What's for dinner?

[Brent S]

i sliced a pile of potatoes and onions, made some homemade cheese sauce, and put a layer of sliced smoked sausage on top. It's been baking for an hour plus, and I'm about ready to pull it out. I'm tired tonight, so that and a piece of bread is dinner. The cheese sauce is three teaspoons of butter with salt, pepper, chives and garlic, mixed with three tablespoons of flour. I mix it and add two cups of milk till boiling, then throw in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour that over about six medium sliced potatoes and half an onion. Bake covered for 1 hour, then uncover for thirty more minutes uncovered at 350 deg. It's one of those easy dishes that are so good!
I'd love to try some others' good, quick favorites.

 

[Dani]

i sliced a pile of potatoes and onions, made some homemade cheese sauce, and put a layer of sliced smoked sausage on top. It's been baking for an hour plus, and I'm about ready to pull it out. I'm tired tonight, so that and a piece of bread is dinner. The cheese sauce is three teaspoons of butter with salt, pepper, chives and garlic, mixed with three tablespoons of flour. I mix it and add two cups of milk till boiling, then throw in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour that over about six medium sliced potatoes and half an onion. Bake covered for 1 hour, then uncover for thirty more minutes uncovered at 350 deg. It's one of those easy dishes that are so good!
I'd love to try some others' good, quick favorites.

Sounds a lot like the potato casserole I make except I usually layer sliced potatoes, shredded cheese and cooked hamburger layers. then top with a sauce and sliced bell pepper.

 

[Brent S]

Sounds a lot like the potato casserole I make except I usually layer sliced potatoes, shredded cheese and cooked hamburger layers. then top with a sauce and sliced bell pepper.

Sounds kind of like an Americanized version of sheppards pie. Yum! The only thing I would do differently on mine is cook the sausage seperatly to be able to drain some of the grease. Yes it tastes amazing, but that layer of fatty oil on top should go. (I guess if your eating any kind of sausage, then you're probably not too heart/health anyways). Oh well, just not every night!

 

[Gazrok]

I've been cooking the past couple weeks, as my wife has been recuperating from a surgery.

I'm a big fan of using pre-made stuff, but doctoring it. (especially since I don't get home until about 7pm)

For example, the other day, I did spaghetti and meatballs. I took a few different jarred sauces, then added some of the frozen meatballs (though thawed some), along with some pre-chopped onion, chopped peppers, and chopped mushrooms and minced fresh garlic. Crocked this all day while I was at work, then served over noodles which took about 10 minutes to make.

Last night, I did some pork chops on the Foreman Grill (spiced them up with some dry rubs too), that had been marinading in McCormick's Garlic and Herb marinade all day. Some canned whole potatoes on the side, that I sauteed in a large frying pan, along with butter, garlic, parsley (and a bit of the marinade), and then some canned green beans (made with some added onion, butter, and a few pieces of left over ham from a couple nights ago). Easy stuff, but makes store-made items all end up tasting just like home-cooking. From the time I got home, took about 15 minutes if that, to make dinner (I already have stuff chopped up, ready to go).

Eventually, once our garden is producing, we'll have more home grown veggies though, so looking forward to that.

 

[Brent S]

I've been cooking the past couple weeks, as my wife has been recuperating from a surgery.

I'm a big fan of using pre-made stuff, but doctoring it. (especially since I don't get home until about 7pm)

For example, the other day, I did spaghetti and meatballs. I took a few different jarred sauces, then added some of the frozen meatballs (though thawed some), along with some pre-chopped onion, chopped peppers, and chopped mushrooms and minced fresh garlic. Crocked this all day while I was at work, then served over noodles which took about 10 minutes to make.

Last night, I did some pork chops on the Foreman Grill (spiced them up with some dry rubs too), that had been marinading in McCormick's Garlic and Herb marinade all day. Some canned whole potatoes on the side, that I sauteed in a large frying pan, along with butter, garlic, parsley (and a bit of the marinade), and then some canned green beans (made with some added onion, butter, and a few pieces of left over ham from a couple nights ago). Easy stuff, but makes store-made items all end up tasting just like home-cooking. From the time I got home, took about 15 minutes if that, to make dinner (I already have stuff chopped up, ready to go).

Eventually, once our garden is producing, we'll have more home grown veggies though, so looking forward to that.

I really like quick receipes that still taste good. Even though I eat really well, I'm the first to admit that I'm no chef, and don't particularly like spending long hours in the kitchen. Now hanging out on the deck around the grill with a beer or glass of wine is more a pleasure than work.

 

[Brent S]

I got a few white squash seedlings from a friend. Well, I picked one tonight, and quite frankly, I don't have a clue as to what to do with it. Anyone have any good ideas?

 

[Dani]

Roasted. . . also use in place of pumpkin/ That's what we call as Patty Squash

 

[Brent S]

Roasted. . . also use in place of pumpkin/ That's what we call as Patty Squash

Thanks. I'll google for some recipes, do you eat the rind as well, or just the inside?

