What's for Dinner, Mon., Nov. 16, 2015

[NJCher]

I'm still not sure yet, as my mind has been a jumble over the last few days.

I thought I'd post the thread, though, so others who are a little more clear-thinking than I can post.

Long story short, I was in a car accident last Thursday. I'm fine and was not injured, nor was anyone else. My car is another story, and even though it's a low-mileage car, I never got around to putting collision on, so it's going to be expensive. The other vehicle was a truck that barely registered a scratch on the bumper.

There is a funny side to all this. When pics were taken of the damage, some were accidentally sent to the RG on his cell phone. He immediately interrupted his business trip and flew home to my "rescue." His remedy, in a past disaster, was to show up with jokes to make me laugh. Just so you know, that's his idea of a solution.

In a similar vein, his solution this time was to come home and take me to a very nice restaurant for dinner. The next morning, he wanted to shop out another nice restaurant, which we found by around 11, and where we spent the next 3 hours. We drank the best bloody Marys in front of a fireplace.

That evening, another restaurant was in order, which was the one we often go to that has the NYC skyline.

The following day, Sunday, he took me to yet another lovely restaurant.

Suffice to say, I sorta' did forget about my troubles.

I got my car into a garage, so it is drivable. When we picked it up this a.m., he took care of most of the bill.

So I guess there is such a thing as a knight in shining armor.



Cher

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

1. So glad you're okay!

We were all wondering

[NJCher]

2. Yes, OK

But I have a concern. I don't want to turn the "what's the dinner" thread into anything but "what's for dinner." So, my cooking colleagues, any accident comments, just PM me.

Thanks!


Cher

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

11. Ummm...

Okay. But that's kind of what your op was about

[Aerows]

3. Red Beans and Rice with my signature celery, onion and garlic

addition. Oh, and of course, biscuits. Braise them with butter five minutes before they are due to come out.

[Worried senior]

6. I have never had

red beans and rice and have always wanted to try it.

Sounds good with celery, onion and garlic added.

[Aerows]

7. Soak your beans (I soak them with baking soda added, personally) overnight

Rinse then pop them in the crockpot on low, add your diced garlic, onion and celery and leave them on all day while you are at work. Season to taste when you come home.

They come out fantastic, and it's a meal you can eat a couple of days straight as leftovers. And it's extremely economical, too.

[Worried senior]

8. Sounds easy enough

what type of bean do you use?

[Aerows]

9. Kidney beans

Various people have disputed that it is unnecessary to soak your beans and if soaking them in baking soda is necessary, but I will continually contest that soaking them overnight in baking soda and water produces a better bean.

http://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/28485/how-does-adding-baking-soda-to-soaking-beans-lentils-reduce-the-gas-they-make-yo

I've made enough of them in my life that I know how to get my recipe to turn out right. I'm not risking my health or the health of my family and friends by not soaking them adequately. Baking soda raises the pH, much like treating corn with quicklime allows the husk to fall away.

http://www.vegancoach.com/how-to-cook-beans.html

That page has good information. Essentially, the raised pH by soaking them in baking soda with water removes the toxins that are inherent to kidney beans, you rinse them, and then they are delicious and don't cause flatulence.

Oh, and why do you season them after they are ready to serve?

How to cook beans with perfect results every time? DON'T ADD SALT TO THE WATER! Adding salt or any acid (like tomatoes or vinegar) to beans hardens their skins and prevents them from cooking properly. In most instances, it's best to add salt AFTER they are almost entirely cooked. (Although some people swear by adding salt to the soaking water - 2 tsp salt per quart of water, then drain and rinse the salt off before adding beans to fresh water for cooking.)

That's why .

They aren't difficult, you just need to get the right order of steps, and it will be the cheapest, most tasty meal you have ever had!

[Galileo126]

4. French Dip steak sandwich

with onions and mushrooms. An a Caesar salad.

ps: Glad to hear of no bodily injuries! And yeah, sometimes a bloody mary can hit the spot! I had one last night, and another this morning. (OK, a "virgin" mary this morning.)

[NJCher]

5. Manicotti, stuffed with spinach and ricotta

And roasted Brussels sprouts.

And oh, those Bloody Marys! So spicy! I love 'em that way.


Cher

[Galileo126]

10. Indeed - mine had horseradish AND hot sauce!

Total yum, and wakes up the taste buds!

[japple]

12. So sorry to hear of your accident and all of the frustration that might occur as a result, but

happy & relieved to hear there was a positive side to the event. Nice that those positives involved fancy dinners and a rescue by your RG. Hope the week ahead will be better.

[hobbit709]

13. BBQ Beef Ribs, Tomato Salad, Julie's Java Chip Ice Cream.