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

[TigerKat]

Princess - Great pics, looks like lots of fun was had!

WFD - White beans & rice, Italian chicken sausages and a salad.

Happy Halloween everyone!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Happy Halloween "BOO"

I am hopelessly behind. I will try to catch up with all of you later today. But please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the path of the storm.

I have some wonderful news and I couldn't wait to share with all of you. Yesterday in Church, during services, Doug and I were called to the front and were presented with a wonderful vacation, fully paid, all amminities and meals for 1 week in Branson MO. We were overwhelmed and so thrilled. They said that we both had gone above and beyond ANY call of duty. With the turmoil here in the Church for the last year we weren't able to properly celebrate our "30th" Wedding Anniversary. So off we go in April 2012. Just a few weeks after our 31st Anniversary - but we have a grandbaby due the 1st so hopefully all is ok to take off. WOW - We were both in tears and so blown away to be thought of this way. It has been a hard year but that is part of the job, all we could say was "Wow, and Thank You!" I have no idea how everyone kept this a secret and I had no idea. But WOW!!

Tonight is Halloween and we will spend the evening into Jay and Elizabeth's to hand out candy so they can take Ethan and his friends out trick or treating. I love to do this and see all of the little ones in their costumes. Living in the country we never get any little ones, so this is a treat for us.

WFDT ~ Stay-in-bed-stew (it's a tradition my Momma started years ago), homemade biscuits and lots of yummy candy.

Make it a "bootiful" day my friends.

 

[dgbg100106]

Happy Halloween "BOO"

I am hopelessly behind. I will try to catch up with all of you later today. But please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the path of the storm.

I have some wonderful news and I couldn't wait to share with all of you. Yesterday in Church, during services, Doug and I were called to the front and were presented with a wonderful vacation, fully paid, all amminities and meals for 1 week in Branson MO. We were overwhelmed and so thrilled. They said that we both had gone above and beyond ANY call of duty. With the turmoil here in the Church for the last year we weren't able to properly celebrate our "30th" Wedding Anniversary. So off we go in April 2012. Just a few weeks after our 31st Anniversary - but we have a grandbaby due the 1st so hopefully all is ok to take off. WOW - We were both in tears and so blown away to be thought of this way. It has been a hard year but that is part of the job, all we could say was "Wow, and Thank You!" I have no idea how everyone kept this a secret and I had no idea. But WOW!!

Tonight is Halloween and we will spend the evening into Jay and Elizabeth's to hand out candy so they can take Ethan and his friends out trick or treating. I love to do this and see all of the little ones in their costumes. Living in the country we never get any little ones, so this is a treat for us.

WFDT ~ Stay-in-bed-stew (it's a tradition my Momma started years ago), homemade biscuits and lots of yummy candy.

Make it a "bootiful" day my friends.

That is so wonderful for everyone to treat you and DH this way, that is true love and support from your church family.

 

[Glynis]

Happy Halloween, everyone!!! It's going to be a rather warm day (compared to last year's rainstorm), so my kids are really happy!!! I was informed this morning, that all my kids are trick or treating with friends this year. No boring old mom tagging along. Katie and her group of friends are taking younger siblings around the neighborhood, and then will go to someone's house to watch a movie. Jacob and Mary are going to the same Halloween birthday party, and then trick or treating as part of the party. Katie and her best friend are going with Ember's mom. So, it looks like I get to stay home and pass out candy! Alan got out of working late, so he'll be home, as well!!!

Dinner tonight will probably be pizza as it's quick and warm, and all my little monsters are leaving at 5. So, no creative meal here today.

The best news is that the furnace guy is coming to install our new furnace today!!! I'm thrilled!!! Alan got a really good deal, as well. He played "bidding wars" with 2 companies and ended up getting the furnace he wanted for about 2000 dollars less than the starting price! Hooray!!!

Becky - Yay, on the oven!!! Can't wait to see what you can come up with now that you've got a full sized oven!

Ellen - Congrats on the trip! You and Doug so deserve it! Have fun tonight! I love to see the little ones all dressed up, as well!

Lindsay - How's the voice?

Aimee - Take care of that rib! They are slow to heal!

