!

 

[Nancyg56]

OK, I was trying to respond to everyone's stuff, but it's too awful that I can't deal. We have to cancel our WDW trip. I posted pictures of Fran's leg on my PTR and the responses I've gotten make me feel better becuase I should not make someone in this condition and pain get on a plane.

But it's still hard dealing with the fact that we have to cancel a trip I've been looking forward to for over a year. I guess now we'll have a two years to plan. I just hope nothing happens to this trip or I'll think that I'll truly give up on PTRs!

Allison- no responding, you have enough to think about. I am so very sorry about your trip.

And dessert...

[
***Okay, I've made Texas sheet cakes before. I didn't realize until this morning that I made a mistake when I made the cake. I TOTALLY left out the cup of water. The result is a very dense, brownie-like cake. We've decided that we like it so much that this is the way it should be done all of the time! Sometimes accidents are happy!

I have made them too and when I saw the picture I thought that this was no Texas Sheet cake, and I meant it in a good way! I immediately thought that I wanted to make yours!

Dinner last night was amazing! I had veal Milanese which was outstanding. I am going to start my healthy tomorrow.................I have leftovers that I am definitely going to enjoy before getting back on track. I still have not decided what to cook for dinner but I am leaning towards chicken or pork chops and mashed potatoes and gravy. It is raw and cold today and I want something comforting. Not to mention that Buddy is in the sheds all day and it is REALLY raw in there.

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh Allison, I just went to your PTR and I am shocked at that infection. I cannot even imagine the pain she is in. I agree that there is no way that she can travel like that and even if she did how could you all enjoy yourselves, if she ever got jolted or bumped it would be a nightmare. I have had to cancel a trip but never under the circumstances that you both have had to consider. I know that even though you both did what you had to do it is okay to feel badly here.............as friends maybe we can help a little

 

[Goofyluver]

I have made them too and when I saw the picture I thought that this was no Texas Sheet cake, and I meant it in a good way! I immediately thought that I wanted to make yours!

See, told ya' I'm a nanatizer.

Dinner tonight is turning out to be meatloaf and fried cabbage.

And more Texas sheet cake ala Jen.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

See, told ya' I'm a nanatizer.

Dinner tonight is turning out to be meatloaf and fried cabbage.

And more Texas sheet cake ala Jen.

What do you mean FRIED CABBAGE???

Why have I never heard of this???

 

[Goofyluver]

What do you mean FRIED CABBAGE???

Why have I never heard of this???

Giiiirl, whatchu talkin' 'bout?

How far are you away and when can you be here? If you like cabbage, this is for you.

K, here's what ya' do.

You get yourself a head of cabbage and shred it. Dice up about 6 slices of bacon and fry them crisp, like bacon bits. Then fry the shredded cabbage in the bacon grease (you can pour some grease off if the bacon gives off a bunch) with some salt and pepper. Sometimes I add some garlic or onion powder. Taste and make sure your seasoning is to your liking and fry the cabbage until just tender. You don't want it too soft but not crunchy. Add the bacon bits back in and toss. Serve to your family. If they don't like cabbage, then there's more for you.

It is yummy. And healthy. Ignore the bacon grease and bacon.

 

[dgbg100106]

What do you mean FRIED CABBAGE???

Why have I never heard of this???

Being a Texas girl myself, grew up in San Antonio... I thought everyone had Fried Cabbage... but my DH had never heard of it, but loves it now...

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Giiiirl, whatchu talkin' 'bout?

How far are you away and when can you be here? If you like cabbage, this is for you.

K, here's what ya' do.

You get yourself a head of cabbage and shred it. Dice up about 6 slices of bacon and fry them crisp, like bacon bits. Then fry the shredded cabbage in the bacon grease (you can pour some grease off if the bacon gives off a bunch) with some salt and pepper. Sometimes I add some garlic or onion powder. Taste and make sure your seasoning is to your liking and fry the cabbage until just tender. You don't want it too soft but not crunchy. Add the bacon bits back in and toss. Serve to your family. If they don't like cabbage, then there's more for you.

It is yummy. And healthy. Ignore the bacon grease and bacon.

What kind of cabbage? I don't care for the purple...yes they are different to me! LOL...It sounds like my dad's roasted brussel sprouts!

I'll have to make it before DH comes home...he doesn't do cabbage.

 

[dgbg100106]

Giiiirl, whatchu talkin' 'bout?

How far are you away and when can you be here? If you like cabbage, this is for you.

K, here's what ya' do.

You get yourself a head of cabbage and shred it. Dice up about 6 slices of bacon and fry them crisp, like bacon bits. Then fry the shredded cabbage in the bacon grease (you can pour some grease off if the bacon gives off a bunch) with some salt and pepper. Sometimes I add some garlic or onion powder. Taste and make sure your seasoning is to your liking and fry the cabbage until just tender. You don't want it too soft but not crunchy. Add the bacon bits back in and toss. Serve to your family. If they don't like cabbage, then there's more for you.

It is yummy. And healthy. Ignore the bacon grease and bacon.

my mouth is watering right now./...... So good!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Being a Texas girl myself, grew up in San Antonio... I thought everyone had Fried Cabbage... but my DH had never heard of it, but loves it now...

I actually grew up in FL.

 

[Goofyluver]

Being a Texas girl myself, grew up in San Antonio... I thought everyone had Fried Cabbage... but my DH had never heard of it, but loves it now...

Soooo good.

What kind of cabbage? I don't care for the purple...yes they are different to me! LOL...It sounds like my dad's roasted brussel sprouts!

I'll have to make it before DH comes home...he doesn't do cabbage.

Oh honey. Green heads of cabbage only in this house. And none o' that fancy schmancy Napa cabbage. Just regular ol' green cabbage.

my mouth is watering right now./...... So good!

Mine too. I have to get up in a minute and make it.

 

[dgbg100106]

I actually grew up in FL.

My DH lived Killeen and then Graduated from Texas A&M... Captain in the Army... then now we are here working in DC as contractors... hey it pays the bills...

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

My DH lived Killeen and then Graduated from Texas A&M... Captain in the Army... then now we are here working in DC as contractors... hey it pays the bills...

I'm sure it pays more bills than my Specialist does!

(I am proud of him either way)And well...I am a SAHM whose kids are in school 5 days a week.