Wednesday, May 17th "What's Cookin'?"

[tasty]

Just popping in for a minute before heading off to get my hair cut.  I was in the dentist chair at 8 this morning and then will be on the golf course just after 2 so busy, with not much time to achieve anything else!  Yesterday wasn't much different as it was a canning morning and then the dentist in the afternoon.  At least my crown is now finished and so is my money - boy, they're expensive these days!!!
Seems like we all have some chillier than we would like weather - at least today is bright and sunny instead of yesterday's clouds.  Looked like rain late on but it came to nothing.  We have a complete burn ban in place so I guess we really do need some rain.
Have a wonderful day.

[cooktocook]

Hello and good afternoon to all! Today we celebrate National Walnut Day, National Cherry Cobbler Day, and National Pinot Grigio Day.

Bet, your golf posters are quite nice! From the sounds of it, between work and supervising the garage sale set up, next week will prove to be another busy week for you. I can't believe that you're still having such cold temperatures where you live, but glad that your tomato plants and seedlings will be protected in the greenhouses so not to lose them. Saying a prayer that you'll get good news at your screening appointment next week.

Chris, you might have a 10-hour drive to WV, but if you make occasional stops at Starbucks and fuel YOUR tank, the trip will be a breeze! I say drink up girl and enjoy those HC's! Hope your school team does well!

Birdy, so glad that your MRI went well yesterday. The last one I had done years ago I was given the opportunity to listen to music. Although it didn't completely block the banging, it sure helped to make it better. Yes, I have seen the new Martha Stewart pictures and I think she looks fabulous. Living a life of no stress and having a lot of $$$ can do wonders for a person. 

Ann, glad Bill and his friend are getting time to spend today with their other friend that Bill hasn't seen in years. Hope they have a wonderful visit! How was your new class?

Elza, thank goodness for Dawn dishwashing liquid! Nice to have your car bac and running smoothly!

Marlene, your little Lily and her activities always make me smile! Has Lily gotten any better at her choice of meals or does she still prefer her snacks? So glad you and Miss Lily have each other!

DH just shot me a text that he was asked to work all next week, the last week of school, at his current school. He also said that another high school and middle school in our county had bomb threats this morning, but all was found to be safe.

Earlier this morning I ironed a few pieces, then watched "live" a loggerhead turtle release on one of our local beaches. The turtles had been in rehab after eating crab filled with the red tide toxin. Afterwards, I made up cookie containers for my niece and her parents. DH is excited about the leftovers that he can now dig into.   

For dinner I think I'll make some omelets. I have some leftover Italian sausage, peppers and onions to dice up, and a few small pinches of different cheeses to use. Will add some oatmeal bread for toast and hot tea to drink. 
To succeed in life, you need 3 things--a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone. Laugh! 
Lori

 

 

[tamaralynn]

Good Morning!
At least it is still morning here.
It is sunny and warm. We only have a small chance of rain for about the next 10 days. As we drove in to our neighborhood Sunday night, DH noticed a whole lot of small tree limbs all over the ground. After he talked to some folks, they said a quick storm blew through. A limb ended up on one residents rv. So, first thing Monday morning, Gorden (maintenance guy) took care of that. DH said Gordon spent most all morning cleaning up the property.

I am just waiting for DH to come home for lunch. He can have leftover porcupine meatballs. I found a tv dinner I can heat for me. It is a Marie Callendar chicken parmigiana bowl.

I just took a batch of cookies out of the oven. I did bake a batch of the clove cookies last night but have decided not to make them for the tea. The taste is ok but they just look blah. Sort of like darker brown sugar cookies but no sugar on top! The cookies I just baked are called nutty fingers, but I made them into balls. Just need to roll in powdered sugar and then pop in the freezer. I think I will bake more today but not sure what just yet. I need a couple things from the store but don't want to make a trip to town. I ran out of orange extract so cannot make more orange poppy seed mini loaves. I need more pecans to make another batch of the nutty fingers (balls).

Ann, praying for safe travels for Bill. They have a lot of catching up to do.

Chris, safe travels for you also.


Lori, I am sure you are happy to have that surgery over and done with. Gisele and her DH have lived in Farmington, but I have not talked to her since that shooting happened. I will pray for your friend, as well as all families. As someone said earlier this week, we don't seem to be safe anywhere now days.

Birdy, glad the MRI is done. I hope the doctors and help you.


Elza, I keep a bottle of Dawn power wash out in my laundry area. I had a red sweater and got a spot of something on it. I had not noticed it so did not treat it before washing. I think it even went through the dryer. I put some Dawn on it and washed it again, and then air dried it, and it turned out great. No more spot.

Tasty, glad the trips to have dental work is done. You and your pocketbook can recover now. Have fun this afternoon.

Marlene, glad the doctor was pleased with your results. 

Mamma, glad your good friend is moving back!

Hope all is well with Betsy.

I did see the photo of Martha. Looks fantastic to me. I always did think she was attractive. And so talented. Another gal who aged really well I thought was Tina Turner. I'm not a fan of her music, but I was a fan of her-glad she got out of the abuse and was successful.

