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

[dgbg100106]

Morning Brandi! Have a good day at work.

I'm on my way to bed!

Thanks, now I have two days to catch up on

Sleep well...

Morning, all!

I am feeling crud-tastic this morning. I feel a lot better during the day, but first thing in the morning, I am a coughing, drainage-y mess. I plan on going to the doctor in the morning. I had plans to make vegetable soup with mini-meatballs today but I'm just going to rest. We had enough leftover chili for Scott to have a meal so I'm not cooking today at all.

After realizing that NEXT WEEK is Thanksgiving, I really got down to business solving my breakfast problem. Here's what we're having now:

Baked French toast casserole with Maple Syrup*
Fruit salad (hee hee, ready-made from Publix; I'm cheating on this one)
Sausage patties
Coffee, tea, milk and juice (Scott, Amanda, my FIL and I all drink coffee. Kevin is loudly anti-coffee [it's really annoying] so I always make him a pot of hot tea, and milk/juice for something cold, as well as 2 things for Ryan to choose from)

I'm trying to catch up on everything I missed while on vacation. I'm not sure how I missed this, but Kat, how is your back?!

*If the recipe is good, I will post it for you!*

Lindsay - I hope you get to feeling better soon, I used to have that drainage stuff in the morning and in the evening, and have since learned that I have an allergic reaction to changes in the barometric changes in the weather... Crazy I know, but I have been placed on some allergy meds, and my life is sooooo much better...

I too, think breakfast sounds great.

I call that amazing will power!


UncleR has a baked french toast casserole that has cream cheese between the layers and oh my gawd it's good! I'd also love your sausage recipe when you get the chance!

Jen - i know it is scary, but I was just full! and stopped, it is a rare thing in my life and I had to post about it, I could hardly believe it myself....

WFD - Grilled NY strip steaks, baked potatoes and a spinach salad.

Have a great day everyone!

Kat - I love red meat... I know we are not supposed to but I could steak every night.

He aired te thing out for two days but has forgotten that I wash the rest of his clothes and they smell like lavender/vanilla

that is so not nice.... but funny!

Chris was assigned to Marine 1, the helicopter that accompanies the President everywhere he goes. He left the Corps after ten years in this month. He wanted to do more than what he was doing but his rank combined with the amount of money the Govt had invested in him made that next to impossible. It was a big decision for him, he loves the Corps but he really wanted to be in a deployable unit and this was nto going to happen.

That is a very hard decision to make, and my DH went through some of the same issues, when he left the Army. But please thank him for his service. It is a better country because of all our men and women in the armed forces.

Welcome Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks....

Here as well!



What's up with that???????

I can understand....

Becky- No one is ever caught up here IMO

So I can quit feeling guilty for not catching up on everything....

 

[EJ4Disney]

Ellen, where are you going on vacation? Disney?

I Wish!! But almost as fun. We are heading down to Albuquerque for Thanksgiving. All of Doug's cousins live there and we go every other year. On the off year they come here. We have a Ball. I can't wait!!!

Hey friends - I'm sorry I haven't read back yet. Things are not well in my world, but I don't want to say anything on a public board about it.

to you my dear freind

What is chop suey?

Just a really fancy name for Goulash. Doug HATES it, but once in awhil I just have to have it.

2 more days till vacation. I am right there with you.

I am feeling crud-tastic this morning.

Feel better soon. And your breakfast sounds amazing.

Love that saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO true! I hope that you have a wonderful vacation, so so deserve it, especially since they may be more scattered once your new little arrivals arrive!!!!!!!!!!!!

He aired te thing out for two days but has forgotten that I wash the rest of his clothes and they smell like lavender/vanilla

How true that is. I am really getting excited to see our babies.

I washed Doug's coveralls the other day and he told me to leave them alone from now on - Aint gonna happen but whatever - as they just smelled to good.

