So...whats for dinner?

MinusTwo

My niece & her husband both got the virus in March - right at the beginning. They are both police officers, with two boys age 3 & 5 who were home because schools & day-care closed. I know two people in my small neighborhood had it. Like Nance, most of my neighbors think it's time to get on with life and that means dropping the masks, if they ever wore one in the first place - except I live in a BIG city that's a hot spot. I know several others who are going out to eat 3-4x a week and playing cards & dominoes & some are getting sick. So stubbornly, I'm staying even closer to home. But I WILL go vote as soon as the polls open for early voting.

Carole - I love navy beans. Special - glad to hear your DH came through surgery in good shape. It must really be weird that you can't even see him once he's out of ICU. Is this military and are they more strict than civilian hospitals?

ChiSandy

We go out to eat at restaurants to which we can walk or drive-and-self-park that can guarantee us an outdoor table. Obviously, that doesn't work in crummy weather--so that's when we cook or order in. By state law, even when dining out doors one must wear a mask until seated and then put it back on when interacting with waitstaff. But we certainly get no closer to our neighbors than talking from deck to deck over the fences (about 10 feet of distance); and we have decided not to see friends at all, nor family close up and unmasked. High Holy Days are coming up--but except for reserved 15-minute slots of private meditative prayer time in the sanctuary or chapel (ditto for the tashlich ritual--symbolically casting one's sins on to the waters by throwing pieces of bread into the lake from the parking lot), services will be entirely online.

I do get my nails done every two weeks (and pedis to treat my chronically ingrowing toenails), but everyone is masked, temperatures are taken, there are plexiglas barriers, autoclaved steel foot bowls rather than massaging jacuzzi chairs, no refreshments, and nobody is allowed to wait inside for their appt. nor for their rides home. No more than three techs and three customers in the salon at any given time. However, I'm not getting my hair done again for the foreseeable future: the chemical services irritate my eyes, the keratin treatments wear off faster than they used to, and at this point my gray roots are coming in mostly white (not too much contrast with the blonde hair). I wasn't happy with the lax practices of my stylist (sat too close to me when talking while the dye was "taking" and he had to be admonished by the owner), nor that temperatures weren't taken and there were no barriers between chairs, just every other one cordoned off.

SpecialK

The families I know who got the virus were not taking as strict precautions as others - hard to say if that is why, I suppose it could be happenstance, but I’m still staying home for the most part and definitely wearing masks if I go out. DH was still doing the grocery shopping prior to surgery, I stocked up so we won’t have to go for a while and I’m ok with getting produce at the open air stand. I still have not eaten in an outdoor restaurant, DH has, and I have not had takeout, but DH and DD have.

minus - DH is in a civilian hospital, but because Florida - like TX - is a hot spot, they are tightly restricted. The exceptions seem to be labor and delivery, NICU, peds, and end of life care. We normally get routine care on the base, but they have shut down their clinic for the most part. That is their version of strict - but honestly, I think they are taking some degree of advantage. People still need medical care and are now instructed to get it in civilian facilities with coordination through base primary care telemedicine. Any specialty care has always had to be provided off-base because it’s a clinic only - but there is an extensive imaging center - I had my echos an Dexa scans there and have had CT and MRI done there. I’ve never understood why a base as big as this one has no proper hospital, because they have two large commands and an operational component. We have large hospitals, and an NCI cancer center, in the community so maybe it is more cost effective to farm out. All of my care for cancer was by civilian providers, but coordinated through my military primary care for the referrals. DH is having some trouble with his BP, and has differing readings in each arm - which concerns me regarding circulatory issues and clots. I assume they are discharging him today, but I have no BP cuff here at home so can’t monitor. I’m hoping they don’t just boot him out if it is still high. If I was there I would be asking more questions than he does - because that’s who I am, lol!

chisandy - I have had my hair done, mainly because my salon has the strictest protocol of anywhere I’ve been! That includes my dentist and dermatologist, the only other appointments I’ve kept, and they were delayed. I have abandoned nails, which I’m sad about - my nails look fine, but sheesh, the upkeep is ridiculous! I knew there was a reason I had mine done! I was having my lashes done and really loved how they looked but that’s way too up close and personal.