Not sure of supper plans. DH has a board meeting. He usually just stays at work and will eat when he gets home. I do have a pot of spaghetti sauce cooking, but don't plan on serving that today.  Our group has 8 people in it, including us, but I have not heard back from anyone so not sure how many will show up. One guy had surgery and is in rehab so I know he won't be here. I am doing the spaghetti, and one gal is bringing a salad. I suppose we need some garlic bread too. Looks like I may end up going to the store after all. I will need fresh fruit for the salad, and for dipping in the chocolate fountain, and a cucumber for the cucumber sandwiches, but plan on getting that stuff probably Friday.

We are going out to eat one night but not sure just which night. DH wants to take Crystal and her DH out to thank her for all the hard work she did during the Health Fair, and the Escapade. They wanted Wednesday but DH is tied up, so not sure what they decided upon. I am ok with whatever!


Waving to all. Have a good day!

[annrms]

This was posted on FB by my friend and former student. I like the addition of of crispy onions on top. And in the variation section, it suggests switching the order of the layers for a crispier finished dish. I like that idea a lot!!! www.thespruceeats.com/tiktok-s-chicken-cobbler-recipe-7109230?print

[cfniervt]

Just got my nails done for the trip! LOL And I will drink all the HC's and save none for anyone else! Bwhahhahaa!

[weebill]

Good morning. We got our air conditioner fixed yesterday,almost $1500. Yikes.

On Monday night as we were leaving cards my neighbor hit reverse instead of brake and ended up hitting me as we were walking . She was really shook up, she thinks the 3 of us jumped out of the way in time but the back seat corner got me. My left hip is bruised.

Chris- have a good time. Your nails are pretty. I have had 2 mris and no contact as I am also allergic, plus contact is very hard on kidneys.

Bet- love the poster. You will be busy. Hope your boss at restaurant gives you some days you want.

Ann- I make a chicken potpie so haven't tried the cobbler yet. Thanks for your review.

Lori- glad your dh will be working thru the last days of school. Has he heard about summer school?

Tammy- did you make it to the store? There is a few sale items I want, but I have all week to get them.

Someone's knocking. Bye. Elaine

[nybirder]

Tasty--hope they get my work and crown done as quickly as yours. I know what you mean about the cost. This new dental group I go to has you pay up front first before the work is done. I have insurance that I've been paying for years which usually comes out even per year for ordinary maintenance but only covers things like this at about 40%. And they don't pay for crowns!

Lori--cherry cobbler day! Oh, I wish I had some right now. One of my favorites. As for Martha Stewart--yes, money helps. I don't think it was totally stress free, though. Don't forget she went to prison for a 2-year sentence for lying about her investments. She shouldn't have done it--it was wrong--but what frosts me is that there were a number of men charged for the same thing given much less punishment--and no jail. I think she was a target given her high profile and being a successful woman.

Tammy--I'm curious about the MC chicken parm bowl. I've been looking at those meals but haven't tried one yet. Is it new for you? You'll have to critique it. Porcupine meatballs were a staple in our house when I was growing up. My mom simmered them on top of the stove in tomato soup and then cooked dumplings on top to finish them off. I haven't had them in a long time.

After I logged out here this morning, I got a call from Troy that his car had a big problem. I was going to write him a check today and it's just on time since he needs to buy parts and pay his friend who's going to fix the car. He was ready to walk 3 miles to the house for it--I couldn't leave since I was waiting for a call--so I asked him to wait until later today and I'd drive him. But he headed out anyway. He got half way and decided his knee was bothering him so stopped at a buddy's house who drove him here for the check and back.

Meanwhile, I was trying to get this script thing straightened out for the lab work--and did. So I decided to treat myself to a Wendy's salad for supper tonight. They have a new cobb salad where I could request some add-ins so I got some blue cheese on it. It looks good. I'll let you know. I couldn't resist a small strawberry frosty which became my lunch.

On the way home, I stopped at the artisan bakery. The plan was to buy a couple of their new bagels. Hah! I'm like a kid in a candy shop when it comes to bread.

I bought a clamshell of seasoned crostini made from their lovely baguettes and incredible olive oil. Then I spied an olive loaf on the shelf and added it. I had a couple of small slices of the olive bread as dessert after the frosty lunch (all the food groups that matter to me) and it was surprising. There are hunks of olive visible but the bread itself is very olivey in flavor, which is not a word but describes it. There was also a peppery quality about it which you get from very fresh, very good olive oil. All in all, yummo.

Of course, I had to have a lovely large cinnamon bun for breakfast tomorrow. They were handing out samples of hunks of bagels with their cream cheese spreads made with locally sourced artisan cream cheese. I had something with garlic which will be on my list next time. Their bagels are incredible--crispy, crackly thin skin with light, moist interior. On my next-time list, too. Not hugely expensive, either. I'm in love! As you can see, I haven't met a carb I didn't like.

So here I am, sitting with carb overload and haven't gotten a lot done except for the lab work script. Things could be worse!

