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

[Nancyg56]

it is official... I have everything purchased, wrapped, and mailed out for Christmas.... Whew. Man does that feel good.....

SO I officially hate you Not really but you are on fire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a few things purchased, some more ordered and that's it I cut way back becasue I really don't like shopping anymore.

Thanks.... DH is really worried about me up there on my own... it is cute, but I can tell he is not happy!

My DH worries too but he does not have the reason that your DH has. You be careful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good morning ladies! Ellen is a Grandmother!!! Liam was born 5 weeks early, weighs 5 lbs 12 oz!!

WFD? I don't know, Candlelight Processional Dinner Package out at Disneyland tonight! I've never been before, so I have no idea what to expect. We're leaving in less than three hours, so I better get my butt out of bed and find something warm to wear!

Have a wonderful time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the Candlelight Processional! I saw it twice in WDW, bought the CD and blast it every time I drive from Thanksgiving on til after Christmas

Dinner was really good last night. Buddy was totally won over and is making lists of folks to take there


I have a bone in shoulder pork roast braising to serve pulled apart, in gravy and over buttered noodles. French style green beans to go with and I may make the mayo rolls posted the other day. I bought the self rising flour so we'll see. I also have a blueberry dump cake on the oven. Buddy is over his mad but I am still cooking for him because I feel bad. I totally threw his budget off

 

[HERSEY]

Hello everyone it is a dark and dreary day here. All I feel like doing is sitting and reading.

WFD is a small ham I picked up yesterday leftover mac n cheese and a salad

Ellen Congrats to both Mom and Grandma

I am slowly getting the house decorated. I am not sure how much I want to bring up from the basement.

I think I am done shopping for Mr A. I think everyone else is getting a giftcard. I think I developed an allergy to shoppers this year It is still along way off to christmas and the drivers around the mall are nuts.

Brandy I hope your flight and rest of your trip is uneventful. Stay safe.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I walked in to Elvis Presley "Can't help fallin in love" and walked out to Led Zepplin "all of my love"

Gorgeous wedding pics - and cakes!

Aimee- how are you feeling? I worry about you Sweetie I love my flavored vodkas! My favorite is one made with fresh pineapples. We paid $18 apiece for these and they were delicious! But I figured I could make them for much less at home. Imagine my surprise when I found they shared their recipe!

This is a very versatile martini. In the summertime I buy blue raspberry martini mix and add it to the vodka. It is lovely.

Del Frisco VIP Martini


1 ripe golden pineapple, sliced into
1-inch-thick chunks
1 liter premium vodka
1 orange, scored for twists for
garnishes
Soak the pineapple in the vodka in
an airtight container for eight to
ten days.
Carefully strain off the vodka and
squeeze the remaining juice from the
pineapple through cheesecloth. Pour five
to six ounces of the pineapple-vodka
infusion into a shaker half filled with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled
ten-ounce marti

YUM!!

I really like the flavored vodkas.... Horseradish is wonderful for bloody Marys, Bacon also works great for Bloody Marys... I tend to drink Cranberry the most. I just pour it over ice and top it off with Cranberry Ginger Ale.

David like the Spicy pepper version of flavored vodkas. Good luck with those gifts...

Great ideas- thanks!!

it is official... I have everything purchased, wrapped, and mailed out for Christmas.... Whew. Man does that feel good.....

Heavens, I haven't even started on "my side" - DH is almost finished! I'm just unmotivated this year.

We have to clean our "hoarders" house up this week. I'm trying to adopt a new cat, and the people actually come and "inspect" your house. I guess because this kitty is coming from a house that was 300 square feet and the woman had 37 cats in there. All malnourished and the house was filled with, well you can guess! They don't want to send them back out from the frying pan and into the fire.

Good for you for rescuing one of those sweet kitties!!

We had a wonderfully relaxing day yesterday, including watching movies. We finally got around to watching Water for Elephants...LOVED it! But, I thought the book was better.

I barely made it through the book due to the animal abuse/circus element so I refuse to watch the movie... I have heard it was good, though!

WFD? I don't know, Candlelight Processional Dinner Package out at Disneyland tonight! I've never been before, so I have no idea what to expect. We're leaving in less than three hours, so I better get my butt out of bed and find something warm to wear!

Have fun!!!



Ellen -wanted to offer my congratulations here, too!

Our weather totally sucks this weekend - cold and wet. BOO!


