What's for dinner ~ Friday Oct 26th

[Lucinda]

I started a beef roast in the crock pot late last night, and just turned it off.

I'll probably make Beef Enchiladas with yellow rice and refried black beans.

We love the Sargento Mexican Cheese Blend: Monterey Jack, Mild Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla and Asadero, and it's great with beef and green chilies.

What's for dinner where you are?

[cbayer]

1. Enchiladas sound really good.

The only meat I have is some chicken cutlets. I also have half a head of cauliflower.

I was thinking cauliflower soup and chicken salad sandwiches.

[Lucinda]

2. Sounds delicious to me. I looove cauliflower.

Bill isn't a fan of cruciferous veggies, so I usually steam enough for myself when I get the urge.
Soup sounds like a good way for me to have them more often.... Maybe make a batch and freeze portions for myself?

Enchiladas are fast and easy with crocked beef. We usually cook a large roast, then turn it into a bunch of different things over the next few days. I've been craving spicy foods (and lemons for some reason) so I'm going Mexican today.

[cbayer]

3. I love cruciferous veggies, but for those that don't, cream soups that have been

completely blended seem to do the trick.

Or an au gratin, because who can resist cheese and cream on just about anything.

I love the idea of cooking a big piece of meat and using it for days. Enjoy your spicy food, Lucinda!!

[Lucinda]

4. Thanks! They taste dirty to Bill on their own, and he's not an au gratin guy

even though he loves cheese....he's such a weirdo!
But, he is a huge fan of homemade potato soup, and I might be able to work them in that way. Thanks for the suggestions!

[livetohike]

5. Cauliflower Soup....I think I'll make that next week

Thanks for the idea .

[cbayer]

7. Do you have a recipe you particularly like?

My supplies are limited right now, but I do have an onion, a box of good chicken stock and some fresh herbs (thyme, parsley and cilantro). I also have a variety of cheese and some leftover rinds.

I also have milk, sour cream and yogurt, but weather is kicking up so I probably can't get anything else today.

[livetohike]

14. Here is one I have made several times

Cauliflower-Cheese Soup (Low Fat Living Cookbook by Leslie Cooper)

1 T. unsalted butter or canola oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large potato, peeled and cubed
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
5 c. chicken or vegetable broth
2 cans (12 oz. each) evaporated skim milk
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 T. dry sherry or white wine
Salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the potatoes and cauliflower. Pour in the broth and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and simmer stirring often, for 15 minutes, or until the caulflower and potatoes are soft.

You can then blend, or process this in batches . (I never do) Add the cheddar and sherry or wine and stir constantly until the cheese is melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I've used milk, 1/2 and 1/2, or even cream and combinations of that instead of the evaporated skim milk. I've used other cheeses too.....

Whatever you made is probably great .

[Lucinda]

15. That sounds sooo good!

And a good excuse to buy a stick blender.

[livetohike]

19. I need one of those too

Would definitely make things easier to puree....I end up splashing soup all over the counter whether it's with a blender or food processor .

[cbayer]

18. I ended up making something very similar to this, and it was excellent.

I did not have a potato and used chicken stock. I did discover that I had about 1/2 cup of cream left, which was great. I had several kinds of cheese pieces - cheddar, blue and gruyere - and grated them in.

Because I love pureed soups, I took that step, then sprinkled with some parsley.

And there is enough for tonight!

Thanks for the recipe.

[livetohike]

20. Sounds great!

What a nice mix of cheeses too .

[livetohike]

6. We're having tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches

Husband has a tax class tonight (he does seasonal work for H&R Block) and has to be there at 5:30. His manager/owner of the local franchise always feeds them at class.

Oh, it's such a gorgeous day here and it's going to be the last one. We're getting ready to give the dogs a bath, since this will probably be the last warm day of the year.

Your dinner sounds excellent Lucinda .

[cbayer]

8. One of my most favorite comfort meals.

[Lucinda]

9. So does yours! I love soup and grilled cheese!

And sandwiches are great for me since I'm on my own for dinners now.

I was on a "creative" grilled cheese kick for a while. Experimenting with different cheese combos and adding herbs. It was fun, and delicious too!

I've been trying to come up with some good vegetarian sandwich combos. I've been in the mood for stuffed pastry sandwiches that I can pop in the oven for lunch (with a croissant/puffed pastry shell). If you have any filling suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

[livetohike]

10. Here are some of my favorite sandwiches. I think they would be good in a croissant type

shell:

* Feta, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, sliced kalamatas, a drizzle of olive oil and some oregano (I first had this on a hard roll at the Mpls Museum of Art cafe in 1984 and it's been a favorite ever since.)

* Thinly sliced extra sharp cheddar cheese, sauteed onions, tomato slices, mustard - great grilled on rye bread

* Monterrey Jack cheese slices, sliced avocado, alfalfa sprouts, leaf lettuce and mayo on whole grain bread (California coast hippie style )

* Hummus, leaf lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers

* Egg salad, chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, lettuce, tomato slices

* Jarlsberg, Swiss, or Havarti slices, sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced radishes and tomatoes with mayo

*Herbed cream cheese (I like Alouette brand), sun-dried tomatoes, and lettuce

[Lucinda]

11. Yum. Thank you! I like the sound of all of them.

I've never tried Alouette, I'll see if they have it locally.

I really like the flavor punches in each one. I've really been getting lazy about cooking creatively lately. This helps a lot!

[yellerpup]

12. Sushi and a couple of belts at the local dive. n/t

[Lucinda]

13. Have fun!

[NJCher]

16. big salad, spaghetti and meatballs

Cher

[mjrr_595]

17. fettucine and garlic bread

[Lugnut]

21. New England Clam Chowder.

I made a big pot of soup this afternoon.