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

[Goofyluver]

Morning, everyone

I went and got a manicure yesterday and I'm so glad I did! I read an article recently that said bright colors on your nails can lift your spirits, so I got a pretty pink color. The lady asked me if I'd like a design and I said yes, but just on my thumbs. She then asked me what I'd like and I told her to surprise me, lol. She did a snowflake! It's so pretty! It's white and silver and it makes me smile whenever I look at my hands. I did splurge and got a gel shellac again. Honestly, it's a waste of money to get a plain manicure on my hands. The second I leave the salon and transfer into my car, my polish has been smudged and I've just wasted my time and money. The shellac lasts 1-2 weeks and it's instantly dry. That's my kind of manicure!

It's Saturday so that means shopping and eating out. We will probably go to Shane's BBQ. I am cohosting a baby shower with my mom tomorrow afternoon so I've got to get things ready for that when I get home this afternoon.

Everyone have a great day!

I'm more of a pedicure gal myself. Pretty toes make me happy.

Enjoy your day out!

Jen Are you feeling better yet?

I need to get my laundry flipped over and get a couple of errand out of the way so I can play later.

I am feeling MUCH better, thank you.

Hope playtime gets here soon!

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

Good moning. I love sleeping late on Saturday mornings.

Today will be a pajama day if I have my way. I want to do absolutely nothing.

Although I will be cooking today.

I got a whoopie pie maker for Christmas and I haven't used it yet, so I will probably make some whoopie pies.

We're also having PW's chicken tacos for dinner. So it'll be a day for eating yummy food.

Y'all have a great weekend!

 

[franandaj]

My kitties are doing very well, they were playing with each other this morning. So that's a good sign.

I've never had a manicure before, but I bite my nails and don't have much to work with!

What's a whoopee pie maker?

Tonight we're having chicken satay and Hot n Sour noodle soup for dinner. Oddly enough none of the new kids wanted any Prime Rib last night.

 

[Goofyluver]

My kitties are doing very well, they were playing with each other this morning. So that's a good sign.

I've never had a manicure before, but I bite my nails and don't have much to work with!

What's a whoopee pie maker?

Tonight we're having chicken satay and Hot n Sour noodle soup for dinner. Oddly enough none of the new kids wanted any Prime Rib last night.

Whoopie Pie Maker

And my whoopie pies:

 

[franandaj]

I figured you would just frost them by hand one at a time! I didn't realize there was a contraption just for making them!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

The name "Whoopie Pie" makes me giggle...Is that wrong?

Tonight we are having some freinds over to play Phase 10.

I am making my famous Baked Ziti.

I got some garlic bread and foccacia(from HEB) to go with it and I also made some brownies.

The only thing missing is the meat I usually cook in the sauce. I use sweet and hot Italian sausage and the big Bridgeford pepperoni links. It would just be too expensive for these big men.

 

[Goofyluver]

I figured you would just frost them by hand one at a time! I didn't realize there was a contraption just for making them!

You do frost them by hand. The machine cooks the cookies.

The name "Whoopie Pie" makes me giggle...Is that wrong?

Tonight we are having some freinds over to play Phase 10.

I am making my famous Baked Ziti.

I got some garlic bread and foccacia(from HEB) to go with it and I also made some brownies.

The only thing missing is the meat I usually cook in the sauce. I use sweet and hot Italian sausage and the big Bridgeford pepperoni links. It would just be too expensive for these big men.

I like my ziti meatless.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I like my ziti meatless.

The ziti ITSELF is meatless. I just cook the meat in the sauce for flavor and serve it on the side.

 

[Goofyluver]

The ziti ITSELF is meatless. I just cook the meat in the sauce for flavor and serve it on the side.

My mother would make it when I was younger with the meat in the sauce. Blech. I hated it.

Your way sounds divine.

We'll be there soon.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

My mother would make it when I was younger with the meat in the sauce. Blech. I hated it.

Your way sounds divine.

We'll be there soon.

We'll be here.

Yeah...I don't like it with the meat in it either. I also HATE ground meat in my LONG cooking pasta sauce. (quick weeknight spaghetti is fine) It gets too soft in the sauce if it cooks too long.