Yesterday was super busy... and ended with me having drinks with a friend and two drunk guys at 2am. I laughed harder than I have in a LONG time so it was worth the loss of sleep.

I have a crockpot chicken enchilada soup going - that's for dinner!

 

[Goofyluver]

I have a bone in shoulder pork roast braising to serve pulled apart, in gravy and over buttered noodles. French style green beans to go with and I may make the mayo rolls posted the other day. I bought the self rising flour so we'll see. I also have a blueberry dump cake on the oven. Buddy is over his mad but I am still cooking for him because I feel bad. I totally threw his budget off

I'd like the blueberry dump cake recipe please.

I've never been in a position to use my cooking for UncleR during a time of unhappiness, but I do know I can butter her up with some good food.

She'd tell ya' the same thing.

Our weather totally sucks this weekend - cold and wet. BOO!

Yesterday was super busy... and ended with me having drinks with a friend and two drunk guys at 2am. I laughed harder than I have in a LONG time so it was worth the loss of sleep.

I have a crockpot chicken enchilada soup going - that's for dinner!

Isn't it cold and nasty out there?!?!?

Sometimes, you just need drunk laughter.

to you, girlfriend. Thinkin' of you. Do we need to come up there and take ya' out and have drunk laughing time?

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

Dinner was yummy!!!

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
3 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 tsp minced garlic
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
white rice or instant rice (I used 2 packs of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice - Garlic & Butter flavor)

In a slow cooker, mix the chicken, sausage, tomatoes with juice, onion, garlic, celery, and broth. Season with oregano, parsley, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and thyme. (I do this the night before and put it in the fridge. I put it in the slow cooker before I leave in the morning.)

Cover, and cook 7 to 8 hours on Low, or 3 to 4 hours on High. Mix in cooked rice cook for about 15 minutes to warm through.


***If you notice, in the directions for the recipe, it says to add celery, but it's not listed in the ingredients. I added two stalks of diced celery straight to the slow cooker. Also, I didn't have turkey sausage, so I just used a pound of regular smoked sausage.

This was so yummy and flavorful and warrrrrrm.

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

 

[TigerKat]

Jen - Let me know when you plan on having drunk time with Aimee, I'll be on my way!

 

[scotlass]

I also have a blueberry dump cake on the oven.
:

Im trying soooo hard to be a grown up......

 

[TigerKat]

Im trying soooo hard to be a grown up......

 

[dgbg100106]

Well I am here safe and sound in my hotel room.... It is cold outside but I am warm inside....

Ready for work tomorrow as long as I can drive my car in all the snow...

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I hope Mother, Baby and Grandmother are doing well.

Brandi - Safe travels to Colorado.

Alison - Enjoy the CP.

Jen - Nice looking jumbalaya. I really wish DH ate meat!

Aimee - Chicken enchilado soup??? Can I have the recipe please?

Vickie - Why try to be a grown up? Nothing wrong with being a child!



Well....today I made it to the shops and the post office. I think I've finished with getting DS his presents and I have a fortune in stamps to put on to envelops. That's about as bland as I can put it...without using the words licking or tongue...

Sorry...I'm really tired and my fingers really get the better of my mind when I'm tired. No filters at all!!

I'm wrapping presents and I think that with the exception of a particularly difficult to buy for aunt and DH, I'm about done with Christmas presents.
I'm also going to go get 2 or 3 bottles of wine as just in case presents.

The good news is that I don't have to stress about making jam for Christmas....I can save it for Chinese New Year (Jan 23!!!) and give it away then.


Dinner tonight will be home made beef burgers. DH is going to get some of the homegrown zucchini pan fried on top of his L+T stack. I have pictures of my produce to share....soon.

 

[PrincessInOz]

This weekend, I decided that one of the zucchini plants had grown zucchinis of a size for me to start cropping. I picked these three off the plant.

I used one of the zucchini in the Salmon Loaf (recipe coming up)...and will cut another into thick chunks tonight and pan fry for DH to have.


I'm hoping for a long season of zucchini this year. The plant has lots more flowers on it.

And lettuce? It practically grows itself in my garden.

We've had such a bounty of lettuce that I've been having salad for dinner. This is the nicoise style that DH and I shared a couple of nights ago.

