So...whats for dinner?
Comments
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Moon Glad everything went well, rest, rest and more rest.
Bedo I am so glad you are loving it there....good times for the soul.
We are getting blasted with snow! Did my grocery shopping yesterday and some last minute shopping, but got discouraged by the snow and slow driving so headed home without finishing. We have a Christmas party tonight that we will attend cause its right around the corner, but may not make it to my mom's tomorrow.
Getting the extra foods for the parties and holiday cooking is costing me a fortune...groceries are outta sight! My Dad has requested a cookie that has like a mincemeat filling and of course some cutouts. I will be baking today to get these done for him. He is not doing well on his new cancer meds (lung cancer) hope the cookies will put some weight on him.
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Same here with snow. No family party today for us, roads are snow packed and treacherous. We won't even be able to get out our road unless somebody plows.
So, a found day for me. Think I'll finish decorating and wrapping. I need to make cinnamon bread for gifts, so perhaps I'll do that too.
Carrie, I'm sorry your dad's struggling with his chemo. Hope those cookies do their job!
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Moon,
So glad to hear you are home. Please rest, rest, rest....I agree with Carberry's RX. YEA!!! to no drains.
Ladies with snow...stay safe.
I am going to be making gingerbread cookies with kids today and bought enough ingredients and tons of candy to attempt my first gingerbread house.
Take care,
Vivian0 -
Moon, Ah yes, you have that after-surgery, high-as-a-kite glow! Hoping that you are still doing well when all those drugs wear off.
Nancy, so sorry that your party has been postponed. Will they try to reschedule or just let it go?
Bedo, glad you are finding your place in Alaska. Kind of like running away from home! With a car and apartment.
I have never made a gingerbread house. Just not that crafty, and they don't taste very good since you have to overcook the gingerbread to make it do things gingerbread was not designed to do! And I am such a practical Yankee, wasting food as a goal gives me the shivers. But mostly, I am not crafty.
Today is a day of work for me, I hope. Falling behind here, as I always do on a hospital day week. Really hoping that the kids do that tree soon before all the nice ones are gone.
*susan*0 -
Sadly, the party will go on without us. Without half the partiers however, since 12 or more of us have to travel.
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Nancy, so sorry about the party, you worked so hard on the pies and pasta !!! Any chance of the snow letting up ?
Susan, I have 3 kids, 2 sons 20 and 12 and a daughter 10. The boys don't let food go to waste....the girl is pickier but she has a sweet tooth.( the candy we purchased is not the traditional decorations for GBH, it's M&M, Hershey bars, Kit Kats, Kisses, peppermint patties...) When I have done a bit too much cooking and have a few days of left overs or I want to clear out freezer/fridge of foods....Just have the kids,cousins and/or a few friends over and serve it all buffet style. They even make a game of it... draw numbers for whose in line first and they can only get 1 portion at a time...they barter, promise 2 for 1 trades, offer to do dishes/pick up. They also perform for their favorites. I'll say "lasagna up", 4 full servings, one will say I'll sing /dance/make joke etc for 1 full serving, then kids will say yes or only 1/2 serving. All this is served with fresh salad , veggies some times side dishes and usually a cake or two, brownies,cookies and 2 gals of milk.
It's a great family/friends evening, that ends with a movie and kids sprawled all over the place and sometimes breakfast next morning.
I promised them we would do this during Christmas break. But I'll be cooking it all fresh....not many leftovers these days, not cooking as much.
Stay warm
V0 -
Oh Nance, so sorry for you that mother nature is cheating all your relatives of enjoying the fruits of your labor, and good company! If they can't be frozen for a later date, can you have a snow shoveling block party featuring your wonderful food?!
We are expecting that snow tonight....DH has the snowblower positioned at the ready.....and we will be heading to a holiday party about a mile from here. I always bring a tray of pizzelles for the dessert table(made them earlier this week). We have braved the snow for this party before...and will again this evening, since we can walk home if necessary. It is a house party that has been a not-to-be-missed tradition for all the attendees for over twenty years...always fun to see everyone whose kids grew up with ours, and catch up on everyone's life turns.
