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Recipe Thread #1
Donna, I felt really good about disposing of all those recipes. What WAS I thinking? Some were so long and involved....and I sure am not into that any more!I like what you are doing too, Donna. It does become addictive, throwing stuff away.
I have a friend who is going to be selling her house in a year or so. She has lived in it for 35 years. She fills 4 big trash bags a week in preparation for the move.
JoAnn, funny thing, a friend here on GR just mentioned this book in a different thread!! She was talking about cleaning up and getting rid of the clutter. I've GOT to get this book. 
Sink Reflections
Linda wrote: "JoAnn, funny thing, a friend here on GR just mentioned this book in a different thread!! She was talking about cleaning up and getting rid of the clutter. I've GOT to get this book...."CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome)
I love that!
Donna in Southern Maryland wrote: "throw 5 things away every day" thing. Once I get started, it's hard to stop! :o)----------------
I wish I could do that, Donna. I hate to throw anything away. And I just found out that they closed the charity shop that is near me. I was planning on walking stuff over to them. :(
When I mean I struggle to throw things away, I'm not kidding. Right now I have a thermos that I used maybe once. There is nothing wrong with it, I just hate to throw could things like that in the garbage. So it is sitting on my table now for a few weeks. How I am going to downsize without having a nervous breakdown I don't know.
Julie wrote: "Linda wrote: "JoAnn, funny thing, a friend here on GR just mentioned this book in a different thread!! She was talking about cleaning up and getting rid of the clutter. I've GOT to get this book......"Chaos reigns here! Besides the humans in the house we have three dogs. And especially because our rescue guy who never had doggy toys before has to pull out every dog toy every day. So as long as it's clean CHAOS I give up on fighting it! ;0)
Alias, I'right there with you as far as throwing something "USEFUL" away. I couldn't throw out that thermos either. Thank goodness JoAnn found the AmVets link for you. I used to give them stuff some years ago. There was a girl named Debbie who called once a month and said,: "Hi, this Debbie from AmVets! Our truck is going to be in your area on Friday. Got anything for us?" I usually had a box with something in it that I could leave by the front door for them to pick up.I'll have to check that link and see if they come pick up in my area now.
One suggestion....do you have a friend who could come and help, or even just sit in the room with you while you work? I find that helps me; if I'm undecided about something, my friend can usually break me out of my dither, so I can give or throw away!
Donna
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "AmVets will pick up your stuff, Aliashttp://www.amvetspickup.org/"
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Thanks, JoAnn. Unfortunately NYC is not listed.
Donna in Southern Maryland wrote: "Alias, I'right there with you as far as throwing something "USEFUL" away. ."--------------
You said the key word- useful.
I was so sad to hear the charity shopped closed. I was just there about a month ago and purchased a book. Yes, I know. I am supposed to be giving not taking things from there. The store always had people in it.
I think the issue is probably rents. So many Salvation Army place have closed in my area, too. It's sad this is happening at a time when people really need these types of stores. Though the Salvation Army when it comes to furniture will only take things is pristine condition.
Donna, I don't know if having someone helping me would be a good idea. I think it would just stress me out more.
Maybe I'll start with clothes and get rid of ones that don't fit. I frequently get a slip of paper under the door from a church that picks up at your door. I've used them before.
Alias Reader wrote: "JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "AmVets will pick up your stuff, Aliashttp://www.amvetspickup.org/"
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Thanks, JoAnn. Unfortunately NYC is not listed."
Unfortunately I don't know any group in NYC that picks up anything. At least as long as 10 years ago when I was trying to divest. Guess it is too hard for them to get around.
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Deborah, cannot remember where we were discussing editing our recipe files. Well, this has turned into a HUGE project. I "discarded" @ 150 recipes that were stored on the computer...."
JoAnn, your story is well told! Incredible numbers. I found i discard more (&/or don't even collect in the first place) if i tackle this job on a full stomach. So many things sound yummy when it's close to dinner but not worth the effort later. Kinda like shopping for groceries.
NOW, for me the True Challenge is to not feel justified in collecting more recipes, since i've discarded so many. Honestly that should be a no-brainer, yet i seem to have amassed more since my last purge. Hello? Brain? THINK!
deborah
Alias Reader wrote: "I think the issue is probably rents. So many Salvation Army place have closed in my area, too. It's sad this is happening at a time when people really need these types of stores. Though the Salvation Army when it comes to furniture will only take things is pristine condition. ..."Was it SA or Goodwill which used to claim they wanted furniture in poor shape, part of the rehabilitation process for clients? It's been at least a decade since i've heard that. Now, they are both very picky.
Alias, our local domestic abuse shelters regularly request clothing for women, particularly those which could be used for job interviews. I don't know how things are in NYC but those and churches will nowadays take the good stuff.
deborah
I don't understand that whole pristine condition thing. Aside from using the pieces that need refinishing as training pieces, there are lots of people who like to take old furniture and strip and paint/stain to their tastes. Nice recycling! Now too much of the stuff that could be reused ends up in landfills.