ChiSandy

I had a dental cleaning in June, and have my derm (postponed from May) next week. Glad my vision has improved enough to drive, as it's a long schlep up to Lake Bluff (I swear, she keeps moving her offices further & further north). Wonder what she'll say about my ocular melanoma (which is quite different--acc. to my ocular onc.--from cutaneous, with the only risk factors in common being light eyes, fair skin, 100 or more moles, and inability to tan). I don't have light eyes. I haven't tried to tan in >30 years, since I've been wearing sunscreen since then. I always wear polarized sunglasses outdoors in daylight. She has often marveled about how few moles I have. And because the two types of melanomas are histologically different, so are treatments for mets. Unfortunately, the immunotherapies used for mets from cutaneous melanoma don't seem to work for those from ocular.

The only reason I do manis is that I need strong and longish nails on my R hand to finger-pick steel guitar strings, and short on the L so I can fret cleanly; and pedis because my big toenails ingrow regardless of footwear and how they're cut. I once had the shave-down-the-side-of-the-nail-bed surgery on one toenail 20 years ago--recovery took 2 weeks and was painful; and the nail ingrew again after only a year. Podiatrists say the surgery is permanent. To put it politely, that's "bovine excrement."

Not sure about dinner. I still have 1/3 of my steak left, after 2 consecutive dinners. Bob says he'll be home about 8, but it's likely the drug reps will have fed the office staff so I don't know what (or if) he'll want to eat when he gets home.

MinusTwo

Reader I finally made your quick enchiladas tonight. Delicious even if I took the liberty to make lots of adjustments. Here's the original for those who may not remember:

Minus, the enchiladas are really easy and make a lot. We froze half. From memory, it's 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 can enchilada sauce, and 2 cups Mexican mix cheese. Cook the beef and onion then stir in sour cream and part of the sauce after removing it from the heat. Put two tablespoons of the mixture ( or so) in a tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Roll it up and do that 10 times. Pour 1/4 cup of the sauce in the baking dish before placing the 10 - 12 tortillas in there. Pour the remaining sauce over the top; sprinkle the remaining cheese over it then bake at 350 for 30 minutes. (Recipe said 18-20 but my DH likes crispy cheese

Well, I sauteed the onion, and then added small, cut up pieces of grilled chicken from pre-cooked strips (costco). I used green chili enchilada sauce and I cut the recipe in half or a little less, so I made four. That's two meals for me. I had some delicious home made tortillas that I'd frozen individually (half corn & half whole wheat flour) and defrosted for 10 seconds in the microwave. And I added some slices/chunks of Monterrey Jack cheese inside every enchilada before I rolled up because I LOVE cheese. Turned out really well, I'm full as a tic.

illimae

What was I thinking putting this much food on my plate, ugh. Very tasty though! It’s a breakfast for dinner theme with a Gouda bacon burger topped with a fried egg and a potato hash drizzles with a spicy sour cream sauce. I added a squash and zucchini mix and steamed spinach but I haven’t finished half of it.

ChiSandy

Bob's bringing home chicken & sides from Boston Market.

CeliaC

Special - Glad your DH's surgery went well. As far as COVID goes, we are still "sheltering in place" insofar as possible. We have always used masks when going out. We take full advantage of buying anything we can via Amazon, including their "Fresh" and also Whole Foods options and only grocery shop when necessary. I have had to venture out for an overdue Eye Exam (no dilation as they use digital technology) MO, Blood tests at hospital, PCP visit in order to get scrip refills and most annoyingly, Dental visits (infected tooth, regular cleaning, removal of cracked tooth + upcoming some visits to finish off work on the infected tooth and some type of "fill in" for the removed tooth - luckily, my dentist is very easy on the eyes). Also, going for a pedicure every 4 - 6 weeks, done by a medical pedicurist, a dry procedure using autoclaved instruments and every other precaution one would take in a medical environment, which make me feel very safe. No hair salon, just getting by with trimming my bangs when needed. My hair is definitely in need of a good trim on the ends, but since we are not out in public, guess it does not matter.

