The What's For Dinner Tonight Chat

[love2travel]

I also tolerate neither! I stay indoors during the day most of the time. I love to spend evenings outdoors though in the summer. It is positively lovely! You know, it is true that Utah isn't really exotic exactly... but we do have a very large immigrant population from all over the world. Now, most of these are mormons, but are also more than happy to share their cultures and languages. It is one of the things I so love here. Instead of being limited to a single culture I am exposed to so many it seems limitless! I can't usually partake of the foods at all of the ethnic festivals, but I do so love to enjoy the music, the smells, the art and I can always go home and replicate something in my kitchen.

You've piqued my interest. I did not realize there were so many cultures there. How awesome that you are able to go to such great events! That is another thing so enjoyable about travel - different events that you just don't see elsewhere. Love 'em.

[notme]

made a big pot of marinara (gravy) saturday and mixed some with wine and cream for sauce to put over chicken rolled in *ahem* bacon. with pasta, *ahem* bacon & gorgonzola green salad, (bread sticks for the driver)

last night was cod fried in tempura batter (do not add redbridge to the batter and expect it not to stick HAHA) still turned out crispy and good. with mango salsa, jasmine rice and sauteed baby yellow squash. been doing alot of sauteeing with unsalted butter and then seasoning when finished. it seems to caramelize the natural sugars of the veg

i have an eggplant screaming to be rollatini but haven't been that ambitious yet today. i hafta make it before hubs comes back because he hhhaaates eggplant. except eggplant parm <still says he hates it while he's woofing it down.... menz.....

[GottaSki]

Baby Back Ribs

Butternut Squash Fries

Broccoli

Lots and lots of water

[sora]

Taco salad tonight.

I am suffering from the chocolate and wine last night. It was worth it though. Three of us ate it and one just kept wolfing it down, no comments there. The other one loved it and tasted mostly wine flavor. I loved it but would cut back on the chocolate some because that's the main thing I could taste. Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs but I could not taste it at all. Maybe the chocolate overpowered it. The sauce was delicious on garlic mashed potatoes. I would make it again.

Those cheese buns look really good. I want to try them in a day or two.

[Adalaide]

You've piqued my interest. I did not realize there were so many cultures there. How awesome that you are able to go to such great events! That is another thing so enjoyable about travel - different events that you just don't see elsewhere. Love 'em.

I've never really traveled. I mean, I drove from PA to UT but that doesn't really count as travel. I get that Utah is the butt of many jokes. Heck, I used to make them. (I was not mormon when I moved here, they snagged me later.) It really is amazing though how being in the mormon capital attracts so many people from around the world. It is truly a family friendly state, but not without "worldy" pursuits of course! Quite a few beer fests all through the fall. I love how I can "travel" without having to really go anywhere and experience little snippets of so much of the world. It really is an experience unlike anything I could get back home in PA where everything is a bunch of drunk Irish and Polish fests! (Not that there is anything wrong with those, I always had a blast.)

[alex11602]

Tonight we ate leftover chicken divan while watching Star Trek: TOS.

No cooking and Star Trek, my night is complete

[love2travel]

I've never really traveled. I mean, I drove from PA to UT but that doesn't really count as travel. I get that Utah is the butt of many jokes. Heck, I used to make them. (I was not mormon when I moved here, they snagged me later.) It really is amazing though how being in the mormon capital attracts so many people from around the world. It is truly a family friendly state, but not without "worldy" pursuits of course! Quite a few beer fests all through the fall. I love how I can "travel" without having to really go anywhere and experience little snippets of so much of the world. It really is an experience unlike anything I could get back home in PA where everything is a bunch of drunk Irish and Polish fests! (Not that there is anything wrong with those, I always had a blast.)

