The What's For Dinner Thread - March '11 (recipe index in OP)

[HERSEY]

Princess I am happy to see it was not one of the forbidden animals. No need to run out and get pictures either, I am well versed on their cute(not) little face. I will accept puppy pictures however.

Laura How is Liam reintroduction to eggs going? That had to be scarey for both of you.

WFD is tacos, rice and salad

Tonight is back to school night for me. I get to meet A's teachers and find out the syllabus for this year

 

[Goofyluver]

I have some food and pictures to share from the weekend. Been wondering if I should share or not...I wasn't sure about posting it because one of the sides in my dinner is really an acquired taste and unless you have an Asian grocer, you might not be able to source one of the ingredients.
But after Glynis' telling me to not stop posting pictures, I think I might work on pulling the recipes together and posting something tomorrow (I hope).

Don't stop posting your pictures. I love them!

Oh.....I forgot to share. DH got the results of his MRI. It came back all clear, which we are both really thankful for. So, he either has a virus that is affecting his inner ear and his balance and making him nauseous; or he has Meniere's. We're hoping it is the former. We mentioned it to a few people and there seems like there is a Meniere's epidemic sweeping Melbourne...when we mentioned it to our friends, we found that there were at least 3 other people that had been provided with the same diagnosis in Melbourne lately. They are all waiting for the wamer weather to see if it clears up.

Still crossing my fingers that it's not Meniere's. It can be rough.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tired, tired, tired. That is all!

Everyone here is well. Tooter is adjusting to her home, although her new favorite spot is on top of my printer. J is adjusting to his braces.

Tonight's dinner is chicken/veggie lo mein.

Hope everyone has a great rest of your Wednesday!

 

[bigmerle1966]

Marilyn - Hope things settle back to normal soon.

With my job it is normal for this time of year. I have times that are crazy and hectic and others where things are slow and quiet. Usually by mid-September we are back to the slow and quiet.

Dinner last night was sausage on toast with gravy and eggs. Tonight is again what I can scrounge up.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka:
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp cumin
1/4-1 tsp cayenne (to your tastes)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (we used 1 pound, plenty for 4 servings)

Cube the chicken and toss it into a gallon size ziplock. Add all of the marinade ingredients to the bag and mix around. Place in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.

Masala:
1 can 28 oz. diced tomatoes
1 can 5.5 oz tomato paste
2 inches fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, diced
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tbsp tikka paste
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried coriander
Salt
1 cup cream
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Turn your oven to broil. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a rack over top. Take the chicken out of the marinade and place on the baking rack. Place under the broiler about 6-10 inches from the heating element and broil for about 10 minutes. You don't have to worry about cooking the meat all the way through, you are just looking for a nice browned color.

While the chicken is broiling, in a stockpot over medium-high heat, add about a tsp or two of oil. Add the onion and saute for a few minutes to soften. Add the garlic and ginger and saute for a few more minutes until the mixture is nice and fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garam masala, tikka paste, cumin, chili powder and coriander. Stir together. When the chicken is done broiling, add them straight to the stockpot into the masala (sauce).

*I actually let my sauce simmer for a good 30 minutes before even broiling the chicken, then let it simmer another 30 minutes with the chicken to try and give it a good rich slow cooked taste.

Taste the sauce and salt as needed. When ready to serve, stir in the cream and fresh cilantro.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Today’s recipe has significantly less chili than I would normally use. My DS11 is finally starting to show signs of eating spicy food. So, I’m enjoying starting to cook with a bit more chili and spice again. But I’m going slow with the spice level instead of scaring him off.


