So...whats for dinner?
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HaHa Bedo - you are probably improving their English instead. What a fascinating life. You must have gone to nursing school later in life? I was in my early 30s when I graduated, returnee to school. I had tried to convince my DM my sophomore year my grades were not good enough for medical school and I wanted to go to nursing school. No way would she believe that. I attempted once to start back to NS just as I met my DH. I have not idea how I would have paid for it but at the time it was not happening. Fast forward 5 years and the hospital I was working for was desperate for nurses so they paid my tuition in return for promise to work 2 years I think. I had only nursing courses left except for 3 catch-up courses at the community college.
All that food sounds fantastic well like I said maybe except for the oysters. Oysters, clams are just not my thing. Any other seafood is fair game. I ate sashimi as a child in Hawaii. Not so sure I would trust processing these days. Nothing to do with the raw state per se.
Dinner last night was not exciting. Tummy finally feeling better. Think because I have been neglecting my Metamucil. Started back on it and better. We had the chicken breasts that were supposed to be stir fry instead as Shake 'N Bake. I made the black eyed peas by a recipe I found which were good. Bacon and drippings. Only thing is I had smoky maple bacon - I bought that for a recipe I didn't make. A bit weird in there - the maple part not so much the "smoky" part. But they made a ton of pot liquor. Any idea what to use that on? I can just reheat it and freeze if until I decide. Maybe a soup base? We actually had tequila sunrises though the grenadine I bought was pitiful pink. No choice of stuff out here - one brand. We got a bottle of Patron Orange Liqueur at Mexican Christmas party. I have a bottle of Gran Gala also so I said put some of that in there. Guess next time I'm in town I'll get some margarita mix. I'm enough of a prude that I don't buy obvious alcohol here in town. Baptists don't drink lol. Tonight will be a repeat of same dinner with maybe some salad. Dark/dreary here but no rain until Tuesday. Supposed to see the magical sun tomorrow.
I had an ATM in town - not out here - eat my debit card several years ago. Was so mad I sat in the line and called the 800# posted on the machine. In retrospect it was a bit bent and most likely got caught in the machinery. Went inside and the helpful clerk assured me it was not going to be spit out at another customer. It was lying in shreds at the bottom of the ATM. She checked everything and issued me a temporary card. Not that I didn't have other credit cards I could use but had no cash - DAH why I was at the ATM. The counter clerk got my cash without batting an eyelash at my card - not that the customer service clerk wasn't just in shouting distance across the lobby. I've driven up the ATM here and someone said "it just ate my card". Hmm I know of several others to use and DD and I decided not to tempt fate on that one.
Special - I wish my freezer was organized. DH and I can barely keep up with what is in which freezer.
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Special, I've been doing a spring cleaning in the winter. I took two weeks off and have been busy de cluttering (trash and GoodWill), dusting (I thought our 31 pound cat was on the bookcase.but is was just dust) and mopping. I'm probably 75% done. One bookcase in the bedroom--I'm removing all the books and vacuuming them too and then it's into the family room.
I'm obviously typing on the computer right now and DD is working on some homework. Sharon got an electric guitar and is, right now, figuring out "Hotel California".
Luv, my dad grew up in a completely dry county in Kentucky. When we would go back for a visit, I decided it was dry for the convenience of the 'shine makers. It was a 12 mile, one way, drive to Tennessee and right across the line was a "package store". If one pulled up to the parking barriers in front of the store, the back end of the car was in Kentucky.
Bedo, out here in Arizona, there is a nurse shortage...and I know several NPs with their own office.
Red, I'm glad things turned out OK...been there too...
Oh, I'm using Firefox on a Windows 8 equipped laptop and the only time I lose a post is when I manage to hit a key combination that takes me back a page.....
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Eric, you might want to get Sharon a chorus pedal for her electric guitar, so that when she finally figures out “Hotel California" it'll sound more like the 12-string guitar on the original. She can then give “Wish You Were Here" and everything by the Byrds a try!
