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

[TigerKat]

Hey y'all! Just getting to the point where I have time to post, no way I'll be able to read back and catch up so I hope everyone and their families are dong well.

We had an absolutely wonderful trip! The weather was perfect except for our departure day when the rain came in. We spent a lot of time with Sheryl & Bob, every day in fact. We had some amazing meals as well. My pics, as usual came out rotten so hopefully I can ask Sheryl to post some. We also spent a good deal of time with Lauren and her sisters and Gretchen and her family. We shared many, many drinks and laughs. We only got to spend one morning with Vickie, Colin and Matty but it was SO good to see them again, even though it was a short visit. We all felt like family! The only thing that would have made it better was if Lauri and Bryan could have made it. For those of you who frequent the dining reviews, we finally (after two attempts on previous trips) got to meet MickeyNicki and her DH, Todd. They are super sweet and so much fun! We spent a lot of time at the ESPN Club watching the Saints and LSU. Even got to meet up with our NOLA gal Lori and her family who now live in Orlando. All in all.....AMAZING TRIP!!!!!!!

WFD - Spaghetti & meatballs, slow braised broccoli and garlic bread.

If anyone is planning on attending next year, let me recommend the Truffle Lunch, the Tequila lunch and the French Regional lunch

 

[liamsaunt]

Glynis, do NOT let anyone take advantage of you! I am glad you stood up to your BIL/SIL.

Last night's dinner was my wife's chicken piccata.

Wow, that looks so different from my chicken picatta! It does look tasty though.

He did say I likely have a cracked rib, I've been having a lot of pain, but there isn't anything to do for that really. I just use the heating pad a LOT right now.

Last night I made this mushroom spinach pesto lasagna that was AMAZING. Will post soon. Tonight I have a family get together that's just prior to dinner so we'll probably get something out after that.

I want the lasagna recipe!! It sounds awesome.

Another thought re: your rib. When I had the bad pneumonia I told you about, I had horrible rib pain and the doctor thought I might have cracked/broken ribs. It turned out that I had seperated the cartilage (?) lining on the inside of my ribcage from my rib bones. Anyway, wrapping my torso with ace bandages (not overly tight) made me feel much, much better. It held things in place until I healed the injury (6 weeks).

Ladies - I just got a PM from Maria letting me know that they just found out that they lost one of the twins. She's pretty devastated. She wanted you all to know.

I am sorry to hear this news. I hope the other twin remains healthy and brings Greg and Maria the happiness that they wish for.

Linsday, I hope you are feeling a bit better this evening.
Allison, I am glad to read that Fran is improving also!

I made clam chowder for family lunch today. It was good but there was not enough of it. I am going to have to make a serious snack for later. My Mom has been pushing to make less food at family meals. But while she figures out what is the right amount in her mind, sometimes there isn't enough. Yesterday she cooked family meal and it was a roast, which was too small for how many people were eating it. I don't eat red meat, so didn't care personally, but it annoys me to see stuff being so parceled out. And none of us eat huge portions, but my Mom wants...I don't know what.

Here is an example. I usually show you a photo of a serving bowl or platter because it looks prettier. This is a photo of John's actual portion of the pasta puttanesca I made on Thursday night:

That is not too much food, at least to me, for a 6-foot tall man of normal weight. But to my Mom, it seems to be. I would be more understanding except that they (my Mom and Dad) eat red meat, potatoes, and so on at least four nights a week! And the other meal is usually pork. But then on the weekends my Mom tries to enforce these "austerity standards." Whatever!! Can you tell I am annoyed? And HUNGRY!! Plus weekends are the only time Laura gets a nice meal she is so busy and stressed (she says HI! by the way) and considering I think she weighs about 95 pounds these days giving her a good meal is a top priority in my mind!

Saturday my Mom cooked family meal (red meat! rib roast, looked undercooked but I stayed out of the kitchen...). I made a baked pumpkin for me. Friday John and I had (chicken) bangers with mustard mash and mushy peas. Picture of John's plate:

WFD tomorrow: John and I are going to Laura's to help out with trick or treat and we are having a big cheese plate before.