Kathy - Welcome back! I'm so glad you had a good time! I'd love to go to F&W sometime, but I doubt it will happen in the near future!

Vickie - And now it truly feels like home! Thanks for the yummy picture!

Have a great day, everyone! I need to go to Jacob's school for the 6th grade wax museum this morning. Jacob has researched Poseidon and will be wearing a toga and carrying a trident this morning. He's thrilled, because he made the toga all by himself. Later this afternoon, we'll head back to the school for the costume parade. Should be fun!

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi all! We are alll. Fine here but the outlook is pretty grim. I can follow your posts so I keeep up. Posting is hard so know that I am thinking of yyou

 

[Rogue26]

Ellen- That is awsome! I know you are the kind of person that does the right thing because it's the right thing to do whether people notice or not. But is sure is nice when they notice! What a fantastic church community you have.

Glynis- Glad your furnace will be up and running soon. Are you enjoying your wood stove?

Kathy- I'm happy to see you back of course, but I'm sorry that means your vacation had to come to an end. Hope you had tons of fun, glad you got to catch up with so many of our friends.

PIO- There is a trunk or treat near us, we went a few times and it was awsome. I'd like to decorate a trunk one year. We live in an area where the majority of the homes are summer homes, so it's hard to go house to house.

I have a lot to do around the house but I'll try to be back later. Tonight we are having our traditional Halloween dinner, Bats (farfelle pasta), cobwebs (lots of mozzerrella), and mice brains (mini sausage meatballs.) So basically, baked ziti with a fun name.

 

[TigerKat]

Ellen – I am so thrilled for you and Doug! I can’t think of anyone more deserving!

Glynis – Congrats on the furnace deal, I want Alan to work his magic for me!

Nan – Please take care and know that I’m thinking of y’all.

Robin – Your traditional Halloween meal sounds so fun!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have some wonderful news and I couldn't wait to share with all of you.

Oh my gosh, how awesome! I'm so glad those you serve noticed your dedication and hardwork are showing their appreciation in such a great way!

The best news is that the furnace guy is coming to install our new furnace today!!! I'm thrilled!!! Alan got a really good deal, as well. He played "bidding wars" with 2 companies and ended up getting the furnace he wanted for about 2000 dollars less than the starting price! Hooray!!!

I'm making lobster ravioli with cream sauce tonight for dinner.

 

[TigerKat]

I'm making lobster ravioli with cream sauce tonight for dinner.

That sounds great, new recipe?

 

[Goofyluver]

I have some wonderful news and I couldn't wait to share with all of you. WFDT ~ Stay-in-bed-stew (it's a tradition my Momma started years ago), homemade biscuits and lots of yummy candy.

Make it a "bootiful" day my friends.

What an amazing gift!

And what is "stay-in-bed stew"?

Happy Halloween, everyone!!! It's going to be a rather warm day (compared to last year's rainstorm), so my kids are really happy!!! I was informed this morning, that all my kids are trick or treating with friends this year. No boring old mom tagging along. Katie and her group of friends are taking younger siblings around the neighborhood, and then will go to someone's house to watch a movie. Jacob and Mary are going to the same Halloween birthday party, and then trick or treating as part of the party. Katie and her best friend are going with Ember's mom. So, it looks like I get to stay home and pass out candy! Alan got out of working late, so he'll be home, as well!!!

Dinner tonight will probably be pizza as it's quick and warm, and all my little monsters are leaving at 5. So, no creative meal here today.

The best news is that the furnace guy is coming to install our new furnace today!!! I'm thrilled!!! Alan got a really good deal, as well. He played "bidding wars" with 2 companies and ended up getting the furnace he wanted for about 2000 dollars less than the starting price! Hooray!!!

Yay for new furnaces!!!

Hi all! We are alll. Fine here but the outlook is pretty grim. I can follow your posts so I keeep up. Posting is hard so know that I am thinking of yyou

Thinking of you.

I'm making lobster ravioli with cream sauce tonight for dinner.

That sounds great, new recipe?

Inquiring minds want to know...

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

Happy Halloween y'all!

Work was long, but it's over now. Tomorrow I have a training for half the day.