And I'm addicted to travel. There are so many thingers I love it's crazy. Not exactly inexpensive pursuits but the things I have experienced cannot be bought with any amount of money. Though I H A T E long flights (the pain nearly does me in each time but I keep telling myself to keep my eye on the prize) I still do it. I would have to rate my obsession passion for travel up there with my obsession passion for food and cooking but to me the two go hand in hand. Food culture and history is another one of my thingers. Then there are books, music, walking, animals (I have had the privilege of petting giraffes a few times!), camping, my husband, Downton Abbey...

[sora]

Ahhhh! Anyone aware of this? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/05/united-states-of-bacon-tv_n_2243675.html

This is where we can go!

[Adalaide]

And I'm addicted to travel. There are so many thingers I love it's crazy. Not exactly inexpensive pursuits but the things I have experienced cannot be bought with any amount of money. Though I H A T E long flights (the pain nearly does me in each time but I keep telling myself to keep my eye on the prize) I still do it. I would have to rate my obsession passion for travel up there with my obsession passion for food and cooking but to me the two go hand in hand. Food culture and history is another one of my thingers. Then there are books, music, walking, animals (I have had the privilege of petting giraffes a few times!), camping, my husband, Downton Abbey...

Other than occasionally visiting family back in PA only have a desire to travel once. http://www.tamimiea.com/giraffe-manor/index.html I want to spend a week there. Who am I kidding, I want to LIVE there. The only other place I have ever seriously considered traveling to is Germany. Frankly though, it isn't making the top of the list of things to do til I get to Kenya. I don't kid myself, I have obsessions. Baking used to be one, and I'm beginning to enjoy it again but it is such a dangerous pursuit. Leads to fatness.

I am enjoying cooking though. I never really used to enjoy cooking, but now that I have to cook or die I figure I may as well enjoy it. No point resenting it, although some days it is still just a chore. (I'm a work in progress. ) Tonight I managed an edible steak, as if a man would turn down ANY steak. And... cheesebread! With accompanying food porn. They are absolutely phenomenal. I do recommend skipping the cheddar though and going straight parm, but that is just me. I'm excited to play with them just a little for next time we have pasta. A little mozz and some Italian herbs and garlic. Ooey gooey garlic bread balls.

[GottaSki]

So excited!

Woke up feeling strong and good thing as tonight all four of us are headed to the House of Blues to see Sum 41 -- my go to music when I don't think I can ski down another run or walk up another hill!

Me, out late on a school night - nothing is impossible

For those not feeling good today -- here is a funny that made me lol:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=478501382188651&set=a.151706978201428.26936.112576322114494&type=1&ref=nf

Dinner is BLTs and Tomato soup for the men and zu-noodles with basil "pesto" for me -- need to tiptoe carefully thru the rest of the day so I'll make it out tonight!

[love2travel]

Other than occasionally visiting family back in PA only have a desire to travel once. http://www.tamimiea....anor/index.html I want to spend a week there. Who am I kidding, I want to LIVE there. The only other place I have ever seriously considered traveling to is Germany. Frankly though, it isn't making the top of the list of things to do til I get to Kenya. I don't kid myself, I have obsessions. Baking used to be one, and I'm beginning to enjoy it again but it is such a dangerous pursuit. Leads to fatness.

I am enjoying cooking though. I never really used to enjoy cooking, but now that I have to cook or die I figure I may as well enjoy it. No point resenting it, although some days it is still just a chore. (I'm a work in progress. ) Tonight I managed an edible steak, as if a man would turn down ANY steak. And... cheesebread! With accompanying food porn. They are absolutely phenomenal. I do recommend skipping the cheddar though and going straight parm, but that is just me. I'm excited to play with them just a little for next time we have pasta. A little mozz and some Italian herbs and garlic. Ooey gooey garlic bread balls.

Oh, you must go to Germany! We love it there. My ancestors hail from Germany. In fact, more of them live there than in Canada. My cousin loves to spend time at our house in Croatia. He has been to over 100 countries (maybe I got the travel gene from him!) and his favourite is Croatia. I don't blame him.

Glad you love cooking. I understand what you mean about baking. I have eased off it for a bit now becaue I have that extra adipose tissue to stop clinging to my body. Stupid dumb fat adipose tissue!