Bob (DH) finished the Perrier-Jouet last night--he didn't mind that it wasn't very bubbly and tasted somewhat over the hill. I opened the bottle of Thienot (small producer from Reims, much less expensive than even Nicolas Feuilatte or Philliponat, never mind Veuve Cliquot, Moet or Mumm's Cordon Rouge), and we had chopped liver, pickled herring, and paddlefish-sturgeon (Persian process, so it kept longer in the fridge) caviar. The salmon roe was definitely no good, so we tossed it. (Fortunately, it's relatively cheap). Turns out we'd long since killed off the whitefish roe--serves me right for not checking the dairy compartment more often). Wanted to keep the carbs down, so served it on flax chips. Not bad.
This morning I made a Western omelette: red, yellow and poblano (more flavor than green bell, less heat than jalapeno) peppers, mushrooms, red onion and some aged Cheddar. Yum! Pledging to avoid as many carbs as possible. Instead of the Keurig, I made a Hario pour-over of Metropolis' “Hullaballoo Blend;" forgot how wonderful freshly roasted and ground manual drip coffee tastes! (I am fortunate to live within blocks of the country's best small-volume roaster). Lungs still squealing, but I do feel better--so I will go out and grocery-shop today. We're down to half a dozen eggs, which is critical mass for a low-carber with two other breakfast eaters; and two gallons of spring water for the coffeemakers. Will get some fresh mozzarella to make a caprese (my basil plants are robust, and two of my three remaining tomatoes are fine--the third turned into a credible impression of a badly-sunburned Don King. Should've taken a pic, but I was so disgusted that I threw it into the compost pail). Will get whatever looks good at the fish or butcher counter. My local meat co-op is no more, so no more five-dollar barnyard eggs. Whole Paycheck charges seven bucks for slightly less fresh ones, but Mariano's has local Amish pasture-raised eggs for only four bucks a dozen. I know white supermarket “battery-cage" eggs are much cheaper, but not as flavorful; and the cruelty imposed on the chickens that lay them is horrifying.
Watching America's Test Kitchen--Bridget just made stir-fried asparagus with shiitakes. I have all the ingredients on hand except for the asparagus, so I'll buy a bunch to make tonight. No need to buy those organic, since snapping off the bottoms and rinsing well takes care of any pesticides. And they're doing “mahogany chicken thighs" right now--amazing that there are two low-carb recipes in one episode of a show that usually pours on the sugar and starch (I can ditch the white sugar and swap out pomegranate molasses for the blackstrap--permitted on the low-carb regimen I'm following, in much smaller quantities, of course).
Oops--spoke too soon: they’re thickening the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. Think I’ll just sear & pan-roast the thighs Tuscan-style with garlic, rosemary and olive oil, and make a pan sauce by deglazing with the leftover wine from New Year’s Eve’s dinner party.
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Today I cooked pinto beans and made them into "unfried" beans with the immersion blender. They are so good. I have several containers to freeze. We'll have some tonight with pork (for dh) tamales and chicken tamales for me. I'll make a cabbage chipotle slaw too.
I can't seem to keep track of what day it is. My mind keeps telling me it's Sunday so I keep getting excited to watch Downton Abbey and then remember it's only Saturday. Lacey, I meant to ask you, what did you think of The Knick finale? Think it will return? Should it?
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Joyce, I think we are all in that room..... sending Michelle's daughter our heartfelt best wishes.
Nance, we have been all over the map this week. If it weren't for my pill holder, I would have NO idea what day it was.
So today, I did, indeed, make Duck-Mushroom Raviolis for our dinner. I roasted a duck breast while the porcinis soaked in hot water. While the duck rested, I chopped up some aging creminis, a shallot and some garlic, cooked them down in the same pan. You then puree the mixture in a food processor. When the mixture cools, mix in some parmesan cheese and an egg. Then I started the dough. I used some 00 flour and only used the yolks. While the dough rested, I had planned to nap but that didn't happen. A meal of ravioli isn't really balanced so I prepped some radicchio, green onions, and I made a sherry vinegar-mustard dressing. Once the grill pan was hot, I started to grill the radicchio and green onions. I started the butter.... and when it was totally melted the ravioli hit the jacuzzi. I threw some sage [my plant keeps producing sage!] into the butter. Raviolis into the brown butter sauce. Grilled veggies onto a platter with the dressing. Last minute change.... add some goat cheese.