Katie is doing fine. Mary, on the other hand, was up all night worshiping the porcelain goddess. Poor baby!
Have a good day, everyone!

So glad Katie is feeling better and poor Mary. You never get a break do you Mom? This too shall pass. Bless your heart!

Brandi ~ welcome home.

Kat ~ have a good day.

It snowed all night and we had the white stuff on the ground this morning. The temp. is on 14 right now. I guess winter is here,

I am almost packed as of last night. Doug not so much - who knows what or when he will pack. But he always seems to get it done and doesn't have to go naked. But you can rest assured his golf clubs have been washed, shined and all packed in their travel case and by the front door.

WFDT ~ Leftovers - oh in Doug's little world we call them yesterday's grand meals, Life is never dull around my house.

Make it a great day everyone.

 

[liamsaunt]

Hey friends - I'm sorry I haven't read back yet. Things are not well in my world.

Thinking of you

After realizing that NEXT WEEK is Thanksgiving, I really got down to business solving my breakfast problem. Here's what we're having now (snip) What do you guys all think? Sound ok?

I think the breakfast menu sounds really good! What baked french toast recipe are you using?

Feel better!

Mary, on the other hand, was up all night worshiping the porcelain goddess. Poor baby! At least she's quiet about it, so it didn't wake anyone up but me. She'll be staying home today.

Poor Mary! I hope she is feeling better today.

I Wish!! But almost as fun. We are heading down to Albuquerque for Thanksgiving. All of Doug's cousins live there and we go every other year. On the off year they come here. We have a Ball. I can't wait.

Sounds like fun!!

WFD: not sure, I have to go food shopping after work

 

[Goofyluver]

Mary, on the other hand, was up all night worshiping the porcelain goddess. Poor baby! At least she's quiet about it, so it didn't wake anyone up but me. She'll be staying home today.

No idea on dinner for tonight, yet. I need to look here on the index (and the old ones) for some fast, easy ideas. I'll check out Pinterest, too!

Have a good day, everyone!

How's Mary doing?

Just a really fancy name for Goulash. Doug HATES it, but once in awhil I just have to have it.

2 more days till vacation. I am right there with you.


It snowed all night and we had the white stuff on the ground this morning. The temp. is on 14 right now. I guess winter is here,

I am almost packed as of last night. Doug not so much - who knows what or when he will pack. But he always seems to get it done and doesn't have to go naked. But you can rest assured his golf clubs have been washed, shined and all packed in their travel case and by the front door.

WFDT ~ Leftovers - oh in Doug's little world we call them yesterday's grand meals, Life is never dull around my house.

Make it a great day everyone.

Ohhhh, I like the name chop suey better.

Snow? Snow?

I know there's been snow in Abq. Have fun honey!

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

Stick a fork in me, I'm done!

I had a day full of paperwork, although I got all of my billing done! Then, after work I picked up J at school and then went to get a haircut (I'm cute) and then went to the store...AGAIN.

Then, I came home and tried a new recipe, which was delicious but it took FOREVER to make. It was another pinterest recipe...firecracker chicken. I'll post the recipe and pics later.

THEN, I had to clean up the kitchen so I could make cranberry relish for my Thanksgiving work luncheon tomorrow.

The kitchen is now clean. But, I'm exhausted.

Tomorrow is the last day of work before break. I cannot wait!

Hope everyone has a great Friday! all around. It was quiet in here today!

 

[Goofyluver]

Firecracker Chicken

Marinade

½ tsp. salt
1 small egg white, beaten
1 Tbs. cornstarch
2 tsp. peanut oil
1 Tbs. Sherry wine
2 chicken breasts, diced

Coating

1 ½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup peanut oil

Sauce

4 Tablespoons ketchup
½ cup chicken broth
2 Tablespoon sugar
½ cup sweet chili sauce
6 cloves garlic, grated
4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

In a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the marinade. Set aside.

Add chicken to marinade and cover the bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. While chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce by whisking together all of the sauce ingredients in a large bowl. Set the prepared sauce aside.

