So...whats for dinner?

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  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited November 2015

    Nance, my sister cooked dinner today. We had barbecued pork ribs, the meaty ones, cooked in the oven. A yummy yellow squash dish that had cream cheese in it, baked potatoes (her dh doesn't eat veggies or fruit and never has from childhood) and a good tossed salad. It worked out great that I wasn't cooking because now another event has been added to the front end of the Big Bird trip north. DH's remaining aunt passed away at age 102 or 103. Her funeral service is on Wed. and dh wants to attend it so we're leaving tomorrow instead of Tues. I was busy getting some things done in preparation for the trip this morning.

    One small complication. A roof cleaner is coming tomorrow morning. We hope he comes early. Once dh sees that the guy is competent, we'll probably just pay him and depart.

    After Thanksgiving we'll travel to St. Louis and stop there overnight to visit additional Midwestern relatives who are partaking of turkey in the city. We'll get to see dh's sister, her daughter and son and the daughter's four kids. It's probably too much to hope for that we might eat at a restaurant on the Hill.

    ChiSandy, thank you for the weather reassurances. All these years we've visited the Chicago area for family visits and have seldom gone into the city. I always enjoy the experience when we do. Popping into Talbot's is even a lot more fun in downtown Chicago. The last time there we saw the big reflective bean and had lunch at the café connected with it. I also visited the American Girl store with my sister-in-law who has bought those dolls for all three of her grand daughters. What an eye opener the store was! A salon for dolls and accommodations for a tea party with your doll, all at exorbitant prices. I look like a real country person walking on Michigan Ave. gazing upward at the tall buildings.

    Minus, I guess we'll head to TX from St. Louis in search of the pig. The information on time and place of transfer are vague. I'm guessing we'll pick up the pig on Monday morning and drive home. It was suggested today that we might as well stop off at Tulsa and see my brother. Why not?

    We're having Thanksgiving dinner with a nephew, dh's brother's son. He is married to a Mexican American girl whose parents speak only Spanish even though they've lived in Chicago for many years. I'm interested to see how Angie deals with Thanksgiving dinner. I doubt she has grown up with the turkey and dressing tradition. It would be a nice surprise to have enchiladas or tamales!

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2015

    Carole: Wow - that's going to be a saga. But you're right, might as well stop in Tulsa. I hope we get to meet but I'll understand if it doesn't work. I'll PM you my phone numbers.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited November 2015

    Minus, "saga" is the perfect word!

  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited November 2015

    Safe travels, Carole!

    Last night we had a cup of a kale, chicken, veggie, farro soup I made, then the Trader's greek chicken breast with orzo prepared dinner that we like a lot. Garden salad rounded things out.

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2015

    Wow Carole, that's quite a journey. Safe travels!

  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited November 2015

    Carole, That is quite the journey you are taking! Crossing fingers that you don't run into any ice or snow along the way. Your pig saga is fascinating.

    I have put on my figurative Pilgrim hat. Veggie stock is made. Turkey stock is ready. Bread has been thawed and will now be encouraged to get stale. Corn is thawing. Tomorrow I will head to the farm to buy the turkey, apples, onions, and all the other T-day ingredients. I will also need to do a mini-trip to Whole Foods for the dairy products and some dried fruit for the stuffing.

    And in our continuing real estate saga, The Great Sergio began demo this morning after securing the proper permits. I am in high gear to order cabinets.... heading to Claremont, NH and Keene, NH this weekend to visit some showrooms. They are not actually open on the Saturday after T-Day, but are willing to come in just to be nice. Next week I will have to find some wood floors that match what is already in half the room.

    So. my pesky tumor markers were way down as of last month. Today? Way back up. Scans on Friday.... don't start the next cycle of Ibrance until the scans reports have been written. ZOOT! Have decided that I won't say a word to anyone [except Mr. 02143] until after our happy holiday.

    *susan*

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2015

    Susan - I agree, Mum's the word until after T-day. Your preparations sound staggering. I couldn't possibly do all that prep & shopping. Thrilled that you snagged the contractor ahead of time & will keep you in my thoughts as you now try to do THREE jobs. Hope you don't have any urgent EOY programming issues from your clients.

