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

[LindsayDunn228]

Oh goodness, I really hope I haven't given the impression I would ever favor Ryan over Chloe! I sure wouldn't! If I did this for him, I would do it for her, too, in a heartbeat. There would NEVER be a "favorite" in my heart. Trust me, I know what that feels like. Neither ones of the kids asked for nincompoops for parents and I just want to make sure I do right by them. I'm sorry if I insinuated I would favor one over the other

I'm off to go shopping in a little while. I will tell you if I find anything.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[liamsaunt]

Lindsay I agree that there is nothing wrong with giving Ryan a gift. When Liam and Caili were younger I used to buy each of them an "unbirthday" gift on the other sibling's birthday. They are older now and I don't do that any more. I think I stopped when Liam was around 10.

I will say that at Christmas I am careful to spend the same amount on each and I used to even try to have the same number of boxes. This year at my suggestion the kids are going to have what I am referring to as a "communal Christmas tree." Meaning that John and I, as well as my parents, are not putting "from" on any of the gifts we purchase for them. They'll just be under the tree as gifts from the entire family. I have been buying all their Santa gifts anyway for the past few years.

So, last night's dinner was....soup! Cauliflower soup this time. It was really good. Here is the recipe:

Spicy Cauliflower Soup

1 small head cauliflower, seperated into florets
1 red onion, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
cracked black pepper to taste (I like lots)
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup tomato sauce
3 ounces cooked small pasta, rinsed
salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp. grated pecorino cheese
3 tbsp. minced parsely
parsely and shave pecorino cheese for garnish

Heat the olive oil in a soup pot until shimmering, and add the cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 10 minutes.

Add the red onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, the cracked pepper, and the bay leaf and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes longer.

Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook, simmering, until cauliflower is mostly tender, about 20 minutes.

Uncover and stir in the tomato sauce, bring back to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is fully tender, 10 minutes longer. Remove the bay leaf.

Using a wooden spoon, break up the cauliflower into smallish pieces. Stir in the cooked pasta, the minced parsely, and the grated pecorino and bring back to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle into heated bowls and top with parsely and shaved pecorino.

I have a picture which I'll upload next time I am on.

WFD: fondue!

 

[LBKB]

Oh goodness, I really hope I haven't given the impression I would ever favor Ryan over Chloe! I sure wouldn't! If I did this for him, I would do it for her, too, in a heartbeat. There would NEVER be a "favorite" in my heart. Trust me, I know what that feels like. Neither ones of the kids asked for nincompoops for parents and I just want to make sure I do right by them. I'm sorry if I insinuated I would favor one over the other

I'm off to go shopping in a little while. I will tell you if I find anything.

Thanks for all the help!

Lindsay- I didnt think you were favoring one child over the other. I also like the idea of a presant for both on each birthday. You sound like a very awsome and caring Auntie.

 

[Rogue26]

Don't want you all to feel like I've forgotten about you, I know I've been saying that way to much lately! I've been reading along but constuction has started on my house this week so I can't say that my brain is functioning properly! Leftover spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.

 

[Goofyluver]

Lindsay - I agree with both Jen and Nancy. I see nothing wrong with making Ryan feel a bit special. My sister was always giving smaller gifts to my older kids on the younger ones birthdays. Now that they are older, she doesn't, but it sure made it nice back then!

Well, it seems pretty calm out there today, and I hope it is, because I have to drive to bowling. An hour north of here there are 50,000 people without power. At my MIL's house, there are trees down everywhere. She and her husband were lucky, and their house was spared, but they are still without power. I think Alan will be heading up there today, to make sure they have food, warmth, etc.

Dinner tonight will be Italian chicken in the crock pot.

I'm glad you guys are safe and that you have power.

Oh goodness, I really hope I haven't given the impression I would ever favor Ryan over Chloe! I sure wouldn't! If I did this for him, I would do it for her, too, in a heartbeat. There would NEVER be a "favorite" in my heart. Trust me, I know what that feels like. Neither ones of the kids asked for nincompoops for parents and I just want to make sure I do right by them. I'm sorry if I insinuated I would favor one over the other

I'm off to go shopping in a little while. I will tell you if I find anything.

Thanks for all the help!

Girl, I didn't think that at all, and that's not how you came across!

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

Work was an absolute blast today. We filmed our video, danced around all day, went out to lunch, planned our activities for the next 2 weeks before Christmas, and just laughed. It was a nice team building activity for us. And I think I shook my bahookie good for the video!

