So...whats for dinner?

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited December 2012

    "If you don't believe, you don't receive"... I heard one of my business vendors say that when we were talking about kids believing in Santa.  I like it.  My 9 year old grandson just figured it out, but the other grandkids are still believers.  And we do stockings for everyone who sleeps over at my daughter's house.  It's hard to explain to the kids why Santa doesn't do stockings for adults.  I do think it's the hardest part of the shopping.  And yeah, wrapping all that little stuff is painful! 

    Speaking of grandkids, they and their parents are coming for dinner tomorrow.  We're having roast loin of pork, waldorf salad, au gratin potatoes from a box (because my daughter prefers it), and green beans that will probably involve bacon and shallots.  I'll have raw veggies for the kids and white rice with soy sauce...the only potato they eat is a french fry. 

    Eric - I think I'll have to admit that pecan pie is my favorite, too! 

    We had a nice evening last night with JoyceK and her DH.  We went to a little Italian place in Nashua and enjoyed ourselves.  We went back to their house for coffee and visiting with their dog, Casey.  She is a bundle of energy!

  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited December 2012
    Img_2855_1_ bedo New England Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 852

    Post a reply

    34 minutes ago, edited 6 minutes ago by bedo

    Michelle, you're right.  Forgetaboutit as they say.  I am sorry for the news, but there will be time to fight later, and I will keep you in my thoughts. May the bearers of bad news get lost on the way to your house forever.

    Now from the Grinch of Christmas.  There is only my daughter and myself  as my parents, and DGPs passed by my 20's. We usually go out for Chinese ( a tradition)  She is in Philly with the Out-Laws for the day, but  will be back.  My brother is unable to come. a sis far, but will not be seeing her, but no other relatives.  I have three invitations from "found" families.  We don't give gifts.  I went to Walmart today to pay off a random person's lay-a-way.  We always  did lay-a way  when my daughter was small, and I remember her asking when we couldn't afford something, "can't we put it on lay-a-way?"  But lay-a-way was over and all items had been returned to the shelves and records closed for those who couldn't pay on the 14th. sheesh.  Oh well, Tardy Santa will be back after the holidays.

    This place is a mess a usual.  Not sure what's for dinner.  I have 4 days off!  Yipee! Books, cleaning and sleeping in Slugville before Christmas. "Mohawk Nellie" dog" says Hello and thank you for your sympathy regarding her unfortunate haircut.  

    Happy Holidays everyone.  Going to make a fire!  :)

  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited December 2012

    I'm a lot like Bedo...even as a little kid..... 

    Christmas never did excite me.  It's too *$&$( busy of a time of year... :-)

  • carberry
    carberry Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    Queen  You have enough on your plate just getting stronger and healthy.  You have the ham so let the inlaws bring some potatos you throw on some veges and buy a pie for desert. Sit back and let everyone wait on you...you deserve it!

  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited December 2012

    I have never cooked a fresh ham, only smoked, so I am no help on that front. My favorite side dish for ham is macaroni and cheese with really good cheddar. Some steamed vegetables and I am a happy clam. But that may not be festive enough for Christmas. So, get your family to help you out. They know what your family likes.

    Two more seats are taken at my dinner table for Christmas Eve dinner.

    *susan*

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited December 2012

    It's a joke in my DH's family that when there's cooked to death ham, there are the ubiquitous cooked to death green beans (out of a can, no less). And a fruit and jello mold. That was their mother's holiday menu. I don't recommend it.

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited December 2012

    Queen,



    You have a lot on your plate right now with still healing from your surgery so I'm thinking take a fairly simple approach.... The ham, a couple of easy sides and a really good dessert....



    I tend to like pineapple with ham... I have made this http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Makeover-Pineapple-Casserole (and cutting the sugar in half) with good results...



    Also have made Rachael Ray's Apple and Onion Stuffing Muffins substituting unsweetened pineapple chunks slightly cut up for the apples and, rather than doing them as individual muffins, baked it as a casserole...



    Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the grocery stores (at least near me) offer some really great to-go sides and desserts that you could pick up, put into a casserole dish and warm up....no one would be the wiser....



    My point being.... better to take care of yourself and enjoy your holiday and spending time with those you care about... Down the road no one will remember what you did or didn't have for dinner. What they will remember will be the time spent with you... and trust me, from experience, you won't want those memories to be a totally frazzled you.... Been there... Done that....lol!



