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

[Goofyluver]

We give each other alcohol, vodka for me Bourbon for David. It works most of the time, but when we are really mad or pissed, we tend to not know when we reach that point.... so the other has to be strong and pull back when the time is right.

I was mad when I woke up, it was like come on.... Please just a little longer, nothing really woke me up, it was just time....

If I've had a bad day at work, I'll call home and tell UncleR to have the wine waiting.

No, he is pissed! We partnered with another farmer in order to bring a guy here from Jamaica. he is an amazing man, has forgotten more about tobacco than Buddy will ever know. Anyway, there is an agency you must go through and it is expensive but totally worth the money. His friend keeps the books and we pay him, it is okay to do this, every tax and insurance is paid. No money under the table at all. No chance of hiring an illegal worker either so it works well.

Anyway, somehow we have been left out of the loop and found out on Friday that the two guys here are heading home on Monday. No one consulted us. Neither man is ready, most of the guys are leaving on Nov 26th. There have been small issues but nothing that we cannot overlook but this was not right. We bought a vehicle, pay the insurance so no one needs to pick them up and these guys are not prisoners not the camp, waiting for a ride to manage basic necessities. WE felt that we should pay all of the expenses for this because we don't have the headaches of keeping the books, he does it. IT was pretty thoughtless not to discuss their departure date with Bud and he is not happy. These guys are here to work, the crop is time sensitive and there is plenty of work to go around, and every penny in taxes are paid so there are no worries that you break the law. He is going to discuss that he was a little upset because we had work for at least another week for them and becasue we want them to come back to our farms we should not be sending them home until there is no more work. They do not need to agree to work for us or him.

Buddy is actually more upset for how they were not consulted, they were told. He thinks that there is a lack of respect for them in this instance and when you think about the level of stress that their help alleviated for both him and us it was not a nice thing to do. I am like a bull in a china shop when I am upset and becasue I have already had an agitated conversation with his wife and Buddy is much less volitle he is the best one to talk. But he was very quiet last night and that is never a good sign.

Sounds like everyone was disrespected!

And how sad for the workers.

It sounds like there was no value placed on them or Buddy and his role as their boss/supervisor/don't know what to call him in this situation but you know what I mean.

I'd be pissed too.

On a side note, it's hard for me to picture you like a bull in a china shop.

 

[dgbg100106]

better late than never....

Roasted Brussel Sprouts and and Venison Tenders....

Spice mix and water mixed together for the wet dunk

Flour and spices for the dry dunk..

Raw Venison

Fried up tenders

plated...

 

[dgbg100106]

Pork Carnitas...

Fresh tomato, Avocado, onion for toppers,

 

[dgbg100106]

Jen's Enchiladas and Black Beans...

Starting of the roux.

Spices to be added

Everything in the pool.

Sauce nice and thick.

plated...

 

[dgbg100106]

No, he is pissed! We partnered with another farmer in order to bring a guy here from Jamaica. he is an amazing man, has forgotten more about tobacco than Buddy will ever know. Anyway, there is an agency you must go through and it is expensive but totally worth the money. His friend keeps the books and we pay him, it is okay to do this, every tax and insurance is paid. No money under the table at all. No chance of hiring an illegal worker either so it works well.

Anyway, somehow we have been left out of the loop and found out on Friday that the two guys here are heading home on Monday. No one consulted us. Neither man is ready, most of the guys are leaving on Nov 26th. There have been small issues but nothing that we cannot overlook but this was not right. We bought a vehicle, pay the insurance so no one needs to pick them up and these guys are not prisoners not the camp, waiting for a ride to manage basic necessities. WE felt that we should pay all of the expenses for this because we don't have the headaches of keeping the books, he does it. IT was pretty thoughtless not to discuss their departure date with Bud and he is not happy. These guys are here to work, the crop is time sensitive and there is plenty of work to go around, and every penny in taxes are paid so there are no worries that you break the law. He is going to discuss that he was a little upset because we had work for at least another week for them and becasue we want them to come back to our farms we should not be sending them home until there is no more work. They do not need to agree to work for us or him.

Buddy is actually more upset for how they were not consulted, they were told. He thinks that there is a lack of respect for them in this instance and when you think about the level of stress that their help alleviated for both him and us it was not a nice thing to do. I am like a bull in a china shop when I am upset and becasue I have already had an agitated conversation with his wife and Buddy is much less volitle he is the best one to talk. But he was very quiet last night and that is never a good sign.

I can understand why both of you are not happy at this. I hope that everything works out for the best for everyone, including the workers.