I made Pioneer Woman's marlboro man sandwiches for dinner. They were good, but I wasn't a huge fan. I'll post the recipe in the next post for those that want it. Just not my type of meal, I guess.

This weekend we're going to try to relax. That's the only plan. Relaxation!!!

I'm also perturbed. UncleR wanted new pillows as one of her Christmas presents. I know that seems strange, but she wanted the Gooooooooood pillows...the ones that cost a bit more and make you want to never leave your bed. Well, the ones we ordered came today and they are AWFUL. We're going to try a different set. And returning these is a hassle, I wish I would have researched that before I ordered through the company. That is my fault.

Anyways, hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[Goofyluver]

Marlboro Man Sandwich

Ingredients

■1 whole Large (or 2 Small) Onions
■2 sticks Butter (lots And Lots Of Butter)
■2 pounds (to 3 Pounds) Cube Steak (tenderized Round Steak That's Been Extra Tenderized)
■Lawry's Seasoned Salt (or Similar Seasoned Salt)
■1/2 cup (approximately) Worcestershire Sauce
■Tabasco Sauce, To Taste
■4 whole French/deli Rolls


Preparation Instructions

Slice onions and cook in 1/4 stick butter until soft and light brown. Remove and set aside.

Slice cube steak against the grain. Season with Lawry’s.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter over high heat (in same skillet) until melted and beginning to brown. Add meat in single layer. Cook one side until brown, then flip and cook until brown, about a minute on both sides.

Add 1/2 cup (at least) Worcestershire sauce, 5 to 6 shakes Tabasco, and 2 tablespoons butter. Add cooked onions. Stir to combine.

Butter halved French rolls and brown in skillet.

To assemble, lay bottom half of French roll on plate. Place meat mixture, followed by a spoonful of juice from the pan. Top with other half of roll, cut in half, and devour!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Hey friends... tonight we ended up eating out. I intended to get to the store but never made it there. It was truly a day off and I ended up sleeping really late... like 1:30 in the afternoon late. So, I had less time to get everything done.

I'm still a hot mess, but better than yesterday. Jen - thanks for the thoughts

I wanted to ask...
Had anyone made flavored vodka at home? I wanted to make some for XMas gifts. And for myself I am tempted by bacon vodka... but it's really good in bloody mary's which I think are disgusting. So, now I'm tempted to try the skittle vodka instead. Or maybe citrus? What flavor would you want to receive? I picked up a huge bottle at Costco and need to get it going ASAP so it'll be ready for XMas.

I thought it might be a good idea to start on XMas gift ideas

 

[franandaj]

I'm so frazzled, I'll hit a few points that I can still remember. We've had a heck of a week. Between the electrician, the drapery folks and the new heater, I'm wiped out and we're out of cash. We need to rent these apartments!

Is she on Remicade? I know they use that for RA, too. I was on it for a few years and it was a wonder drug for me!

No, she's on Actemera, it's a relatively new drug. She got on it while it was stil in trials, and we got it for free. After a few months on the study they approved it through the FDA, she got three free doses, and then we had to start paying for it. It's insane the bill to our insurance are $5000+ per treatment, we don't pay that. She's been through Enbrel, Humira, Remicade and possibly a few other as well.

Lindsay - I think it's a great idea to get him a gift. My parents did that for me and my sister. At a young age the jealousy factor can be really difficult.

Jen - I hope you enjoyed your vidoe production! And those Marlboro Man sandwiches don't really sound like my cup of tea. Worcestershire and tabasco as the main seasonings, probably not my cup of tea.

I hope everyone here is keeping up with all their Holiday obligations! I haven't even gotten as far as decorating. I might miss out on that one again this year.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Nancy - Hope the girld are feeling better. I'm also slowly getting things done in prep for Christmas. It seems like a lot of work, doesn't it?

Jen - when its ready, I'm so into seeing the video!

Glynis - Happy 10 year anniversary with the house! DH is supposed to put the outside lights up tomorrow and I still have some internal decorations to put up. It won't be the end of the world if neither make it up.....but it would look so much more like Christmas if they are.

Brandi - Hope things are going well with you and you're having a great time. Enjoy Colorado!

Aimee - Sorry that you've had a hard week. I haven't tried infusing vodka at home... but I'd be curious to see how it worked out for you. I think its a great idea for a home made gift.

Marilyn - That's a lot of quillows to make! I'm sure your family and friends appreciate getting them. Your work looked great!

Lauri - I'm sorry about your joints not liking the cold weather. Have you already have one hip replaced?