Place the 1 cup of cornstarch in a large bowl. Add the marinated chicken to the cornstarch, tossing to evenly coat. Transfer the coated chicken to a colander and shake off any excess cornstarch.

Place a large, deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add peanut oil.
Add prepared chicken to the pan, spread out so they aren't touching each other. Allow them to cook, tossing when necessary, until they are fully cooked throughout. Remove chicken from pan and place on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Drain the excess oil from the pan and return the pan to the stove, placing it over medium heat. Add the prepared sauce and bring it to a boil.

Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to evenly coat.
Spoon Firecracker Chicken on top of rice or quinoa and serve.

***I doubled the chicken in this recipe but didn't double the sauce and it came out with enough sauce. I didn't have enough of the sweet chili sauce, so I didn't have a choice. But, once I saw how much sauce one recipe made, I wasn't worried. This was very yummy, but it was a lot of work, frying in batches, etc. This original recipe says it serves 2, but I doubled the meat, and we have enough for 2 more meals at least. And we ate a lot! I hope you try this one! It's good!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Lindsay – My back is much better, thanks for asking! Hope you feel better soon.

Yay! So glad to hear it!

Lindsay- breakfast looks good! I try to accommodate guests in my home but if they don't like the beverages I offer and cannot find another they are welcome to bring whatever they like. Kevin is out of line. Feel better!

Ok, a little more of an explanation on this one.

Kevin used to drink coffee. Loved it, drank it all the time. Then he decided it made him jittery and he should give it up. Ok, fine. Whatever suits you. So he switched to hot tea. Again, fine. Whatever floats your boat. Now we get a chorus of this every time we have dinner:

"Snort, no, no coffee for me. It's tea all the way."
"Snort, I don't know how you all drink that stuff."
"Snort, like a little coffee with your cream?" <---that one is to his wife
"You know that swill is killing you."
"Snort, my little girl with be a tea drinker." <---you should see me try to not roll my eyes at this one
"Snort, another pot?" then an eyeroll and a head shake

See what I mean? Yes, he is a joy to cook for. Now what is so funny about it? He will drink 5, yes 5, cups of black tea at our breakfast. Now tell me, caffeine-wise, how is this any better for you/less jittery than coffee? No logic, I tell you.

I've made it into a huge joke, though. When he comes over next week I have a pretty new tea pot, already have a nice selection of teas, (Scott and I enjoy hot tea in the evenings when it gets cold. I will post my sure-fire tea recipe) honey, sliced lemons, milk in a creamer for the table, and a condiment caddy for sugar/Splenda/Equal. You want tea? I'll give you tea. Honestly folks, if I didn't laugh at him, I would have to strangle him. We all have a relative like that.

Katie is doing fine. I actually think it was more of a "mental health" day for her, than anything else. She has been so stressed out over her geometry class, and there is a test coming up tomorrow, so she wanted to study. She's fine, now.

Mary, on the other hand, was up all night worshiping the porcelain goddess. Poor baby! At least she's quiet about it, so it didn't wake anyone up but me. She'll be staying home today.

Tell Katie, I have been there. Geometry almost have me an ulcer when I was in high school. Poor Mary! I hope she is doing better today.

I think the breakfast menu sounds really good! What baked french toast recipe are you using?

Paula Deen's recipe

Today I am making hamburger steaks with sauteed onions, rice of some kind, and green peas. AFTER I go to the doctor, though. I am feeling better this morning though. I still think I need another shot.

Have a great day, all!

 

[dgbg100106]

Yay! So glad to hear it!



Ok, a little more of an explanation on this one.