...my dinner that night.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Salmon Loaf



My starting ingredients:

• Red or Pink tinned Salmon, 440 – 500 g – skin and bones removed
• Onion, 1 – finely diced (I used ½ in this recipe because I had the half sitting in the fridge)
• Carrot, 1 – grated
• Zucchini, 1 – grated (optional)
• Breadcrumbs, 1 cup – or more, depending on how solid you like your loaf to be
• Eggs, 2 or 3 - depending on how solid you like your loaf to be
• Basil, 1 – 2 tablespoon – finely chopped
• Parsley, 1 – 2 tablespoon – finely chopped
• Tomato Paste, 3 tablespoon
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Place all the ingredients into a bowl…

….including the eggs, tomato paste, herbs, salt and pepper.

Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. I find that hands works best.

\



Transfer the salmon mix into a loaf tin lined with baking paper or greased with a little oil. Cover with cling film and allow to rest for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. I have made this the night before and let it sit overnight to save some time.

Pre-heat oven to 180 C. Turn the loaf out on a baking tray. If you don’t want to turn it out, you can cook it in the loaf tin. The outside of the loaf caramelizes more this way.

Bake in oven for 40 minutes.

Serve with whatever sides you like. These lettuce leaves are from my garden.

My dinner! We ended up adding mayonnaise to the meal….I find that I need a condiment to go with the salmon loaf but not necessarily a sauce. If I’d been thinking about it earlier, I would have made a tartare to go with the loaf instead.

I have used this recipe to make hors d’oeurves before. I just add more breadcrumbs to get a firmer consistency and finely grate the carrot (no zucchini). I’ve cooked it in the tin and when cooled, I’ve sliced the loaf into little squares. Place each square on a cracker and top with a little mayo or tartare sauce and half a cherry tomato.

Enjoy!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Morning, all!

Today I am making tacos. I got through phases where I have "Taco Mondays" because of a busy week. This is one of these times It's an insane week I needed to start it off easy.

Ok, Chloe's birthday party. It was a doozy to say the least.

First and foremost, I need to quit sweating things so much. I was one of many who brought a little something for Ryan. In my defense, I haven't been to many children's birthday parties so I'm not well versed in the etiquette. Anyway, Ryan loved his truck and played with it almost the whole party. Good call, after all!

First off, Chloe needed, and hadn't had, a nap. The poor thing was so tired and irritable you had to feel sorry for her. While people were eating, Amanda gave her to me. I started stroking her head and talking softly to her. Pretty soon, this is what you saw:

then this...

Poor Puss, right?

So after we ate, they took her and sat in the floor to open gifts. She was not having any of that. She fussed and cried and was again, just irritable. She loved the kitty that I got her. LOL, she got 2! Amanda's aunt got her one too!

Some pics of that:

Me and Ryan

It was interesting, to say the least. The stink of it? Everyone left, including her mother, and Scott and I stayed and helped them clean. Oh, I don't think I mentioned it was in their church fellowship hall. We stayed about an hour after and helped get things cleaned up and ready for church the next day. Of all things, right? You'd think her mother would be the one to help us, don't you? But she's a different soul and was the first one to leave. Her father and brother weren't even there. I had to feel bad for Amanda.

So I thought I would share. Thanks for all of your help!

 

[Goofyluver]

Jen - Let me know when you plan on having drunk time with Aimee, I'll be on my way!

Of course! The more drunk people the better.

Well I am here safe and sound in my hotel room.... It is cold outside but I am warm inside....

Ready for work tomorrow as long as I can drive my car in all the snow...

Stay safe chica!

Well....today I made it to the shops and the post office. I think I've finished with getting DS his presents and I have a fortune in stamps to put on to envelops. That's about as bland as I can put it...without using the words licking or tongue...

Sorry...I'm really tired and my fingers really get the better of my mind when I'm tired. No filters at all!!

I'm wrapping presents and I think that with the exception of a particularly difficult to buy for aunt and DH, I'm about done with Christmas presents.
I'm also going to go get 2 or 3 bottles of wine as just in case presents.

The good news is that I don't have to stress about making jam for Christmas....I can save it for Chinese New Year (Jan 23!!!) and give it away then.


Dinner tonight will be home made beef burgers. DH is going to get some of the homegrown zucchini pan fried on top of his L+T stack. I have pictures of my produce to share....soon.

for almost being done!!!

Me and Ryan

It was interesting, to say the least. The stink of it? Everyone left, including her mother, and Scott and I stayed and helped them clean. Oh, I don't think I mentioned it was in their church fellowship hall. We stayed about an hour after and helped get things cleaned up and ready for church the next day. Of all things, right? You'd think her mother would be the one to help us, don't you? But she's a different soul and was the first one to leave. Her father and brother weren't even there. I had to feel bad for Amanda.

