So...whats for dinner?

debbie6122

Deb- too funny!

Lacey12

Susan, I'm having a bit of tomato envy. I passed up the trip to the Farmer's Market today since we are leaving for NJ in the morning and I didn't need a roasting project today. DH did go, tho and got some corn on the cob which I scraped off to make my new favorite corn/black bean salsa when we get down there.



For dinner we did turn our oven on to bake chicken breasts covered with roasted red peppers (leftover from my roasting frenzy this week)and mushrooms with a bit of parmesan on top. Tried sauteed beet greens with garlic and a touch of honey and lime....jury still out on that combo, but since I put fresh beets in our smoothies daily, I need to try beet greens recipes. Also had a wonderful fresh arugula salad with tomato and red onion.



Michelle, I thought of you a little while ago as I was busy making our grand daughter a baby taggie. I'd attached all the ribbons to hers and another one I'm making, late last night. So tonight I went to sew the front and back pieces together and realized that I carefully sewed every single ribbon on the fabric BACKWARDS! I was so frustrated until I realized that I suddenly have lots of time to rip the ribbons out and start over....but yes, crafts can be a challenge! I have made tons of taggies, but can go for months without working on any....thus the spatial brain glitch. I would be smart to write a set of directions down for myself, to avoid this the next time!

Lacey12

Carrie, that grape pie sound really tasty! I'll trade you some lobster for one!

Moonflwr912

Lacie, sorry you have to resew all the little taggies! I once set a sleeve in upside down. The only way I could have worn it would have been if I kept my right ARM over my head! LOL



Carrie, I had never even heard of grape pie til I lived in Webster, NY. I haven't had it since. Never heard of Bumpy cake either til my daughter lived in MI for a while. Of course, I bet not too many of you know about squeaky cheese either. LOL

Laurie08

Joyce- Thinking of you this morning.  Hope everything goes well at your appointment.

LuvRVing

Thinking of you, Joyce, and sending hugs and love.  Those microcalcifications better be nothing, or I'm going to beat them up!!!

Lacey - oh, I feel your frustration!  For everyone else, we were having a discussion on Saturday about my intense dislike for doing crafts.  I love to see them, to buy them, but I have zero desire to make any project that can't be completed in about ten minutes!

Laurie - hope you get to rest today! 

carberry

Lacey  Its a deal! Living in wine and grape country here they pretty much have grape everything.  I hear the making of these pies is very time consuming getting all the seeds outta the grapes.

Moonflwr  You got me...what is squeaky cheese?

{{{HUGS}}} to Joyce

Laurie Looks like you got everything accomplished and it all turned out fine...right?  that cake is amazing.  Your cold getting better?

I may just have to do a pot of chili, still pretty cold here and chili may be just the thing, got some of that bread leftover too.

Laurie08

Carrie- Yes I did manage to get it all done!  Well...enough of it that I was pleased.  Now I just have to do my sons special fruit kabobs on Wednesday for school and then we will be getting ready to head camping for 4 days!  Chili sounds good, maybe I will make some at the end of the week to bring camping.

I am now enjoying a moment of silence.  I just dropped DS 1 at pre school and DS 2 is psyched because now he can play with all of his brothers new toys.  He had not been allowed to touch the new remote control crane, lol!  I am hoping he quietly plays for awhile

I have nothing on the agenda for today.  It was such a busy weekend.  I am going to just hang around the house this morning and maybe take the boys for a nature walk this afternoon and look for leaves or something...

I am thinking meat loaf for dinner.

susan_02143

We must have been posting at the same time since I didn't see that cake until just now. THAT is a fun cake indeed! Just love those cars.

*susan* 

auntienance

I'm looking for inspiration for dinner tonight. Last night was pork chops with braised red cabbage and fresh applesauce. DH was in the garden yesterday and noticed that some of the French bean plants had come back to life so we had a bonus of haricots verts. That was a treat because the drought took it's toll on on most of the vegetables, but especially the green beans. We hardly had any this summer.