Getting nervous about DS1 and crew arriving here on Friday....not feeling too well prepared since I had spent way too much time and energy prepping for that volunteer workshop. Now that that is behind me, I need to figure out easy meals....and some food to have for a little gathering we plan to have for DS1, celebrating his board certification in his speciality. While DH is getting the decorations out, we are rolling our eyes at how un-toddler proofed this house is. That and the fact that our DGK's are forces to be reckoned with......Yikes! Am thinking that I better get some big bins and clear off all the breakables, and find a spot in the basement for them....which is in itself a challenge.
Okay, better get to doing some of this .....0 -
Vivian, that sounds like such a fun time!
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Hello to all.
Nance I hope your stuff freezes well! I like a block party idea too. Viv,I LOVE the leftover party! What fun! Lacey, My house would be the same way. Unfortunately I don't have grand kids yet. Bedo, It sounds like you have a lot to keep you busy.
We got just a bit of snow here the storm went south to IL. Still cold nit not as cold.
As you can tell I'm not quite as high on drugs today! LOL Much love.0 -
I'm making black beans/rice with chicken added for Mexican Food White Christmas party tonight. It is Seaside's recipe but I more or less throw everything in together. Makes it easier to transport an hour away. Cheat and use froz. Pepperidge Farm stir fry peppers. But I DID make the beans from scratch. Baked boneless chicken breasts in lemon juice last night to add. I will add some of the reserved lemon/chicken juice in place of the balsamic vinegar.
Also made a totally trashy appy - Cheetos in brittle called "Cheetos Dessert". Tastes good but I hope the Cheetos regain a little crunch after they cool off from the oven. Always in the mood to try something offbeat.
Nancy - sorry to hear about the snowstorm cancelling family party plans.
Vivian - the kids and their "games" sound great. What memories they will have. Sounds like you have a very creative family lol "singing for your supper".
Monica - you sound like a trooper. Hope you don't require more "highness" or at best a minimum.
Bedo - Sounds like you have made a great time of your time away. June isn't far. Is doctor single???
Well, by the time I let dog in/out and stirred beans again Cheetos beginning to crunch. Now we'll see how they stand up to damp weather tonight.0 -
Moon, glad you seem to be doing well. I like your new picture.
Vivien, that leftovers party sounds really fun! And unique. I've never heard of anyone serving up the leftovers in that fashion.
Nancy, what a shame you can't get to the party after all the thought and work you put into your food offerings. The pasties sound yummy. I always think of bourbon street when I see that word, pasties!!!
Bedo, the job and situation sound perfect for you. What a great getaway. Your ingredients sound like they would make a good soup.
I think the gingerbread houses look cute but I've never made one. And don't intend to. I don't especially like the taste of gingerbread.
We do not have a single Christmas decoration in sight! I did buy a cute little miniature cypress tree yesterday. I plan to plant it in a patio pot. I figure if I wait long enough, Christmas will be over and no decorations to take down or put away! I am not big into holidays. I am more into every day.
Dinner tonight will be a ribeye steak and some cauliflower, maybe with cheese sauce. Maybe a salad, too. Depends on whether I cook a LOT of cauliflower. I probably will since I have two heads of it in the refrigerator. Winn-Dixie had beautiful big cauliflowers the other day and I couldn't resist buying another one at $1.99.0 -
Lacey, I meant to respond to your post and say I empathize with your not having a kid friendly house. I would definitely put away any possessions that you care about and that aren't easily replaceable. My house is full of our "treasures" that we acquired through the years. All have some sentimental value and some have monetary value.0 -
LOL Carole, too funny! Ah well, the stuff freezes and the pasta is dried so it will keep. At least I won't have to make pasta for a while unless I just want some fresh. I know what you mean about the decorations. We have a nine foot artificial tree and last year we were so lazy, DH just put up the top half of it. We set it on a low table and it worked out great. Much easier to put up and take down. This year, he put up the whole thing, but half the lights are out for some reason, so we may be looking for a new and much smaller tree. It gets harder and harder to get motivated to decorate for any holiday.
