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

[dgbg100106]

Same here! She buys me the nice things, but I know all about firearms. Fran wanted to get into Cowboy Action Shooting, most people go out to the range with a pistol or two and borrow a shotgun from a friend. Not not Fran, she bought at least 7 shotguns, and I'd say that we have about 10-20 single action pistols, not to mention enough ammunition to probably take out the whole Animal Kingdom, five times (not that I'd want to do that), but it's truly insane the amount of shooting supplies that we have. And we only went shooting twice at a range and once at a CAS class. And that was more than three years ago.

If you were in California, you couldn't even get it for him as a present unless he came along, and you would have to wait at least two weeks from the time you bought it, plus you/he would have to take a written firearms safety test (unless you already had the card). Sorry you had to wait for so long and jump through so many hoops.



I would!

David was with me... Since he is former Army, he does not have to take the class, he is Grand Fathered in.... We have to wait for 7 business days until he can pick up the pistol, this was just us getting the pistol purchased and the paperwork filled in....

We were able to walk away with the shotgun, so he was Happy to bring something home.

I will go for baubles anytime....

 

[Goofyluver]

Brandi...UncleR says she loves your hubby's gifts.

 

[franandaj]

Today it's raining and I'm feeling very lazy. We got the dining room table cleared off yesterday, and we got the couch cleared off earlier in the week. We also got the apartment where my parents stay tidied up. Most of the house is still a cluttered mess, but at least we have places to eat and watch movies, so I'm good with it.

Today I'd like to make up a batch of potato salad to go with tomorrow nights dinner. Tonight for dinner we're having turkey noodle casserole. I still have almost three turkeys worth in my freezer and I'm making one on Thursday!

 

[dgbg100106]

Brandi...UncleR says she loves your hubby's gifts.

Too bad we cant bring them with us next fall when we come to visit....

 

[Goofyluver]

Today it's raining and I'm feeling very lazy. We got the dining room table cleared off yesterday, and we got the couch cleared off earlier in the week. We also got the apartment where my parents stay tidied up. Most of the house is still a cluttered mess, but at least we have places to eat and watch movies, so I'm good with it.

Today I'd like to make up a batch of potato salad to go with tomorrow nights dinner. Tonight for dinner we're having turkey noodle casserole. I still have almost three turkeys worth in my freezer and I'm making one on Thursday!

Sounds like y'all are getting what you need to get done, done!!

When do your parents get in?

Too bad we cant bring them with us next fall when we come to visit....

You're a Texan. And you're coming to Texas. Turn in a circle and spit in any direction and I'm sure you'll find that whoever you hit will have an extra laying around.



So, we've been cleaning, cleaning, cleanin. So far we've got the bed made up for my dad, laundry and dusting almost done, the house mopped, 1 bathroom done, and dough for tonight's pizza made. We have one more bathroom to do and then we're ready for dad!!

 

[dgbg100106]

You're a Texan. And you're coming to Texas. Turn in a circle and spit in any direction and I'm sure you'll find that whoever you hit will have an extra laying around.

you are so right.....

So, we've been cleaning, cleaning, cleanin. So far we've got the bed made up for my dad, laundry and dusting almost done, the house mopped, 1 bathroom done, and dough for tonight's pizza made. We have one more bathroom to do and then we're ready for dad!!

Sounds like you are getting it all done... Enjoy the time with your dad and Thanksgiving...

 

[franandaj]

Sounds like y'all are getting what you need to get done, done!!

When do your parents get in?

They come in Wednesday night. I think they will be very late because of traffic.

 

[Glynis]

Hi, all! We've had an up and down weekend! Friday was great! No kids sick, and I got to see my dad!! He was here for a broadcast of his play on a local cable channel, and it was so fun!!!

Saturday morning I actually got to sleep in! That hasn't happened in weeks! It felt so good. We than spent the majority of the day, deep cleaning our basement. It looks really good, now, but it was a struggle! Leslie was also sick again most of the day.