Maybe I'll watch some cooking shows today. They always seem to inspire me!

auntienance

Good luck today Joyce.



Laurie, love the cake.

susan_02143

Nancy,

What is in your fridge, freezer and/or pantry? We could pretend you have a "mystery" box.

*susan* 

Laurie08

Nancy- I agree with Susan, give us a starter for ideas- what do you have for meat?

carolehalston

Laurie, my dh would like that cake if it had no. 14 on it!  So Son # 1 is a Nascar fan?  Amazing that you got everything done.

Thanks for the roasted tomato recipes.  Interesting that one approach uses high heat and the other low heat.  I would have to use the grill if I were home during the summer when the home grown tomatoes are available.  We limit oven use to avoid interfering with the A/C.

I not only don't know about squeaky cheese.  I don't know about "taggies"!

Awaiting good news from Joyce.

I like to crochet (craft) but have a drawer full of colorful  pot holders etc.  I may try making some hats and scarves to give away to unsuspecting relatives!  When you do crafts, you come up with a product that others may or may not want!

We took three days to travel home from Decatur, IL, because of interest in the Rider Cup golf competition.  We listened to the XM radio golf station while we travelled and set up early each day to hurry inside and turn on the tv.  Yesterday we got up at 6am and were on the road by 6:45.  Arrived home about 1:30 pm in time to see the US soundly defeated by the Euros.  Should have slept longer!  Hindsight is great.

Anyway, we're back home, gone since June 22.  Now for the job of transferring possessions from the 5th wheel to the house.

Last night we enjoyed our martinis in our own living room.  I cooked a simple dinner of linguini w/Italian sausage and pesto from a jar.  Grated Asiago cheese.  Chopped salad of iceburg and tomatoes with mayo and vinegar dressing.

LuvRVing

I love the idea of using Nancy's fridge as a mystery basket!  

Welcome home, Carole! My DH was sorely disappointed in the Ryder Cup outcome.  He was second-guessing sitting Mickelson on Saturday and letting Woods play.  He said the US has never won when Woods is on the team!!!

auntienance

Oh boy, you don't know what you're asking. I'm a food collector so you name it, I probably have it. Except for apple's pomegranite molasses, which sounds wonderfully exotic.



Fresh vegie wise, I have red cabbage, snap peas, asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, onions, Shallots, carrots, celery, green and yellow peppers, garlic and a few tomatoes. Frozen, I think I have almost any kind of non

exotic meat (e.g. no ostrich) you could want, including prosciutto and pancetta.



I dunno, after listing all that, it sounds like soup to me, but I'm interested in what you all come up with!

chabba

Nancy, how about a red cabbage soup with a chicken sock base and lots of onions and garlic, stroganoff made from tenderloin on noodles (homemade?), asparagus and mushrooms sauteed in butter?

susan_02143

Oh, man! This is too easy! You can make anything with that. However, the snap peas and asparagus are the first to "fade" so a meal that utilizes them might make the most sense. But, now reconsidering.... how about a pasta primavera with pancetta? I would blanch the snow peas for about 1 minute, then into the ice bath. Then do the asaragus for about 2 minutes and into the bath. Drain the cold veggies to dry. Slice your peppers thinly after removing the membranes and core. [I would actually prefer the peppers roasted, but you might like them more raw.] Add to your green vegetables.

Dice your pancetta into about 1/4" squares. Mince the shallot. And mince the garlic. Cube the tomatoes. Pour a 1/4 cup of white wine into a measuring cup. Your mise en place is done.

Start some water to boil for the pasta. [I would use the same water as the vegetables.] Render the pancetta in a healthy glug of olive oil. Be generous, this is your sauce. Use a sautee or frying pan that will be big enough to hold all of your ingredients. Be patient and render the pancetta until it is really crispy. With a slotted spoon remove the pancetta. By now, your water should be boiling. Add salt to the water, and then your pasta. Depending on the pasta, you are now 9 minutes from eating. Do stir the pasta as it is cooking.