I've finished 11 CEU's over the weekend in order to comp the days over Thanksgiving week, so I won't have to work at all that week! My daddy is coming to visit us here in Texas for the first time so I want to have the week off! I need 1 more to comp the week! (We would have Wed-Fri off, but are scheduled to work Monday and Tuesday)

Tonight's dinner is loaded baked potatoes, maybe some leftover cheddar cheese soup, and strawberry sheet cake.

all around. Y'all have a skeeeery halloween!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Thin crust Papa John's Pizza...extra cheese(for the boy), half with red pepper, banana peppers and black olives on one half for DD and me.

Yummy!

 

[Glynis]

Ellen- That is awsome! I know you are the kind of person that does the right thing because it's the right thing to do whether people notice or not. But is sure is nice when they notice! What a fantastic church community you have.

Glynis- Glad your furnace will be up and running soon. Are you enjoying your wood stove?

Kathy- I'm happy to see you back of course, but I'm sorry that means your vacation had to come to an end. Hope you had tons of fun, glad you got to catch up with so many of our friends.

PIO- There is a trunk or treat near us, we went a few times and it was awsome. I'd like to decorate a trunk one year. We live in an area where the majority of the homes are summer homes, so it's hard to go house to house.

I have a lot to do around the house but I'll try to be back later. Tonight we are having our traditional Halloween dinner, Bats (farfelle pasta), cobwebs (lots of mozzerrella), and mice brains (mini sausage meatballs.) So basically, baked ziti with a fun name.

Yes, we are enjoying the stove! It has been a life saver these last few days!

 

[Glynis]

Thin crust Papa John's Pizza...extra cheese(for the boy), half with red pepper, banana peppers and black olives on one half for DD and me.

Yummy!

Sounds like our dinner, only we got pizza from the local supermarket. One Hawaiian (small) for Jacob and Leslie, and one extra large supreme, for everyone else!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Kat - Glad you're back!

Ellen - That's great news about the fully-paid vacay. I bet it feels wonderful to know that the Church and the congregation believe you are so deserving! Enjoy...you deserve it!

Glynis - YAY!!! Congrats on HEAT! Hope you had a great time at Jacob's school.


Nancy - thinking of you! Hope that snowmaggeddon is kind to you.

Robin - We really had fun at the trunk or treating. It was a great way to enjoy Halloween in a country that traditionally doesn't celebrate this festival.

Aimee - That lobster ravioli with cream sauce sounds wonderful. Put me down on the list for "Recipe, please?"

Jen - Enjoy your training and I hope it gives you a bit of down time.



WFDT? I'm thinking of making Aimee's vegetarian mushroom lasagna.

Catch you all soon.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Happy Halloween!

Sitting out front giving out candy,, it's freezing!

Dinner tonight was Panera, turkey panini, chips and brocolli cheddar soup. Dessert is candy!

 

[dgbg100106]

Happy Halloween!

Sitting out front giving out candy,, it's freezing!

Dinner tonight was Panera, turkey panini, chips and brocolli cheddar soup. Dessert is candy!

I was sitting on the front porch, giving out candy too.....

Dinner was Shrimp fried rice ala Brandi and dessert was candy and Sam Adams beer.... My rear is so cold it is numb...

 

[franandaj]

Hi Everyone - I'm very far behind since I took another 3-4 hour nap this morning after Fran's infusion. I definitely feel better. She is feeling somewhat better as today she actually suggested that we order lunch from take out and that she wanted a salad and a Hoagie style sandwich. However, I am not sure that she is improving much and with the 30 window of cancellation coming up for our DVC am considering being prudent rather than stupid. They gave us a one time pass with the points going into holding, so perhaps it might be better to take the points now while they will still be points.

Ellen - how wonderful of your church to give you a fully paid vacay! I'm sure you two deserved it and that everyone kept it a secret is crazy, but so glad you were suprised. That must have been awesome!

Kat - I caught a review of the lunch you went to and it looked awesome! The review of the one I was supposed to go to, eh? I guess it's hit or miss. We'll still think about it for next year. Glad to have you back!

Aimee - I've never made lobster ravioli before, I always buy it at the store would love to hear your recipe

Jen - congrats on the CEUs!

Glynis - awesome on the heat! We're landlords and have had to replace heaters in 4 out of 5 units in one building in the past two years. You guys must have got an awesome deal because unless you're heating a 2 bedroom apartment in So Cal prices are really high! Good for Alan!