Today we are relaxing after church. I am making a pork roast with onions and apples (a la PW). I can't wait to see how it turns out. Dessert will be an eggnog poundcake. Once that's all underway, I will be making a peppermint pie, a pecan pie, and an eggnog pumpkin pie for our first pie night tomorrow night. In the morning, I'll do a cherry and a Derby pie, and call it good.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Aimee - Did you notice my name in my signature?????

I did! AWESOME!

Today we have to do some cleaning around the house. And tomorrow my dad comes!!!

So glad he's coming for a visit!


Tonight is the church Thanksgiving dinner so we'll be there for dinner.

 

[Nancyg56]

Busy Ladies today!

Allison- you have done enough with all you two have been through. The rest will keep tll you are both ready to tackle it after teh Holiday

Jen- you are cruisin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glynis- your pies sound great!

Marisa picked op a pie at Big Y for Buddy. They are baked at a local orchard adn he has been talking about the wild blueberry pie being so good since my neighbor brought it over during our power outage.

I made corn chowder and stuffed chicken salad and ham salad sandwiches in case anyone is hungry before we eat pie. I am also making a pomegranate punch. Dan said he needs room for pie, not food!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanksgiving week for you folks in the US....looks like you're having a great time preparing for feasts and families.

Jen - Hope you have a great time with your Dad.

Alison - I know you'll have a great time with your folks! Your dinner menu sounds great, plus all the good wine. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever heard you say a bad thing about your folks; so I'm assuming that you get on pretty well with them.

Glynis - Glad that you had a great time with your Dad.


Over here? No thanksgiving....so the Christmas countdown continues. Its down to about 34 days before Christmas here. This week, the private schools finish up and won't be going back until about February next year. The public schools finish just before Christmas so half the school kids are still in session. Makes for an interesting December for some families!

 

[Glynis]

Marisa picked op a pie at Big Y for Buddy. They are baked at a local orchard adn he has been talking about the wild blueberry pie being so good since my neighbor brought it over during our power outage.

I made corn chowder and stuffed chicken salad and ham salad sandwiches in case anyone is hungry before we eat pie. I am also making a pomegranate punch. Dan said he needs room for pie, not food!

Your dinner sounds good! You are like me. I like to give my kids something savory before they fill up on pie, but I'm like Dan... I want room for pie!!!

I hope it all goes well tonight, and you have a great time! I'm so glad my family's tradition has spread! Woohoo!!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Kon lo Char Siew Mein (BBQ Pork Noodles – dry mix)


Every so often, I have the craving for some of the hawker food deep in the memories of my childhood. When you couple this with the fact that I’ve been casting my eyes towards Hong Kong, the yen for something Asian was a very compelling pull.

So, I’ve made this dish at the weekend. Granted, I bought a LOT of the ingredients pre-made; but in this time-precious pre-Christmas rush, convenience trumps salt-of-the-earth any day in my book.

My starting ingredients for the kon lo mein (dry mixed noodles):

• Egg Noodles – the cut is equivalent to rice vermicelli
• Green Chinese vegetables – I used Chinese broccoli or Gai Lan
• Thick Caramel Soya sauce – 1 tablespoon per person
• Oyster Sauce – 1 tablespoon per person
• Soya sauce – 1 tablespoon per person
• Sesame seed oil – about 4 or 5 drops per person
• Pepper – to taste

My proteins to go on top of this dish included:

BBQ Pork – I purchased this from my local Chinese BBQ meat place. It’s the sort of place that has the duck, chicken, roast pork belly and the BBQ pork hanging in the window.

DH doesn’t eat meat, so I got some pre-made dumplings for him.

This is the mushroom/vegetable dumplings….

And this is the shrimp/seafood dumplings.

Heat up a couple of pots of water until boiling.

The noodles need to be separated before you cook it. It will have been dusted with a coating of flour…

…which will make it really easy to separate the strands.

In the plates you are using the serve the meal, place all the sauces and pepper on the plate. You can see that the thick caramel soya sauce is very viscous.

When the pots are bubbling, blanch the Chinese vegetables until tender. Remove when cooked and set aside.

The instructions on the dumplings said to boil for 3 – 4 minutes, which is what I used one pot for.