 

[Aimeedyan]

So I'll get it out of the way first. The Cat Nazi was an awful person, they turned us down and it was awful. I didn't post over here last night because I began to console myself in liquid format and couldn't keep up with posting in more than one thread, especially one as complicated as this one.

This morning I went to the pound, and found out that both of us needed to be there and interact with the cats before they would let us take one (or more) So I went home to get Fran, but I forgot that she had a hair appointment. I felt a little better when our hairstylist told us he was turned down by the poodle rescue people because he had a job.

I found two cats that I really liked this morning and they were young. Fran convinced me that we should get two young ones and an older one. We went home to get another carrier after her hair appt. and headed over to the pound. This was a gamble becuase Fran truly wanted to take all of them home with us, and I'm not kidding. She really liked the one that I was most happy with from the morning. We checked out all the cats and came back to find the little girl we had settled on going pushy pushy on the stomach of another cat. Evidently they were litter mates, so we decided we better take both of them.

There was a seal point siamese that I liked from the morning so we picked him. Fran kept saying, let's get four! But I kept her at three. The girl needed to stay so that she can get spayed on Friday, but the two boys came home with us. One has adjusted very well and has explored the entire house and his playmate Mac (while still hissing at him) followed him all over the house.

The other was in hiding until about half an hour ago, since then he's been sitting on my lap, cuddling and purring! I think he is getting comfortable enough to start exploring the house.

I meant to respond to this earlier - sorry! I'm so sorry the cat nazi was such a $@#^% but SO GLAD y'all found some kitties worthy of a good home anyways Be sure and shoot off an email to the director of that rescue org and let them know how your visit with.

Be sure and share pics of the new kitties soon!

Aimee, how did you like the taste of the coconut milk with the butternut squash and the sage?

I really liked it... but the coconut flavor is very faint. I might even do two cans next time so it's less "dry"

I fixed your Spinach & Artichoke Pasta on NYD and it was a hit. I really think the next time I need to bring an appetizer that I am making this without the pasta and as a dip. It really rocked - Thanks!!

I'm so glad you all tried it and liked it!

Aimee How are you doing?

Eh. Thanks for asking


DH wanted leftover taquitos last night so the chicken/rice/sprouts meal is tonight instead.

 

[Goofyluver]

Tonight's dinner was:

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

■16 whole Corn Tortillas (small Size)
■4 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into Pieces
■Salt, Cumin, Chili Powder To Taste (or Use Taco Seasoning)
■2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
■2 cans (4 Ounce) Diced Green Chilies
■1-1/2 cup Finely Grated Cheese (cheddar Or Cheddar/jack Mix)
■Sour Cream
■Hot Sauce (Chulula Or Other Brand)
■2 cups Thinly Sliced Romaine Lettuce (or Any Lettuce)
■4 whole Roma Tomatoes, Diced
■Canola Oil, For Frying Tacos


Preparation Instructions

*Be careful frying with hot oil!*

Season diced chicken liberally. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for a couple of minutes. Dump in the diced green chilies. Stir and cook until chicken is totally done inside. Turn off heat and set aside.

Have all other ingredients---grated cheese, sliced lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, and hot sauce---ready.

Also have a plate ready, as well as a stack of five or six paper towels to hold in your hand.

TO FRY

To fry the tacos, heat a couple of inches of canola oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high. Place some chicken in the middle of a tortilla, then fold tortilla in half. Clamp the tortilla shut with a pair of heat-proof metal tongs, then carefully lay the taco---one side down---in the oil. As you lay it in the oil, use the tongs to hold the top side down for a few seconds to form it in place. Once it stays put, repeat with two other tacos. Turn tacos after 30 to 45 seconds, or when each side gets light golden brown (not too brown.)

One at a time, remove tacos from the pan with tongs, holding sideways as you remove them to allow oil to drip out of the sides. Place the taco in the stack of paper towels. Fold the sides and corners around the taco to tightly hold it, then give it three or four shakes to remove excess oil. Remove it from the paper towels and place on a plate. Repeat with other tacos in the pan.