Here is my afternoon in pictures:
ready to go
veggies grilling
salad with cheese and dressing
and Mr. 02143's portion.... ravioli with brown butter sage sauce. He likes a goodly number of raviolis.
Hope you enjoyed this little food-a-log..... My cooking has become so much more simple lately that it is good to enjoy making something a bit more complicated once again.
*susan*
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Wow Susan, how beautiful!
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Thank you Joyce. What a lovely tribute to Michelle.
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That is the picture of Michelle that I so well remember.
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joycek - thanks for sharing! Such a mix of emotions, but so glad you could be there.
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Oh Joyce, thank you soooo much for sharing the lovely pix....especially of our favorite energizer bunny!
Susan, those ravs look so delish. DH took a look and salivated....he's a big rav fan, and duck ravs he loved used to be available at Sweet Basil. You continue to amaze.....
More tomorrow...gotta get some sleep.
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Susan I want that ravioli.
Joyce thank you for the pictures I'm glad Rick is happy.
Goats I did start a bit late. I had to goof around at Cornell, Univ of Denver and Marist for a few semesters before finally finishing at Boston U and getting my Masters in my 30s at Emory. Yes Eric there are shortages everywhere, that's how I go to Alaska for a few months, and sometimes take a few months off, work a few months locum tenens but in a year I hope to go only as a goofball and retire even though I won't be full retirement age.
Today I'm hiking then going to a pub for dinner with a friend so who knows what's for dinner. We are helping each other with our exercise resolution
Sandy, how would black strap pomegranate molasses be in coffee? I'm looking for something other than plan or maple syrup that is low carb
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Joyce, thanks so much for sharing! I'm sure it was bittersweet for you but nice that Rick is not alone.
Today is clean out the refrigerator day. God only knows what I'm going to find in there.
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thank you Joyce for the pictures and updates. So glad everyone is doing well...must have been a lot of tears at that wedding. crying here just thinking of Michelle.
Above is a picture of our first attempt at homemade pasta at girlfriends house. Hand crank, simple, pasta machines lots of flour everywhere and maybe just a little wine! We always have fun no matter what the outcome...hahaha. So I guess tonight will be PASTA!
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I was up early this AM, and realize I need to start changing my very pathetic sleep habits, since I am exhausted after getting to sleep at 2:30 and getting up at 6:30. I'm trying to get up enough energy to exercise. It is a beautiful day for an invigorating brisk walk.
Nance, I'll PM you so that I don 't do any spoilers re: The Knick.
So our Christmas gift exchange and pizza dinner with DS2 and DGF were fun last night. However, it was nothing to compare to Susan's delicious looking ravs.....oh, and by the way, it was duck meatballs, not ravs, that Sweet Basil offered...tho I think no longer on the menu.
So in anticipation of DGF's selective eating style, I made one plain cheese pizza.
Then two with assorted veggies (sauteed mushrooms, garlic, onions, red and green peppers).
I was happy that DGF not only enjoyed a couple of plain cheese slices (smallish), and actually tested the waters of the red pepper variety. And she ate salad since she is working on eating romaine lettuce. I am hoping that she enjoyed the meal and didn't just behave in a socially acceptable way for DBF's the parents! It must be hard for her to have dinner with us....yet they continue to! For dessert we had Talenti Gelato (pistachio and raspberry choc chip) accompanied by my anise and meyer lemon pizzelles. Heavy carb meal! Even so, I could eat our (giving DH credit here since he started the dough) homemade pizza until the cows come home!
So, all that is left to do is pack up all the BD and holiday gifts to send to DS1's family, which I will hopefully complete today. Oh, and take down the mini tree and other minimal decorations...and it will be "bye bye holidays 2015!". Fortunately, I am feeling that urge to clear things out here....hope I can sustain the mood!