Cook the noodles AT THE SAME TIME as the dumplings in the other pot (the one that I used to blanch the Chinese vegetables). Drop the separated noodles into the boiling water…

…and stir the noodles from time to time, boiling for about 2 – 3 minutes until tender. Remove from the water and drain.

Put the drained noodles on the plate with the sauces.

Mix the noodles and the sauce together.

To serve, place the cooked vegetables, the dumplings and some BBQ pork (char siew) on top of the noodles.



My dinner!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Morning, all! *stretch*

Today begins a busy week for all of us! I am trying to get my to-do lists done this morning. Care to share what all you have to get done? I need some motivation!

Monday

• Pull out my dishes I use for Thanksgiving breakfast and get them in the dishwasher. On that note, pull out any other holiday items and get them ready, like the linen napkins.
• In the spirit of above, pull out any side dish platters/bowls I need. Since I cook lunch for us instead of dinner, I don't serve food on the table often. I need to decide what I'm going to serve my fruit and bacon on/in. I've got plenty of options, I just want to make the decisions BEFORE Thursday morning. I live by a mantra of, "what I do know I don't have to do later."
• Get laundry done. I'm not going to have time after today to do much washing outside of towels*. It's just the end of last week's clothes and what we wore over the weekend.
• Decide what I'm going to take to my mom's house. Everyone is coming to dinner there lives within walking distance except me. To make life easier, I always bring something cold or room temperature, like deviled eggs, or dessert. This year I am taking dessert. There will be an apple stack cake and cherry delight (which is like a cool whip/cherry cheesecake thingy, will post a recipe later) so I need to bring something chocolate. I think I will make congo bars or a derby pie. I just need to decide
• Make a pot of vegetable soup.

I THINK that's my list for today. Sorry to bore you all with that, but seeing it on the computer like that helps me get mentally organized. Feel free to share what all you have to accomplish.

I hope you all have a great day!

*Ok, confession time. I have a bit of a "thing" about clean towels. That is one bit of laundry I find absolute joy in doing. When I wash towels, I also include pajamas. I don't know why, but there is nothing better to me than getting out of a nice hot shower, drying off in soft, clean, fluffy towels, and putting on fresh pjs. I don't know. I chalk it up to the simple joys in life. I make time to do that often. It isn't a chore to me like washing the rest of the clothes, lol. I know, I'm a total freak on a leash

 

[PrincessInOz]

Lindsay - I'm not preparing for Thanksgiving; but rather Christmas.

This weekend....I got out the Christmas tree and the inside decorations. My tree is up! And as you can see, I've also started Christmas shopping and wrapping.

I collect musical decorations. Have been - for way too much longer than I care to admit.

I got some red ribbon and had to re-string about 70% of my decorations. It was about time and I figured this year was as good as any.


I also got my Bourbon Fruit cakes made. I will post the recipe and more pictures in the next week when I get some time.

I also got into the garden....been growing vegetables and the garden needed a good weeding. I've got some corn...

zucchini...

lettuce...

and the cherry tree looks particularly good this year. I have about 7 or 8 branches that look like this. We had to net the entire tree this weekend as the birds are having a feast! I'm hoping to be able to pick the fruit in 2 weeks time; assuming we have any left!

I've also been working on the final couple of shots for the photoscavenger hunt....If anyone would have said that I'd be using real berries to get a shot of Berry Wreath 2 months ago and that I'd be spending some time doing this layout, I would have said they had rocks in their head!

My final task that I've started is my Christmas cards. I've succumbed to the ease of writing a generic letter and printing out copies rather than writing a personal message (with the same news) in each card. So, I've completed the letter and formatted it so that it prints out properly on the special Christmas paper that I've bought.


I've also been hunting for apricots....I still want to make some apricot jam to give away as Christmas presents. This weekend, I spent some time sourcing jam jars.


Oh - and we've also had the usual cleaning and vacuuming to do this weekend. Thankfully, DH helps out a lot in the cleaning.

DS was sick this weekend and we took him to the doctor today. He has a virus and is experiencing bouts of giddiness. Headache and a temperature are also symptoms of this virus. He threw up today....in a nicely cleaned bathroom!!