OH! And I finally bought a new oven! It comes on Wednesday.

 

[Goofyluver]

Yesterday was horrid. I went to my godsons game, not sure what I was thinking. It was freezing cold, raining , sleeting, windy and snowing. The visiting team bleachers didn't have steps going up into the seats and were so low that sitting down a person would have to be 4 rows up to see above the players on the sidelines. I only went up 2 because it was so slick. I got there after the game started, they started early, and got there just in time to see my godson tackle someone and go sliding out the side of the field in a sheet of water.

To even get to the field I had to walk with the umbrella in front of me and had to hope I didn't run into anyone or thing. I spent most of the game with the umbrella all the way to one side with blankets wrapped around my legs and another umbrella over them. Thankfully they ended the game at the end of the 3rd quarter. By then my toes and fingers were in pain, I can only imagine how cold those poor babies were.


Dinner tonight will be Hawaiian Pulled Chicken and asparagus.

I would have had to watch from the car.

I vote for Dark Chocolate....

Yeah...I don't like that either.

Hey y'all! Just getting to the point where I have time to post, no way I'll be able to read back and catch up so I hope everyone and their families are dong well.

We had an absolutely wonderful trip! The weather was perfect except for our departure day when the rain came in. We spent a lot of time with Sheryl & Bob, every day in fact. We had some amazing meals as well. My pics, as usual came out rotten so hopefully I can ask Sheryl to post some. We also spent a good deal of time with Lauren and her sisters and Gretchen and her family. We shared many, many drinks and laughs. We only got to spend one morning with Vickie, Colin and Matty but it was SO good to see them again, even though it was a short visit. We all felt like family! The only thing that would have made it better was if Lauri and Bryan could have made it. For those of you who frequent the dining reviews, we finally (after two attempts on previous trips) got to meet MickeyNicki and her DH, Todd. They are super sweet and so much fun! We spent a lot of time at the ESPN Club watching the Saints and LSU. Even got to meet up with our NOLA gal Lori and her family who now live in Orlando. All in all.....AMAZING TRIP!!!!!!!

WFD - Spaghetti & meatballs, slow braised broccoli and garlic bread.

If anyone is planning on attending next year, let me recommend the Truffle Lunch, the Tequila lunch and the French Regional lunch

Welcome back, friend!

I made clam chowder for family lunch today. It was good but there was not enough of it. I am going to have to make a serious snack for later. My Mom has been pushing to make less food at family meals. But while she figures out what is the right amount in her mind, sometimes there isn't enough. Yesterday she cooked family meal and it was a roast, which was too small for how many people were eating it. I don't eat red meat, so didn't care personally, but it annoys me to see stuff being so parceled out. And none of us eat huge portions, but my Mom wants...I don't know what.

Here is an example. I usually show you a photo of a serving bowl or platter because it looks prettier. This is a photo of John's actual portion of the pasta puttanesca I made on Thursday night:

That is not too much food, at least to me, for a 6-foot tall man of normal weight. But to my Mom, it seems to be. I would be more understanding except that they (my Mom and Dad) eat red meat, potatoes, and so on at least four nights a week! And the other meal is usually pork. But then on the weekends my Mom tries to enforce these "austerity standards." Whatever!! Can you tell I am annoyed? And HUNGRY!! Plus weekends are the only time Laura gets a nice meal she is so busy and stressed (she says HI! by the way) and considering I think she weighs about 95 pounds these days giving her a good meal is a top priority in my mind!

Saturday my Mom cooked family meal (red meat! rib roast, looked undercooked but I stayed out of the kitchen...). I made a baked pumpkin for me. Friday John and I had (chicken) bangers with mustard mash and mushy peas. Picture of John's plate:

WFD tomorrow: John and I are going to Laura's to help out with trick or treat and we are having a big cheese plate before.

