So...whats for dinner?

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  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited April 2014

    Eric, good observation about the bean soup!

    Happy that Boston is having beautiful weather for the marathon today.  Heard on tv about the tightened security.  No back packs among the necessary "no's."

    Minus, your oven dinner sounds good.  Soon no oven use here as the temps rise.

    Happy Monday to all.

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited April 2014

    It was 80 here yesterday too,  glad the brisket was in the slow cooker and scalloped potatoes fit in the toaster oven.

    I have some leftover  brats so will make them with some mustardy potatoes and cabbage.

    If anyone is interested, I have the Senate bean soup recipe. It's really quite delicious and my favorite recipe for beans and for using a leftover ham bone (I have one in the freezer too). I promise it won't turn you into a politician.




  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited April 2014

    I'm interested in the Senate Bean Soup...

    Eric

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited April 2014

    Senate Bean Soup - 6 servings

    1 pound dry navy beans, rinsed and picked over

    10 cups water, divided

    1 small ham hock (or ham bone, which I use most often)

    1 bay leaf

    1 tsp pepper

    1 large onion, chopped

    2 large ribs celery, chopped fine

    1/4 cup parsley, chopped fine

    2 cloves garlic minced

    1 tsp salt

    1 tsp oregano

    1 tsp basil

    1/2 tsp nutmeg

    In a large saucepan or dutch oven, soak beans overnight in 6 cups water (or bring to boil,  boil 2 minutes and let stand, covered, 1 hour.

    Add remaining 4 cups water, the ham hock or bone, bay leaf and pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover; simmer 1 1/4 hours or until beans are almost tender.

    Stir in remaining ingredients; cover; cook 20 to 30 minutes more until beans are tender.

    Discard bay leaf. Cut meat from bones and return to soup.

    Note: if I want it thicker I sometimes use an immersion blender to puree some of it. I've also used this recipe with lima beans, pintos and great northern. Always good. A shot or two of siracha is good too.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited April 2014

    Nance, the Senate bean soup is very similar to my navy bean soup.  I add canned diced tomatoes.  One of my favorite soups.

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited April 2014

    That would be delicious Carole, I'll try that.


  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited April 2014

    That does sound good. I just cheat to make mine. One of The Companies Makes A giant jar of Cooked Beans Without ANY flavoring. Just cooked navy beans. I add the ham bone to that add my own seasonings pretty much what goes in the Senate soup. Plop it in the crock pot and cook till the meat falls if the bone. It's pretty easy and good. But you don't have to worry about cooking the beans or soaking or putting in the acid stuff till the beans are soft. I've done it on the new stove top too it's a quick soup then cause the beans are done. 

    Much love. 

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited April 2014

    Nance - thanks for the recipe.  Similar to the Navy beans my Mother made too. Sure glad you guaranteed no politics.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2014

    I am making beef stew, baked spaghetti and broccoli cheese soup for my friend who just had her BMX.  She is single so doesn't have someone there to cook for her, or get her food from elsewhere!  I decided to make a lot of beef stew so we could have some for dinner too!

  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited April 2014

    Special, we all know how important it is to have good friends helping out when going through treatment. Your friend will be so appreciative, I'm sure! You continue to amaze with your energizer bunny style after all you hace been through!

    Our trip to the Marathon finish line was fine....we just had to walk the most circuitous routes in Back Bay to get there due to blocked off streets (can I tell you we were in the most secure environment ever!), so got a 45 minute walk in before arriving at DS2's building. It was a glorious day, weatherwise, and spirit wise, and we were so happy for the runners!  It was particularly impressive seeing how runners who felt good at the finish line helped struggling ones over the line. 

    It was also fun for DH and I to meet several of DS2's bosses, and to learn how much they respect his work....always nice to hear. :)

    We ate "bad things" all day....cold cuts, chips and deli salads, and even sugar laden desserts. I had wanted to bring something a bit more healthy, but this was not a "bring food in a bag day" since we took the train in and had to have everything we brought inspected at various checkpoints. Also very happy I didn't carry a food tray during our long walks before and after the event! :) So what's a bit of chemical and sugary food, anyway! LOL......I must get back on the wagon......;/

    Tonight (after a long circuitous walk to the train, then home from the train) we ate leftover chicken eggplant parm (some w/o the parm!). 

    Tomorrow we have an audit person coming (at gas/electric company's request!) to do an energy audit. This will be brutal in our big old drafty house. Might be DH's devious way of convincing me to start clearing stuff out so we can move to a smaller more efficient place. Wish I had enough energy to comply!