Kevin used to drink coffee. Loved it, drank it all the time. Then he decided it made him jittery and he should give it up. Ok, fine. Whatever suits you. So he switched to hot tea. Again, fine. Whatever floats your boat. Now we get a chorus of this every time we have dinner:

"Snort, no, no coffee for me. It's tea all the way."
"Snort, I don't know how you all drink that stuff."
"Snort, like a little coffee with your cream?" <---that one is to his wife
"You know that swill is killing you."
"Snort, my little girl with be a tea drinker." <---you should see me try to not roll my eyes at this one
"Snort, another pot?" then an eyeroll and a head shake

See what I mean? Yes, he is a joy to cook for. Now what is so funny about it? He will drink 5, yes 5, cups of black tea at our breakfast. Now tell me, caffeine-wise, how is this any better for you/less jittery than coffee? No logic, I tell you.

I've made it into a huge joke, though. When he comes over next week I have a pretty new tea pot, already have a nice selection of teas, (Scott and I enjoy hot tea in the evenings when it gets cold. I will post my sure-fire tea recipe) honey, sliced lemons, milk in a creamer for the table, and a condiment caddy for sugar/Splenda/Equal. You want tea? I'll give you tea. Honestly folks, if I didn't laugh at him, I would have to strangle him. We all have a relative like that.


Tell Katie, I have been there. Geometry almost have me an ulcer when I was in high school. Poor Mary! I hope she is doing better today.



Paula Deen's recipe

Today I am making hamburger steaks with sauteed onions, rice of some kind, and green peas. AFTER I go to the doctor, though. I am feeling better this morning though. I still think I need another shot.

Have a great day, all!

Lindsay - I am a tea drinker also...it was just the way I grew up, nothing against coffee, just that I always put more stuff in it, than coffee, so I went back to tea...

I cook with Le Creuset all the time, but have never tried their tea pot, Have you used it yet? How well does it work?

Hope the Dr visit goes well, and you are fully on the mend.

 

[TigerKat]

Glynis – I’m glad to hear Katie is OK, and I’m hoping she does well on her test!! Sorry poor Mary is sick, hoping she feels better soon.

Brandi – I’m with you on the red meat! I could live on red meat & seafood and be a happy woman. Yes, that means I could live without pork, easily. Crazy, huh?

Ellen – I love Doug’s “yesterday’s grand meals”. I hope y’all have a great trip and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Jen – I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving luncheon. It’s almost break time!!!!

WFD - Going out, not sure where yet!

 

[dgbg100106]

Glynis – I’m glad to hear Katie is OK, and I’m hoping she does well on her test!! Sorry poor Mary is sick, hoping she feels better soon.

Brandi – I’m with you on the red meat! I could live on red meat & seafood and be a happy woman. Yes, that means I could live without pork, easily. Crazy, huh?

Ellen – I love Doug’s “yesterday’s grand meals”. I hope y’all have a great trip and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Jen – I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving luncheon. It’s almost break time!!!!

WFD - Going out, not sure where yet!

So Kat, this is off topic a little, but do you have a favorite milk punch recipe? I love the Bloody Mary's at Commanders palace, and the mimosa's at Court of Two Sisters but I have never tried the milk punch, DH and I were going to try it, but was not sure if I should stick with Brenda's or look for one from a restaurant there?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Rogue26]

Kathy- It's Robin, my mom doesn't like letters that go below the line for some reason. At least I know where I get my quirks from! Have a good dinner out.

Lindsay- Feel better!

Jen- Chicken looks yummy!

Ellen- Have a very happy Thanksgiving if you've headed out before I get here again.

Glynis- Hope Mary is on the mend.

Nancy- Do you have the whoopie pie recipe? We love them here, always looking for a new recipe to try.

Aimee- Keeping you in my thoughts, hope all are well.

I'm looking foward to dinner tonight, I browned stew meat yesterday and cooked in in the crockpot with a can of beer yesterday. Tonight we are having it on subrolls with provolone. Have a great day all!