Interesting work history Bedo! I hope that you can actualize your plan for your work/retirement arrangement soon. I smiled at your mention of Emory since we spent a lot of time visiting in Atlanta when DS1 did his undergrad pre-med program there, '96-'00. It was a great program for him, and flexible enough that he was able to fit in a semester in London (UCL) and still get all of his requisite science courses completed along with art courses that he loved. Our money was well spent! LOL We enjoyed lots of performances put on through the Emory Arts program, and once enjoyed meeting Wendy Wasserstein after seeing her Heidi Chronicles performed.
I think we will be having leftovers from the past week for tonight's dinner. I need to get back on track with my healthier menus!
Okay, enough screen time......
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Carrie, we cross posted! What a great pic!! I think we all need to take a trip to Italy!
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Joyce, thank you so much for the pictures and the update on Rick. I'm glad he's happy.
Susan, your ravioli are beautiful. Perfectly formed. The grilled salad looks good, too. That's a new salad preparation for me. I'll have to remember it. The problem down here is finding radicchio that looks fresh and palatable. It's also very expensive.
Carrie, how was the home-made pasta? You ladies are inspiring me to get out the kitchen aid pasta making equipment!
Luv and Bedo, I have an admiration for nurses.
My good news is that I feel better today. I was able to sleep last night in positions other than on my back with a pillow under my knees.
Meals today will be warmed up leftovers.
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Lacey, your pizzas are beautiful. Makes me want to make some. I just got a new bag of 00 flour.
Carrie, what a wonderful first effort. You look like pros to me! I'm reposting a pic of dsil and me on one of our first efforts. It probably will look familiar lol
Since I started freezing the fresh pasta I don't use the drying racks dh made for us anymore. But I've decided I'm not making any more pasta until I get (and keep) the electric machine. The lure of fifteen minute pasta and no mess is too strong to ignore.
I've started the dough for sandwich buns, so perhaps tonight will be hot ham and cheese sandwiches. I will amend the bit of leftover vinegar and oil slaw to make it more interesting and add a little ham to the remains of the hoppin" john.
I'm craving bialys. I need to cure some salmon before making them although they don't require much enhancement in my opinion.
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Lacey, DS1 went to UCL? So did my girl! Junior Year abroad, and boy did she love it. Made friends from all around the world. In fact, she and the boy went to Sweden this past summer to attend one of her UCL friend's wedding. As a school, they did a pretty good job of working with all their international students.
Car, love the pasta strings!
I am thinking of making something called a Schiaciatta tonight for dinner and then serving things to dip/smear on the results. Have no idea why this caught my fancy, but is has. Off to research and collect more data.
*susan*
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Susan, I don't know what it is, but I love the musical sound of it.
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https://www.fornobravo.com/wood-fired-cooking/schi...
But I think I would have to leave the house and buy some food to make this work. Not sure I care enough to do that!
*susan*
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Lacey, we must have been posting at the same time. Thanks to Nance's compliment on your pizzas, I went back and read your post. The pizzas look delicious. My SIL who lived in an Atlanta suburb worked at Emory hospital.
I've heard of hoppin' john but never have eaten it.
More pictures! Love to salivate as I catch up on posts!
Off to the kitchen to brew another big cup of cappucino
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I would have to leave too -- to buy a brick oven. Like the looks of it though!0
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I managed to both make the bread and NOT leave the house! Man, I love my pantry. So, the bread. Yea. It was good. I have made all kinds of different foccaccia bread recipes, and this is the bread I have been looking for! Not so oily. Some crisp on the exterior and a soft interior. Easy to shape. For my Italian "meze" I made a few things. First off, I simmered some drained and rinsed canned Cannelini beans with carrots, shallots, garlic and fresh rosemary. I drained it and whizzed it up in the baby food processor, adding a bit of the cooking liquid so it was a purée. Next up, I sautéed some shallots [the shallots this time of year are so much better than the onions], then added a bit of garlic. When fully aromatic, I added some thawed spinach. I didn't bother to squeeze dry since it was going into a pan with heat. Let evaporation do the work. As the pan got dry, I added about 2T of whole milk, some Siracha and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, stirred and turn off the heat. After the mixture was cooled, it went into the baby food processor with some feta and goat cheese. Just a little actually. I placed it into a small gratin pan with a spindling of parmesan cheese and popped it into the 500º oven. Some Sun Dried pesto was defrosted. I opened a jar of marinated artichoke hearts. And popped a sweet and hot Italian sausage into the oven. It was great. We nibbled on our feast, never getting bored. Strangely, this was an almost perfect meal. To make it perfect, I would have needed a fresh salad of some kind. But, did I mention I didn't want to go out today?