We only recently (starting with our 6/30 anniversary and for both of our birthdays) have ordered curbside carryout. I do a lot of Zoom exercise classes, so get to "see" whoever is attending these. Local cancer support community also hosts various Zoom "social" opportunities - coffee chats, dance parties, etc.

Guess we will just keep hanging in there, waiting for some type of immunity to be available. MIss seeing family, but not worth the risk.

auntienance

Ate at a restaurant for the first time in six months. Outdoor tables, spaced well apart and masks all around so I felt fairly comfortable. I had a bowl of gumbo with toasted cornbread. It was really delicious but I could only eat half so lunch tomorrow is determined. The lunch was with our realtor who will be helping us look for a house.

Tonight was tacos, the filling of which was way too salty. I normally just eyeball seasonings for tacos but I was trying a new recipe. The salt called for seemed way too much so I cut it in half but it was still way too much. I hate when I don't trust my own cooking instincts.

Glad the surgery went well Special. Hope the bp resolved quickly.

Wow illimae, that's quite a plate!

ChiSandy

Boston Market tonight--roast chicken (dark) for me, turkey breast for Bob, creamed spinach & steamed carrots for the both of us. Cheated a bit and had a cornbread muffin.

Beaverntx

Last evening dinner was taco salad. Temps dropped at least 30 degrees over night so tonight will be something warmer, probably layered enchilada casserole using the rest of a Costco rotisserie chicken.

illimae

Dinner was cashew chicken but I scarfed it down to fast to get a pic. Here’s what’s left but it won’t last long.

ChiSandy

Chilly & rainy here too (though for some reason my previously moribund tomato plants are loving it). Dining alone tonight on leftover steak, chicken thigh, creamed spinach & steamed carrots. I have to rein in my late-night carb cravings--last night it was a dark chocolate salted caramel followed by melted provolone on low-carb toast and then a handful of grain-free "granola." I'm back in leggings, but they're not baggy enough in the thighs (unless it's because my butt fat is drifting south). Gonna have to fire up the treadmill.

auntienance

Dinner was gyros in whole wheat pitas with tzatziki, the remains of Monday’s Greek salad and some roasted potatoes with olive oil, garlic and oregano. The gyro meat was a beef and lamb combo that I spotted at Costco in the frozen food section. It was pretty good but not as good as the vacuum packed fresh brand I have gotten there in the past. There is enough leftover for lunch tomorrow or possibly a “gyro salad” for another dinner if I pick up some lettuce tomorrow. Anyway, it was a satisfying meal probably because of the carb content.

My tomato plants had a very bad white fly infestation which I’ve never had on outdoor plants before. Insecticidal soap wasn’t doing the job so I picked up a pyrethin based product which has done the trick. I wouldn’t care too much but the two plants are loaded with little tomatoes that I would like (at least a few of them) to develop enough to pick.

ChiSandy

I used to get white fly on both tomato and basil plants in the soil of my garden. This is the fourth year I've been growing them on my deck in pots, and it makes a heck of a difference. (Makes it tougher on the squirrels, too--with my cat patrolling the rear window, they stay away from the deck). When I lived in Seattle (and had no pets), I used to get white fly on my houseplants. The local "hippie-granola" plant store suggested spraying them with a solution of just Ivory soap & water, and that worked too. You must have hardier white flies.

We're lucky enough to have a Greek fast-food joint (Patio) around the corner for when we want gyros or Athenian chicken (except on Sundays, when they're closed). And across Bway is Milo's Pita, which has decent Middle-Eastern food (three kinds of shwarma, plus falafel, hummus & babaghannouj, baklava). But their hummus (too grainy) & pitas can't hold a candle to Middle Eastern Bakery's.

Reader425

Enjoyed catching up here. This is a crew that eats well! Minus your version of the Enchiladas sound delicious. I love cheese too!

Lili good looking burger!

