What's for Dinner Tonight? (recipe index in OP)

[THE HAT]

Gretchen---I am so happy to see you pop in, even if it is just for a minute!!....I appreciate your prayers more then I will ever be able to tell you.....the days are rough....so knowing others are thinking of me helps so much!!
I feel so bad for poor sweet Hailey....give her a hug from me.....I hate loud hammering, so I can't even begin to think how much it must bother her. I am sure the rest did you some good as well!!

I figured out what to do with the boneless pork......I am going to pan fry them with a pineapple chutney and have curried rutabaga with a mustard butter, and serve it all over butter noodles, mmmmm.....perfect for this cool day....I got in from running errands just as some unexpected freezing rain started.

Hope all are doing well.

 

[shovan]

This week I will be cooking all of the foods I like that John does not, since he is not here. I think tonight I am making a mushroom sandwich. Yum, mushrooms.

That's what I'd do, fix everything he doesn't like & watch your kind of tv!

Kenny thinks I should be thankful for the forced rest if nothing else. He's probably right but I wasn't thrilled doing my laundry so late on Saturday and Sunday nights. I've made the pork chops before and we really liked them, but the recipe is at home. I'll post it tonight after dinner.

Laundry at night when your tired is never fun. No rush on the recipe, just take care of yourself!

I know what you mean. Everytime I buy an avocado or mango it usually takes about a week for it to get ripe, sometimes longer for a mango. I wish I knew someone who had trees. A friend of mine had a mango tree and I didn't know about it until they had it cut down. They never ate them, just picked them off the ground and threw them away.

Well the mangoes were pretty ripe but the avocados weren't. I can't figure out quite what I'm doing with it all yet. I had some kind of island combo salad in mind. But DH really isn't a fan of fruit/savory together. But I think that's what he's getting. I really wish I had the yard to plant some fruit trees! After those lemons Mario had given me, I'd love to have a lemon tree, but he said the tree was huge.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Aimee, So glad to hear you're having a great time! Are y'all going to visit Biltmore? I've been wanting to do that? Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Nah, not planning on going. We could but my collegue has been several times and said it's a waste of money, and the day we'd need to do it is planning to be pouring rain and thunderstorms.

Someday I'd like to do it just because, but I don't have a real draw to it. Esp not in the rain!

 

[shovan]

Here's the recipe I'm using for the Cuban Black Beans, I'm using smoked ham shanks & chipotle smoked sausage, it sure is smelling good!

Cuban Black Beans - staple common to Cuban cooking is black beans. You will find that although they may seem common, they can be used in a variety of different dishes.



1 pound dried black beans
4 cups of water
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
¼ pound salt pork, chopped
1 pound smoked ham hocks, cut in 1 inch pieces
2 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 bay leaves
4 cups chicken stock
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon vinegar
salt and pepper to taste



Place black beans and water in large stock pot. Cover and boil two minutes. Turn off heat and let stand covered for 1 hour.



Remove the lid and add the rest of the ingredients, except the vinegar, salt and pepper. There should be enough water to just cover the beans, so if necessary add a bit or water. Cover and simmer until the beans are tender, about 2 hours. Take out the hocks and remove the bones. Return the meat to the pot. Add the vinegar, salt and pepper. Simmer long enough to heat the vinegar.

 

[Zandy595]

Well the mangoes were pretty ripe but the avocados weren't. I can't figure out quite what I'm doing with it all yet. I had some kind of island combo salad in mind. But DH really isn't a fan of fruit/savory together. But I think that's what he's getting. I really wish I had the yard to plant some fruit trees! After those lemons Mario had given me, I'd love to have a lemon tree, but he said the tree was huge.

DH got me a little Meyers lemon tree for my birthday (October) and it's still sitting on our driveway. I guess I should just be happy he remembered my bday for a change. You would never know that he owns a lawn care/landscape business by the looks of our yard.

 

[Glynis]

Glad to hear the movie was good! Sorry the popcorn wasn't! I always spend the money & then am so sorry after! Do you think she really had a sister? I'll have to go look that up!

Tomorrow if the weather is good we are going to go to a local fest. Good food & good music for a good cause, local police & fire depts. If the weather's a bust, we are going to try to hit the movies!

Hi, all, I'm trying to catch up, but just had to respond to this post.

Yes, Anne Bolyn had a sister. Mary was her older sister, and was King Henry VIII's mistress before Anne came on the scene. According to history, her affair with the king was over before Anne arrived.

I'm a bit of an English history nut!

 

[Glynis]

I'll save you the research, she did indeed have a sister. But, the movie does not portray things accurately--Mary was a lot older than Anne and her affair with the kind ended long before Anne came into the picture. I'm a bit of a Tudor buff from college.