 

[Dani]

It can be used like yellow squash or zucchini in any recipe. I sauté with some bacon grease, roasted, pan fried, in casseroles, which is hunny's favorite way to eat it cause he never knows its in there. Also have shredded it to use in breads and cakes, even makes a great pie. Very versatile item and grows just like yellow squash, There tends to be more 'meat' in it so easy to prepare for canning

 

[Gazrok]

Anyone have any good ideas?

Cut it up into small spears, coat with some olive oil and seasonings, then grill it up with some onions and green peppers.

My culinary prowess tonight however, is simply making some hamburger helper (beef pasta one). Differences are that I add in some sauteed onions and mushrooms, and add some of my own beef gravy to it along with some Hooters seasoning salt (I use this a lot, it really is wonderful, believe it or not), and a dash of soy sauce (as a gravy browner). Trick is letting it sit a bit to thicken up. (Hey, gotta eat cheap this week, and I can only do chicken so many nights (was on sale at Publix for $1.99 a pound)). Add a side salad, and not that bad of a meal really.

 

[Brent S]

Cut it up into small spears, coat with some olive oil and seasonings, then grill it up with some onions and green peppers.

My culinary prowess tonight however, is simply making some hamburger helper (beef pasta one). Differences are that I add in some sauteed onions and mushrooms, and add some of my own beef gravy to it along with some Hooters seasoning salt (I use this a lot, it really is wonderful, believe it or not), and a dash of soy sauce (as a gravy browner). Trick is letting it sit a bit to thicken up. (Hey, gotta eat cheap this week, and I can only do chicken so many nights (was on sale at Publix for $1.99 a pound)). Add a side salad, and not that bad of a meal really.

I'll cook it, and the others this weekend. It's hard to be motivated on work nights. I bought on of the five buck cheese pizzas from little Cesar's tonight. I covered it with onions, bell pepper, olives, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and put on some crumbled bacon. I even did a rare bag of nacho cheese Doritos. Sometimes easy isn't bad.
On the healthy side I made a salad of spinache, cucumber, carrot, onion beets and peas I picked tonight. I was stuffed from the pizza, so the salad goes to work with me tomorrow. I throw on some olives, mozzarella cheese and mixed nuts in the morning so it dosent get soggy, and may slice an apple up in it. I guess this is my penance for eating the bacon covered pizza .

 

[Dani]

When I went to go weed my strawberries this evening. I walked into the garden with a bunny. Dogs went crazy and so did he. Short story even shorter, bunny is dead and that is what I will be having for dinner come the next couple days. Once processed, I am soaking him in some milk.

 

[Gazrok]

Uhm...wow. Yikes.

 

[psalm 7]

Im surprised you got it back from the dogs .
I think we are going to fix Cajun tonight , spicy red beans and rice with Cajun sausage . If my son had his way it would be burgers one night pizza the next .

 

[Brent S]

Im surprised you got it back from the dogs .
I think we are going to fix Cajun tonight , spicy red beans and rice with Cajun sausage . If my son had his way it would be burgers one night pizza the next .

My dogs will kill anything in the yard, but always bring it to me to show what good hunters they are, or to share. Either way, I get too many little dead bodies left at the back steps.

 

[Maverick]

I kept it light last night, egg fried rice sprinkled with chilled spring onions and my last year catch of smoked salmon. Tonight is meatloaf made from elk (I don't hardly use beef in anything anymore)

 

[jimLE]

we kept it quick easy and simple last night..ate pork chops and pork n beans last night..sure was nice in change of routine..

 

[Brent S]

I kept it light last night, egg fried rice sprinkled with chilled spring onions and my last year catch of smoked salmon. Tonight is meatloaf made from elk (I don't hardly use beef in anything anymore)

It's sad that beef has gone up so much as its my favorite thing in the world! I eat other meats, but there's not much better than a 1" thick steak seared on hi heat on a smokey grill. I had a London broil on the green egg grill tonight, and I'm content with the world right now .

 

[jimLE]

braggert..lol

 

[psalm 7]

We grilled burggers (charcoal) and also got some squash from the garden and salt, black pepper,olive oil and put them on the grill also . Made a pitcher of tea and now watching the Rambo marathon .

 

[Gazrok]

It's sad that beef has gone up so much as its my favorite thing in the world! I eat other meats, but there's not much better than a 1" thick steak seared on hi heat on a smokey grill.

We did some steaks last night (were on sale at Publix). Nice marinade, and seasonings, but then found out no propane for the grill. Not to worry, I keep a backup....only to find out the wife had already switched to that, and didn't tell me. Argghh.... Had to do them on the Foreman. Not the same, not the same at all....

Made some nice gravy with sauteed mushrooms, and some loaded mashed potatoes though too.