So I thought I would share. Thanks for all of your help!

You all look so nice!!!

Sorry about the cleaning.

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

I hate Mondays. And it is so cold outside. There's snow and ice just north of here. Here it's still warm enough (high 30's) to be rain instead of snow. But, I have to drive in this. And my work is north.

Tonight's dinner is going to be smoky mac and cheese...one of our faves!

I hope everyone stays warm today...me included!!!

 

[MilliesMummy]

Hi - hope you accept newcomers - I love any discussion of food!! Especially interesting when it's from other places (I'm in England).

I'm feeling a bit rough today (rotten winter colds!) so dinner will be simple - chicken breasts which i'll stuff with garlic and herb soft cheese and wrap in Parma ham with roasted new potatoes and brocolli.

 

[Glynis]

Good morning, all!!!

Welcome to Millie's Mum!!! It's nice to have another international friend!!! Can't wait to start sharing recipes with you!

Lindsay - Poor Chloe! Those naps are important at that age!

Jen - Stay safe as you drive north!! I hate driving in snow!

Brandi - You stay safe in Colorado, too! Double ick on the snow!!!

Tonights dinner will be baked potato bar. Got to use them up, and I've got chili, sour cream, bacon, green onions, cheese, etc., to top them with!

 

[liamsaunt]

Hello everyone!
Welcome MilliesMummy! Stick around and share recipes.
Ellen, congratulations! And as I said on facebook, of course I think the name is perfect!!

PIO, nice produce! I am jealous, there is nothing fresh around here other than winter squash. I do like where I live, but our growing season is very short.

Lindsay, I am glad that the kids liked your gifts! I have not forgotten that you asked for the sow cooker black bean recipe, here it is:

Slow Cooker Black Beans

2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 onions, minced
2 jalepeno chiles, stemmed seeded and minced (I left the seeds in)
9 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp. chili powder
4 tsp. yellow mustard seeds
1 tbsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp. dried oregano
2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2.5 cups water
1 pound black beans, picked over for stones and rinsed
1 tbsp. minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (I doubled this)
2 bay leaves
1 28 ounce can whole tomatoes with their juices, cut up (I used Muir Glen Fire Roasted tomatoes)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped scallions for garnish

heat the oil and saute onions, jalepeno, garlic, chile powder, mustard seeds, cumin, and oregano. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add to slow cooker.

Stir water, stock, beans, bay leaf, and chipotles into slow cooker. Cover and cook until beans are tender, 9-11 hours on low or 5-7 hours on high (mine took 9 hours on low).

Discard bay leaves. Scoop out one cup of the bean mix and mash in a bowl. Add back to the slow cooker with the tomatoes and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes (I actually cooked everything together for another hour or so).

Stir in the cilantro and serve with condiments to taste.

As I said I ieft in the jalepeno seeds and soubled the ciptole so it was SPICY! If you like less spicy I would use the recommended amount of chipotle and seed the jalepenos.

Here is another slow cooker recipe, one we are having tonight for dinner. I made a lot of changes so will out in the original recipe with my changes in parens:

Slow Cooker Morrocan Chickpea Tagine

2 onions, minced
8 garlic cloved, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
4 tsp. sweet paprika
2 tsp. garam masala (I used cumin)
6 cups chicken broth
1 lb. dried chickpeas picked over and salt soaked*, rinsed
4 3" long strips lemon zest (I used a preserved lemon)
2 red peppers, cut into matchsticks (I roasted the peppers and removed skin before cutting up)
2 9 ounce boxes frozen artichoke hearts, thawed (I used 1 lb. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, then chopped)
1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped (I did not use)
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup plain Greek-style whole milk yogurt
1/2 cup minced cilantro
2 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. grated lemon zest

microwave onions, garlic, 2 tbsp oil, paprika, and garam masala in bowl, until softened, 5 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.

Stir broth, chickpeas, and lemon zest strips into slow cooker. Cover and cook until chickpeas are tender, 9-11 hours on low, 5-7 hours on high (mine were ready after 8 hours on low).

Discard lemon zest. Microwave bell peppers with remaining tbsp. oil until tender, 5 minutes. (I skipped this step since my peppers were roasted). Stir peppers, artichokes (spinach), olives, and raisins into stew and cook until heated thorough, about 10 minutes.