As I type this, I'm currently sitting here looking a big pile of ironing.

That will have to wait til tomorrow night!


I'm hoping to start attacking the christmas card list from Wednesday or Thursday night. My aim is to have the cards done and ready for posting by Monday next week.

I still have a few finishing touches for the inside decorations to do...that will have to wait til next weekend.

DH has promised to put some outside lights up this year. So, with luck, these might be up in the next 2 weeks or so. Fingers crossed!


I'm sure you'll get through your list. Having a list written is usually the first step I do towards completing the list. Let us know how you go!

 

[HERSEY]

Lindsay I am with you on the clean towel,bed linens. I love the smell. It brings back good memories of doing the laundry with my grandmother and Nana

As predicted Mr A did not like the Bang Bang shrimp he could tell through all the spicy stuff there was mayo. He has a very acute sense of smell and taste.

All I can think of right now is coffee and lots of it. Starbucks and my Keurig are my best friends this morning.

 

[Nancyg56]

As predicted Mr A did not like the Bang Bang shrimp he could tell through all the spicy stuff there was mayo. He has a very acute sense of smell and taste.

Mr A is one talented Dude

Over here? No thanksgiving....so the Christmas countdown continues. Its down to about 34 days before Christmas here. This week, the private schools finish up and won't be going back until about February next year. The public schools finish just before Christmas so half the school kids are still in session. Makes for an interesting December for some families!

I love your tree! I am also impressed with your berry wreath!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your dinner sounds good! You are like me. I like to give my kids something savory before they fill up on pie, but I'm like Dan... I want room for pie!!!

I hope it all goes well tonight, and you have a great time! I'm so glad my family's tradition has spread! Woohoo!!!

It was a success!!!!!!!!!!! First, I did edit my recipes. The maple pie would have been marvelous had it been set but alas.............not. The caramel pie was wicked rich. The caramel was good, the pie shell was good. Even tiny slices were too much.

We had a mini mutiny here though. My Dan rebelled because he is not a pie fan so he stretched the envelope and brought giant Whoopie Pies. He said that they counted....note the Pie in Whoopie Pie. Jeff wanted Pizza Pie. They actually had about 5 minutes of pies that are not pies

Lindsay- I need to make a to do list for this week as well. I am overwhelmed because I cannot remember all I want to accomplish.

I cheated last night and bought the chicken salad. It was horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I usually just suck it up and don't buy the bad product again but I spent $15 of that salad and when I finally had one finger sandwich and voiced my YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! I found out that most of those expensive little babies were in the trash! I am calling to complain. It was mostly mayonnaise. No chicken to speak of.

I need to check the freezer to pull something out for dinner. It needs to be easy.

 

[Nancyg56]

This one is for you Lindsay!

TO DO list for the week.

Wash the outside trim and screen slides.
Wash windows inside and out
Check Thanksgiving linens
Put out the outdoor decorations
clean the front porch
Clean the front closet and return all the stuff that does not belong to me
Give the house one more clean before Wednesday
Check the Christmas bed linens to make sure that they are fresh
Clean and sanitize 60 bottles
Bottle and label 2 batches of wine



Complete the Thanksgiving menu
Shop for perishables for Thanksgiving

Work on Tuesday and Wednesday

 

[Goofyluver]

Jen- you are cruisin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And brusin' apparently. Yesterday's work has made me a mess physically today. I'm barely walking around.

Jen - Hope you have a great time with your Dad.

Thank you!

And that's weird about the schools there. What a long break for those private school kids! Of course, I'd love to work there!

My dinner!

I want it now!!!

Morning, all! *stretch*

Today begins a busy week for all of us! I am trying to get my to-do lists done this morning. Care to share what all you have to get done? I need some motivation!

I THINK that's my list for today. Sorry to bore you all with that, but seeing it on the computer like that helps me get mentally organized. Feel free to share what all you have to accomplish.

I hope you all have a great day!