Marinated Thai-style chicken and Stir Fry Green Vegetable side


My starting ingredients:

• Chicken tenderloins, 750 g
• Fresh lime juice, 3 tablespoons
• Garlic, 3 cloves crushed
• Ginger, 2 teaspoon chopped or grated
• Coriander, 1 tablespoon (I omitted this because the bunch in my fridge was really bad)
• Palm or Brown sugar, 1 tablespoon
• Fish sauce, 2 tablespoon
• Red Chili, chopped (deseeded if you prefer less spicy)
• Oil

You can choose to cut the tenderloins in half lengthwise or marinade them whole. Combine them with the lime juice, garlic, ginger, coriander, sugar, fish sauce and red chilli. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for 3 – 4 hours. You may note that I sliced my garlic, rather than crush it.

Sometimes, I thread the tenderloin on a skewer and BBQ or chargrill for about 3 – 4 minutes each side or until the chicken is cooked.

For tonight, I amended the cooking process and fried the chicken in my wok and pan friend each side for a couple of minutes.

I forgot that the sugar caramelizes, so it got real dark in the wok real quick!

But it was the sign I needed to use the rest of the marinade to make a sauce. I used the liquid only; so as not to scare DS’ palate with too much chili.
Add the marinade to the wok and simmer until about ½ of the liquid has evaporated or the marinade has become a sauce to the consistency you like.

Add the tenderloins back to the wok and toss to get an even coating of the sauce.

My chicken tenderloin dish!

Stir Fry Green Vegetables

I served the chicken tenderloins with some green vegetables.

My starting ingredients:

• Broccolini, one bunch cut into 3-4 cm long stems
• Snow peas, decent handful, topped and tailed
• Ginger, sliced
• Marinade from the chicken, 1 – 2 tablespoon
• Corn Flour, 1 teaspoon
• Water, 2 tablespoon
• Oil

Mix the marinade, corn flour and water together in a small bowl.

Heat some oil in a wok and add the broccolini and ginger. Quickly stir fry or toss for about 3 – 4 minutes.

Add the snow peas and toss for another minute or two.

Add the marinade, corn flour and water. Mix all the ingredients together for another minute or two; or until the vegetables have been cooked to your liking (I prefer mine on the crunchy side).

My Green vegetable side dish!

My dinner!

NOTE: The Tofu side recipe is also posted in this thread, following this post.

 

[PrincessInOz]

This dish is straight out of my childhood and is definitely an acquired taste. The Chinese Pickled Mustard (leaves) are marinated in a salty, vinegary solution.


Steamed Tofu and Chinese Pickled Mustard with celery and mushroom topping.

My starting ingredients:

• Fresh tofu

For the topping:

• Chinese Pickled Mustard, purchased from the Asian grocer, sliced.
• Celery, 2 – 3 stalks, sliced
• Button Mushroom, 4 – 5 diced
• Ginger, finely sliced
• Black Bean paste, 1 teaspoon
• Soya sauce, 2 tablespoons
• Corn flour, 1 teaspoon
• Water, 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable Oil, 1 tablespoon
• Sesame Oil, 2 – 3 drops
• Pepper
• A little more water

I used about ½ of the tofu and steamed it for about 25 – 30 minutes.



Mix the soya sauce, corn flour and water together in a small bowl.
Whilst the tofu is steaming, heat the vegetable and sesame oil in a wok and add the black bean paste and ginger. Fry for about 30 seconds.

Add the celery to the wok and stir fry quickly for 1 – 2 minutes.

Add the mushroom and fry for another 1 – 2 minutes.

Add the pickled Chinese mustard to the wok and toss for another 2 – 3 minutes.

NOTE: I get my pickled Chinese mustard at the local Asian grocer. It comes in a sealed pack, which will contain some of the pickling solution. I forgot to take a picture of the pack and next time I get some, I’ll try to remember and post.


Add the soya sauce, corn flour and water to the wok. Season with pepper to taste. You can add salt if you like but the pickled mustards are on the salty side and soya sauce has been added.

NOTE: If serving this as a dish with white rice, allow the ingredients to mix and cook for another minute or so. You could substitute the mushroom with sliced tomato or add the tomato as an extra ingredient.