Tonight, simply pizza. We add some pepperoni, and some diced onions, peppers, and a bit more cheese, but other than that, not exactly fancy. (but it is cheap).

Tomorrow, crocking two big batches of beef stew, with carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc. (though I have to make one sans mushrooms or peppers, as one of my friends simply doesn't like them). We'll do some biscuits too, to go with (and sop up gravy). Can you tell I love gravy?

 

[Brent S]

We did some steaks last night (were on sale at Publix). Nice marinade, and seasonings, but then found out no propane for the grill. Not to worry, I keep a backup....only to find out the wife had already switched to that, and didn't tell me. Argghh.... Had to do them on the Foreman. Not the same, not the same at all....

Made some nice gravy with sauteed mushrooms, and some loaded mashed potatoes though too.

Tonight, simply pizza. We add some pepperoni, and some diced onions, peppers, and a bit more cheese, but other than that, not exactly fancy. (but it is cheap).

Tomorrow, crocking two big batches of beef stew, with carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc. (though I have to make one sans mushrooms or peppers, as one of my friends simply doesn't like them). We'll do some biscuits too, to go with (and sop up gravy). Can you tell I love gravy?

Everything is better with gravy! The last time I ran out of gas I discovered my son had allready switched out my spare tank. The little turd! My new propane tank is getting filled this comming tuesday, so I'm hooking up into it with the portable grill. I don't know how long 400 gals. will last, but mayby longer than me!
Last night I just burnt some hotdogs on the grill and scavenged leftovers from the fridge. I did can 7 jars of peas and 12 jars of dill pickles for future meals though. Last year I discovered that zucchini makes really good pickles, and this year it is really producing well so half those jars weren't cucumbers. I throw in a Serrano pepper in each jar for a nice warm feeling.

 

[Gazrok]

I can't wait to get into canning. Going to start first with produce I get at local stands, while waiting for my own to grow. I want to know how to do it well enough before dealing with our own harvest. I'm sure I'll be hitting up folks here for tips.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Last night was hotdogs covered in home made salsa. I like my salsa a little on the warm side; with fresh and dried jalapenos, smoked jalapenos, dried habaneros and dried ghost peppers. And a little cayenne and Thai peppers to tone down the heat some.

 

[jimLE]

a little on the warm side?..LOL

 

[Brent S]

I can't wait to get into canning. Going to start first with produce I get at local stands, while waiting for my own to grow. I want to know how to do it well enough before dealing with our own harvest. I'm sure I'll be hitting up folks here for tips.

It's not difficult to learn, but is pretty labor intensive, espechially if you're growing your own stuff. I think you're wise to begin with bought stuff, and you can be selective and pick only the best looking stuff. I'd suggest starting with pickles and tomatoes, as there really good, easy, and pretty safe. The tomatoe sauces I make with home canned have so much more flavor have than any store bought stuff . I've posted here before that the ball canning guide, which is cheap and sold everywhere, is a great book to start with. You'll be storing beef stew in no time!

 

[Gazrok]

Yeah, I picked up the Ball Blue Book just yesterday, at Tractor Supply.
They have some great survival, self sufficiency books too, by the way, for those who don't know.
I've been reading a lot on it, as I want to be sure to get the right pressure cooker, tools, etc.

 

[Gazrok]

Just read your salsa ingredients, Yikes that sounds spicy, hehe.

Did beef stew over the weekend. Browned some cut up beef, then carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, green peppers, mushrooms, all crocking in a crock pot all day with beef stew seasoning, can of cream of mushroom soup, can of beef gravy, and some added spices. Serve with some biscuits....yum.

 

[Brent S]

Yeah, I picked up the Ball Blue Book just yesterday, at Tractor Supply.
They have some great survival, self sufficiency books too, by the way, for those who don't know.
I've been reading a lot on it, as I want to be sure to get the right pressure cooker, tools, etc.

I'll check out their books soon. I just got two 10% coupons in the mail for them. I bought a small pressure cooker, which was cheap, but quickly realized it wasn't big enough. So my second one was the big one. I'll keep both, but haven't even used the little one since. I started with the water bath canner, and still use it some. With hindsight, I would have spent less buying the good one first, as it does everything. I got it on amazon for close to 100. but don't remember exactly. I did buy a couple extra gadgets for it too.

 

[Brent S]

Just read your salsa ingredients, Yikes that sounds spicy, hehe.

Did beef stew over the weekend. Browned some cut up beef, then carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, green peppers, mushrooms, all crocking in a crock pot all day with beef stew seasoning, can of cream of mushroom soup, can of beef gravy, and some added spices. Serve with some biscuits....yum.

that all sounded great till the can of beef gravy! I'm a huge stew and soup fan, and most of that is where I start, but I have yet to find a gravy packet or can that I like. The beef drippings from browning, some water, soy sauce, and spices make a great flavorful gravy you can thicken with corn starch or flour.