  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited December 2012

    Christmas Eve here for the past 5 or so years has been our kids (and their boyfriends/girlfriends), DH and I and my in-laws (we do my extended family's Christmas earlier in the month because my parents leave for Fla mid-December)... I usually make a big pot of NE Clam Chowder and we also have a sub platter (bought from a local grocery store) as well as cheeses and various hors d'oeuvres.... So no big formal dinner.... Just a whole lot of grazing, which doesn't count, right?.... lol



    Christmas Day we start with a big breakfast after Mass. For dinner we do a standing rib roast, mashed potatoes w/gravy, yorkshire pudding and some type of vegetable... Dessert is Christmas cookies and/or apple pie (my father-in-laws favorite)... In between is opening presents, visiting, a bit of imbibing (ok... sometimes more than a little) and wishing for a nap!



    In case I don't get back here between now and then I'd like to wish you all a Christmas filled with Peace and Joy!



  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited December 2012

    My mom gave me about 75 pounds of cast iron cookware today!!!!!!!!!!!SurprisedSmile

    Eric

  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited December 2012

    Lucky you, Eric!  I love my cast iron skillets and dutch oven, but they are heavy suckers!!!

    Seaside - have a fabulous Christmas!!!

    Nancy - my mom and grandmother always cooked veggies to death - think New England Boiled Dinner, Corned Beef and Cabbage, etc.  When we started cooking things to that "tender crisp" stage, she complained about the veggies being raw...lol.  My grandkids will eat lots of raw veggies, but don't put a cooked one of any sort on their plates...except maybe corn on the cob.  Even waldorf salad - my daughter said I can pull some out for the kiddies without the dressing and they'll eat the components.  They are really, really fussy eaters!

    I have to finish all the wrapping before the kids get here later this afternoon.  We need the table to eat!!!


  • Kaara
    Kaara Member Posts: 3,647
    edited December 2012

    Michelle:  Your new Jane Fonda wig is very stylish!  I first saw her in that style at the academy awards and loved it.  Hope you new tx works for you!  You have such a positive spirit!  Sending you prayers and positive energy!  May you and your family have a fantastic holiday season!

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited December 2012

    Wow Eric, jackpot! The best pieces are the ones that have been given (and used) by a family member.

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited December 2012

    I have to share the silliest little recipe with you. I got it on pinterest where the recipes are pretty much hit or miss, but it's ridiculously simple and tastes really good. It uses refrigerated crescent rolls, which I haven't used in years. Anyway, here it is:



    Easy cheese Danish



    2 cans crescent rolls

    2 8 ounce pkgs cream cheese

    1 cup sugar

    1tsp vanilla

    1 egg

    1 egg white



    Glaze:

    1/2 cup powdered sugar

    2 Tbs milk

    1/2 tsp vanilla



    Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13x9 baking pan. Lay a pack of rolls in the pan and pinch the openings together (I just lightly roll them out). Beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and egg together until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough then lay the second pack on top of the cheese mixture. Brush with the egg white then bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden. Cool for 20 minutes then top with glaze.



    I grated some orange zest into the glaze and it was wonderful.



    Enjoy!

  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited December 2012

    I'm also hoping Carboplatin is the magic bullet.

    Lacey, sorry to hear about the death in your DIL's extended family.

    I have to find a way to get the plot plans for this house, I will propably have to make a trip into Lowell. Foot in Mouth

    I had them in my hand a few months ago, now do you think I can find them, NOOOOOOOOOOOO. I hve been looking in every draw, nook and cranny of the house, driving me crazy.  Lawyer wants them to pass papers.

    I wonder if I can get them online?  Anyone have any ideas???

  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited December 2012

    You put them in your other purse.

    They are in your coat or pants or other pocket

    You  put them someplace "safe" like your glove compartment

    Your husband has them

    Your mortgage company has them and can fax them to your lawyer?

  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited December 2012

    Or the title company you used when you bought the house? I would say it's highly unlikely you can get them online.

    And thanks, Deb! 

    Nancy - I like the Danish idea using the crescent rolls.  "Semi-homemade"...I think there's a tv program on the Food Network with that name.

    My pork roast is smelling yummy!


  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited December 2012

    Swap out the crescent rolls for puff pastry. Increase the decadence, calorites, and puffiness.

    We have had to have a new survey of our "plot" every single time we refinance the house. This lot was created in 1897, What do they think happened to it? Silly, but someone makes money for sure.

    *susan*

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited December 2012

    That's a good idea Susan, and that's something I always have on hand.

  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited December 2012

    To all, may you enjoy the coming holidays without any guilt for what you can't do, and a few quiet days to recover, and a couple of BC free memories. Much love.