OH! And I finally bought a new oven! It comes on Wednesday.

Yay for the oven!!!!

Do you get snacks with little dinners? Or is that it??? We always plan for leftovers because that way we can have them for lunches during the week! And we also keep lots of snacking items on tap.

That pasta serving isn't enough for me, I don't think. I can understand you being frustrated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dinner here was yummy! You can't go wrong with cheddar cheese soup.

 

[bigmerle1966]

I wish I could have watched from the car. As it is I had to walk about a quarter of a mile from the front of the school because there wasn't space in the parking lot. Oh the things we do for the love of children.

 

[dgbg100106]

dinner tonight was Lobster Bisque, and crostini's with smoked provolone....it filled us up...

 

[franandaj]

Hey y'all! Just getting to the point where I have time to post, no way I'll be able to read back and catch up so I hope everyone and their families are dong well.

So glad you had a great trip Kat! Which regional lunch did you attend? I just saw a review of the one I was supposed to go to and it looked not so good. I can't wait to go on my trip (once Fran is all better)!

OH! And I finally bought a new oven! It comes on Wednesday.

Congratulations on the oven!

Dinner here was yummy! You can't go wrong with cheddar cheese soup.

What time do you folks have dinner at? You posted that you ate yours almost three hours ago and I haven't even started our soup yet!

I wish I could have watched from the car. As it is I had to walk about a quarter of a mile from the front of the school because there wasn't space in the parking lot. Oh the things we do for the love of children.

You are really wonderful for going through all that, I couldn't have sat through all that!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So here was my dinner last night.

Pigs in a blanket, Macaroni & Cheese and Creamed spinach.

Better go start that Cheese Soup.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Yesterday was horrid. I went to my godsons game, not sure what I was thinking. It was freezing cold, raining , sleeting, windy and snowing. The visiting team bleachers didn't have steps going up into the seats and were so low that sitting down a person would have to be 4 rows up to see above the players on the sidelines. I only went up 2 because it was so slick. I got there after the game started, they started early, and got there just in time to see my godson tackle someone and go sliding out the side of the field in a sheet of water.

To even get to the field I had to walk with the umbrella in front of me and had to hope I didn't run into anyone or thing. I spent most of the game with the umbrella all the way to one side with blankets wrapped around my legs and another umbrella over them. Thankfully they ended the game at the end of the 3rd quarter. By then my toes and fingers were in pain, I can only imagine how cold those poor babies were.

You know I love children... but I'm just not that dedicated. I might have walked out, watched for 5 minutes, and left. You're such a good godmother!

(and who thought it was a good idea to have a game with kids in that weather anyways? I hope they don't all get sick!)

We had an absolutely wonderful trip! The weather was perfect except for our departure day when the rain came in. We spent a lot of time with Sheryl & Bob, every day in fact. We had some amazing meals as well. My pics, as usual came out rotten so hopefully I can ask Sheryl to post some. We also spent a good deal of time with Lauren and her sisters and Gretchen and her family. We shared many, many drinks and laughs. We only got to spend one morning with Vickie, Colin and Matty but it was SO good to see them again, even though it was a short visit. We all felt like family! The only thing that would have made it better was if Lauri and Bryan could have made it. For those of you who frequent the dining reviews, we finally (after two attempts on previous trips) got to meet MickeyNicki and her DH, Todd. They are super sweet and so much fun! We spent a lot of time at the ESPN Club watching the Saints and LSU. Even got to meet up with our NOLA gal Lori and her family who now live in Orlando. All in all.....AMAZING TRIP!!!!!!!

Sounds like an AWESOME trip! Glad you're back - you've been missed!

Another thought re: your rib. When I had the bad pneumonia I told you about, I had horrible rib pain and the doctor thought I might have cracked/broken ribs. It turned out that I had seperated the cartilage (?) lining on the inside of my ribcage from my rib bones. Anyway, wrapping my torso with ace bandages (not overly tight) made me feel much, much better. It held things in place until I healed the injury (6 weeks).