Your cheesebread does look great! It's so much fun to make these delicious discoveries.

[alex11602]

Tonight I'm making peppered cumin steak with honey onions and was going to make cinnamon butter mashed sweet potatoes, but I think that regular mashed may be better.

[love2travel]

With turkey leftovers I made an incredible soup. First, I roasted the bones with bits of meat still on them, to add a depth of flavour. Then the usual mirepoix, drippings, white wine, fresh herbs, etc. I added a few kinds of dried pasta (the yucky corn pasta I've had sitting around for ages I strongly dislike but goes well in soup). We are also having deviled eggs with Bourbon, Sriracha, Dijon, capers and smoked paprika. Fresh blueberries for dessert.

[sora]

Fried chicken and leftover garlic mashed potatoes, probably with salad. Oh, and gravy.

[Adalaide]

Adventurous me tonight. Sometimes you have to be willing to fail in the kitchen if you want something awesome. I was making pork chops and thought to myself, how can I change that cheesebread recipe to go with it. I wouldn't call what came out an utter failure... but I wouldn't recommend making them without cheese, period. I tried very, very finely diced apples instead and some sage and a little maple syrup. They are really good, but didn't get puffy.

I know I'm playing with fire with the whole cheese thing, but tomorrow I'm making them with mozz and garlic to go with pasta. I finally made Mario's bolognese sauce. It is so perfect. My husband won't touch it. The whole time it was cooking I kept asking myself how it could possibly have flavor. Somehow magically it all comes together into this symphony of pure rich delight. I did use lamb instead of veal, stupid store was out of veal. I even stayed out of the chardonnay! I know there is some rule I heard somewhere about don't cook with what you won't drink, but dear God who can stand that stuff? The flavor is fine, its the way it sucks the moisture out of your face leaving you gasping for water that kills me.

[alex11602]

Tonight I made Schar penne with double meat sauce (sweet Italian chicken sausage and ground beef), it must have been tasty since the only sound out of my girls was when the 3 year old couldn't pick up the penne with her fork and was fussing a bit.

[kareng]

Adventurous me tonight. Sometimes you have to be willing to fail in the kitchen if you want something awesome. I was making pork chops and thought to myself, how can I change that cheesebread recipe to go with it. I wouldn't call what came out an utter failure... but I wouldn't recommend making them without cheese, period. I tried very, very finely diced apples instead and some sage and a little maple syrup. They are really good, but didn't get puffy.

I know I'm playing with fire with the whole cheese thing, but tomorrow I'm making them with mozz and garlic to go with pasta. I finally made Mario's bolognese sauce. It is so perfect. My husband won't touch it. The whole time it was cooking I kept asking myself how it could possibly have flavor. Somehow magically it all comes together into this symphony of pure rich delight. I did use lamb instead of veal, stupid store was out of veal. I even stayed out of the chardonnay! I know there is some rule I heard somewhere about don't cook with what you won't drink, but dear God who can stand that stuff? The flavor is fine, its the way it sucks the moisture out of your face leaving you gasping for water that kills me.

Was that the recipe from The Chew? I have gotten a few good recipes from them. I printed that one but haven't tried it yet.

[Adalaide]

IH copied it, but I'll just link it because I'm lazy. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/02/quick-brazilian-cheese-rolls-pao-de-queijo-2/

I really like it a whole lot. I highly recommend it. They puff up really nicely! I don't know if the recipe says so, but the batter is pure liquid. Don't be alarmed.

[GottaSki]

Slept thru dinner last night -- folks had heat on at their house yesterday -- allergic reaction ensued followed by Benedryl -- nightie night at 5pm.