Quick ravioli and sauce tonight washed down with jam jar shiraz 🙂

WC3

ChiSandy:

The sesame seeds are discussed here.

https://foodforbreastcancer.com/amp/foods/sesame-seeds-and-sesame-oil

They have both anti proliferative and proliferative properties, which is why they are on the not recommended list...also known as "the list of all the foods I like."

CeliaC

WC3 - interesting article. As someone who loves hummus and babaghannouj (when I can find it), am hoping the amount of sesame in these will do no harm.

Illi - Glad to see you are back to eating "regular" foodstuffs. That cashew chicken dish looked marvelous.

Dinner yesterday was the remainder of a mix of sauteed baby bella shrooms, riced broccoli/carrot/cauliflower, tikka masala sauce and leftover rotisserie chicken breast. For dinner tonight, will have a small flatbread pizza using pesto for the base and Gilbert's Caprese chicken sausage, baby bella shrooms & mozzarella for the toppings.

I think I will get up early tomorrow and make a pilgrimage to Trader Joe's to replenish my favorites that can only be found there. I am totally out of their latkes, which I love.

ChiSandy

I read and re-read the article: the only contraindication for sesame products is with inflammatory or triple-neg breast cancer and tamoxifen; mine was Luminal A, for which I take an AI. not tamox. And I find the article (and site) somewhat suspect--as it says sesame is supposed to inhibit melanin production and melanoma cell replication; and I still got ocular melanoma. I don't trust natural/alternative sites (and that is one). Memorial Sloan Kettering has the definitive list of herbs & spices and their effect (or not) on cancers, including estrogen-positive bc. If my MO doesn't say to avoid a food product, I'm not going to deprive myself of small amounts of it. (And if sesame indeed increases breast cancer risk or recurrence, vegan Middle Eastern women--as well as those East Asians who use sesame oils & seeds--would have a higher incidence...which is not the case).

WC3

ChiSandy:

Your points are completely valid. Our understanding of certain foods and their role in cancer is far from conclusive or complete. At the end of the day I think the best any of us can do is to make the informed decisions which work best for us. For me, that is going easy on the sesame seeds, and having matzo ball soup and m&m's for dinner tonight.

ChiSandy

Ordered out tonight: Caesar salad (no croutons), bourbon-glazed grilled salmon over julienne vegetables (carrot, zucchini, bell peppers, red onion).

MinusTwo

WC3 - I have a vivid picture of you tossing the M&Ms into the soup. Oh my...

Supper was leftover chicken/green chili enchiladas - liberally based on the quick recipe from Reader. If you have a chance & an Hispanic community nearby, the fresh tortillas were the best I've ever tasted - 1/2 corn and 1/2 wheat flour.

SpecialK

Dinner has been relatively non-existent for the past few days - have been grazing and DH has been mostly protein shakes, and light cold things like fruit. I did make mac n cheese with some ham and scallions last night and it was yummy - that, and some tuna salad for lunch - no bread, was really his first solid food. I have not been super hungry - mostly managing meds, taking BP for DH, and doing stuff around the house. His post-op was yesterday and they removed the packing, not a lot of fun. The car ride make him nauseous, but he is more comfortable now. He has switched over to Tylenol, but the pain is mostly contained to his nose and not his whole head and face so the need for pain relief is not as great. We are making progress in the recuperation, and I think he underestimated what surgical recovery is like - and I am glad I convinced him to work from home once his days are sick leave are over on the 18th. I am, unfortunately, a professional at surgical recuperation and have tried to guide him, lol!

MinusTwo

Special - glad the recovery is going as well as can be expected. Yes, you certainly are an expert - but will he listen to your advice?

I still have 1/2 a can of green chili enchilada sauce and a couple of those tortillas in the freezer. Think tomorrow I'll make shrimp enchiladas w/Monterrey Jack. Tonight I have to use up zucchini & yellow squash before they turn. I only bought 3 of each - and fairly small at that - but I should know that I can't use that much in 10 days. Also have a cut watermelon in the fridge.