 

[TigerKat]

So Kat, this is off topic a little, but do you have a favorite milk punch recipe? I love the Bloody Mary's at Commanders palace, and the mimosa's at Court of Two Sisters but I have never tried the milk punch, DH and I were going to try it, but was not sure if I should stick with Brenda's or look for one from a restaurant there?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Brandi, I'm probably the wrong person to ask as I don't like milky drinks. I browsed around and they all look pretty similar to this:

http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/cuisine/drinks/brandymilkpunch.html

When it comes to booze, Brenda is my go to gal so I'd trust any recipe she says is good!

 

[dgbg100106]

Brandi, I'm probably the wrong person to ask as I don't like milky drinks. I browsed around and they all look pretty similar to this:

http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/cuisine/drinks/brandymilkpunch.html

When it comes to booze, Brenda is my go to gal so I'd trust any recipe she says is good!

Thanks... I think we are going to make it this weekend and see how it turns out.

 

[liamsaunt]

I cook with Le Creuset all the time, but have never tried their tea pot, Have you used it yet? How well does it work?

I have one. I have a bunch of Le Creuset. My color is flame. I like the tea pot--it is very sturdy. The whistle is loud when the water boils but we need that kind of teapot in my house. I cannot tell you how many non-whistling teapots my husband destroyed by putting water on to boil and then forgetting about it! Also, the handle gets a little warm so I wear a mitt to pour the water out.

WFD: not sure again! I ended up not going to the store last night after all and just made pasta puttanesca.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Another busy weekend. This was supposed to be my "spring cleaning" weekend before Thanksgiving but Dsis put a stop to that. She is going out of town and I am going down to play chauffer for the girls.

Tonight I am going to a Longaberger Basket Bingo then leaving from there to go to her house. Dinner will probably be something at the bingo hall.

 

[dgbg100106]

I have one. I have a bunch of Le Creuset. My color is flame. I like the tea pot--it is very sturdy. The whistle is loud when the water boils but we need that kind of teapot in my house. I cannot tell you how many non-whistling teapots my husband destroyed by putting water on to boil and then forgetting about it! Also, the handle gets a little warm so I wear a mitt to pour the water out.

WFD: not sure again! I ended up not going to the store last night after all and just made pasta puttanesca.

All of my Le Creuset is cobalt... I chipped my pasta pot I was not happy! I like the teapot, since it has the infuser, we have an insta hot in our counter that I use for tea most of the time...

 

[Glynis]

Afternoon, all! I'm happy to report that Mary is just fine and dandy! Katie did well on Geometry test, and her Geography test (she wasn't worried about that one), and feels confident for her Earth Systems test on Monday.

Last night was our school's PTA Reflections Awards night. Every child who enters gets a prize. Leslie was the only one of my kids who entered. She was so excited to go, but about 10 minutes before she and Alan were to leave (I had pack meeting, so I couldn't go), she began to throw up. Poor little thing! So, since Mary was feeling good, Alan took her, to represent her sister. Well, at the awards ceremony, Leslie (Mary) was given a certificate, a medal and the best door prize of the night... and ipod shuffle! Her name was drawn out of 100 students. Well, can you imagine the look on her face when Mary brought that home for her??? That made her feel better, for sure!

Dinner tonight is pasta for the kids. Alan and I are going out to eat with my father, who is in town just for the day. I'm excited to see him!!!

 

[Goofyluver]

Ok, a little more of an explanation on this one.

Kevin used to drink coffee. Loved it, drank it all the time. Then he decided it made him jittery and he should give it up. Ok, fine. Whatever suits you. So he switched to hot tea. Again, fine. Whatever floats your boat. Now we get a chorus of this every time we have dinner:

"Snort, no, no coffee for me. It's tea all the way."
"Snort, I don't know how you all drink that stuff."
"Snort, like a little coffee with your cream?" <---that one is to his wife
"You know that swill is killing you."
"Snort, my little girl with be a tea drinker." <---you should see me try to not roll my eyes at this one
"Snort, another pot?" then an eyeroll and a head shake

See what I mean? Yes, he is a joy to cook for. Now what is so funny about it? He will drink 5, yes 5, cups of black tea at our breakfast. Now tell me, caffeine-wise, how is this any better for you/less jittery than coffee? No logic, I tell you.