With my found day, I managed to get all of the presents wrapped and under the tree, baked some sourdough bread and made vegetable beef soup. For the first time, I made the beef stock in the pressure cooker. I read on Serious Eats that many Brazilian cooks use pressure cookers. Actually, the article said "most". Could that be true? I'm going to do some more research on that. Anyway, it was done it no time and tastes pretty good! Tomorrow, I'm going to the local meat locker to pick up some oxtails and some of their fresh sausage.
Speaking of oxtails, last week I was in Columbia, MO, (home of the Mizzou Tigers, for you football fanatics ;-) I took advantage of the availability of numerous ethnic food outlets and went to one of my favorite Asian markets, as I had depleted some staples making the pho last week. One of the employees, a young Vietnamese guy was so very helpful. He explained to me the differences betweeen different soy sauces (light, dark, medium), fish sauces (Vietnamese vs. Thai) and rice noodles. He was very excited that I had made pho and started questioning me on what kind of beef bones I used, what kind of noodles, etc. He introduced me to fresh rice noodles, which were way better than the dried, but also the best dried ones to use. I picked up some more Thai basil and sprouts for the leftovers and they also had big bundles of soup bones and oxtails. I thought the oxtails were pricey (4.99 a pound) so I didn't get and I knew I could get them locally. But the next time I make pho, it may be worth the 90 minute drive to pick up the fresh ingredients.
Lacey, please send the pizzelles my way!0 -
Hello everyone! Hope you are all safe and warm.
Carrie- Sorry about your dad not doing well. (((hugs)))
Monica- Sounds like you are at least staying confortable with the pain meds ha! Hope everything heals good.
Carole-No cards for me this year either ;-((
Nancy- I wonder why Jesus wasn't born in the summer sure would of made the holidays so much easier for travel! Sucks you made all that food and can't have your party, hopefully you can find a way to freeze it all and have one later.
Minus- Hope you are feeling better!
Bedo- You always make me laugh! Here's my thought.... Since you will be crotching on Sunday then on to Church all should be forgiven ha ha! Glad you are having a nice time, what an experience for you, wish I had the courage to up and do things like that!! Stay safe!
My lungs are just not cooperating with me, feel like I can't do anything any more, my oxygen levels at rest are 89 with oxygen on but as soon as I walk even a few feet they dip to 69 and I feel like I am going to pass out and get dizzy, it is quite scarey. I don't know why all of a sudden they got so bad, I was breathing OK even though I had asthma I could walk short winded but walked, When my DS passed away I knew I had to still be there for DH and my dad so I stayed active trying to be there for everyone, then DH got a little better after finishing his surgery and gamma knife and my dad passing I just kind of curled up in a ball and stayed in bed, I am trying to get on the treadmill every day to do a little excersise but it is scarey when the stats drop so low. Monday I go for consoltation to see a lung rehab specialist and in Janurary will see a pulminary specialist. They say it is end stage emphysema but still hoping I can get my lungs to at least a little better than they are now. As you know I don't like talking to much about ME it is usually about family members but wanted you all to know how serious this is just in case.... But still keeping my fingers crossed I can make them better! I couldn't even make another funeral today for my sweet cousin who was 31 she was on dialysis for her liver and started bleeding in her chest, she had to have emergency surgery but couldn't revive her for 40 minutes she has been on life support for a couple of weeks but disconnected her last week. Even after this negative post I told myself I have to start healing and staying more positive which is what I am going to "Try" to do! Sorry about all the downer stuff!
Hope all of you dealing with the bad weather will be safe and can still enjoy your dinners and parties and have happy holidays! Love to you all!0 -
Here is an excellent salad I made the other day. It is very lemony so anyone who is not a fan of too lemony taste (Laurie Ha!) Just put half of the lemon called for, in fact I will probably use half that amount next time too. Make sure you toast the pine nuts it really makes a difference plus I added more than a half of cup. the food processor makes it go really fast.