I didn't take pictures.... there was a line by the stove since the kids wanted to make their dinner.
*susan*
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Nancy - that is so funny. I looked up Schiaciatta (1st link it gave was to Susan's link lol) and looks very yummy but alas no brick oven here either. Do you have a brick oven Susan? Your dip/smear makings sound yummy.
Thank you Joyce for sending pictures of the wedding. Glad to see that Rick has found someone new though miss Michelle. I too remember the bunny suit.
Lacey - those pizzas look yummy. I need to find what I did with the 00 flour I bought, I think it was maybe 2#, not much. I uncovered my bread board the other day, never have used it. I have a small food processor but haven't used it in years. Any special recipe you use? I probably have asked this before lol. No where around here to buy fresh dough - Mr. Jims and Pizza Hut only.
The black eyed peas are on the last little bit. No pot liquor left in them. I had a bowl for lunch. DH is working a very odd shift. Went in at 7p tonight for overnight inventory. Says they might finish up between 2-3a but not really sure. Has tomorrow off and then Sat/Sun/Mon next weekend but Mon goes to get his new crown finally placed. The tooth that gave him such trouble late summer. I bought some chicken/dumplings in the deli at grocery for my dinner. DH is not crazy about them even the more "homemade" variety so a good night for me to have them.
I saw that KA Flour's 2016 recipe of the year is No-Knead Crusty White Bread. Might get me to bread baking if we get a nasty week.
Bedo - sounds like interesting times ahead for you.
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Of course I don't have a wood fired pizza oven!!!! [But not for lack of begging my husband to build one.] I just baked it in a 500º oven, like a normal person! :: giggling ::
*susan*
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And of course I take those recipes literally. Thanks Susan. Have a good Monday.
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Luv - I looked the the KA bread recipe. Sounds deliciously easy. The comments below the recipe on the web site make Mark Bitterman's sound even easier (using KA flour of course).
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I don't know anyone with a brick oven either. I'd think all the angled cuts in the bricks for the round dome would be quite an interesting challenge.
Susan, an amazing meal from the pantry. I almost made bread today, but I got busy.
Carrie and Nance, those are amazing pasta pictures. I've never made pasta...someday I hope to work on that.
I made aebleskiver this morning, changed the oil in the vehicle fleet, did more house cleaning and worked on my mom's yard. Sharon made a chilli-mac dish for DD and I...and I'm roasting a whole chicken for the leftovers.
Tomorrow it's back to work after 2 glorious weeks of vacation...
And the best news....DD has been accepted to ASU (Arizona State University) and NAU (Northern Arizona University) and has partial scholarships from both places. It looks like a business/marketing degree. We have saved enough for college, but the scholarship help is greatly appreciated.
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watching the packer game. Still a chance. 1 min left. Now 30 sec. Hail Mary play is their only hope. Nope. Lost. Oh well. LOL. Good game at the end though. Sorry DD2 is at the game. Its 20 degrees out there.
All the noodles look so yummy.
Joyce thanks in the pics. I'm sure Michelle was there watching.
Eric that's great for your DD!
Minus and Luv, now I've got to look up that recipe. LOL
Haven't taken down the decorations yet. DH was too busy fixing the dishwasher and other projects To get started on that. BTW, he's the one babysitting the DGD1 today while the parents are at the game. LOL
Dinner for me was cereal. Too lazy to cook.
To all, Happy New Year. May 2016 treat us all better.
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