I've made it into a huge joke, though. When he comes over next week I have a pretty new tea pot, already have a nice selection of teas, (Scott and I enjoy hot tea in the evenings when it gets cold. I will post my sure-fire tea recipe) honey, sliced lemons, milk in a creamer for the table, and a condiment caddy for sugar/Splenda/Equal. You want tea? I'll give you tea. Honestly folks, if I didn't laugh at him, I would have to strangle him. We all have a relative like that.

I hope you give it right back to him just a little bit.

Hope your breakfast goes as fabulously as I think it will.

Jen – I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving luncheon. It’s almost break time!!!!

WFD - Going out, not sure where yet!

Break is here!

Where'd ya' go?

I'm looking foward to dinner tonight, I browned stew meat yesterday and cooked in in the crockpot with a can of beer yesterday. Tonight we are having it on subrolls with provolone. Have a great day all!

Sounds divine!!!

Afternoon, all! I'm happy to report that Mary is just fine and dandy! Katie did well on Geometry test, and her Geography test (she wasn't worried about that one), and feels confident for her Earth Systems test on Monday.

Last night was our school's PTA Reflections Awards night. Every child who enters gets a prize. Leslie was the only one of my kids who entered. She was so excited to go, but about 10 minutes before she and Alan were to leave (I had pack meeting, so I couldn't go), she began to throw up. Poor little thing! So, since Mary was feeling good, Alan took her, to represent her sister. Well, at the awards ceremony, Leslie (Mary) was given a certificate, a medal and the best door prize of the night... and ipod shuffle! Her name was drawn out of 100 students. Well, can you imagine the look on her face when Mary brought that home for her??? That made her feel better, for sure!

Dinner tonight is pasta for the kids. Alan and I are going out to eat with my father, who is in town just for the day. I'm excited to see him!!!

Glad Mary is feeling better, but poor Leslie!

Hope everyone else stays clear of the tummy bug!

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

Thanksgiving break is here!!!

We have a birthday party to go to tomorrow and then need to finish getting the house ready for my dad to come on Monday. We're so excited. We pick him up on Monday afternoon.

Tonight's dinner was an Anne Burrell recipe: Bacon Mac & Cheese.

It is YUMMMMMY!

I'll share pics and the recipe later.

 

[HERSEY]

Quick fly-by

WFD is bowtie pasta with spinach and bacon

 

[franandaj]

I don't think that I can even get caught up, so I'll just jump right in. I've spent the last two afternoons working with my cleaning lady to dig that dining room table back out. She comes again tomorrow, we have a ways to go.

I can agree with Brandi and Kat about the red meat. I have a hard time not programming beef for dinner every night!

WFD? We're having Pot Roast ala Paula Deen. It's been in the crock pot all day.

We've also finally sorted out Thanksgiving. We are not traveling, my parents are coming here. Fran is just not up to it yet. We've finally planned the menu. It's very similar to what we would have eaten had we gone up there with the exception of Wednesday night, we had planned to go out for Fondue, but instead we'll stay in.

Here's the plan:

Wednesday - Dungeness Crab and Salad (if the crab season doesn't open, it will be Pork Tenderloin, Rice & Asian Vegetables

Thursday - Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, Yams, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and either peach or blackberry pie

Friday - Turkey Enchiladas and Salad

Saturday - Standing Rib Roast, Garlic Hasselback Potatoes, Broccoli

Sunday - will be either leftovers or something we all agree on made from leftovers.

I really don't like not knowing what's going on, so I'm very glad to have this all figured out!

 

[Goofyluver]

Your holiday menu sounds wonderful, Alison!

Been thinkin' of you and Fran. Sounds like things are getting better slowly. Hope it keeps heading in that direction.