Janice - I think life is crazy this time of year, no matter where you are. I try to get organised earlier and earlier but every year, I feel like I'm swimming against the tide. Keep well!

Lindsay - If you feel like you want to get Ryan a present, go for it! At that age and if he is kinda 'forgotten', it is always nice to be made a fuss over by a favourite aunt.

Robin - Nice to see you posting. Happy Construction! May it be finished quickly.

Alison - Keep well and I hope you get some rest.




Well....it's been another frantic week over here. I can't see this pace settling down until the week of the 20th. Between work and DS' activities and school....we're pretty much running to keep up with ourselves.
I'm up to R in my address book with card writing. I might burn the midnight oil tonight to finish the rest off so that I can get them in the mail on Monday.

I've seen apricots down around the $3 per kilo (about $1.50 per lb). I'm hoping for them to get a bit cheaper; but I might consider making a batch next weekend if that's the price they are going to be.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Morning, all!

I have no idea what we are doing for dinner today. I have choir practice until noon today and Chloe's birthday party is at 3. We may try to squeeze in something in between or go out after. I don't know yet.

Ok, gift time!

I got Chloe a Catch-Me-Kitty. That thing was so darn cute I couldn't help it. I REALLY wanted to get her those little push things with the balls in it that pop and make a ton of noise, but I couldn't find one. You know, the thing the kids love and parents hate, lol.

I ended up picking Ryan a CAT "transporter" truck that has a mini truck on it's bed. It looks fun and someone can play WITH him with it since it has 2 trucks. Not bad, right?

I will let you know how things go today. Thank you for all of your help!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great gifts, Lindsay!


But I am glad that Chloe (and that Kitty) is over where you are...and I'm over here.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Okra Curry

This curry is based on tamarind, instead of tomato or coconut milk. The tamarind paste gives the curry a sour taste and in my opinion, it is perfect with seafood. I’ve served this ‘as is’ but you can add shrimp or fish in the curry to cook whilst heating before serving.


My starting ingredients:

The vegetables component consisted of:

• 
  Onion, 1 – sliced
  Okra, 16 – slice the cap off
  Eggplant, 1 – cut into chunks
  Curry leaves, 2 stalks
  Cilantro (this is option for those of you that don’t quite like it) – as much as you like

The tamarind paste looks like this…

I used about 1 tablespoon…

..added about 1 cup hot/boiling water…

…and let soak for at least 10 minutes.

The spices for this curry included:

• 2 tablespoon of curry powder, mixed with about ½ cup of water to make a paste

• 
  Coriander stalks – finely diced
  Ginger – about 2 slices, finely sliced
  Fenugreek – about ½ teaspoon (not pictured here but is in the first picture of all the ingredients)

In a pot, fry the onion, cilantro stalks, ginger and fenugreek in about 2 tablespoon oil for about 2 minutes or until fragrant. Don’t skimp on the oil….you’ll need it for frying, which brings out the aromatics of the spices and curry.

Add the curry paste to the pot. I made the paste a little bit more ‘wet’ than normal, so you can add a little less water if you like. Stir well and constantly, whilst letting the curry base cook for about 2 – 3 minutes.

Add the okra, eggplant and the coriander leaves to the pot.

Strain the tamarind water using a sieve….

..and use a spatula to push the pulp through.

The pulp will look like this. Mix the ingredients together.

When the curry comes to a boil, put the lid on the pot and turn the heat off. The steam will cook the vegetables a little more.

This curry actually tastes better the next day. So, if you can, leave it overnight in the fridge (or on the stove if your kitchen is a cool place).



When you’re ready to serve, heat the curry up…do not overboil the vegetables.

My dinner!

You can see that this is one of my Asian dinners.

I cooked some chicken mince with broccoli and oyster sauce for DS.

This is what it looked like on my plate.

I also cooked some shrimp with broccoli and will post that recipe next.






ps. Next time I cook the okra curry, I'm going make some of the flour tortillas that Jen made. I reckon it would work just as good as Indian roti or paratha.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Shrimp with Broccoli


I also cooked some shrimp with broccoli as an extra dish. I could have put the shrimp into the curry; but that would mean that DS wouldn’t have eaten it. So, I turned it into a 3rd dish for dinner.

I used similar ingredients to what I had for the okra curry…I didn’t want to overpower the shrimp and I didn’t want the flavours to clash with the curry.


In a pan, fry some cilantro stalks with ginger.

When fragrant, add the shrimp….

…and the broccoli. I par-cooked the broccoli beforehand because the shrimp cooks so quickly.