Because I am using this as a topping for the tofu, I added a little more water to the wok until the vegetables are barely covered to create a bit more sauce.

My dish!

Serve over the steamed tofu.




My dinner!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Becky and Aimee - GREAT food porn!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Morning, all!

I am absolutely loving all the food porn. You ladies truly are talented and to make my mouth water at the butt crack of dawn is quite a feat

I am making us spaghetti tonight. I established a tradition of getting my makeup done at MAC for my birthday so I am doing that today. I'm really excited!

Question: do any of you have a good hearty muffin recipe? I am looking for one for Scott and I need something a little heavier than, say, a blueberry one. More along the lines of a bran or something. The only catch is no banana. Scott enjoys the fruit, but only by itself. I know, I know. Poor guy.

Thanks, all!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Morning/evening Lindsay. Hope you had a good night.


I have a number of muffin recipes....some sweet, some savoury (some even with banana!).

My bran muffin recipe includes Golden Syrup; which I believe is hard to get and expensive in the US. I'm guessing you could substitute with honey or corn syrup.

You'll need:
Wet Mix
1/4 cup butter (or margarine)
1/4 golden syrup (or substitute)
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk

Dry Mix
1.5 cups flaky bran
1 cup self-raising flour
1.5 teaspoons mixed spice


Preheat oven to 150 C.

Mix the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the golden syrup and mix in. Then beat in the eggs, and the milk.

Combine the dry mix ingredients and fold into the wet mix.

Place in muffin pans and bake for 20 - 25 minutes.

Variations
Apple Bran. Add 1 cup of grated apple to the wet mix and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of flour to the dry mix.
Blueberry Bran. Add 450 g of either tin or fresh blueberry and fold in gently to the mixture.


I also have a base recipe for CornMeal Muffins and/or a mix that you store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. Let me know if you want either of those....or any savoury ones.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Hey all! I havent been around much. I hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to share a couple recipes that we loved.

These were the most moist and delicious pork chops I ever made!

Alton Browns Molasses and Coffee Pork Chops
1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
6 ounces molasses, by weight (about ½ cup)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
½ teaspoon ground ginger
6 to 8 sprigs fresh thyme ***I used ground thyme
4 6-to-8-ounce bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick) ***I used thick boneless chops

Combine the coffee, molasses, vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, the ginger, thyme and pork chops in a 1-gallon zip-top bag; seal and shake to combine. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. ***I did 24 hours
Preheat a grill to medium-high. (I broiled my chops for 7 minutes on each side and let rest for 5 minutes). Remove the pork from the bag. Pour the marinade into a saucepan; boil gently over medium-high heat, stirring, until reduced to ½ cup, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the thyme stems.
Grill the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145. Let rest for 5 minutes; serve with the glaze.

This is my Aunt Carol's recipe.
Appetizer Meatballs
4# ground beef
1# ground pork
20 oz bread crumbs
1.5 qt milk
1/2# onions, grated or chopped fine
1/4# butter or margarine
5 eggs
6 tsp salt (the original recipe called for 10 tsp but I cut it back)
2.5 tsp pepper
1.5 tsp sugar
1.25 tsp ginger

Saute onions in butter. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Make into bite size meatballs (original recipe says it makes 350 meatballs. I guess I made bigger ones since I only got about 150). Bake a 450 for 15 minutes.

These freeze really well and a great served alone but I have served sides of duck sauce and bbq. These are always a hit when I make them.

Have a great day all!

 

[liamsaunt]

Laura, how do you get the black background in your pics? Do you edit them? Everything looks delicious!!!

I am assuming you meant me The black is my dining room table, actually. Getting that table was an unexpected bonus for food photos. I think the black makes the colors of the food really pop. You could imitate the same effect with a piece of black posterboard. Just put your dish on the posterboard before taking the picture.

Your masala looks delicious!