I didn't even know there was cartilage lining in the ribs How weird! Good tip on the ace bandages!

The whole food portion size is odd - esp knowing how tiny y'all are!

What kind of oven did you get?




Our city is putting on these great events modeled after ones in other areas that encourage people to get into the street for exercise, biking, skateboarding, visiting with the community, etc. Since the first two were near our church we helped sponsor them. Today's was literally on the street of the church - which meant quite a bit of logistical challenges with the roads closing as worship got out! I was in the street working traffic, supervising setup, and then of course for the entire 4 hour event today. We (the church) rented three big inflatables (giant twister, mechanical bull, and obstacle course) plus did a pet blessing and temp tattoo booth. HUGE success. Tons of people in the streets, food trucks, various groups, so much fun. The weather was perfect, too!

Anyways, I finally sat down in the car at 530pm- after being on my feet since 830am - and could barely walk when I got home

I informed DH I wasn't making a thing tonight so he's gone to get pizza.

I did have a great burger from a food trucks for lunch, though!

 

[Aimeedyan]

This is - seriously - one of the tastiest recipes I've ever made. Little bit of prep but not anymore than a regular lasagna.

It's vegetarian so I've decided it's healthy

I made my own pesto to save money, and used no boil noodles to save those extra steps.

Spinach, Mushroom and Pesto Lasagna
9 lasagna noodles (I used no-boil to save a step)
10 oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper
1 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP butter
2 cups diced onion
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced (I skipped)
dash of crushed red pepper flakes
8 ounces of button mushrooms, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBSP all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups Half & Half
3/4 cup plus 2 TBSP basil pesto
12 oz mozzarella cheese (I used slices)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

In a separate baking dish place lasagna noodles and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 15 minutes while making the sauce. (skip if using no bake noodles)

In a medium size mixing bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, garlic powder and egg. Season well with salt and pepper. Set aside.

In a large skillet heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions and bell pepper, season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes and saute until onions are translucent, 6-7 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue to saute until mushrooms lose their moisture, another 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for another minute or two. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Continue cooking and stirring over medium heat for two minutes. Add the milk and half & half, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce has thickened a bit. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup pesto. Taste to see if salt and pepper are needed.

Drain lasagna noodles.

Spoon 2 TBSP of the pesto on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay three noodles on top of the pesto. Top with 1/3 of the basil cream sauce (about 1 1/2 cups) and spread to cover noodles. Dollop 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce, then top the ricotta with 1/3 of the cheese slices. Repeat layers two more times. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and place dish in oven. Bake for 25 minutes, uncover, then bake for another 25 minutes, until bubbly and browned. Let dish sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Aimee- we figured it was because it was the other teams homecoming but my sister said they passed a bunch of games going on down in VA as they were on the way to my DN's swim meet. It was idiotic. They've played in the rain before but never has it been that cold.

 

[franandaj]

dinner tonight was Lobster Bisque, and crostini's with smoked provolone....it filled us up...

How do you make your lobster bisque? I have a shrimp bisque that I haven't made in a while that's real good. I should make it once Fran feels better.

 

[TigerKat]

So glad you had a great trip Kat! Which regional lunch did you attend? I just saw a review of the one I was supposed to go to and it looked not so good. I can't wait to go on my trip (once Fran is all better)!

I'm sorry to hear Fran is not well, I hope it's nothing serious. Sending prayers!

We attended the Burgundy region. It was amazing...escargots raviole (one of the best things I've ever eaten), veal tenderloin in a dijon crust, Saint Andre' triple cream cow's cheese and a lemon tart. They really know how to do this event well, everything was cohesive and flowed so well and the wine pairings were superb! The winery was Boisset family estates and Gregory, the wine maker who did the presentation, was a hottie!

Aimee – What, a cracked rib?????? Sending gentle hugs, my friend.

 

[Goofyluver]

I wish I could have watched from the car. As it is I had to walk about a quarter of a mile from the front of the school because there wasn't space in the parking lot. Oh the things we do for the love of children.