 

[TigerKat]

Kat, how do your roast cauliflower? What do you put on it?

Here ya go:

Garlic Roast Cauliflower

Ingredients

1 head garlic, cloves separated but not peeled
1 large head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into large florets
4 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the garlic cloves. Boil for 15 seconds; drain and peel. Cut the largest cloves in half lengthwise.
2. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower with the garlic, 3 tbsp olive oil,1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Spread into a single layer and roast, stirring twice, until the cauliflower is tender and the garlic is lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl with the garlic and pan juices. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, parsley, pine nuts, and lemon juice. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Toss well and serve hot or warm.

 

[TigerKat]

Nan - I don't blame Buddy for being pissed. NOTHING about the entire situation was handled right.

 

[Goofyluver]

I've never had venison.

How is the flavor?

Pork Carnitas...

Jen's Enchiladas and Black Beans...

plated...

How'd you like these?

My BIL loved them, as he loves cheese enchiladas. I thought they were good, but not as good as some others I've had.




We just got done with pork carnitas for lunch. It was even better round 2. I fried them up in the pan to give them a little crisp and I made more homemade tortillas.

 

[TigerKat]

Pork Carnitas...

Kathy Louise likey......

 

[dgbg100106]

I've never had venison.

How is the flavor?

Jennifer Louise... Time for a full name here....

You live in Texas and have never had Venison????????

If it is not prepared correctly it will have some gameness to it, but mostly it taste like Beef, but is super uber lean.

How'd you like these?

My BIL loved them, as he loves cheese enchiladas. I thought they were good, but not as good as some others I've had.

We liked them, but I think the were missing something? Could not place it but it was easy and quick, so it might stay in rotation but I might keep tweaking the recipe....

We just got done with pork carnitas for lunch. It was even better round 2. I fried them up in the pan to give them a little crisp and I made more homemade tortillas.

I agree, we enjoyed them very much as left overs.... now it was scary to see all the pork fat solid in the container but it was so good, I got over it quick...

 

[Goofyluver]

Jennifer Louise... Time for a full name here....

You live in Texas and have never had Venison????????

If it is not prepared correctly it will have some gameness to it, but mostly it taste like Beef, but is super uber lean.

Ummmm, well, I'm actually from New Mexico?

Is that enough of an excuse?

We liked them, but I think the were missing something? Could not place it but it was easy and quick, so it might stay in rotation but I might keep tweaking the recipe....

Totally agree. Let me know if you make a change and it is "it"!

I agree, we enjoyed them very much as left overs.... now it was scary to see all the pork fat solid in the container but it was so good, I got over it quick...

All of my pork fat cooked out the first cooking, so there wasn't any fat left. I fried them up in some veggie oil.

I'm sad though. They're all gone.

 

[dgbg100106]

Ummmm, well, I'm actually from New Mexico?

Is that enough of an excuse?







Totally agree. Let me know if you make a change and it is "it"!



All of my pork fat cooked out the first cooking, so there wasn't any fat left. I fried them up in some veggie oil.

I'm sad though. They're all gone.

I made a double batch, when I cooked mine, but I am so making more....

 

[PrincessInOz]

We have a neighbor who has never really been friendly. She is new, about two years. Anyway, the day after we got trounced with that storm she somehow managed to get her car stuck up on a snowbank with several of her wheels dangling. Buddy found her trying to dig it out so he brought her home for coffee heat and some food. We kept her with us until she could get to her brothers house and Buddy rescued her poor car. She must have been shy because she is now Chatty Cathy and gifted us with a homemade apple crisp. It was delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't Chatty Cathy a "doll"? That's a great gift to get.

Anyway, somehow we have been left out of the loop and found out on Friday that the two guys here are heading home on Monday. No one consulted us.
Buddy is actually more upset for how they were not consulted, they were told. He thinks that there is a lack of respect for them in this instance and when you think about the level of stress that their help alleviated for both him and us it was not a nice thing to do. I am like a bull in a china shop when I am upset and becasue I have already had an agitated conversation with his wife and Buddy is much less volitle he is the best one to talk. But he was very quiet last night and that is never a good sign.

Sounds like the communication was very badly managed. I think Buddy has every right to be upset and I hope that the two guys aren't feeling like they have been mis-used as well.



Brandi - Lovely food porn!

 

[Nancyg56]

I can understand why both of you are not happy at this. I hope that everything works out for the best for everyone, including the workers.