Birdy

[nybirder]

Elaine--hope that's just a bruise and nothing else. That was a close one. Yes--it's the kidney issue that I need to have the bloodwork for before getting the CT scan with the contrast IV. I feel bad for bothering my doctor's office again about it--seems she sent out something on Monday to the lab but no one told me! I will go tomorrow morning without breakfast just in case it's a fasting test.

Ann--I'm just curious. What was it in the original chicken recipe that you didn't like? This new version does look interesting.

Birdy

[annrms]

Afternoon! It's 'freezing' out there with the wind chill!!! Glad I'm not the one visiting up in northern NH!!! I went to Aldi this morning and got more of the lightly smoked salmon to have on Saturday.
Bet - Love the poster...so vibrant and eye catching. Do you get reimbursed for the ink?
Lori - Glad the procedure had good results.
Birdy - Bill had an evening MRI on time...over in a flash...no waiting! There was another warning on the news this morning about taking down birdfeeders because of roaming bears. Two are on the loose in central MA!
Elza - Dawn blue is a great product. I buy the BJ's big jug. Your supper sounded so delicious.
Chris - Safe travels! You ever try the Aldi HC?
Marlene - Glad you got a good checkup!
Lori - I messed up...the class is on Tuesdays so I will have to wait to go next week. Dinner has my mouth watering!!! YUM! Love the saying!
Tammy - Growing up we always had bread with our spaghetti. Now, I just don't think to serve it. Bill is having a pasta dinner tonight, and he made ATK's garlic bread for it.
Changed supper plans. There's enough cassoulet for two so will save it for Friday or Sunday. I'm going to have a Quorn "chicken" cutlet with some frozen mushroom pasta from Aldi.
Have a good evening! Waving to all!

[annrms]

Elaine - Ouch! I would get that hip checked out...never know down the road...you'd need documentation for filing an insurance claim. Yes, I made the cobbler, but I just thought it was OK. I posted what I think is a better version a few entries above.
Yes, Birdy, that was the 'original' made with Bisquick and 6oz. shredded Swiss. I really like the idea of switching the layers to get a crispier crust for texture. I also think a beef version would be the bomb...with Swedish meatball seasoning and the 'white' gravy.

[nybirder]

Ann--being raised by a woman who was early for everything, I was plenty early for that MRI. The guy ahead of me was done early so I was in and out way before I expected. I won't hesitate doing an evening appt. again--only not in the winter!

Bears have been roaming here. They showed a video of a bear trying to break into a family's chicken coop! I guess they are hungry what with not much food around this time of the year. None have wandered into the city limits yet--that we know about. That is not impossible. We had one just up the block from my house the year I went to Alaska to see the bears--while I was gone. Ironic! LOL!

That beef version sounds interesting.

Birdy

[helen]

I'm checking sales and making a grocery list. Don't need much but I'm out of mandarins. They've been so juicy and sweet. Also lettuce. Looks like mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. Anyway, it's fun to find a bargain.

Quite the haul, Birdy. Enjoy! I'm glad your surgery went well, Lori. Always a worry. Tasty and Marlene and anyone I missed having doctor visits, may they be quick and successful. Love the nails, Chris. Have a great trip. Your Lion's posters are terrific, Bet. They would have to get at least two more people to replace all you do.

For a change of pace we're having an Air Quality Alert. Lots of red exclamation points in our weather reports of late. I'm having Stouffer's lasagna for supper. Adding garlic bread and small salad. Big hugs.

[tamaralynn]

Yes, I made it to the store. Several stores, actually. I realized I needed to get paper plates, plastic table cloth and plastic cups for the spaghetti lunch tomorrow. DH made plans to take Crystal out tomorrow night, but then had to change it because of our spaghetti meal. Looks like we are going out with them Friday evening. So, I went by the dollar store and got paper goods. then on to Walmart where I got $222.00 of stuff. Some for tomorrow, some for Saturday and some for us. They had no pancetta so I stopped by HEB, and they had no pancetta either, but did have the frilly top toothpicks I want to use Saturday. While I was in town I thought I might as well check the smaller market but still no pancetta. I bought nothing at that store. Then stopped by the meat market and no pancetta there either. OK-I will just make Bolognese without it.

Supper will be leftover chicken & noodles-just to make it easy on myself. DH really doesn't ever mind leftovers. He is at board meeting so will be home between 7:00 and 7:30.

Hope the hip is not too sore Elaine.

The M.C. bowl was a new purchase for me. I liked it. I would buy it again. It was like rigatoni pasta with a mild marinara sauce, and about 7 chicken parm in nuggets form.

One lady called this afternoon and wanted to know what she could bring tomorrow. I said either dessert or garlic bread, and she replied "I'll bring both!" So, at least one person is coming, lol.

Waving. Need to go and get busy in the kitchen Lots of stuff to make. I added a couple more recipes, so I might be burning the midnight oil!

[cooktocook]

Tammy, not sure if you are interested or not, but some good substitutions for pancetta are: prosciutto, salami or bacon. 

Hope that's some help. 
Lori