*Ok, confession time. I have a bit of a "thing" about clean towels. That is one bit of laundry I find absolute joy in doing. When I wash towels, I also include pajamas. I don't know why, but there is nothing better to me than getting out of a nice hot shower, drying off in soft, clean, fluffy towels, and putting on fresh pjs. I don't know. I chalk it up to the simple joys in life. I make time to do that often. It isn't a chore to me like washing the rest of the clothes, lol. I know, I'm a total freak on a leash

Well, after the cleaning session we had yesterday, we're done with everything but food prep. Today we're going to pick up my dad, so nothing will be made today except dinner. But we do have to take out the turkey to begin to thaw! My list will get much longer tomorrow.

I'm with you on the clean towels. There's nothing like clean, fresh smelling towels after a bath!

Lindsay - I'm not preparing for Thanksgiving; but rather Christmas.

This weekend....I got out the Christmas tree and the inside decorations. My tree is up! And as you can see, I've also started Christmas shopping and wrapping.

I've also been hunting for apricots....I still want to make some apricot jam to give away as Christmas presents. This weekend, I spent some time sourcing jam jars.


Oh - and we've also had the usual cleaning and vacuuming to do this weekend. Thankfully, DH helps out a lot in the cleaning.

DS was sick this weekend and we took him to the doctor today. He has a virus and is experiencing bouts of giddiness. Headache and a temperature are also symptoms of this virus. He threw up today....in a nicely cleaned bathroom!!

Beautiful tree!

And I hope DS feels better very soon, poor kid.

We have an apricot tree which didn't fruit this year due to drought. But, I love apricots!!

Lindsay I am with you on the clean towel,bed linens. I love the smell. It brings back good memories of doing the laundry with my grandmother and Nana

As predicted Mr A did not like the Bang Bang shrimp he could tell through all the spicy stuff there was mayo. He has a very acute sense of smell and taste.

All I can think of right now is coffee and lots of it. Starbucks and my Keurig are my best friends this morning.

Hope you get that coffee soon!

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

I'm off work today but still got up early to make sure J woke for school. Of course, I woke myself up at 5:45 and he was already awake and now I'm wide awake.

But, we go get dad today!

We're heading up to Ft. Worth early to have lunch before we grab him.

I am cooking tonight. I'm making cheeseburger macaroni/fake hamburger helper. It's easy and quick and I planned extras into it so the crowd can have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Y'all have a great Monday!

 

[Goofyluver]

It was a success!!!!!!!!!!! First, I did edit my recipes. The maple pie would have been marvelous had it been set but alas.............not. The caramel pie was wicked rich. The caramel was good, the pie shell was good. Even tiny slices were too much.

We had a mini mutiny here though. My Dan rebelled because he is not a pie fan so he stretched the envelope and brought giant Whoopie Pies. He said that they counted....note the Pie in Whoopie Pie. Jeff wanted Pizza Pie. They actually had about 5 minutes of pies that are not pies

Lindsay- I need to make a to do list for this week as well. I am overwhelmed because I cannot remember all I want to accomplish.

I cheated last night and bought the chicken salad. It was horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I usually just suck it up and don't buy the bad product again but I spent $15 of that salad and when I finally had one finger sandwich and voiced my YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! I found out that most of those expensive little babies were in the trash! I am calling to complain. It was mostly mayonnaise. No chicken to speak of.

I need to check the freezer to pull something out for dinner. It needs to be easy.

It sounds like pie night went well, even with the rebellious Dan. One of the things I know Santa is bringing me for Christmas is a whoopi pie maker!

So sorry about the chicken salad. I'd complain too!

This one is for you Lindsay!

TO DO list for the week.

Wash the outside trim and screen slides.
Wash windows inside and out
Check Thanksgiving linens
Put out the outdoor decorations
clean the front porch
Clean the front closet and return all the stuff that does not belong to me
Give the house one more clean before Wednesday
Check the Christmas bed linens to make sure that they are fresh
Clean and sanitize 60 bottles
Bottle and label 2 batches of wine



Complete the Thanksgiving menu
Shop for perishables for Thanksgiving

Work on Tuesday and Wednesday

You lost my focus at wine...