I started CoQ10 last week at the recommendation of my cardiologist. Taking only 100 mg to start but tentatively will ramp up to 300 mg. My PCP said it would not do anything to lower LDL cholesterol, but he seems to think it will. Anybody else taking it?? His other recommendation was Red Yeast Rice. That's off the table since it seems to be contraindicated with alcohol. I'm NOT giving up my nightly gin & tonic or red wine. Life is too short.

Nance - did you like the real estate person you're working with to find a new house? Houses are selling like hot cakes here in spite of the "red zone" virus ratings.

auntienance

Special, I hear you about being the expert in surgery recovery. My DH had never been in a hospital bed until his first colonoscopy. I think I’ve had 7 surgeries and he has had none.

Minus, our agent is the same one who sold our house. She is very much a go-getter, very helpful and knowledgeable with a great personality so we like her very much. Even though we are out of her home area, she does sell about one house a month down here so we’re confident that she knows the market.

Stomach is not behaving today I think it’s because my six month follow up mammogram is Monday. Always nerve wracking under the best of circumstances. Hoping for no changes in the area of scar tissue they keep looking at.

In spite of the jumpy stomach, dinner tonight is homemade pizza. Dessertis a freshly baked cherry pie which was challenging in the miniature kitchen.

ChiSandy

Bob is a cardiologist, and he doesn't take CoQ10 even though he takes a statin. My late PCP didn't believe in either it nor krill oil so long as one had a healthy diet or at least took a good "normal" multivite. And I have read (Consumer Reports, ConsumerLab.com) that red yeast rice, being an unregulated supplement, can open a whole can of worms--no guarantees of dosage nor even purity of ingredients. I'll stick with my statin until Bob or my care team tells me I needn't adjust my lipid levels.

Had a BLT on low-carb bread this a.m., with homegrown heirloom tomatoes and guacamole (cut with a little mayo). After watching America's Test Kitchen, I switched from Hellmann's to Duke's mayo. It's a bit tougher to find north of the Mason-Dixon line (though I got it first at Mariano's and now from AmazonFresh). Can't put my finger on why I like it better. I've tried the organic and olive-oil mayos, but they all seem to have had something "missing" taste-wise. I realize commercial mayo is made with seed oils but I don't eat enough of it to worry about it causing inflammation.

Dinner tonight will be last night's leftovers (Caesar & salmon with julienne veg for me, mesclun & eggplant parm over linguine for Bob), with a splash of leftover Borsao Garnacha. I'll eat first, as Bob has another very long hospitals day--they close their cafeterias nights & weekends; Holy Cross has nukable meals and Christ Hospital salads & sandwiches in their respective doctors' lounge fridges; Little Co. of Mary has diddly-squat--maybe some Ensure, a wrapped orange or yogurt filched from the nurses' station fridge.

Cowgirl13

Dinner for me was 2 slices of salami pizza from Whole Foods. I've been eating so much of the same food lately that I just needed a change. It was good, not particularly fabulous but it did the trick. And its been months since I've had a pizza.

MinusTwo

I don't take a statin - and I don't want to - and that's the point of the CoQ10. My HDL & Triglycerides are fantastic. Just the LDL is a little high. And as people on this thread know better than anyone else - I don't have a "normal" diet. One day I eat salad, the next day pork or fish or chicken, the next day green veggies, the next day an omelette, the next day a baked potato, etc. And I generally eat only one meal a day.

Edited to add - I don't eat fried foods but once or twice a year and only have red meat maybe once a month.

ChiSandy - glad to see you agree with me about the Red Yeast Rice.

ChiSandy

Actually, CoQ10's function is not to supplant, but rather supplement a statin--to mitigate or prevent side effects. It is naturally produced by the body to begin with. My LDL (on 5mg of Crestor) is a bit high--but both Bob and my late PCP were unconcerned because (like you) my HDL & triglycerides are excellent. Only my weight-mgmt. NP was alarmed by the LDL, so she doubled my Crestor to 10mg. Next lipid panel is in mid-Oct, when I weigh in and see her next.

illimae

Fajitas tonight! Hanging out in a friends driveway and garage for his birthday. Small party, just 5 of us