Wait until your pasta is about 5 minutes away from being done. Add the shallots to the pan, and cook until they are just this side of browning, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the wine, and scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan. Throw in the snow peas, asparagus, peppers, and cooked pancetta, plus some salt. Add the pasta and swirl around to coat with the sauce. Add the tomatoes and stir once.

Plate and add some grated parmesan cheese at the table.

Now, I am hungry!

*susan* 

apple

happy anniversary Laurie!

LuvRVing

Nancy - the first thing that came to my mind was a nice, garlicky stir-fry.  Use whatever meat, cut it into stirfry strips.  I like to make mine asian-style with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, a little honey, sesame oil if you have it.  Add some peanuts or cashews for extra crunch/texture.  Add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.  Pineapple (even canned) is also a good addition.  You can use as many of those fresh veggies as you want.  Serve over brown or white rice. 

But I must admit that Susan's idea sounds pretty darn yummy!!!

Hi Apple!  Hope you are doing better!  (((Hugs)))

auntienance

Oh Joyce, I'm sorry you have to ride this roller coaster again.  Hoping for the best possible outcome for you!  Damned cancer!

 Wow, you guys are the best.  Lots of good ideas for dinner here, not just for today.  I love primavera and am torn between that and a penne pasta with vodka cream sauce with pancetta and asparagus that I had at a restaurant recently.  We just had lasagna rolls so I don't want to overdo it on the pasta (as if!) so I think I'll do one of them this weekend.  Michelle, stir fry is my "go to" dish when I have bits and pieces of things so that's always in the back of my mind.  I forgot to mention that I also have mushrooms and Brussels sprouts.  I think I've decided on steak tips with  an onion mushroom gravy (DH doesn't like stroganoff or would have acted on that suggestion) and roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and garlic.  Thanks for the suggestions guys - I love it!

debbie6122

Joyce- Oh Joyce I was hopeing when I came on here I would hear different than needing a biopsy. But I am glad your dr has your best interrest at heart and wants to be sure. Have they called yet for your appointment?  Always in my prayers and heart!

Carole- Welcome back, I imagine its quite a task to unload after being gone so long then you can relax and enjoy more martini's tonight!

Nancey- Thats what I made for dinner last night or was it the night before I can't remember but made it with brandy in the mushroom sauce gives it a little more intense flavor. Susan's and Michelles tips sounds wonderful too.

Laurie- Hope your feeling better.

Moon - What are squeaky cheese, and lumpy cake?

Lacey- I agree with carole dont have a clue what taggies are! Learning somthing new on this thread every day. Also forgot to mention how cute you looked in your fascinator!

Apple- Nice to see you back hope you are feeling ok!

LuvRVing

Like everyone, I am so upset at Joyce's news.  Crap, crap, crap - that's what this breast cancer is, nothing but crap!  I talked to her on the phone and she has an appointment with the breast surgeon on Friday, the biopsy on Monday.  She'll be in good hands and we're here for her and for her DH.  Positive thoughts for this to be "much ado about nothing."

Laurie08

Joyce- I am going with theory of "using caution".  The calcs could just be from the trauma of the lumpectomy.  They are just being careful.  I pray everything will be fine and that somehow, you rest easy between now and next week : /  Not an easy thing to accomplish.

Debbie- How are you and your whole family doing?  This is such a hard time for you, love and strength coming your way from me.

Carol- Having a martini in your own living room must have been wonderfu after your adventure.  So glad you had such a great trip and made it home safe and sound.

Nancy- Enjoy your dinner, the ladies gave you great ideas for today and future meals!

Lacey- SO frustrating that you have to do your project over again!  You are always making or cooking something, love it!