    Spent the day at the med center. DEXA scan shows bones no worse, but no better either from last year's scan after chemo finished it's destruction. We'll have to re-think the Prolia issue. I really don't want to take those drugs. Hearing has degraded. They can't definitively say it's chemo related, but there's a good chance. Why not? I was lucky enough to get lymphadema & permanent neuropathy. Why should I believe I'd escape other problems. Sorry for the complaining. Urgh!!!

    Stopped for a large salad & a piece of pizza at a place that George H.W. Bush used to frequent. Yum. So tonight will be only snack things - like apple slices & strawberry cream cheese and maybe almonds on the side. I decided not to accept any of several Thanksgiving dinner invites since I'm trying to get my house ready to have all new windows installed 12/1. So I bought a pork tenderloin today.

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2015

    Tonight was chicken Creole with rice, another oldie but goodie. I think tomorrow I'll make some pasta a fagioli and Italian slaw.

    My turkey dinner will not be until Saturday but I've made piecrusts for three flavors of mini pies -- pumpkin, pecan and apple. As we are going to DH's sisters house on Thursday, Wednesday I will make dinner rolls and dressing for a caesar salad, my contribution to the feast. I'll assemble the salad and warm the rolls before we go.

    Tomorrow is cleaning day, my least favorite part of the holiday. Ugh.

  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited November 2015

    Chi, are you now done with rads? I hope so.

    I'd not heard of the rottweiler either, Bedo. The hand weakness stinks.

    Carole, I agree that's quite a travel saga and I think tamales would be great for Thanksgiving.

    Susan, again, I hope the markers drop down like before. That's really neat that the places are willing to open up for you.


    Right now, my pressure canner is hissing about twice per minute.

    Last week I cooked a turkey for leftovers and made broth or stock (I could go either way on what to call it as it involved *very* meaty bones) and tonight I'm canning it. I started this for my dad during the last year of his life. He loved soup, but was on an extremely sodium restricted diet. Mom could pop open a jar of broth and add noodles for soup. Dad is now guarding the streets of heaven, but I continue to do it "just because".


    Shopping tomorrow....

  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited November 2015

    Gee Susan, I would suggest you could use three heads for all of those hats! Yikes, supermom, contractor, coder, culinary star! Good luck with all of it...your productivity continues to amaze me! And how sweet is that for the cabinet company guys to accommodate your need. Like it!

    Minus, I totally empathize with you about having so many lingering health "hits" from the chemo. Totally understandable that you would want to bypass any further meds if possible. I hope that there is a better resolution for you. Like the sound of your snack dinner...and am chuckling at the image of HW having a favorite pizza spot...just can't seem to picture that. Wondered if he folded it like New Yorkers or used a fork and knife. ;)

    Not sure if any of you remember my carrying on about DGF's extremely limited eating range. Well, she is coming with DS2 for T-giv and asked to bring something. Two days ago she texted that she could bring a sweet potato casserole if I'd like. I was not smart as I was rushing to get somewhere and mentioned that I'd already gotten the ingredients for that, but that she could still do it if she enjoyed making that dish. Well, of course she said she'd bring something else. I emailed her the menu (quite boring plain T-giv one) and said if she wanted to do something to make it more interesting that would be fine. So we are shocked! She offered to bring shrimp and grits, acknowledging that it does not really fit Thanksgiving, but we don't care...and will love it! However, this girl does not touch seafood! Go figure! I am hoping that she noticed enough things that she eats on my menu that she will enjoy her Thanksgiving and simultaneously introduce us to a fun southern food.

    Tonight was salad, pecanrolls, and my leftover chicken, kale, farro soup...with bloated farro sadly. I prefer it crunchy!

    Tomorrow I head to Volantes to get Turkey and assorted veggies, make stuffing, pumpkin bread, and maybe roast some vegetables...assuming I can just heat them up Thursday...not sure.

    Oh, burning question....anyone spatchcocking their bird this year?

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2015

    Lacey, of course I will be spatchcocking two birds this year.