  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited December 2012

    Cooking a spiral ham with the glaze and roasted veggies.

  • carberry
    carberry Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    Lasagna baked bread and salad.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited December 2012

    Lucky you, Eric, to be gifted all that cast iron!  I cooked cornbread today in my seasoned iron skillet.  My mother had a wonderful deep skillet that she used like a dutch oven.  I so regret not hanging on to it.  She gave it to somebody in the family.

    Seaside, your Christmas dinner menu makes my mouth water.  I love prime rib roast.  My MIL used to make Yorkshire pudding. 

    Tomorrow will be a busy day for me with food preparation for the Christmas meal.  I wish I could do all the side dishes a day ahead and warm them up but a couple of dishes need to be put together Christmas morning.  On holidays I wish I had about three ovens.  

    Tomorrow night dh and I will walk next to a neighbor's annual open house.  That's all we do on Christmas Eve.

  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited December 2012

    @deborye, if by plot plan you mean the plan showing boundaries of your lot with the length of each etc, you might try looking in the website of the property tax assessor and/or recorder's office for your county. You may be able to download a copy of the original plat (i.e. when the land was originally broken down into separate lots) or of a quarter section map which would likely show the same information. If you have ever had the corners of the property laid out by a surveyor, there may even be a record of that exact survey on file.

    I am going to try making something for dinner I've never done before: braised winter vegetables. I have some cabbage, carrots and oninos, and today on the way home from church I bought a parsnip (I've never had one of those before that I can recall), a can of chicken broth and some chanterelle mushrooms. (I only bought just a few--they're wild picked, so veeerrry expensive!)

    I'm going to cook a strip of bacon, then saute the veggies, the chanterelles and some regular mushrooms and herbs already on hand, in the bacon fat, then add the stock and simmer until the veggies are done. If I time it right I will end up with tender savory veggies and the stock reduced to a thick sauce. That's a side dish to go with turkey burgers (made just like hamburgers but with ground turkey instead of beef) and maybe a little pasta.

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited December 2012

    Carole, I absolutely love Yorkshire pudding, but can't seem to make it without smoking up the house :-(



    Hot ham and cheese sandwiches and turkey noodle soup (finally dug the turkey carcasses out of the freezer.)

  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited December 2012

    Yes, the boundaries of the land, I had it, put it in a folder, now I can't find it.  I have been searching on line, my parents bought this house in August of 1955.  I have the book and page number but I'm not coming up with anything.  There is a plot plan in writing say Northwesterly, Southeasterly blah blah blah, but i don't think that is what the lawyer wants.  Expecting a call from him tomorrow.  This is driving me bonkers and stressing me out.  I know this sound weird but when I get stressed out, the left tata that had cellulitis gets pink and feels warm inside.Yell

  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited December 2012

    Been sick today; running a temp of 101.9 and feeling like dog meat. This morning I tested a new way to do baked eggs, and then ate the one test egg. Husband was all on his own for lunch. Made some beef broth soup for dinner with Greek noodles. Still need to make some brioche tonight since it must sit for 24hours in the fridge. Wish I felt better and hadn't promised cinnamon buns for Christmas breakfast.

    Husband has offered [been told] that he gets to iron the linens. Next year I need to send them out and have them professionally cleaned and ironed. We are getting too old for this stuff.

    *susan*

  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited December 2012

    Susan, call yer doctor in the morning or on call doc tonight.  That temp is too high, OK?  You come first.  Ever hear those flight attendants say, "put the oxygen on yourself first or you won't be able to help anyone?" OK.  I'll shut up.

  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited December 2012

    Susan - I agree with Bedo, time for some help from your doc.  Sure hope it's not the flu, apparently this area is having a widespread outbreak. Not that there's ever a good time, but this is horrible timing!  Take good care of yourself! 

    Curveball - I cooked parsnips for the first time on Thanksgiving.  They didn't come out that great (were still tough) but I think that was operator error.  I should have paid more attention to cutting the pieces all the same size.  When we were kids, we had them for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, but they were boiled to death and I didn't care for them.

    Everyone just left - the pork loin was really good and well, there's no accounting for taste - they just love the boxed au gratin potatoes.  I may make it my mission to find a recipe that tastes better...I used to make scalloped potatoes from scratch but there's no cheese in them.  I think potatoes dauphine might be close.

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited December 2012

    Susan, please call. When I was going through chemo I messed around with a 101 degree temp and ended up in the er for fluids.

  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited December 2012

    Susan, I'll add my voice to the chorus. Hopefully you have called already. If not, call now.

    Eric

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