Combine 1/4 cup hot stew liquid with the yogurt then stir mix into stew. Add cilantro, honey, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

*salt soaked beans: combine 2 quarts boiling water with 3 tbsp. salt. Remove from heat, stir in beans and let stand one hour. Drain and rinse beans well before using.

I am home sick today, I have a bad cold. I am actuallhy going to the doctor later because it has moved into my chest and I need to be sure I don't have bronchitis or something. Yuck!

I hope everyone is doing well!

 

[TigerKat]

PIO – Sounds like you’ve got everything under control for the holidays! We love the unfiltered you.

Lindsay – Nice pics, the kids are just adorable.

Millie’s Mummy – Welcome! Please stick around and share recipes with us!

Brandi – Stay safe in the snow!

WFD – Cooking a pot of red beans and will have leftover fajitas too. Doesn’t go together in my mind but the guys asked for it!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning everyone.

As Kat has told you - and I thank the Good Lord for you Kat. You were my strength through all of this. Love you!!

WE HAVE A BABY!!! Liam Parker Mins was born yesterday morning, December 4 at 4:55 a.m. and weighed in at 5 lbs 12 oz.

Elizabeth's BP was critical all day Friday & Saturday. They couldn't get it to come down so for the health of her, they decided to induce. He was born 5 weeks early and because of him being early, he is in the NICU. He is just precious tho. Elizabeth was able to hold him for a quick bit before they rushed him off, but none of us have been able to touch except for his little foot. He was on a ventalator, but as of this morning he is off. The peditriction came in and told them that yesterday they were weaning him off, so this morning they took it out and and he just wailed. Good news!!! Let him cry to build those lungs up. He will probably stay in the NICU till the weekend, but maybe if things keep looking up it might be sooner. Elizabeth will get out of the hospital maybe tomorrow, but will stay in town to be close. Ethan is with us and thrilled to be a big brother. He is a bit overwhelmed but doing ok.

I headed out to Kearney Saturday afternoon in a blizzard - by golly I HAD to be there - the roads were awful!! But I got there around 5. Elizabeth needed to rest so we took off for dinner. Jay & Ethan took my car - I was DONE driving in this, and Marty, Stephanie & I took off in his truck. We got 1 block from the hospital and we were going through the intersection and a young girl ran the red light and T Boned us. It was terrifying!!!!!! Long story short all are ok - the young lady is in BIG trouble tho, as the witnesses said she was texting. Stephanie and I ended up in the ER. They thought I might have broken my hip and pelvis (but no I am ok, just REALLY sore and bruised) and they put Stephanie on the baby monitor. She is fine and baby is perfect. Praise the Lord!!! Both of my girls were on the Maternity floor in rooms next to each other. At least is was easy to keep an eye on both of them. We finally left the hospital around 11 that night as Elizabeth was comfortable and progressing very slow. I got the call around 5 am.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and kindness - we felt each and every one.

WFDT ~ I have no idea what or where because as soon as Doug gets off of work (he was on call all weekend so hasn't seen him yet) we are heading to Kearney to see Liam.

Many blessings today, so go and make it even better.

 

[Rogue26]

Ellen- What an adventure, already quite a memorable grandson! He's a good hefty size for 5 weeks early. I'm so thankful you are all okay. Congratulations to all of you.

Kathy- Once again, thanks for taking such good care of us. Don't know what we'd do without you!

Becky- I'm glad your playing around with your crockpot so I can get some ideas. That chicken recipe sounds like something we would love. Feel better!

Glynis- I did a baked potato bar one year for my daughter's birthday, you just can't go wrong.

Hi Milllie's mom!

Lindsay- What a cute sleepy birthday girl!

PIO- Winter hasn't even officially started and I'm missing good fresh veggies.

So constuction is going well here. Right now they are just working on our sunporch and we move out after Christmas and things really get going. We were supposed to be back IN our house for Christmas, but that didn't happen. They are doing a fantastic job and so worth the wait, and my dog likes them so I figure that's a good sign!

Last night we had copycat olive garden soup and Pioneer woman rosemary rolls, we hadn't had those in so long, yum! Tonight we'll have chicken of some sort. Have a great day all!

 

[TigerKat]

Ellen - No need to thank me, that's what friends are for.

I'm so excited to hear little Liam just wailed away!!!!! Hopefully he and Mom will be out of the hospital soon, but not too soon.

Nothing makes me madder than watching people text and drive. Thank God y'all are ok.