As you continue frying the other tacos, have someone carefully place some grated cheese inside the tops of the tacos (gently pry them open just enough to place the cheese in). Then just let them sit until ready to serve---the cheese will melt as it sits in the warm taco.

To serve, garnish in this order: a smear of sour cream, dashes of hot sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomato. You'll need to slightly open up the tops of the tacos to get all the garnishes in there.

Tacos will be hot for a minute or two after frying, so don't rush into eating! They'll stay nice and warm for a little while after frying.


***I did these like an assembly line. I chopped the veggies and got out all condiments. I cooked the chicken and chiles. I filled and set aside all of the corn tortillas. I layed out my paper towels and fried 3 tacos at a time. While I was draining one set of tacos, I'd be frying another. It was surprisingly quick! And these were yummy. J pronounced them delicious!

 

[Glynis]

Crazy question coming your way ladies...

I see a TON of recipe lately that call for the Ranch Dressing mix.

Does it TASTE like Ranch Dressing?... Or is it just a goodmix of garlic and herbs?

I ask because DH and I are NOT fans of ranch. If it is just the seasoning and not the creamy flavor/texture that is fine.

If it calls for the dressing mix, then it will just be the seasonings. I use it in my pot roast all the time (in fact, that's what's on tap for tomorrow), and you really can't taste the "ranch" at all! Just a good blend of seasonings.

 

[Glynis]

Well, I think I jinxed myself with all my talk of good weather. It's been snowing off and on all day long. I woke up early to go pick up our Bountiful Basket offering, and there was a couple of inches on the ground! It's beautiful, but cold, now!

Alan and I did end up going out last night. We first picked up tickets to see "Sherlock Holmes" and ran into our neighbors getting tickets for the same show! We laughed about running into each other, and went our ways (we still had an hour until the show started). Alan and I headed to a little cafe to grab a sandwich and salad before the show, and who should we run into but the same neighbors! Bowing to fate, we all ate together, had a wonderful visit, and then headed back to the movie together! It was so much fun! The movie was wonderful (love me some Robert Downey Jr.!), and it was great to be without the kids.

However, Alan is not well. He has been down all day today with some intestinal thing. Even worse, it's making the rounds through the kids. So far, Timmy and Mary have succumbed to it. I'm thinking it's going to be a long night!

Can I ask for some pixie dust/prayers/good thoughts thrown our way? Jacob has been suffering with migraines since he was 2 years old. We've had him looked at by our PCP, and were told to keep a journal each time he has one, to try to find triggers, etc. We've been doing that, and there's nothing really concrete that we can point to that might trigger them. Well, I'm now really concerned because he's now getting them weekly. They are so awful! He goes really white, begins throwing up and then literally sleeps for 12 hours. I told Alan that I'll be making an appointment for a more thorough exam this coming week. I'm going to demand an MRI or a CAT scan to see if there's anything I need to really worry about. I'm trying not to think brain tumor, but I would never forgive myself if there was something really bad, and I just let it go. So, if you could help me out with some prayers, etc., I'd really appreciate it.

 

[Goofyluver]

Glynis, you don't even have to ask. Sending positive thoughts to all of you, for health and healing, and that you will have your answers very, very soon.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Morning!

Today my mom and I are cohosting a baby shower together so I will eat/snack there.

Everyone have a happy and healthy day!

 

[Nancyg56]

Can I ask for some pixie dust/prayers/good thoughts thrown our way? Jacob has been suffering with migraines since he was 2 years old. We've had him looked at by our PCP, and were told to keep a journal each time he has one, to try to find triggers, etc. We've been doing that, and there's nothing really concrete that we can point to that might trigger them. Well, I'm now really concerned because he's now getting them weekly. They are so awful! He goes really white, begins throwing up and then literally sleeps for 12 hours. I told Alan that I'll be making an appointment for a more thorough exam this coming week. I'm going to demand an MRI or a CAT scan to see if there's anything I need to really worry about. I'm trying not to think brain tumor, but I would never forgive myself if there was something really bad, and I just let it go. So, if you could help me out with some prayers, etc., I'd really appreciate it.

First, I hope the intestinal thing makes a quick departure!

Poor Jacob! I agree that a more thorough exam is in order but stop worrying about brain tumors. I think that there have been so many changes in how food are grown and processed that our bodies cannot keep up with those changes. Kids seem to be affected more IMO.

Our eye Dr is from Korea and she was telling us that on her last visit there were signs in shops that there was no US beef, no US wheat, no US soybeans served in the establishment. Grains have been genetically altered in order to make growing, harvesting, storing and shipping easier, better and more efficient and to make the products less prone to disease and pests. The Dr told us they would not eat the stuff and that she was a little offended but that the premise makes a lot of sense. We are experiencing a lot of allergies in kids we never saw so much of when I was a kid and when my kids were growing up. I would bet that Jacob is having a reaction to something and will pray that teh DR can figure that out quickly!

Morning!

Today my mom and I are cohosting a baby shower together so I will eat/snack there.

Everyone have a happy and healthy day!

Have fun!

We ended up stopping at Buddy's fav grinder shop on the way home from visiting his Mom. My chicken cutlet grinder hit the spot!

I hope to get the pot roast I have been craving cooked today. I have a lot to get done to make up for teh two days I was off my ankle. It is fine today but I am just thinking about what I am behind on!

See you all later!

 

[HERSEY]

Glynis I am praying for Jacob. Migranes are terrible. I hope the doctors find out the reason soon. Does he bring his lunch to school or does he buy his lunch. Look at limiting his processed food, packaged dressings (bottled and dry mixes) meats, salami and bologna etc.
I have heard about recent research that some heart valve problems can be the cause.
My triggers are lack of good sleep and hormones and the ever famous weather. 3 of which I have no control over.

Last nights dinner was good. I happened to get the oxtails for a good price. When did they get the gourmet pricing. Even soup bones

Tonight is Gyros. I came across a recipe on making the gyro meat from ground beef. Wish me luck I love a good gyro

 

[Nancyg56]

Marisa's are triggered by smells. Cooked broccoli is one and balloons are another.

 

[HERSEY]

Glynis I forgot to mention. I friend of mine had to have her family on a cleansing diet and bring back certain foods 1 at a time and found that her son is allergic to corn and anything with corn products her daughter has issues with sugar and things that can make sugar in the body. The sugar one is harder to deal with. Her daughter is and hard nut to crack she thinks this is designed to keep her away from candy and especially chocolate not fair.

 

[Goofyluver]

Morning!

Today my mom and I are cohosting a baby shower together so I will eat/snack there.

Everyone have a happy and healthy day!

Have fun today, Lindsay!

Have fun!

We ended up stopping at Buddy's fav grinder shop on the way home from visiting his Mom. My chicken cutlet grinder hit the spot!

I hope to get the pot roast I have been craving cooked today. I have a lot to get done to make up for teh two days I was off my ankle. It is fine today but I am just thinking about what I am behind on!

See you all later!

I'm so glad that your ankle is better. And I hope you get that pot roast.

Glynis I am praying for Jacob. Migranes are terrible. I hope the doctors find out the reason soon. Does he bring his lunch to school or does he buy his lunch. Look at limiting his processed food, packaged dressings (bottled and dry mixes) meats, salami and bologna etc.
I have heard about recent research that some heart valve problems can be the cause.
My triggers are lack of good sleep and hormones and the ever famous weather. 3 of which I have no control over.

Last nights dinner was good. I happened to get the oxtails for a good price. When did they get the gourmet pricing. Even soup bones

Tonight is Gyros. I came across a recipe on making the gyro meat from ground beef. Wish me luck I love a good gyro

My trigger used to be hormones. Since I had all the inside junk yanked, my headaches have diminished dramatically. Sometimes they're also tied to weather, but I don't have them very often anymore.

I would love to know how your gyro recipe comes out. I looooove gyros, but am always hesitant to make them at home because I think they'll be hard.

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

Good morning y'all!

I have no idea what we're going to do today, hopefully relax!

Tonight's dinner is homemade pasta with a tomato butter sauce...my first time making the pasta as a meal. Wish us luck!

Y'all have a great Sunday!