3 cups Brussels sprouts
1 large bunch Tuscan kale, center stems discarded
1 small clove garlic
1 small shallot
1 cup finely grated pecorino ( I used about 2 cups)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 lemons, zested and juiced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a food processor fitted with a slicing blade, shred the Brussels sprouts. Next, shred the kale. Add the garlic and shallot and shred. (Alternatively, shred and mince the vegetables with a knife.) Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pecorino, olive oil, pine nuts, mustard, lemon zest and juice and salt and pepper to taste. Add in the shredded vegetables and toss well to combine. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to permeate the greens.0 -
Feeling a bit punky today [not unusual post-treatment] so I cooked up some bagels that I haven't aged "overnight" and served with some smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a soft boiled egg. The onion tasted awful, but the egg was perfect. Mr. 02143 was thrilled to have a smaller supper so it all worked out.
Moon, sorry that those drugs have to wear off, but you sound like you are doing well. I will remain optimistic!
*susan*0 -
Susan I hope you feel better tomorrow Yes, it is like running away! I had to get out of that cabin after spending way too much time there these last few years.
Debbie I hope that on Monday your rehab person will contact the pulmonary doc ASAP and move up your appointment. There are so many medications that can help! There are excellent protocols, like the Gold guidelines and groups that can help so much. You are such a sweet person and deserve to be happy.
I bought some crotching materials today. I want to give them out as Christmas presents. I hope God forgives me.0 -
Debbie,
I missed your post last night. Man do I hope that these specialists can find ways to give you encouragement, and help with your lung function. Your last few years have been just so very hard.... as bedo says, you deserve more.
*susan*0 -
Debbie, you have had your share of heartache. Here's hoping your docs can get you some relief. Big (((HUG)))
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Bedo, I do admire your elan!
Susan, every time you mention bagels, I want to run in and make some. Did I ask you if you use Peter Reinhart's recipe? I think I'll make some for Christmas.
But today is cinnamon bread. Dinner will be a hunk of marinated chuck roast that didn't get used in the pasties. I'll reheat it and make some roasted potatoes and creamed spinach with garlic. This is the last time I'm mentioning pasties.
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Debbie,
Thanks for your wonderful recipe. I make a salad with kale and mangos that is good. Love the addition of brussel sprouts. Hope you feel better soon.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/massaged-kale-salad-recipe/index.html
Georgie0 -
So I'm thinking of making this for Christmas
http://www.foodandwine.com/images/sys/200912-r-chocolate-malt-stump.jpg
Looks like a major PITA, but I can make it several days ahead, and if it's a disaster, I can make something else.
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Well, the Cheetos in caramel went over great. Someone wanted to know where I bought them. Total junk food. We brought none home but I have several hunks that would not break up well. Didn't want any broken teeth/dental appliances blamed on them.
I knew the black beans would be good. All eaten except small portion we kept out for our dinner today. I'm beginning to think we need a menu for this get together; we had 3 rice dishes. But then again it's not like we are starving and need this meal for sustenance. It's a great time, old friends who's kids are now having kids (NOT mine!). Margaritas flowed - I had my one and a Christmas Cheer beer.
Debbie - Prayers that the lung rehab spec. and the pulmonologist can make some differences. Kinda surprised you haven't seen at least a pulmo. b4. You and your DH need a break. Hopefully 2014 will be a much better year.
I am being a slug today. We didn't get home until about 1:30 and I can't even force my self to worship service forget SS. Will go tonight to Christmas music special.
Hopefully snow in the east (and midwest Nancy/Monica) is easing. Predicting cold weather again next weekend but fingers crossed only cold rain. DH has a bunch of dead limbs we would like to cut for firewood while it's cold and critters are minimized. Trouble is it is nasty every other weekend on his weekend off. Nice today but of course he's working.
Bedo - sounds like "running away" with a plan, a job, place to live, nice enough people around. Envious of you. Can I come too?