I would have kept the kids home with me.

What a good godmother you are!

What time do you folks have dinner at? You posted that you ate yours almost three hours ago and I haven't even started our soup yet!

We ate about 5. We like to eat early on the weekends because we have family time in the evenings.

Our city is putting on these great events modeled after ones in other areas that encourage people to get into the street for exercise, biking, skateboarding, visiting with the community, etc. Since the first two were near our church we helped sponsor them. Today's was literally on the street of the church - which meant quite a bit of logistical challenges with the roads closing as worship got out! I was in the street working traffic, supervising setup, and then of course for the entire 4 hour event today. We (the church) rented three big inflatables (giant twister, mechanical bull, and obstacle course) plus did a pet blessing and temp tattoo booth. HUGE success. Tons of people in the streets, food trucks, various groups, so much fun. The weather was perfect, too!

Anyways, I finally sat down in the car at 530pm- after being on my feet since 830am - and could barely walk when I got home

I informed DH I wasn't making a thing tonight so he's gone to get pizza.

I did have a great burger from a food trucks for lunch, though!

I saw the bull on FB! Did you get on?

 

[scotlass]

Vic Freddie would be welcome this morning it is a little frosty here. We need somebody to warm us up.


:

Um, YES!! Will he be making a visit soon?




.

We always need a poolboy, Vickie!!!!

Vickie- I missed you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And our own pool boy as well................

Aaaaaaaaand Heeeeeere's Freddy !!

You are most welcome.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Catching up! It was cold at the Trunk or Treat yesterday; with the mizzle and the wind, it certainly felt like it was in the low 40's yesterday. At least that's what some of the American ladies were saying.... I'm loading up pictures so I hope to share them a bit later.

Alison - Is Bristol Farms more expensive than WholeChecks???

Lindsay - Hope you get your voice back. Take care.

Jen - Did you enjoy PoTC?

Janice - That carmel frapuccino cupcake sounds exactly like something I would LOVE to make. Can you post the recipe?

Lauren - That White Trash recipe...I have no idea what rice or corn chex is. I'm going to need to google to see if we have it here in Oz.

Marilyn - It was cold here too. I had to come home and run into a hot shower before I thawed out. Even DH was shivering!

Kat - Glad you had a great time at the World. Hope that we'll see you checking in more often.

Becky - That puttanesca looks great. I might actually make that for dinner tonight. I have all the ingredients and DS can pick out the olives! Congratulations on the new oven!

Aimee - That's a great mushroom lasagne recipe. I'm going to definitely try that in the next couple of weeks. Just need to make sure I include mushrooms, frozen spinach and ricotta cheese into my shopping list.


WFDT? I'm going to take inspiration from Becky and cook a puttanesca pasta tonight.


Might check in later with Trunk or Treat pictures.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Aaaaaaaaand Heeeeeere's Freddy !!

You are most welcome.

Ohhh Vickie!! YUM! Is that what's for dinner tonight?

 

[dgbg100106]

Ohhh Vickie!! YUM! Is that what's for dinner tonight?

 

[TigerKat]

Aaaaaaaaand Heeeeeere's Freddy !!

You are most welcome.

Thank you Vick!!!!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Hi everyone! For those interested, here are the links to the pictures I took at the Trunk or Treat party. I posted them in my Hong Kong PTR and thought it more efficient to provide the links back there; rather than posting them again here.


OT - Halloween In Oz: Trunk or Treat Parts 1, 2, 3






ps. Happy Halloween Everyone!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

A quick fly-by here. Today I'm making tacos, refried beans, and rice. I am also making some mini-farfalle with meat sauce for tomorrow. Scott's work called at 3:30 this morning with a problem so he's been working and I just got him out the door. Poor thing. This messes up his whole day when they call in the middle of the night.

Sorry for the rush! I will catch up later!

 

[dgbg100106]

morning everyone and Happy Halloween....