I did nothing today.  Just kind of puttered around the house and played with the kids.  I am going to the Dr tomorrow, the sinus pressure is getting pretty intense so I am going to get antibiotics so I will feel better for the weekend.  Meatloaf is in the oven.  A nice fall feel good meal, with mashed potatoes and peas.  I can tell I am feeling the cool weather.  I am starting to plan our food for the camping trip and I am thinking chili, pulled pork sandwiches and lasagna....DH said he wanted to cook a turkey in the camper- I told him he is nuts.  At least my ideas require cooking at home and reheating once there.  Cook a turkey in the camper oven?

LuvRVing

Laurie - get him a small turkey and one of those deep fat fryers.  He can do the man-thing and fry the turkey...outside...with the other guys!  It would almost be a good idea except the fryers are expensive and the peanut oil is not cheap, either.  I'm with you - minding a turkey on a camping weekend is nuts!  You could roast a turkey breast, make gravy, and feed him hot turkey sandwiches

SeasideMemories

Well Shoot, Joyce... I'm sure that having a biopsy was not what you wanted to hear but, let's hope that in the end it's good news and they are erring on the side of caution...



Laurie,



That was a pretty cool cake that DS had for his birthday!! If I remember right one of the boys had an equally awesome John Deere (?) cake last year! Do you make them yourself? If so, you are quite talented!



Debbie,



I'm with you.... Taggies... Squeaky Cheese... Lumpy Cakes... Fascinators.... You all are

giving me a run for my money googling all these new things.... So interesting that I had never heard of any of them!



I think it was waaaaaaaay back in this thread where I did my own 'Chopped Challenge' in a desperate attempt to use the stuff up from my freezer... For 2 weeks every dinner had to contain at least one item from the freezer! It was kind of fun and toward the end the dinners became a little less traditional but, in the end, I had lots of new space to use in the freezer!



Michelle,



Love the new avatar!!! You are lookin' good!!!

susan_02143

Joyce, I hope that your biopsy goes into the category of "just to be careful."

Dinner was pretty simple. First course was a roasted broccoli soup with some garlic, onion, and cumin. We then had the last of last year's lamb chops grilled with a potato gratin. There was a tiny bit of gruyère cheese and a touch of cream in the fridge. I decided that this was a sign.

*susan* 

LuvRVing

Leftovers for us, too.  I had the swordfish, asparagus and risotto from Friday night, DH had ribs and french fries.  We're having another leftover now - warmed in the oven dutch apple pie...mmmm!!!  It's a good thing that orchard closes at Thanksgiving!!!

Kay_G

Oh Joyce I was hoping you could forget about it. It is good to be cautious though. Will be thinking of you and praying for you until you hear all is well.



Thinking of you too Debbie. You too Apple, hope all is well.



I belong to planet fitness (can't beat $10/month) and today was pizza day, so that was for dinner! Yum! Yours sounds delish, Susan.

Moonflwr912

Joyce, that sucks. Here's hoping its gonna be ok.



All your dinners sound great, even the leftovers. Today for dinner I had peanut butter on toast! LOL



Ok, squeaky cheese is brand new cheese curds, the actually squeak against your teeth. Cheese curds are cheese that has coagulated but not been pressed into the cheese wheel shape. They stop squeaking after a couple days.



Bumpy cake is a chocolate cake with a creamy filling piped in lines on the cake top covered in chocolate ganache, making "bumps" on the top.



Taggies are small pieces of ribbons in various textures, like smooth, rough, dotted, striped, folded in half around a small square of fabric, the babies love to touch.



I have done a small turkey breast in the crock pot, you don't have to watch it. You could always brown it up on the grill if you want.



I forgot who is making the chili, I made some to take to work and didn't want it to spill. So I made if up to the point of adding the tomato sauce, v8 juice and or tomato soup and water. Then I put it in zipper bags to transport. When ready to heat up, put in big pot and add the liquids, I love adding V8 to my chili.



Much love.