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited April 2014

     For dinner we had left-over mac and cheese, lamb burgers and a veggie salad.  I "rejuvenated" the mac and cheese by adding milk and warming it so that it became creamy again.  Too much cheese but delicious.

    I spent a couple of hours pruning a very large azalea bed in my front yard.  When I was about 2/3 finished, I discovered a bird nest with two little birds.  So the project will go unfinished until the babes have flown.  It's really funny looking but you have to keep your priorities straight!

  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited April 2014

    Lacey, I didn't have the shower at Pickity Place, but that would have been nice, DD and I went to Pickity the next day.  Garden shop was open, bought 6 plants.  Nice herbs and perenials. 

  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited April 2014

    I agree with your creative pruning compromise, Carole!

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited April 2014

    Lacey, at least you were able to walk off some of the"bad stuff" (although it sounded good to me lol!)

    When our house was being built and nearly finished, a bluebird built a nest in the electricians power pole  and proceeded to hatch 4 babies. The electrician left the pole up  for 4 weeks after the house was finished and we had moved in, just to be sure the babies had all fledged.

    Tonight was carry out pizza because I had a major meltdown when my new laptop wouldn't fire up. I have spent days getting it set up the way I want it with numerous frustrations along the way. This was the last straw. Fortunately, a little internet research helped me find a fix and got it going, but it put me past dinner prep time.


  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2014

    Mmm, that Senate Bean Soup looks great, and the jar of cooked beans would make it even easier. Here it was grilled herb chicken and a big salad with chunks of avocado, tomatoes, cold steamed asparagus and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. Love steaming up a whole bunch of asparagus and having it ready to go cold in salad, an omelet, or even a sandwich.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited April 2014

    Hey Mods - I like to have asparagus cook & at the ready too.

    Deborye - good to hear from you.  

    OK Debbie - it's your turn to report in about the results of the PT confrontation (or not).  We all just want to make sure you're continuing your treatment somewhere.

  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited April 2014
  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited April 2014

    Eric, what are they doing?

    Special, you are a great friend.

    Yesterday I received a package from landlord in Alaska. It contained 6 jars, 4 of what I think is cold cooked salmon, kind of like lox flavor but cooked. and 2 of halibut, which I can't determine the spices in. They were sealed like canned tomatoes. I promptly ate 2 jars of salmon plain.

    What do I do with them? She said I could use them in recipes and dips.

    Thanks

    Going to an interview for a job July -Sept in RI

    Then will see Transformers at IMAX

    Still need to put in spinach and kale while it's cool and catnip for the kitties.

  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited April 2014

    salmon cakes! In other words salmon patties. Soup. Mix with cream cheese or sour cream for dips. Use in a casserole. Or a salad. But if you already ate 2 plain, guess they're pretty good on their own! LOL

    Much love to all. 

  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited April 2014

    Shooting at an indoor rifle/pistol range.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2014

    eric - what is it with our DDs? I have a video of mine from when she was 20 doing the same thing.  She is an excellent shot - can cluster in the head and chest on the paper target with a 9mm, no problem.  She outshot her former boyfriend, the Navy Seal, and trust me - he did not give her any advantage.  She is an accomplished equestrienne, ran cross country in HS, and swam competitively, so we briefly considered if she should train for the modern pentathlon - she would need to learn how to fence but that didn't seem too hard, lol!

  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited April 2014

    DD swims (backstroke and butterfly) and loves to sboot.  She hates running.

    I would have been disappointed if DD had been one of the "I'm helpless and I like it that way" girls.  She is not helpless and I'm a very happy dad. :-)

    Been home all day....the only time I got up was when I had to.... I'm kind of dehydrated (down 12 pounds in 18 hours) from "the problems".  I'm guessing yesterday's restaurant lunch may have been to blame.  I'm keeping  water on board now...so I'll be feeling better soon....probably won't be back there for awhile...

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited April 2014

    Oh Eric, that's terrible! Feel better soon!


  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2014

    eric - ugh!  Feel better soon!  I know what you mean about the DD - mine asked me not long ago whether I thought she should get a concealed carry permit since she is driving across the state pulling a boat at all hours of the day and night.  Still haven't decided how I feel about it.  She just called a second ago very excited because the outboard company that makes her engine is sending her a new one - she has been stranded one time too many - she is a girl in a boy suit I think, lol!

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited April 2014

    Eric, I hope you're on the mend.  That's way too much weight loss in a short period of time.

    I skipped dinner tonight because I had a HEAVY and delicious lunch following a golf event.  Really good fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, green salad, biscuit and cheesecake dessert.  The golf course was poorly maintained.  The event was not well run.  But my playing companions were very nice women and their company and the lunch made up for the deficiencies.