To all of you who handed out candy, we usually do, but with the whole new cat and Fran infection (she gets so confused with outside noise, the whole morphine thing and everything). Sorry you had to handle cold! It hasn't actually started to get cold here and usually doesn't for another couple months. And then for most you it isn't even cold!

Hope everyone had a happy halloween, we had another day but I'm getting used to that.

 

[PrincessInOz]

For dinner tonight, I made Aimee's Spinach, Mushroom and Pesto lasagna. Naturally I took pictures and naturally I made some modifications to the recipe.


So, I've copied Aimee's post below and will be adding pictures and comments!!

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


My starting ingredients:

I didn't have enough pesto in the house; but had plenty of parsley growing outside. So, I substituted pesto by deconstructing it! I added parsley, toasted pine nuts and parmesan. I also used less onion and used grated pizza cheese instead of mozzarella slices.


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.

I added the toasted pine nuts to this section; as well as seasoning with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in addition to the salt and pepper.



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.

I cooked the mushroom until they lost moisture. On my stove, I'm sure this took less than 5 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.

I added the parsley to this section.

Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup pesto. Taste to see if salt and pepper are needed.

I didn't have 3/4 cup of pesto. I think I had about 1/2 cup.

Drain lasagna noodles.

Spoon 2 TBSP of the pesto on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.


As I ran out of pesto, I used 2 tablespoon of water instead.


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.

I used grated pizza cheese instead of mozzarella 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.

My dinner!

Thanks Aimee!!!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Ugh, morning, everyone

I have been feeling great and am getting much more of my voice back. Only I went to bed last night and couldn't stop coughing. I finally gave up and got up around 11. I went back to bed around midnight and managed to get some rest. I felt so bad keeping Scott awake. Grrr, I haven't been coughing until I lay down so this was frustrating. More frustrating is that I have a prescription cough medicine. Apparently it didn't do what it was supposed to last night. Thanks for all the well-wishes. I love you guys

I ended up not making the farfalle yesterday but I did brown my meat. I made my to-do list way too long so I quit after browning the meat. So today I will finish. Boy, if there was a time I needed some comfort food, it's today!

I've been trying to pack a little bit along the way so I'm not snowed under with all of the packing on Friday. (we leave Sat.) I'm hoping to get our clothes packed today. I may sneak off and go back to bed here in a little while so I can get some energy, I don't know. I HATE doing that, but I really want to be in prime shape for WDW.

I hope everyone had a great Halloween! We had no ToTers, except Amanda and Kevin brought the kids by. LOL, I was a little annoyed. I'd jumped in the shower after dinner (I like to shower at night sometimes, especially when I am under the weather) and was sitting in my chair packing with nothing on but a pajama top and a towel underneath me. (After I shower, I sometimes doodle for a few minutes to let my hair dry a few minutes, then go put on pajamas and dry my hair) I saw a person out of the corner of my eye coming up on our deck so I high-tailed it to the bedroom to put on some clothes. I heard the kids jabbering and realized who it was. I texted Amanda that I was getting dressed, and to hang on. Ryan wouldn't stop banging on the door. Ack! I don't think he would want Aunt Kitty to answer the door half-naked, lol.

Amanda realized she hadn't called or texted they were coming. She knows I run around the house like that sometimes and like a few minutes notice. I was really embarrassed, but no need to be. No one saw anything I'm kind of a stickler on that, so it kind of but a jump in my evening.

I hope everyone has a great day!

ETA: I am so sorry this was so long!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Morning Lindsay. You have a great day too! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see you when Amanda and Kevin dropped in....it's easy to sit here and laugh at the visual image you've written.

Have a great time between now and Saturday preparing for your trip.





We've had a public holiday today in Melbourne. It was the running of the Melbourne Cup (horse race). The horses race over 2 miles and it is pretty much over within three and the half minutes. But the whole city gets a public holiday for the entire day. About 100K people end up going to the racecourse and it is entirely about who's who and fashion! This year's special guests included Sarah Jessica Parker.
I'm back at work tomorrow....so I'll catch up during night shift, your time.


Have a great day all.