Tonight we will have:

Steak

Creamy Garlic Enchiladas - I'll enjoy vicariously

Chopped Asparagus Sesame Salad - sans dressing for me

Blueberry "Ice Cream" for dessert

[kareng]

IH copied it, but I'll just link it because I'm lazy. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/02/quick-brazilian-cheese-rolls-pao-de-queijo-2/

I really like it a whole lot. I highly recommend it. They puff up really nicely! I don't know if the recipe says so, but the batter is pure liquid. Don't be alarmed.

Sorry. I meant Mario's sauce?

[Adalaide]

Sorry. I meant Mario's sauce?

I'm so easily confused! It was http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Ragu-Bolognese-Food-Network_2?servings=8 which was a direct result of https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/95164-spaghetti-sauce-from-hell/ and let me just get this right out there. My husband hates it. Fine. Whatever. Clearly he was born with defective taste buds.

[love2travel]

YUCK. Now I know what it is like to be glutened. The first (obvious) gluten reaction in my life. Another accidental glutening happened awhile back but it was very, very mild. Just a touch ill. This? Um...lets say now I can relate. I've been wondering what would happen if I ingested gluten and BANG. It happened. Two days ago. I opened a pudding (yes, I know, I usually make my own) and started eating it. Fifteen minutes later instant migraine. Aching jaw. Vomiting. D. Bloating. Plugged sinuses. Sneezing. Immediately I knew something must be up so I re-checked the label. Under Allergens it listed "milk". However, I missed one itty bitty five-letter word under the ingredients: "wheat". How the heck did I miss it??!! Thankfully I had only eaten a few spoonfuls. It tasted terrible, BTW, as commercial puddings do. "Wheat, did you forget you are NOT allowed in my house??? GET LOST!" And so into the garbage it went.

There is a good thing to all this. As I said, I've wondered for ages what would happen if I ate gluten, never ever considering doing it deliberately even for a split second. Well, now I know so if I feel like this the reason is glaringly obvious.

Needless to say I haven't been cooking much. But am getting my appetite back today so plan to do some serious damage in the kitchen tomorrow. Tonight we're having the remainder of my homemade turkey noodle soup. Tomorrow the fun begins! And I cannot wait.

[Adalaide]

GAH! You poor thing. I guess though, if you want a rainbow, you don't have to worry now about being silent and wondering forever if you have accidents. (I've always thought that is far scarier than being sick, even though I stay sick for more than a month.) Glad that it hasn't stayed horrid for too long though. It wasn't that terribly long ago I did pretty much the same thing with soup. If my head didn't hurt so much I probably would have banged it on the wall in frustration. We all have our not so shining moments I guess.

[love2travel]

GAH! You poor thing. I guess though, if you want a rainbow, you don't have to worry now about being silent and wondering forever if you have accidents. (I've always thought that is far scarier than being sick, even though I stay sick for more than a month.) Glad that it hasn't stayed horrid for too long though. It wasn't that terribly long ago I did pretty much the same thing with soup. If my head didn't hurt so much I probably would have banged it on the wall in frustration. We all have our not so shining moments I guess.

You're right - I'm going for the rainbow. I always try to look on the positive side of things and see what I can learn from circumstances. It has been scary always wondering, especially traveling. And to think I had a few of those stupid dumb pudding thingers this past summer. No reactions then but that has changed. Sounds weird but it is actually sort of a relief. I AM A REACTOR!

So sorry you were ill for sooooooo long. That cannot be easy.

BTW, where on earth is everyone? Is is due to the maintenance thinger that was happening the past couple of days? Hellooooo????!!!!

[Adalaide]

You're right - I'm going for the rainbow. I always try to look on the positive side of things and see what I can learn from circumstances. It has been scary always wondering, especially traveling. And to think I had a few of those stupid dumb pudding thingers this past summer. No reactions then but that has changed. Sounds weird but it is actually sort of a relief. I AM A REACTOR!

So sorry you were ill for sooooooo long. That cannot be easy.

BTW, where on earth is everyone? Is is due to the maintenance thinger that was happening the past couple of days? Hellooooo????!!!!

I don't know. There was maintenance and POOF! I feel like some sort of creepy, lurking stalker or something.