I should have known that you would post this before me! I swear, we have to meet! With our shared interest (and your fabulous cooking), we could have some fun discussions. It's rare to find anyone else who is obsessed with the Tudor's!

 

[Glynis]

Becky- DO you remember what Anne Boleyn was beheaded for? The movie seemed to take license and I was wondering if they exaggerated her treason. The movie had her and her brother beheaded for treason and incest after she lost a baby.

Officially, the charge was treason against the king (supposed affairs with numerous men including her brother). The real reason was that she gave birth to a girl after promising the king she could give him a son. By the time Elizabeth was born, Anne was getting older, and the chance of another baby (coupled with her unpopularity with the English people) was small. Henry already had his eye on Lady Jane Grey (who would be the only one of his 6 wives to give him a son) courtesy of her uncle who was pushing the match. Anne was really a foolish girl! If she had been content to be Henry's mistress, she would never have been beheaded. She would have eventually been married off (as all his mistresses were) and her daughter would have been claimed by Henry (although not as legitimate). Anne was very ambitious, though, and wanted to be queen. Nothing else would do, so she ended up paying the ultimate price.

 

[shovan]

DH got me a little Meyers lemon tree for my birthday (October) and it's still sitting on our driveway. I guess I should just be happy he remembered my bday for a change. You would never know that he owns a lawn care/landscape business by the looks of our yard.

Sorry about your lemon tree! It always seems that way with husbands that do landscaping, contractors, whatever, they never wan't to do the work at home!

I wish your hubby was over here. I have a landscaper working in our yard today. What was supposed to be a simple cleaning up, replacing dead plants has snowballed to a much bigger & of course more expensive job!

 

[Glynis]

Sheryl--I am so glad you had such a nice day!! .....I am living through all of you who are able to get outside and enjoy the day!!!

The one good thing about the snowy day is that I get to spend a lot of time "dissing" lord knows I have been chatty today...between being cooped up and the always full glass of wine.......


Speaking of Anne Boleyn...are any of you watching the Tudors on showtime? I missed the first season and am trying to catch up before the new one starts in March...........far far far etc back in my family tree I am related to Mary queen of Scots.....that is my one and only claim to fame...... bow if you feel worthy or just drink with me....

Now, Mary's is a very sad story. Another young queen who put her trust in the wrong people. Very sad!

 

[Glynis]

I would make Glynis pot roast and proudly serve it to anyone, it is so good.

If you have any more info we can sharpen our pencils and look.

I know I missed a lot o things but I want to ask if you could spare a prayer I would appreciate it. Buddy's aunt passed on this morning. She lost her brother last week and she has one more who is terminally ill with cancer. This family has too much to bear right now.

I stop by tomorrow.

to the whole family. I'll keep them in my prayers.

 

[Glynis]

Finally gonnae try something.

Lemon spaghetti.....easy?

Super easy, and super yummy!!!

 

[Glynis]

liamandcaili and shovan thanks........BUT !!!

well,you see,i cant cook.....not one bit....im as you might say....hopeless !!

i have lurked for a while and eventually posted last week for help and i think the lemon spaghetti could be an easy start.BUT...yes,another but...i really,really need idiot proof instructions.

Seriously, this recipe is super easy. Just follow the instructions and it will turn out perfectly. Honest!!!

 

[Glynis]

Finally caught up!

Things got really hectic here this past weekend! The kids play took up Friday night and Saturday as well. I had great plans for cooking homemade Mac and Cheese, but never got to it, as it took me 45 minutes to curl Katie's hair for the play, then there was Leslie's hair, and makeup for both girls to be done. By the time that was done, it was time for them to be at the theater. So, bad mom that I am, I let them have cold cereal for dinner on Friday and Saturday!

Yesterday, Leslie woke up vomiting, feverish and just achy. Yup, the flu has hit our house. Today, both she and Katie are down with it! Luckily, there was no school today, so they are not missing anything, yet. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

I'm not sure WFD yet. I might do the smokin' mac and cheese recipe that I was going to do on Friday, or I might call Alan and have him pick up Chinese on his way home from work. Depends on how all the sickies are feeling!

Sorry for spouting all the British history. It really is a passion of mine, and I could go on and on about Henry and all 6 of his wives, and his 3 children. Fascinating stuff!!! I can't wait to get to England in June, and show Katie all the places she's heard me talking about!

 

[OKWMom]

I've missed you!!!!!

Poor Hailey and poor Mom . I'll never forget how loud it was, we had to have ours done after Katrina poked some holes in it. I get a just thinking about it.