    After my experience with discovering the bird nest in the middle of pruning away the branches hiding the nest, I've been inspecting some other bushes, including one under the kitchen window.  I walked out the front door to peer into the bush and a bird began to raise a ruckus in the sweet olive tree just outside the door.  It's a beautiful bird that is new to us.  An eastern towhee, I believe.  Well, sure enough, there's a bird's nest with little ones right smack in the middle of the Indian Hawthorne  bush that's on my list of Needs Trimming Back.  Our growing conditions with all the summer heat and humidity are similar to a greenhouse and plants can quickly become overgrown. 

    Bird nests are really remarkable creations.

  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited April 2014

    Eric, Uggg. I hope you are feeling better. Call the manager and let him know.    He might give you a free dinner. :( 

    Carol, I love having bird nests around and watching the babies. We used to have one in the screen in the laundry room in Ga, and the birds nested in it every year.

    I'm making Leek and potato soup on this drizzly day with the grand-dog

    Speaking of grands....

    DD finally got over the "artist" who never sold a painting, didn't have a car or a real job and lived with his parents. She was so sad for months, but I hate to say the day they broke up was one of the happiest of my life. Now she's dating a double base player who is an alternate in the BSO and also just got into Yale graduate school of business. They seem crazy about each other, (as opposed to just plain crazy) so keep your fingers crossed.

    Hope everyone is having a good day

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited April 2014

    Bedo, your soup sounds good. 

    Bought fresh grouper and a lb. of lump crab meat at my favorite seafood market after golf today.  Wish the market was closer.  The crab meat is very pricey.  We'll have the grouper tonight.  Tomorrow night I'll make crab cakes.  Can't remember if I've ever made them before.  May use a little of the crab meat as topping on the grouper.  Warmed in butter lemon sauce.

    SpecialK, I bought some vanilla almond "beverage" some days ago.  It is delicious.  I've been adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to it.  Do you grind your chia seeds?  Today I bought almond milk. 

    Also bought a seedless watermelon.  It's that time of year.  Nothing is more refreshing than watermelon when the weather gets hot.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2014

    carole - sometimes I do grind them just because I don't have a high-end blender that will pulverize them.  I just use a coffee grinder.  If I don't I have to just swallow my shake without "chewing" it, lol!  My shake is 1T. chia seeds, 1 c. unsweetened coconut or almond milk, 1 scoop of vegan protein powder, and 1 c. frozen berries - usually half strawberries, half blueberries.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited April 2014

    SpecialK, I read that the seeds should be ground or finely sliced (you can buy them in that form but they're pricier than the whole seed).  Otherwise they just move through the digestive system.  Or so the author of the Aztec Diet states.  I started including the chia seeds in my diet because they're supposed to be high in protein and cause a sense of "fullness."  I grind the seeds in a coffee grinder, too.  I prepare a container of them.

  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited April 2014

    Hi Everyone, hope you all had a nice Easter!

    SpecialK- Congrats on losing the weight, I agree with the others you looked great in the pictures. Hope you are healing and getting your energy back. I know what it is like to be tired from not doing anything. One thing I tell my daughter is Keep moving or your body will pay for it later!

    Laurie- Thinking of you and your family.

    Eric-Happy Belated birthday to your mom. Funny conversation about DD. 

    Joyce- Wondering how your mom is?

    Minus- I chickened out and did not call him, I did call and talk to a receptionist to relay the message I will not be back she asked why and I said, it's personal. I just didn't feel comfortable enough to say anything because of my safety issues. Dont' think he is quite all there! But I am doing the tread mill 4 times a week at home and doing my hand weights so pretty much doing the same as I was there, I can check my own oxygen and BP. I had been feeling fine until I got sick a few days ago with lung pain in my back and hurts when I cough or take a deep breath. Waiting to get into a DR,.Might just be I pulled a muscle or something.

    I made chicken with some ginger hoisen sauce,  blanched some asperagus, shocked it in cold water then wrapped some proscutto around it (tasty) then made a really good loaded cauliflower:

    Cut cauliflower in chunks and put in boiling water when "almost" done drain, Then in mixing bowl mix 1/2 cup each of mayo and sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar/jack cheese,, green onions, crumbled bacon, S&P, tossed that with the cauliflower put in baking dish, top with more shredded cheese and bacon cook for 25 minutes @400% oven. It calls for mushrooms which I left out. I also like to turn the broiler on right before  I take it out of the oven and brown the top so it is crunchy. This is an excellent dish!

    So many posts I will never be able to keep up or respond to all, but thinking about ev everyone!

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