  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited November 2015

    So Nance, how large a bird can I attempt that with? Would love to try it...

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2015

    No larger than 14 pounds, which is why I do two.

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2015

    You really should try it. The meat is amazing and takes so much less time.

  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited November 2015

    Hi all. tonite was just leftover Sloppy joes. I read through 10 pages. I keep thinking I can keep up. Um. No. LOL

    Susan sorry about the markers. Hope they don't mean anything. Your preparations sound amazing. Wiw.

    Carol enjoy your trip! Pig saga indeed.

    Nance you are prepping so much too.

    Bedo s sounds like you are doing things the way you like it!.

    Lacey I hate losing posts.

    Hello to everyone else. Someone asked about fish boils? The answer. BORING. BLAND. But BOILING HOT. LOL. They add the potato, corn, fish in at different times into a big pot and boil away. Salt pepper. Not much else. Then when fish is cooked they add a cup of GASOLINE to the fire. Yes.DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!! It causes a big flare up that will burn your eyebrows off if you are not careful. This causes lots of boiling action and it boils over the side of the pot. Taking all the scummy oils with it and calms down the fire. When it's safe to get near the pot again, they take the basket out of the pot and dump it on table or in a bowl - depends on how much you paid. LOL. And you have a dinner of boiled stuff. Guess I'm just not that big of a fan . I think it was a man who came up with the Pyro side of this thing. I mean, cant you just picture a couple of guys standing around a pot and saying, " it'll cook faster if we make the fire higher....." LOL

    This s a busy week for me. Hunting for most family members all week, Thanksgiving on Thursday, Wedding reception on Friday, Memorial for my DSIL on Saturday. Wedding reception is 2 hours away. Memorial is 3 hours away. I could go join all the amply for Thanksgiving 3 hours away. But then come home and drive to the reception and then drive home and then go up Saturday for the memorial. Lots of driving. Or I can make T meal for my DH who would come home just for that. 2 kids oR their spouses are working, 1 is going to the in laws and 1 is hunting too. I might have a solution; If I can find a hotel on Friday night since I'll be halfway to the memorial. I would just go for Tday and come home the same day. (6 hour drive). Then the next day go to reception. (2hour) go from there

    To hotel (30 min) and drive to memorial next day( one hour) . Hmmm. If they have a room I'm going with option B.

    I'll let you all know. LOL

    Much love and Happy Thanksgiving!

  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited November 2015

    Hugs to Susan--BAD MARKERS, GO BACK DOWN WHERE YOU BELONG!!! House project sounds exhausting.but exciting.

    Nance, one of my Appellate court justices does his bird the same way. I need a video tutorial....don't think I am brav e enough to attempt it. I'd make a mess and my dad would have a conniption.

    Lacey, are you sure its the same Girlfriend (LOL)

    Happy Turkey Day to all. I an thankful for this place that lets us all connect and widen our horizons and understandings of what is important. (HUGs all around)

  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2015

    Red, the hardest part is getting the backbone out and it's not that difficult, although you might be hampered with your hand. But hers a video just for you!

    http://m.seriouseats.com/2012/11/how-to-spatchcock-cook-turkey-thanksgiving-fast-easy-way-spatchcocked.html

  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited November 2015

    It is nuts out there!!!! The level of holiday frenzy starts earlier and earlier every year. The farm used to be fairly calm on Tuesday morning before the big event. Those days are no longer.

    I have all the provisions needed except for the wild blueberries. I will run to the supermarket tonight after dinner to get the frozen Wyman variety. I am having a nostalgic desire for a blueberry pie. It was my father's favorite.

    *susan*

  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited November 2015

    DD wanted to go eat lunch "out" and the grocery was next door, so I figured I stop there.....even though it was mid day, it was feeding frenzy. Wow.....I probably should check for broken bones and bruises....

    Tonight I'm going to test out a new sourdough dinner roll recipe. It's a King Arthur Flour one that cooks at the same temperature as the turkey, so, if it works out, that will make it easy for "only one oven" me.