It went I am not sure exactly what happened but for the first 5 minutes all was well. Then Bud said that Joe would have liked to stay longer and the next thing you know his partner was screaming like a banshee! Buddy said that first he asked why Joe did not come to him and then accused Buddy of pulling shenanigans behind his back and then worked himself into a frenzy that ended with telling Buddy to get his own da@*$$&(@&$(@&@^(!(!n contract! Now as I have said before, Buddy is not a man to go off on someone so he told him that the talked to Joe last night and called him right away. he said it was terrible and lasted less than 10 minutes. Honestly, it probably is a good thing I was not there, I would have hit him!

Here ya go:

Garlic Roast Cauliflower

.

This is a better recipe than mine!!!!

Nan - I don't blame Buddy for being pissed. NOTHING about the entire situation was handled right.

Oh Kat- he is so hurt. I wen to give Joe a bonus and was told that he thinks that he pissed the guy off that he lodges with. I really don't know what to think. Buddy is a good man and an honest man. He is also Joe's friend, has been for years. They can talk about anything. Joe has not always been treated really well by the folks who bring him here, there are some farmers who treat these men like cattle, not like men.

I am really mad right now, I don't care what it costs, we will get our own contract adn I will find Joe lodging. Joe told me he will come back next year for Buddy and he is none too happy about the way this was handled. He told me that there was no way he could ask to stay longer, i was presented to him as a done deal.

Isn't Chatty Cathy a "doll"? That's a great gift to get.

Chatty Cathy was a doll back from when I was a kid......not telling you how long ago that was but Kady did mention the dinosaurs the last time she was with me .................. she was one of those dolls that could record voices

Chatty Cathy is a doll manufactured by the Mattel toy company from 1959 to 1965. The doll was first released in stores and appeared in television commercials beginning in 1960. Chatty Cathy celebrated her 50th birthday in 2010.
Revolutionary for its time,[1] Chatty Cathy spoke one of eleven phrases at random when the "chatty ring" protruding from its upper back was pulled. The ring was attached to a string connected to a simple low-fidelity phonograph record in the doll's abdomen. The record was driven by a metal coil wound by pulling the toy's string. The doll said 11 phrases when she came on the market in 1960 such as "I love you" or "Please take me with you". Seven more phrases such as, "Let's play School" or "May I have a cookie" were added to the doll's repertoire in 1963 for a total of 18 phrases. Chatty Cathy's voice unit was designed by Jack Ryan. He was also Mattel's head of Research and Development; Ryan had also been responsible for designing the Barbie doll after a German doll called Bild Lili in 1959.
Originally, Chatty Cathy had blonde hair and blue eyes. Brunette and auburn-haired versions of the doll were introduced in 1962 and 1963 respectively; an African American version of the doll with brown skin tones was produced those same years. In 1960, two outfits were available for the doll: one included a blue dress with a white eyelet overblouse, panties, crinoline, blue shoes and white socks, and the other included a red velvet headband, red sunsuit with a red pinafore with an overskirt of white voile, red shoes and white socks. Other accessories accompanying the doll were a story/comic book, shoehorn, and paper wrist tag that was also a numbered warranty card. The doll and its accompanying accessories were advertised at less than $20.
Chatty Cathy was on the market for six years and was the second most popular doll of the 1960s after Barbie (also made by Mattel). After the success of Chatty Cathy, Mattel introduced Chatty Baby in 1962 and Tiny Chatty Baby, Tiny Chatty Brother and Charmin' Chatty in 1963. The last doll to have the word chatty in its name in the '60s was Singin' Chatty in 1965.


This is the one I had.

 

[Nancyg56]

DInner is ham steaks on the grill, mashed sweet potatoes, baby peas and the salal that I my nose up at yesterday. I baked a chocolate pudding cake but I don't know if we'll eat it tonight. Well I will but I don't know about Buddy.

Glynis- for pie night, what do we need to do besides have pie? I want a neighbor night pie night but I am not sure if I make dinner or a light dinner or what. I am thinking of visiting Debbie until the Monday before T day so it would need to be on Tuesday night. Dan and Jeff won't make it and Brian will be working...(he is not a sweet eater the Heathen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) but I think the rest of us can be here.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Hey all! Just flying by to say I am making Aimee's Mongolian Beef tonight. If course I had to change it a bit...I am adding broccoli but that is it. Not too far off the recipe...other than doubling it to have left overs!

I have not read off this page but I must say the pics posted look fab! Nancy, sorry Buddy is upset. I have to read back to get the whole story. I am glad your neighbor came out of her shell. Enjoy your apple crisp!