I've missed you too! It's felt like ages, even though it was only a couple of days. I noticed you made ressies at POFQ. I haven't stayed there since 93, but we hit their food court at least once or twice a trip (OKW doesn't have one). It really is a lovely resort and I find especially nice since it is the smallest of the moderates and very well themed. My only regret is that Bonfamille's is closed. They had wonderful food and I don't understand how a resort can say they are themed to the Big Easy and not have a table service restaurant.

Gretchen---I am so happy to see you pop in, even if it is just for a minute!!....I appreciate your prayers more then I will ever be able to tell you.....the days are rough....so knowing others are thinking of me helps so much!!
I feel so bad for poor sweet Hailey....give her a hug from me.....I hate loud hammering, so I can't even begin to think how much it must bother her. I am sure the rest did you some good as well!!

Wendie, I have an hour commute each way, so I have lots of time to think of and pray for my friends. This first year is going to be rough, but it will get a little better each year.

DH got me a little Meyers lemon tree for my birthday (October) and it's still sitting on our driveway. I guess I should just be happy he remembered my bday for a change. You would never know that he owns a lawn care/landscape business by the looks of our yard.

Cobbler's children without shoes. I know. I'm guilty of the same thing. My family's taxes are the last on the list.

Yesterday, Leslie woke up vomiting, feverish and just achy. Yup, the flu has hit our house. Today, both she and Katie are down with it! Luckily, there was no school today, so they are not missing anything, yet. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

So sorry. I'd rather the kids have anything but the stomach virus.

Sheryl my crowd just made it in, so I'm off to feed them but I have the recipe for you and will post it after I have fed the kiddos (and Kenny)

 

[TigerKat]

Glynis - I hope the kiddos start feeling better soon!

Gretchen - We never thought we'd ever stay at POFQ, who wants to go on vacation and be reminded of home, right? BUT we decided this would be an "all new & different" kinda trip. It's just a long weekend but we'll be there for F&W which is right up my alley.

 

[OKWMom]

Finally Sheryl, I have a minute. Here it is (such that it is). It's kind of one of those throw it together things, so I'm going to post it like I make it and you can feel free to change it to your tastes.

Baked Mustard/Brie Pork chops
2 lb pork tenderloin, sliced into 1 inch chops
dijon mustard
approx 1-2 tbl olive oil
seasoned salt
freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup flour
thyme
Italian bread crumbs
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tbl butter
3/4 lb brie, slightly softened, rind removed

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat one or both sides (your preference) of the chops with mustard. Heat olive oil in saute pan over medium-high heat.

Combine flour, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Coat chops with flour mixture and brown on both sides. When browned, put in a shallow baking dish that you have sprayed with non-stick spray.

Top chops with brie. You don't have to be precise, it's going to melt. I just kind of dot the top of the chops with brie chunks.

Melt butter in a small bowl. Add bread crumbs, garlic and thyme. Sprinkle this on top of the brie and chops.

Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until done.


Easy, easy, easy. My husband calls them "stuffing chops" and between him and the 12 year old, there are three small medallions left for his lunch tomorrow.

 

[OKWMom]

Gretchen - We never thought we'd ever stay at POFQ, who wants to go on vacation and be reminded of home, right? BUT we decided this would be an "all new & different" kinda trip. It's just a long weekend but we'll be there for F&W which is right up my alley.

I know, but the familiar is kind of nice too. I think it was one of the things that attracted me to OKW. I live on the coast and those units remind me of the beach houses and condos here at home. Well, the condos anyway. The beach houses used to be much more simple until Hugo washed them all away. Now most of them look like mansions, not like the shabby, but quaint houses of my youth.

And quite frankly, I wouldn't care where I was staying if I was going to F&W. I have been wanted to do that for so very long, but I would want to do WAAAAAYYYYY more things than I have the budget to do, not to mention that I would be going alone because I couldn't convince Kenny to put on a coat and tie on vacation.

But I really do like POFQ. It seems so lush and quiet. And I think you can take the boat to DTD from there. I've taken the one from OKW and it really is a neat ride.

 

[TigerKat]

I couldn't convince Kenny to put on a coat and tie on vacation.

WHAT????? Coat & Tie for what events, because that ain't happening with Johnny either. We're probably going to do a Party for the Senses and a few pairings if we get lucky, hopefully those don't require coat & tie.

Yep we're going to take the boat to DTD to eat at Raglan Road!

 

[OKWMom]

WHAT????? Coat & Tie for what events, because that ain't happening with Johnny either. We're probably going to do a Party for the Senses and a few pairings if we get lucky, hopefully those don't require coat & tie.

Ok. Now take this with a large grain of salt because my memory isn't nearly what it was before I had children, but I could swear that either Sheryl or Lori was describing the Party for the Senses and the dress code was cocktail dress. I know Sheryl has been to several of the events. I'm sure she can give you the dress code info for everything.