  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited November 2015

    King Arthur Flour recipes are pretty reliable, so I bet it will work well for you. I prefer slow rises, so often reduce the amount of yeast in their recipes and doing a longer ferment. However, the recipes on their site that are pre-2008 use less yeast. I think everyone wants to do "fast" bread, so the KAF folks adjusted.

    I am slowly getting into turkey gear here. I roasted the neck with some onion and carrots, and they are all simmering in some water and a quart of turkey stock. I didn't think last year's gravy was "complete" enough. I only used stock. I have measure out all of the dried fruit for the stuffing. The bread is cubed and in drying-out mode. The turkey is brining. Tonight I can't believe I will go to a market for cranberry juice and frozen blueberries. I hope to make the cranberry chutney when I get back.

    The construction zone looks great! I mean, it is dusty and their is debris everywhere, but the space looks great. We have decided to remove a weird window which allows for more open shelving. And.... The Great Sergio just called. They pulled down the ceiling today since it was crumbling as they removed the walls. There was wire mesh, and slats, and drywall, and plaster with an ugly decorative pattern taking up a full 2 inches of headroom. YEA!!!!!! That pattern was really horrid. He won't charge us for the labor, though we will cover the cost of the new drywall. I can't believe how happy this makes me! Can't wait to tell the kids.

    *susan*

    p.s. Wonder how Lacey did at her farm today. I suspect it was just as busy as mine.

  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited November 2015

    It has been discussed and decided that I will make the mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. Plain. Old. Mashed. Potatoes.

    I don't know whether to be insulted or relieved.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited November 2015

    Checking in to say that we've had two days of safe travel and are settled into a room at the Hampton in Kankakee, IL.  Tonight's dinner will be at the Cracker Barrel next door.

    Shrimp and grits, Lacey!  That's as good as tamales at the T table.  A staple in Louisiana is a seafood casserole made with mirletons, little green squash called a different name in Spanish.  

    Happy cooking to all you holiday chefs.  I hope your holiday meal and occasion are perfect.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2015

    Shrimp & Grits? I am astounded. It will be fun to hear the story of this dinner.

    HW ate pizza at this restaurant around the time he was the pres so we're talking 15-20 years ago. I can tell you for sure I DON'T use a knife & fork w/pizza. Or with fried chicken.

    I agree about the store frenzy. I was at the store at 9:30am on Monday and couldn't even find a basket. Not going out tomorrow for any reason. And I don't do 'black friday' either.

    Bedo - I'd just kick back & relax. What fun to be "feted". Moon - good to hear from you. Loved the story about fish boils. Wow - what a schedule this week. I vote for a hotel room. Oh Susan, nothing better than extra head room. I'm astounded that you have such a dedicated contractor. Eric - I'll be interested to hear how you like the rolls at a lower temp.

  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited November 2015

    Yup--done getting zapped!

    Dinner last night was a grass-fed dry-aged ribeye from Whole Paycheck, which I grilled despite the 37-degree weather. Accompanied by sauteed balsamic-glazed Brussels Sprouts and a couple oz. of Domaine Dupeuble Beauj. Nouveau 2105. Tonight I will thumb my nose at low-carb and make pappardelle alla Bolognese. (OK, so the sauce is from a jar). Side (actually, appetizer) will be a green salad with citrus vinaigrette.

  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited November 2015

    For Carol

    Thanks Minus!

  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited November 2015

    Whoops,for Carol



  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited November 2015
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2015

    ChiSandy - sorry I forgot to congratulate you on the completion of your rads. WOO HOO.

    It will be so much fun to hear the reviews of everyone's Thanksgiving dinners.

  • bedo
    bedo Member Posts: 1,866
    edited November 2015

    ChiSandy Whoo Hoo from me too !!!!!

  • Kayak2
    Kayak2 Member Posts: 8,561
    edited November 2015

    Bedo. Thanks for the Arlo song! Love him. Sorry I'll be missing the annua/traditionall Thanksgiving Day airing on Public Television of his "Alice's Restaurant" rendition that they do here every year, since I'll be working out of town that day. (I happen to actually live in the town where the Guthrie Center is located, though he's rarely here, since he's usually on the road touring).

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