Kathy Louise!

Good night all.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I guess I need to update my signature. I think we'll tag along with Tom on a business trip in April!

 

[dgbg100106]

It went I am not sure exactly what happened but for the first 5 minutes all was well. Then Bud said that Joe would have liked to stay longer and the next thing you know his partner was screaming like a banshee! Buddy said that first he asked why Joe did not come to him and then accused Buddy of pulling shenanigans behind his back and then worked himself into a frenzy that ended with telling Buddy to get his own da@*$$&(@&$(@&@^(!(!n contract! Now as I have said before, Buddy is not a man to go off on someone so he told him that the talked to Joe last night and called him right away. he said it was terrible and lasted less than 10 minutes. Honestly, it probably is a good thing I was not there, I would have hit him!

Sorry that Buddy is so upset and at the treatment everyone got. It is a shame when things fall apart, but hopefully you guys can get everything accomplished for next year and be able to keep everything on your terms.

 

[Nancyg56]

I guess I need to update my signature. I think we'll tag along with Tom on a business trip in April!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I am feeling very nostalgic for Disney lately. IO told Marisa to look into dates that work for her, she likes October, I like December. I don't care. If we get Joe to come back next year and she can work it out with the rest of the family and Jeff's vacation I am booking and dragging Buddy. He never gives himself permission for a vacation, just sends me. I don't care! Kady is getting older and he will miss it. She has plans how to surprise him and as much as I would love to take her on a special Nana, Pa Kady trip she does not want to go anywhere without Marisa. I understand and love to see them together so this works for me. Buddy does not like to travel without Marisa, and the rest of the gang. He is one of those men who loves his whole family together. I have to tell you that he was in his glories when all of the family was here those last week. He was funny! As much as it was very crowded with all of us under on roof he loved it! I know he wants the entire family for a vacation in Disney, we both are very much loving that feeling that we get when we go back to our Disney childhoods

I am on my second glass of wine, not the one I made! I have some ready to bottle this week and hope that it is good. I bought kits that were on sale.

 

[Goofyluver]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I am feeling very nostalgic for Disney lately. IO told Marisa to look into dates that work for her, she likes October, I like December. I don't care. If we get Joe to come back next year and she can work it out with the rest of the family and Jeff's vacation I am booking and dragging Buddy. He never gives himself permission for a vacation, just sends me. I don't care! Kady is getting older and he will miss it. She has plans how to surprise him and as much as I would love to take her on a special Nana, Pa Kady trip she does not want to go anywhere without Marisa. I understand and love to see them together so this works for me. Buddy does not like to travel without Marisa, and the rest of the gang. He is one of those men who loves his whole family together. I have to tell you that he was in his glories when all of the family was here those last week. He was funny! As much as it was very crowded with all of us under on roof he loved it! I know he wants the entire family for a vacation in Disney, we both are very much loving that feeling that we get when we go back to our Disney childhoods

I am on my second glass of wine, not the one I made! I have some ready to bottle this week and hope that it is good. I bought kits that were on sale.

I'm so glad you guys can enjoy a family vacation. My family would kill each other. I once went to Disney with my mother and niece. We all barely survived.

And again, so sorry about Buddy.

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

Tonight's dinner was cheeseburger macaroni...a play on hamburger helper.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

Ingredients:

◦1 lb lean ground beef
◦1/2 onion, diced
◦2 Tbsp taco seasoning
◦1 (10 oz)
◦can mild Ro*tel
◦2 cups beef broth
◦1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
◦2 Tbsp butter
◦2 Tbsp flour
◦3/4 cup milk
◦4 oz. of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
◦1/2 tsp salt
◦pepper to taste


Directions:

1.In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef and onion; drain off any grease.
2.Add taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni; stir until well blended. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to simmer and cover pan.
3.Simmer 12-14 mins until macaroni is tender.
4.While the hamburger mixture simmers, melt the 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook 2 minutes until fragrant and light brown in color.
5.Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook while whisking until smooth and thickened to the consistency of gravy.
6.Remove from heat and blend in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine.




***This was yummy and so quick and easy. Plus, the family proclaimed it a success! We'll be making this again!




And in other news...I am wiped! We worked around the house a lot today and got lots done for when my dad comes. Plus, this week is going to be a beast! Tomorrow I have to go shopping after work. (We don't have a normal sized or good grocery here in town, so I go in the town where I work) And we'll be running around like mad over the next week before our company arrives. I'm tired just thinking about it.

Hope everyone goes into Monday on a good note!