DH wants me to order turkey dinner from the grocery. I CAN'T do this though I have b4 but I was working then so had excuse. Think I will fall back on Cornish hens but sometimes they have no flavor. I have to go to Ft. Worth on Friday 2 doc appts. but will be rainy turning colder day. The last appt of day is MO at 3:30. Egads I won't get out of that until after 5 betcha. So all stops will have to be between the 2 appts. I may splurge on something at Central Market. I have 4 sweet potatoes left from Thanksgiving I may cook and put in freezer - If they are still edible. I need easy to prepare stuff (read that as limited dish washing per DH) since both DD and DH will be on short work schedule.
Special K - missing you. Just busy with life? And Deborye too. Who else has not been around recently?
OMG - Nancy see your cake plans. You go girl. Meringue mushrooms too. Anyone buy powdered egg whites? I bought mini choc. chips to make meringue cookies. Bet Central Mkt or TJs has it. Wish they would build a Whole Foods on this side of Metroplex.
Monica - Hope you are on the greatly improving end of you surgery. Take care of yourself.0 -
Nancy, a bouche du noel? You are ambitious, but they are beautiful and delicious. I have seen a tried and true recipe somewhere. Let me see if I can find it for you. As to the Bagels, yes, I use Peter's recipe from Bread Baker's Apprentice. This has been the only recipe I have tried that tastes like my NYcity childhood. My only modification is, remember that frugal Yankee stuff, I use high gluten flour for the sponge and bread flour for the dough. Saves a few pennies, and I really can't tell the difference. [All bread flour is different, however.] I generally use the barley malt syrup, though I also own some non-diadastic malt powder. The full recipe taxes my kitchen aid. In fact, I often divide the dough after the first 3 minutes of kneading, and knead the halves separately. Then throw them back in together for the final 30 seconds or so. I make two sizes... the 2.5oz for me, and 3.5 oz for Mr. 02143. He is starting to think he is a 3oz kinda guy now.
I almost have my Christmas Eve dinner/buffet planned. Still feels a bit incomplete to me. I have the issue of the vegetarian-lactose intolerant sister, and the slightly picky eat kid. Their preferences always seem to nuke each other so I have to make more dishes than I would prefer. I know, I know. I could be a hard-ass, but that just isn't me. Will post my thoughts later.
*susan*0 -
Susan, this one is a stump instead of a log lol! I like the 3 oz ones too.
Luv, not doing the mushrooms. Not that crazy ;-)
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Nancy -0 -
Nancy,
A bouche du noel is a pumpkin roll on steroids! The mushrooms, I hear, aren't that hard, if you make them out of marzipan: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Marzipan-Mushrooms-104508
*susan*0 -
You are all WAY too good.
OK, today I'm taking a big step, making something without a recipe.
I'm making cabbage, potato, kale, onion, garlic, canned tomato great northern bean soup. the beans are already cooked. vegetable soup which is about all I have on hand. I may or may not put in curry powder and or a bay leaf to ruin it. I think that I start with sautéing the onions and garlic and then add the kale and cabbage then the tomatoes with their liquid and veg broth and the potatoes and boil for a bit. Not too sure of the portions, but I'm going for it!
I got a call to go hiking just now from the clinic doc. It is a beautiful sunny day here. He is married but his family is back home. It's probably just as well as he is in the reserves and served in Iraq. He would have had to revive me. Not a bad thing, except that I would be unconscious and not able to enjoy it and he is married. I Don't see married men. He is handsome
So I'm going crocheting. Which is more my speed except that I haven't done it since I was 12. Maybe knitting would be better. IDK There will be a bunch of people so they can help
I slept through church.
The Daily Grind, a fiddle type of group will be playing here soon, so it will be fun to go
I can't wait for the Halibut run!
The company car was a huge van. I cracked it's tail light. They gave me a monster jeep. I am terrified. I've only ever driven smaller things.
Happy weekend to all!0 -
Going to crochet with the ladies.
I KNOW some of you can roast chestnuts!
Here's something old that made me happy which will put you in the spirit.0 -
Thank you Bedo. I have been surfing around YouTube the last couple of days. Listening to Billy Eckstine - Cottage for Sale, It Isn't Fair.
Found this especially nice. I didn't know it was on there. I was named Laura after the song from the movie though the movie is 8 years older than I.0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIWTqMoTUM8