TKers Take the Fifth!

[Pikester]

Good evening ladies! It has been a nice quiet lazy Sunday afternoon. I think ya'll must have sent the rain our way. Oh well, that's okay. I'm inside, nice and dry. Haven't been around the DIS much. My mind has been rather preoccupied with going through all the travel info I have gathered, sorting it and finalizing plans for our trip. 16 days for us! How's your plans going Pikester? M&N? D&D? Bopsmom?

Pikester, that is so nice that your DD asked about your plans to meet up with us TKers. I feel honored! My plans are still to be at Epcot on the 5th too so hopefully we can manage to get together for a visit. I PMed you, M&N and D&D my cell phone number. I hope you have everyone on the mend and ready for Disney!
My DS has been pulling the change his mind trick on his Christmas list too. Well, actually more like trying to add to it. He seemed honestly shocked when I told him NO, that I was through shopping and trying to not spend any more money since we have the trip coming up. Can anyone say "spoiled rotten"? But I love him anyway! DD has really been the surprising one. She picked out one expensive gift and has stuck to it. Of course, she will be the one trying to spend all my hard earned gift cards when we get to WDW!
Did you have good luck planning your meals? I have had ours picked out for some time now. DS informed me today that he did want to venture out and try some of the foreign menu items. I looked again and decided I am staying with my plan. I don't think I would like some of the unusual food and DD sure would not so am gonna stick with playing it safe!
I have never tried Shepherd's pie. Is that from another country? Maybe I could try that on DS!

The Shepherd's pie was very yummy! I have no idea where it comes from but my Mom use to make it and now I do too. I use a cassarole dish and layer cooked ground beef on the bottom, then corn and then mashed potatoes. I cook my ground beef with spices and onions, I use 2 cans of corn and I add garlic salt, lemon pepper to my mashed potatoes. When that is layered in the pan I cook it for 30 minutes (for the potatoes on top to brown up and corn to heat through) at 450. I planned on buying some rolls to go with it but forgot. Oh well. I've done half corn on one side and beans on the other. I've also heard of using carrots instead of corn. Just use whatever veggie you like.

Plans are going good. I haven't started making my lists yet but my last day to purchase anything that I need to take with me will be Tuesday November 24th. That is the kids last day of school and will give me time to do what I need to do without them hanging around. That means I need to have my list ready by then so I should really get on it.

Other then the two ADRs that I made we don't have and definites on restaurants. After looking at all Participating QS I looked at the different menus and have narrowed the choices down to the places that sound like they had something we would all eat.

Parks

Animal Kingdom:
Flame Tree Barbecue
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

DHS:
Studio Catering Co

Epcot:
Cantina de San Angel
Liberty Inn
Sunshine Seasons
Lotus Blossom Cafe
Yakitori House

MK:
Pecos Bill
Columbia Harbour House
Cosmic Ray's

DTD:
Wolfgang Puck Express (Marketplace)

Resorts

AKL:
The Mara

CR:
Contempo Cafe

I don't think that we will be eating at any of the resorts (besides our home resort of Pop) but those are a couple of options.

DH is either going to make a Touring Plan before we leave or we are going to discuss it on our way down for something to do during the long drive. We like to have some idea of how we want to tour the parks but it's not set in stone. Just something to help guide us so we aren't standing around "So, what do you want to do?" "I don't know. What do you want to do?"

 

[Pikester]

Evening. The weather was beautiful here too. I love it. The kids are enjoying the new house. And they really love the big yard that we have now. We have most everything unpacked and we have started to put our pictures up. We have one entire wall just dedicated to Disney.

whgrn, Taylor Swift is from Reading, PA and that is only about 40 minutes from us. And thank you for posting that recipe. I'm cooking my first T-day dinner this year and am looking for all the help I can get.

marie, nice to see you again. My daughter has the same problem with pants fitting in the waist too. I have to buy all her pants with the adjustable waistband or else I'll be spending all my free time sewing them. No thank you. What restaurants are you planning on while in Disney?

Ev, I hope everyone is getting better in your house.

Pikester, you must be getting so excited about your trip. I wish I were going too.

I wish you were going to so I could make plans to meet you. One of these days!

Oh and I am excited!

 

[D&DDisney]

Pikester - I would also suggest Earl of Sandwich at DTD. My DH and I are picky eaters and we actually found this place to be quite good last year.
So excited for you.

I think all the prayers and well wishes worked. Disney is eating, stealing food and causing mischief so I know she is doing better. Don't know how long this will last, but I am grateful for every extra day we get.

JOCA - I am having TG at our house this year too. I just love to have family gathered around our table in the dining room I have always wanted. It is my favorite holiday moment. We always end up adding more tables and chairs but I will gladly do it as long as I can. The first TG in your new house will be so wonderful!!!!

My co-workers and I are going to sponsor a family by shopping for TG food for them. The need is so great this year and I feel so blessed to be able to put food on our table. With some crafty shopping and some coupons I think we'll be able to do it for around $25.

I have a very tasty recipe for baked sweet potatos w/ cinnamon crusted pecans. Its like heaven in a pyrex dish. I'll look it up and post if anyone is interested.

 

[whgrn]

Hey D&D!! I am SOOOO happy to hear that Disney is doing better!!! YAY!!!!

I love having TG here. Wish my Dad wasn't so antisocial--it would be great fun to have a crowd, but he prefers just family, so it's usually just the 6 of us. 8 this year is gonna be GREAT! How wonderful that you are sponsoring a family for their dinner! We have adopted a family for Christmas this year through our church--I don't know who's more excited---me or the kids!

Your sweet potato recipe sounds yummy!

JOCA I didn't realize Taylor was from PA. Hey, ya think she was named for Taylor Ham?? Enjoy the first holidays in your new home. I always loved that. I bet your "Disney wall" is awesome!

Pikester, we always eat at Flame Tree BBQ when we are at AK--we love that place.

Well, my PT was here and he is very pleased with my progress. i am walking almost totally without cane or any other assistive device, and he said if he didn't know which knee I had surgery on, he wouldn't be able to tell from watching me walk! The pain is minimal today, which is very nice. Later I'll get on the rack and shoot for 105 degrees! We were talking about e-books, and I was telling him all about my Kindle, which I love. he is planning to get his wife an ebook for Christmas, and was looking at the SONY one. well, I do believe I've got him sold on a Kindle. I swear, Amazon.com should give me a kickback for all the people I've sent them!!

It's another beautiful day in the neighborhood--close to 60, sunny, gentle breeze. I love it! The pool guy is here working on my pool again. with some good weather, it may get finished this week!

Well, I'm off to get some ice for my knee...

 

[D&DDisney]

Pikester - Less then 2 weeks to go!!!!

Only 1 month for us today!!!!!

Baked Sweet Potatoes w/ Cinnamon Pecan Crunch
1/2 C brown sugar
2 T Orange Juice
2 t vanilla extract
1 1/2 t cinnamon
3 lb sweet potatoes cut into 1 inch chunks
1 C dried cranberries
1/2 stick butter
1/4 C flour
1 C chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 400
Mix 1/4 c brown sugar, OJ, vanilla, 1t cinnamon and the salt. Add sweet potatoes and cranberries; toss to coat well.
Spoon into 9x13 baking dish. Dot with 2T butter. Cover with foil and bake for 30 min.
In small bowl, mix flour, remaining 1/4C brown sugar and remaining 1/2t cinnamon. Cut in remaining 2T butter witha fok until coarse srumbs form. Stir in pecans. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and stir gently. Sprinkle with pecan topping.
Bake uncovered 25-30 min longer or until potatoes are tender and topping is browned.

I usually bake the first part the night before. Then add topping and bake another 25 min right before we are about to eat. It really tastes good and is an alternative to the mushy yams & marshmellow tradition.

 

[DL55]

Hi everyone!
Back from our camping trip. Weather was good, low 80s first couple of days. Then the temps started to drop but then we were heading home. We had a wonderful anniversary meal but it cost us more than the three nights in the campground. It's a good thing that we are not gourmets as we could not afford such fancy meals. We were just 6 miles from a large shopping mall. I though I'd mention that for all you none campers. We were never far from civilization.
Sorry to hear of the losses and perverts.
Glad to hear Disney and whgrn are feeling better. Also those suffering from the flu.
Our Thanksgiving will just be the three of us again. I've cut down on how much I cook. Now it's more like a regular meal except with real mashed potatoes.

 

[BKMETV]

Hi all:

Finally getting a chance to check the computer. Had to go to the school and man the Book Fair this morning, then lots of errands. DH is still home. Work told him not to go back without the Ok from the doctor...his app't isn't until Fri so looks like I'm stuck with him until then...mind you we are off to Great Wolf Lodge on Wed/Thurs. He says he still coming...plans to nap a lot and hang in the hot tub.

Parks

Animal Kingdom:
Flame Tree Barbecue
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

DHS:
Studio Catering Co

Epcot:
Cantina de San Angel
Liberty Inn
Sunshine Seasons
Lotus Blossom Cafe
Yakitori House

MK:
Pecos Bill
Columbia Harbour House
Cosmic Ray's

DTD:
Wolfgang Puck Express (Marketplace)

Resorts

AKL:
The Mara

CR:
Contempo Cafe

I don't think that we will be eating at any of the resorts (besides our home resort of Pop) but those are a couple of options.

DH is either going to make a Touring Plan before we leave or we are going to discuss it on our way down for something to do during the long drive. We like to have some idea of how we want to tour the parks but it's not set in stone. Just something to help guide us so we aren't standing around "So, what do you want to do?" "I don't know. What do you want to do?"

Put me down as another vote for Flametree and Earl of Sandwich...we really liked both. Mara is just OK...worth it though if you want to see AKL which is absolutely fantastic if you haven't been there. I would highly recommend Captain Cook's at Poly though...they make an amazing grilled cheese...we ate it 3 times when we were there last year.

Though I not making TG dinner I've written down the sweet potato recipes...Thanks Ladies.

 

[whgrn]

D&D that recipe looks good too. I like the addition of the cranberries!

 

[JOCAmom]

Hello everyone!

Welcome back DL55!!!! I'm glad you had a good time camping. The only camping I've done is in a cabin with a bathroom and beds.

D&DDisney, that recipe sounds good too.

I think my youngest daughter is suffering from pms. She is an emotional, crying mess today. And everything is setting her off. She even cried to me that I am trying to starve her because I wouldn't let her eat junk food right after dinner. This is going to be a long night.

 

[M&N]

Poor DD JO! There was a story about my dad that when he was little and asked for some food and was told his mother was too busy then...he said do we eat to live or live to eat? That got him his snack!

Glad the camping trip was fun.

Has Kitty checked in on Facebook or any where?

I love shephards pie. Mom uses some gravey with the beef to make it less dry. We've used different veggies too. They all are good in it. She accidently opened the baby carrots instead of the peas so used them both the last time.

The cranberries in the yam casserole sounds yummy. I think they are high in carbs though. I found cranberry relish in the deli that had no added sugar. It also had oranges and apples. I try and only have 1/4 cup at a time. Tday is going to be very hard when counting carbs I think. I'm just going to try and think about it but I must have the stuffing and baked corn...and a small piece of pumpkin pie! I can do without the roll and mashed potatoes...maybe have a small piece of candied yams.

 

[M&N]

Continuation of lost/misplaced ATM card. I found the change purse I thought it was in...nothing in it. I decided I needed to get a new one. So I tell the lady at the bank I needed a new one. I said I may not look old enough to be forgetful but I guess anyone can forget things. I put it in a safe place so I wouldn't loose it! She laughed and said she's done silly things too. She then asks my name---I hand her my drivers license. She types it in and then says she needs my drivers license---holds it up and laughs...see how easy it is she says! So I'm waiting to see when I find it...I cannot use it anymore though because they stopped it. I have decided the safest place would be my wallet even when I go away and won't need it.

 

[JOCAmom]

M&N, you know you will find that ATM card when you are not looking for it. I did the same thing with my ID card a couple of months ago. I knew where I put it but when I looked, it wasn't there. Found it 2 weeks ago when I packed up a pile of junk. It had slid underneath it.

I need to start putting my menu together for Thanksgiving. Right now, my mom, her boyfriend, my brother, his wife and son are all coming her for dinner. I think I'll try one of the sweet potato recipes that whgrn and D&DDisney have posted. I am so clueless when it comes to this.

 

[M&N]

I am so clueless when it comes to this.

Maybe that's why dd wanted junk food!

 

[M&N]

Hey, I don't cook at all. I guess I could if I had to. One of my musts on my 'husband' list was he needed to be able to cook or go out all the time. And as you know, I'm an old maid! (Maybe I had better not stress the old part!)

 

[JOCAmom]

Maybe that's why dd wanted junk food!

Very funny! I do know how to cook. Just not turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie.

I need to get to bed. I have to get the kids up earlier for school here. Which, unfortunately, means I have to get to bed sooner.

Have a nice night!

 

[M&N]

Before I forget, my friends in Orlando went to MVMCP Sunday night. She said it was not crowded at all. She was upset because they cut out the Night Before Christmas show and have a stupid Stitch show. When they took me she said she would not go again because of the crowds but her hubby got tickets at work so she took her son who is visiting now.

I cannot wait to go...they didn't have the Osbourn lights going last year when I went. And I just love the lights on the castle!

 

[Pikester]

Pikester - I would also suggest Earl of Sandwich at DTD. My DH and I are picky eaters and we actually found this place to be quite good last year.
So excited for you.

We loved WGPE so much that we really want to eat there but if something happens that we can't then EOS is next on the list.

Pikester, we always eat at Flame Tree BBQ when we are at AK--we love that place.

Well, my PT was here and he is very pleased with my progress. i am walking almost totally without cane or any other assistive device, and he said if he didn't know which knee I had surgery on, he wouldn't be able to tell from watching me walk! The pain is minimal today, which is very nice. Later I'll get on the rack and shoot for 105 degrees! We were talking about e-books, and I was telling him all about my Kindle, which I love. he is planning to get his wife an ebook for Christmas, and was looking at the SONY one. well, I do believe I've got him sold on a Kindle. I swear, Amazon.com should give me a kickback for all the people I've sent them!!

It's another beautiful day in the neighborhood--close to 60, sunny, gentle breeze. I love it! The pool guy is here working on my pool again. with some good weather, it may get finished this week!

Well, I'm off to get some ice for my knee...

I'm excited about your FLame Tree feedback. We were going to eat there last year but it was very cold the day we were at AK and since the seating is outside my Mom, who can't do cold due to an circulation issue, we had to pass. If I had thought about it a little more we probably could have ordered and taken it into Pizzafari with no issues. After all, they're both owned by Disney so what should they care.

Finally getting a chance to check the computer. Had to go to the school and man the Book Fair this morning, then lots of errands. DH is still home. Work told him not to go back without the Ok from the doctor...his app't isn't until Fri so looks like I'm stuck with him until then...mind you we are off to Great Wolf Lodge on Wed/Thurs. He says he still coming...plans to nap a lot and hang in the hot tub.

Put me down as another vote for Flametree and Earl of Sandwich...we really liked both. Mara is just OK...worth it though if you want to see AKL which is absolutely fantastic if you haven't been there. I would highly recommend Captain Cook's at Poly though...they make an amazing grilled cheese...we ate it 3 times when we were there last year.

Though I not making TG dinner I've written down the sweet potato recipes...Thanks Ladies.

Poor DH and poor you for having to have him hanging around. Hanging out in the the Hot Tub sounds good!

I was reading reviews for the Monorail CS restaurants because on our MK night there is a MVMCP and we might want to try a place out of the park but not too far from where we will be parking (TTC). Well, the place that had the best reviews was the Food and Fun Center at the Contemporary. If that doesn't work then I will check out Captain Cook's.

I think my youngest daughter is suffering from pms. She is an emotional, crying mess today. And everything is setting her off. She even cried to me that I am trying to starve her because I wouldn't let her eat junk food right after dinner. This is going to be a long night.

So glad I have boys when it comes to that!

Continuation of lost/misplaced ATM card. I found the change purse I thought it was in...nothing in it. I decided I needed to get a new one. So I tell the lady at the bank I needed a new one. I said I may not look old enough to be forgetful but I guess anyone can forget things. I put it in a safe place so I wouldn't loose it! She laughed and said she's done silly things too. She then asks my name---I hand her my drivers license. She types it in and then says she needs my drivers license---holds it up and laughs...see how easy it is she says! So I'm waiting to see when I find it...I cannot use it anymore though because they stopped it. I have decided the safest place would be my wallet even when I go away and won't need it.

Poor M&N!

Very funny! I do know how to cook. Just not turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie.

I need to get to bed. I have to get the kids up earlier for school here. Which, unfortunately, means I have to get to bed sooner.

Have a nice night!

You are going to do a great job!

Before I forget, my friends in Orlando went to MVMCP Sunday night. She said it was not crowded at all. She was upset because they cut out the Night Before Christmas show and have a stupid Stitch show. When they took me she said she would not go again because of the crowds but her hubby got tickets at work so she took her son who is visiting now.

I cannot wait to go...they didn't have the Osbourn lights going last year when I went. And I just love the lights on the castle!

So they cut stuff or replace it but I'm sure you still pay an arm and a leg for the tickets! I've gone back and forth on whether or not to get tickets for this. DH has all ready said that it's not something that he is interested but I still think about it now and then. I'm going to stick with his instincts and say NO to the MVMCP.

Oops, it's late! Gotta get the kids to school.

 

[whgrn]

JOCA I feel your pain with DD!!! I get that every month for a few days--I always know when it's coming by her behavior, and she can never figure it out! I tell her "wear a pad today", and within 48 hours, viola! She's still amazed.

As far as TG dinner, the big trick is getting everything to be done at the same time. When I first started cooking TG, I would make a list of how long everything needed to cook, and back it up from there to see when i needed to start each thing. It works--I've never had a TG dinner where part of the meal is ready and part isn't! Of course, your turkey can throw your time off a bit, but as long as it's cooked, it can sit awhile and "set" without any loss of taste or quality. Big issues--do you have enough oven/stove space? I have a double oven and the ONLY time I use it is TG! Turkey goes in one, everything else uses the other. Not much goes on the stove that day, other than maybe in the AM for prep work, but I do use the microwave for the veggies.

You will do just fine. in any event, I'm sure your family will be thrilled regardless of how it all turns out!

I am SO jealous of all of you getting ready to go to Disney! That trip is a long way off for us. The kids actually don't want to go anytime soon. Bummer. Where did I go wrong in raising them???

M&N I'm not suggesting you go crazy on TG, but you can probably relax the rules a little bit. be very very very cautious the few days before and after, and then just enjoy things in small quantities on TG. I had a bit of everything I wanted, including Apple Pie last year, for only 750 calories! It CAN be done! besides, the first 2 bites are always the best...

 

[M&N]

I just got a call that a friend lost her battle with cancer. She was such an inspiration going through the ups and downs. She had such a positive outlook and gave God the credit for for the victories. Please pray for her family.

 

[Pikester]