Toss the ingredients and add some soya and oyster sauce (about 1 normal tablespoon should be enough; rather than my normal oversized spoon).

And because I had more cilantro, I added it to the dish.

The shrimp, on the plate of rice!

Enjoy!

 

[HERSEY]

I am cking in with my new nook. I reallyam liking my new toy. Today I plan on cleaning and stadecorating. I will post dinner later

 

[Goofyluver]

Hey friends... tonight we ended up eating out. I intended to get to the store but never made it there. It was truly a day off and I ended up sleeping really late... like 1:30 in the afternoon late. So, I had less time to get everything done.

I'm still a hot mess, but better than yesterday. Jen - thanks for the thoughts

I wanted to ask...
Had anyone made flavored vodka at home? I wanted to make some for XMas gifts. And for myself I am tempted by bacon vodka... but it's really good in bloody mary's which I think are disgusting. So, now I'm tempted to try the skittle vodka instead. Or maybe citrus? What flavor would you want to receive? I picked up a huge bottle at Costco and need to get it going ASAP so it'll be ready for XMas.

I thought it might be a good idea to start on XMas gift ideas

I have had the skittles vodka but haven't made it myself. It was FABULOUS. Of course, my favorite thing in the world is skittles...so take that into account as I say that. I've also had vodka soaked gummy bears, which were like a whole nother dimension of candy yumminess. The flavored vodkas I've had have always been good. And it's an impressive gift!!!

I'm so frazzled, I'll hit a few points that I can still remember. We've had a heck of a week. Between the electrician, the drapery folks and the new heater, I'm wiped out and we're out of cash. We need to rent these apartments!



Jen- I hope you enjoyed your vidoe production! And those Marlboro Man sandwiches don't really sound like my cup of tea. Worcestershire and tabasco as the main seasonings, probably not my cup of tea.

I hope everyone here is keeping up with all their Holiday obligations! I haven't even gotten as far as decorating. I might miss out on that one again this year.

Hope you get those apts. rented!!

And yea, the marlboro man sandwiches weren't my cup of tea even though I love those seasonings.

If we were there, we'd come decorate with ya'. It does something just to have it up and out. Puts you in the mood.

Well....it's been another frantic week over here. I can't see this pace settling down until the week of the 20th. Between work and DS' activities and school....we're pretty much running to keep up with ourselves.
I'm up to R in my address book with card writing. I might burn the midnight oil tonight to finish the rest off so that I can get them in the mail on Monday.

I've seen apricots down around the $3 per kilo (about $1.50 per lb). I'm hoping for them to get a bit cheaper; but I might consider making a batch next weekend if that's the price they are going to be.

We have an apricot tree that didn't fruit this year because of our extreme drought. Hearing (uhhhh, reading??? LOL) you talk about them makes me sad.

Hope things get a little less busy for you and that you can get done what you need to get done!

Morning, all!

I have no idea what we are doing for dinner today. I have choir practice until noon today and Chloe's birthday party is at 3. We may try to squeeze in something in between or go out after. I don't know yet.

Ok, gift time!

I got Chloe a Catch-Me-Kitty. That thing was so darn cute I couldn't help it. I REALLY wanted to get her those little push things with the balls in it that pop and make a ton of noise, but I couldn't find one. You know, the thing the kids love and parents hate, lol.

I ended up picking Ryan a CAT "transporter" truck that has a mini truck on it's bed. It looks fun and someone can play WITH him with it since it has 2 trucks. Not bad, right?

I will let you know how things go today. Thank you for all of your help!

I think you chose well! You're such a good auntie!

Okra Curry

This curry is based on tamarind, instead of tomato or coconut milk. The tamarind paste gives the curry a sour taste and in my opinion, it is perfect with seafood. I’ve served this ‘as is’ but you can add shrimp or fish in the curry to cook whilst heating before serving.


ps. Next time I cook the okra curry, I'm going make some of the flour tortillas that Jen made. I reckon it would work just as good as Indian roti or paratha.

Especially if you use the recipe I posted which is made with butter. They come out more firm and thick than many store-bought tortillas. I think they would work well.

I am cking in with my new nook. I reallyam liking my new toy. Today I plan on cleaning and stadecorating. I will post dinner later

How fun!!!!! Enjoy! Got any good books yet?

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

Good morning. I slept late.

We have one mission today and only one. Rest and relaxation!

Tonight's dinner is a recipe I got from my friend for chicken enchilada soup. It's a throw together recipe and very easy. I'll post the recipe later if it's yummy. (It has velveeta cheese in it, not sure how it couldn't be yummy.)

Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!

 

[dgbg100106]

Good morning everyone. We are at the airport heading to Orlando for the conference.
Man there are a ton of people here heading somewhere.

WFD - have no idea, but I am not cooking.

OK we are back... I have a ton of pages to catch up on, you all were busy while I was away....

We made it back safe and sound but I fly out again tomorrow for Colorado... This work stuff is getting in the way of my personal life.

Good thing I was caught up on all my Christmas shopping.

 

[dgbg100106]

Few updates...

Easy and delicious!

Yummy, yummy, yummy:

As others have already attested, this is AMAZING. Kathy Louise, have you made it yet?

All of these look wonderful and look amazing... So how were the gingerbread Pancakes?

So here are a few pics from last night's Dinner. The spread, notice the broccoli is steaming hot:

And my plate:

Alison, yummy yummy....

 

[dgbg100106]

Brandi – I hope you have time to do some resort hopping. It’s been about 4 years since we’ve been there during the holidays and I SO miss the decorations.

I did not get to do anything...... I did not make it to dinner one night at all, I was just so darn tired every night.

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

Well, slap me and call me Bertha. That dinner sho' was good...

Smothered Pork Chops

Well Bertha, that dinner looks like some wonderful comfort food.

Food photo catch up time!
So here are some food pics from the last week. Twist rolls from the current Fine Cooking magazine:

Spaghetti carbonara--you mix the yolk into the hot pasta to cook it:

John's birthday dinner: braised short ribs over creamy polenta and greens:

Dessert, couer la creme with raspberry sauce:

easy dinner night before Thanksgiving, baked brie with ginger crumble:

I'll finish up tomorrow, the pizza is ready!

All of this is making me so hungry and it noon here, so I wonder what I am going to have for dinner tonight....

Here is the rest of the photos from last week. Roasted root vegetables that I served on Thanksgiving. I didn't get many pictures that day it was too crazy with everyone rushing around finishing dishes:

Egg-free apple cider donuts

The cake, which was a toasted coconut topped coconut layer cake with chocolate ganache frosting.

The dinner for that meal--seafood fra diavolo with lobster, clams, and mussels:

which was served with a vegetable antipasto plate:

the stuff in the bowl is fresh ricotta with olive oil and pepper flakes. We spread it on grilled bread.

More food porn... this is awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Morning, everyone! Well, looks like the tummy bug is going to go around us, again. Katie came down with it last night. I'm hopeful that not everyone will be affected this time! Keep your fingers crossed for us. She's really upset that she's missing school today, as it's her tough day. She has French, Geometry, Earth Systems and World Geography today. Yikes!

Wow I hope everyone is feeling better... Knock on wood we have been doing pretty good this year.

 

[dgbg100106]

Morning, everyone!

I am feeling better today. Most of the time I can flush my infections away, as the reason they come on is because I haven't been drinking enough water. I am doing much better today, thanks! After 3 Advil, a few gallons of water, a 4 cranberry pills yesterday, I was feeling more like myself by lunch.


I meant to do this on Thanksgiving Day, but I thought I would share with you some Kevin-isms that made me In the end I have to shake my head, laugh, and be thankful I don't have to live with him. I thought you guys might like a laugh!

Lindsay, I am glad you are feeling better, and you must have a heart of gold.... I could not do it. I can't, don't and won't take anything from anyone.... No matter if they are family, friends or both. I call complete strangers out when they do stupid stuff, so I just am so proud of you!

You need many many thanks from everyone.

 

[dgbg100106]

Quick check-in. I haven't read back so I have no idea what I've missed.

DH and I celebrated our Silver Wedding anniversary yesterday. Yes, I was such a child bride. In those days, who knew it was illegal to be married so young???
Anyway, given our schedule, there was no way we could celebrate anything last night.
But tonight...I booked tickets to see the musical Love Never Dies. It's in its final weeks in Melbourne and I scored tickets at half price. They released all the "held seats" and I got seats almost directly in the middle 3 rows from the front.

If any of you ladies are thinking of going to see it, 3 rows from the front was great for the ending...but I recommend getting seats 6 - 10 rows from the front.

The storyline was strong; but the music...patchy. Really, I think Andrew Lloyd-Webber should just about be done with the Phantom after this one. Glad I got to see it with DH.

So now...we're home alone.

Have a good day all. I hope to catch up tomorrow; but I suspect it will be too late to catch any of you. Is Christmas over yet?

Happy Anniversary PIO....