Dinner last night was corn chowder. It was delicious but I don't have a picture. I got a new lens for my camera this week that supposedly is great for food photos but I am struggling with it. I know I am just in a learning curve, but right now the photos are coming out too close up and with way, way too much bokeh for my taste. I'll figure it out soon I am sure.

WFD: I have a hair appointment after work and John has to go for cocktails with some colleagues, so something fast. Maybe avocado BLTs.

Have a good day, everyone!

 

[TigerKat]

Hi ladies, I am going to try and catch up here. I’m doing OK, thanks for the kind words. I will be updating the pics and recipes as soon as I can.

We now have a tropical wave off our coast which could cause us some problems starting this evening and lasting until Monday. We do need the rain to put out the marsh fire that has kept us all indoors this week but they’re saying we could get 20 inches or more along with tropical storm winds and flooding.

Kyle's truck is acting up and is in the shop, waiting to hear how much $$$ because we're also in need of a new TV. We're watching everything in a disgusting shade of green.

I’m so glad everyone made it through Irene.

Jen – Welcome to your new family member, Tooter! Glad to hear J is adjusting to the braces.

Princess – Thanks for sharing your pics with us. Glad to hear DH’s MRI was negative.

Ellen - I’m sorry Doug didn’t win but congrats to him for doing so well! Have fun on your trip!

Sheryl – What days do you have Jude? I’m off on Mondays & Fridays.

Glynis – It must be quite a big adjustment for your little one with everyone gone.

Nan – Sending hugs to Deb.

WFD - My guys have become addicted to the salsa fresca I've been making so I'm doing easy Mexican chicken tonight.

 

[shovan]

Hey y'all,

Feeling lazy today. Not sure what's for dinner, maybe breakfast. Maybe I'll fill that french toast craving Janice caused a while back!

What beautiful food ladies!!!

Now I want tikka masala, tomato tart & thai stir fry for dinner!!

Glynis, Timothy must be lonesome, poor little guy! I know Jude isn't even 5 mos yet & he is missing Alexis. His little face just light up when he sees her! (Her face does too!) But that hasn't been very often. A's Mom, Dad & Nanny (Angelina) are picking up Alexis from school most days. When Angelina picks her up, they do get to visit each other a little while. ( Jude is napping when school lets out.)

Kathy, At least tonight you'll know what the correct colors are: Black & Gold! Sorry about the truck & tv! Glad you're feeling better!
I'll pm you on FB about meeting the boy!

 

[HERSEY]

Hi all! Kathy, Sheryl and Bethany hope you guys don't get as much rain as it sounds.



I am beat, I don't think I've been in bed before 11 pm so far this week. It is catching up to me. Since I wake up a 4 in the morning that doesn't give me enough beauty sleep

WFD is pasta with sauted veggies with side of fruit. That might be our most healthy dinner this week

 

[Goofyluver]

Hi all. all around.

Tonight's dinner was tacos. Tomorrow's is going to be...tacos. Although tomorrow is tacos with that bangin' shrimp and I can't wait.

I am absolutely wiped out. I thought I was back to almost 100% of myself after surgery until this week which has been very demanding. Yea, not quite there and I am very tired. Thank goodness it's a 3 day weekend.

Everyone here is doing well here. Hope all of you are well too.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I am assuming you meant me The black is my dining room table, actually. Getting that table was an unexpected bonus for food photos. I think the black makes the colors of the food really pop. You could imitate the same effect with a piece of black posterboard. Just put your dish on the posterboard before taking the picture.

Sorry, wrong Liam sister LOL Great idea on the posterboard. Thanks!

We now have a tropical wave off our coast which could cause us some problems starting this evening and lasting until Monday. We do need the rain to put out the marsh fire that has kept us all indoors this week but they’re saying we could get 20 inches or more along with tropical storm winds and flooding.

It's either not enough or too much rain, isn't it? We are still in a major drought and I just fear we'll get buckets and can't hold it all. Hope it isn't too bad!

I am absolutely wiped out. I thought I was back to almost 100% of myself after surgery until this week which has been very demanding. Yea, not quite there and I am very tired. Thank goodness it's a 3 day weekend.

Everyone here is doing well here. Hope all of you are well too.

I think it takes awhile to get back to 100% after surgery, since your body is so busy working to heal itself. Glad you get a holiday weekend!



DH is dove hunting today so he'll be home late. I have leftovers from lunch to munch on.

 

[liamandcaili]

The kids and I went to the Zooquarium on the Cape today. I told them I would take them for one last outing before school starts. It was fun. Caili had a great time feeding and petting all the animals, especially the deer and llama, which she doesn't usually get to see. Liam was impressed by the giant striped bass swimming in one tank. Of course, every time he saw it, he said, "Dinner!" After that, we went to Captain Frosty's. No summer is complete without a trip there. I had a clam roll and a black and white frappe. Liam had a hot dog and a frappe, and Caili had an ice cream and onion rings. It was a really healthy meal! None of us wanted dinner after that, so the kids just had an enhanced snack...more health food...nachos and apple slices.

Laura How is Liam reintroduction to eggs going?

Actually, he hasn't had anything with eggs in it yet. I think he is a little nervous about it, so I haven't pushed it. He did try two crumbs of cornbread, but that is about it. I figured he would be begging to go to Dunkin Donuts. Maybe he doesn't realize doughnuts are now on the approved list.

Aimee -- The chicken tikka masala looks and sounds great! I need to have Indian food soon.

My DS11 is finally starting to show signs of eating spicy food. So, I’m enjoying starting to cook with a bit more chili and spice again. But I’m going slow with the spice level instead of scaring him off.

I started off like that too. Then I put a whole chipotle into Liam's black beans (by mistake). Now, no matter how spicy I make it, he thinks it is fine because it isn't as spicy as the whole chipotle refried black beans. He loved those, by the way, even though his eyes were tearing the whole time he was eating them.

This is my Aunt Carol's recipe.
Appetizer Meatballs

They sound good! Nice to see you here.

We now have a tropical wave off our coast which could cause us some problems starting this evening and lasting until Monday.

Stay safe! It sounds like you could use the rain.

Sheryl -- How is Alexis doing at school this year? Do you like her teacher better?

DH is dove hunting today

I had no idea there was such a thing.

 

[Nancyg56]

I gor caught up!

We had leftovers this evening, I was at a fitting.

We got the bad news that we all have been dreading. Debbie had to put little Otto to sleep today Kim told Marisa. I called but her phone went straight to VM. Debbie is so very sensitive, this is going to be very hard on her. I guess Kim called to tell her she was coming up but Deb told her she was not up to it

 

[Aimeedyan]

I had no idea there was such a thing.

What a fun day! I love your choice in meals - you only live once, right?

Yeah, dove hunting... they aren't the pretty white doves but another kind. See how much I know He hasn't gone in a few years but last time, did come home with quite a few. They are actually pretty tasty when stuffed with a jalapeno, wrapped in bacon, and grilled. Almost like chicken wings.

There wasn't much flying today, though, so he's coming home empty handed.

We got the bad news that we all have been dreading. Debbie had to put little Otto to sleep today Kim told Marisa. I called but her phone went straight to VM. Debbie is so very sensitive, this is going to be very hard on her. I guess Kim called to tell her she was coming up but Deb told her she was not up to it

Oh no... I'm so sorry for Debbie

 

[bigmerle1966]

I gor caught up!

We had leftovers this evening, I was at a fitting.

We got the bad news that we all have been dreading. Debbie had to put little Otto to sleep today Kim told Marisa. I called but her phone went straight to VM. Debbie is so very sensitive, this is going to be very hard on her. I guess Kim called to tell her she was coming up but Deb told her she was not up to it

Just spent the last hour FINALLY clearing off my camera card including ones I did something to that I couldn't take off until I retouched them.

Dinner tonight was leftovers.