What's For Dinner?-December 2012

[Kchurchill5]

Dis,

First Kudos to DH, nice of him to make brekkie/dinner for you.

Good deal on the spuds as well, I would of got the big bag too.

My fave with potatoes is to make scalloped potatoes and ham.
I try to use broth and some milk; and add lots of ham. But I have a small portion of that and a side of peas and salad. It is a fave meal.

I also make a spud soup that is semi low fat. NO cheese, just a little milk and broth

Potatoes cakes are also good, but pan seared in just a little oil. NOT a deep fry.

And then there is stuffed potato balls. Basically a mashed spud stuffed with a beef and veggie mix; boiled until firm and then served with gravy.

[Kchurchill5]

Morning All!

Up way to early and comcast wasn't on it's best behavior. Finally got on. Well, 2 days and counting for me - Xmas Eve is my Day.

Some house stuff today (EARLY) and party tonight, food shopping tomorrow; then enjoy 2 days of Christmas. Didn't hit the market this am, but a friend is getting stuff for me. I have tile cleaners coming today to clean the grout and tile, then seal; they rescheduled from yesterday. So, any time they should be invading my house.

Dinner was subs, chips/dip, and beer last night ... very tasty, honestly. It was nice to just not cook.

Today ...
PARTY! with poker buddies - Casual drinks and nibbles, nothing fancy, maybe a good Xmas movie and some poker.

A few recipes from other sites so I won't post all the links.
I have the majority done, but 2 friends are coming over to help this afternoon; and everyone chips in cost wise too which is nice. All served buffet style, help yourself, sit where ever, etc. Got some great paper holiday plates and flatware, so easy clean up. Even cups for the hot cider. Good Food ... Easy Clean Up!

We also serve in stages, so we start with 2 or 3 items, then the next 2 or 3, etc; that way, everything doesn't have to be put out at once.

Nibbles:
- warm cranberry apple chutney (based on http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/cranberry-chutney-0) and cheese platter (assorted cheeses)
- baked brie w/apricots and nuts, crackers
- smoked salmon, my own recipe (done yesterday), w/dilled sour cream, caramelized onions, caviar (caviar was a gift)
- crostini topped w/spicy warm butternut squash/onion puree, walnuts, goat cheese
- marinated cucumbers and tomato bites (marinated in Nakano Basil and Oregano Rice Wine Vinegar), then skewered - 1 bite of each
- baked spinach balls with a chili dip (based on http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/baked-spinach-balls)
- assorted veggies (carrots, celery, boiled new potatoes, asparagus, cauliflower, and broccoli) with http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/creamy-red-pepper-dip (based on this recipe)
- cheesy stuffed mushrooms baked in a dinner roll (recipe another site) I need to post the recipe here.
- spicy beer Old Bay steamed shrimp, cocktail sauce is all
- maple bacon wrapped chicken bites http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/sweet- ... acon-wraps
- http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/ham-sw ... ed-sliders

DESSERT ... provided by one of the guys g/f. She is an amazing baker and said she is bringing 2 desserts!! YIPPEE

Lots of beer, wine, cocktails, etc. And, not a lot of everything, just a little of each for everyone to try.

Should be fun. Leftovers will be given to whoever to take home. Knowing this crowd, NO leftovers.

[HeatherFeather]

Sounds like some party, kc! Yum.

I still have to make up my shopping list and buy my foods for Christmas. Hot the stores yesterday and got some things, but didn't have room in the fridge for my ingredients quite yet. Still deciding whether to go the whole chicken or turkey breast route. I guess it will be whichever costs less the day I shop for it.

Tonight will either be hotdogs, pasta with meatballs, or leftovers. Need to get the old food eaten up and out of the fridge. Might make a big salad to go with too.

Bakes my gingerbread cookies last night in the shape of little ninjas - very cute.

[Kchurchill5]

Thx HF, actually it is an easy party with help. But, we always have fun. A couple bring silly Xmas movies, play cards, watch TV, etc. Everyone is very laid back which is really nice.

Hot dogs sound good to me.
Hope you feel better today.

[Ninner]

Morning,

Dissie, I am bringing everyone from my house to yours as you have so much to offer. I have not decided if I will shop for Christmas food tomorrow or Monday????? Very busy here. Cat (Ninner) took down the tree in the night breaking some of my "favorite" crystal items which exploded all over the livingroom, fun times. All vac. up but what happens tonight????

Dinner tonight? I need to go to the store, fun!

[Kchurchill5]

Nin, tell kitty to behave. I wrapped presents last night and it was adventure ... kitty had fun with tissue paper, lol.

Shopping tomorrow for xmas food, tonight party ... Need to stock up for the week Mon, Tues, Wed, etc.

Take care and keep warm with the snow ... chilly here, fireplace will be working tonight to keep warm ...

[Felix4067]

Oh no, Ninner! Bad kitty! I don't know where you put your tree, but with ours mom has done this since we were little. Ours sits in the middle of the picture window, which means there's a curtain rod mounted across the entire wall right behind it. She has a long piece of wire that she attaches to the curtain rod, then wraps around the tree trunk a few times, then stretches over to the other side and attaches to the curtain rod. It not only makes sure the tree stands up straight, but even when children or pets get a little out of control the tree doesn't fall over. Like I said, don't know if something like that would work at your house, but it's a thought.

Dinner tonight will be whatever leftovers I find in the refrigerator. And when I get home from work I have to drink more beer. My mission is to get everything out that doesn't have to do with the family Christmas party tomorrow. Which I think means I'm eating a dab of Harvard beets, some green beans with almonds, a bagel with cream cheese (maybe two), and an apple.

[Ninner]

Church, Ninner (cat) gets coal in her stocking, lol.

Well I see most of us made it through the "End of The World". Do not see "Shadow". Did he make it?

Weather here is very cold & "very" windy. Hope that lets up soon? Plastic went down for the rink this morning & is now being filled.

Still need to go to the grocery store.

Felix, I put up the "small" tree this year so did not connect to the wall bad mistake. Someone put cat toys in the tree & I am sure this did not help. I also have the tree in the picture window. LOL on cleaning out the frig. I think I am closed to completeing that?

[Shadows1]

I am here, just back from consoling my neighbors ( survivalists ). Yeap we all made it. What do you say to them, "look on the bright side, we are still alive ?"

Not sure what dinner will be, wifes turn to cook!

[Ninner]

Afternoon Shadow, glad to see you are still with us lol.

Still cold & "very" windy. The kids/young adults are off to a party tonight. I will be driving plus one of the fathers. Then they will take a taxi(s) home due to drinking. At the moment everyone is sleeping so very quiet here.

I have decided to make toasted salmon salad sandwich with garlic dill pickel on the side after the drop off.