And this is not a "big city" thing, either. I've been to many small town dumps (too much info?) & have seen what i consider collectibles there. Once i found a Hoosier cabinet there, which only needed stripping to be valuable. Unfortunately we didn't have a way to transport it but i still think about that lost opportunity.I think Goodwill used to rebuild appliances and repair furniture, too. In fact, the way i recall it, they would paint wood pieces, not refinish them, which was a waste. But that was back in the '70s (when i wanted them!), so i cannot speak to later years.
deb
Madrano wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "I think the issue is probably rents. So many Salvation Army place have closed in my area, too. It's sad this is happening at a time when people really need these types of store..."Deb,
Yes, clothing in decent shape can usually find a home.
Some years ago, when we were helping DH's move out of her house and in with us, we had occasion to take things to her dump in Northern Virgina. They actually had a covered area for you to deposit things that were "Too Good to Throw Away." I remember there were people standing right there who would help you unload, and their idea was to get to the best stuff first.Our own Dump has an area where you can put things that are then taken to a local RECYCLE Barn, that was started by volunteers. People pay low prices for things, and the money is used to help fix up other things.
It may take a while, but I think more folks are going to get back to the Depression Era ideal of "Use it up, Fix it up, or do without!" We can no longer afford to have such a disposable society.
Alias, I agree with Deb, try looking for churches or other organizations that are trying to help the Homeless or Abused Women get back on their feet. I bet most of us could almost outfit a second household with our extras!
To take this back to the Recipe Thread, remember that when you cook extra, they are not LEFT OVERS, they are PLAN OVERS!!! :o)
Donna
Susan wrote: "I don't understand that whole pristine condition thing. "-----------------------
I don't either. After all the dresser I am thinking of I will admit is a bit shabby. But I'm using it !
If you can't afford anything better, what is the problem?
Maybe they get too many donations and storage becomes an issue.
Donna in Southern Maryland wrote: To take this back to the Recipe Thread, remember that when you cook extra, they are not LEFT OVERS, they are PLAN OVERS!!! :o)---------------
I always make extra on purpose. Then I don't have to cook the next day or two.
Though I know people who refuse to eat "left overs". Go figure.
Since we did get OT, what a surprise ! ;)I am going to make a comment on this topic in the TV thread.
Alias Reader wrote: "Susan wrote: "I don't understand that whole pristine condition thing. "-----------------------
I don't either. After all the dresser I am thinking of I will admit is a bit shabby. But I'm usin..."
Alias, I'm up the line a bit from you but maybe you can check on donating to the Vietnam Veterans of America.. they pick up here and their HQ is in Maryland.... WWW.VVA.ORG
I hope this is helpful.
Linda
We used VVA quite a bit when we moved from Maryland. They were terrific, picked up and would take anything. I never visited their store, however, lest i see they had a "Crap" Room, full of my stuff. ;-)Donna, i wish more communities would adopt that recycle/dump idea. As you note, the economy may decree it.
As for leftovers, we plan them. I know one woman whose husband told her he wouldn't eat leftovers. Now she just alters their leftovers, so he has no idea. You know, make a pot roast, then make sandwiches or a casserole with the leftovers. I got her to freeze some, so she could offer him the whole meal redone a month later. With that idea she began creating what she called "TV dinners". It was almost a challenge to her and DH never realized.
deborah
The TV show Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller is based on the idea of leftovers. She makes a dish and then shows you how to create two more meals that are different from the original with the leftovers. Robin Miller
Linda wrote: Alias, I'm up the line a bit from you but maybe you can check on donating to the Vietnam Veterans of America.. they pick up here and their HQ is in Maryland.... WWW.VVA.ORG
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Thank you, Linda !!
Alias Reader wrote: "The TV show Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller is based on the idea of leftovers. She makes a dish and then shows you how to create two more meals that are different from the original with the left..."I've always appreciated magazine articles like that. The All New, All Purpose Joy of Cooking has a few roasts with similar leftover ideas, too.
deb
Alias Reader wrote: "I always make extra on purpose. Then I don't have to cook the next day or two. Though I know people who refuse to eat "left overs". Go figure.
..."
Everything I make is leftovers. That's the way I cook. I make a bunch of a few things and put it in the fridge to eat all week for both lunch and dinner. I may not even eat some of it immediately when it is done! When I am ready to eat a meal, I want it ready. I hate the idea of having to actually cook it first.
Although I'm not a fan, I think Rachel Ray does the same thing. She has a cookbook and a new show based on her book coming up.I have a twelve pound spiral sliced ham to cook for Easter Sunday, so I'm anticipating having some nice leftovers (maybe!) I can do a zillion things with leftover ham.
In the course of sorting through/disposing of recipes, I found a good casserole recipe with ham, potatoes, and asparagus. I think I will be making it next week...local asparagus just came in here.
JoAnn, In the spirit of the bounties of Spring and hopefully some leftover ham, would you please share that recipe?
:) Linda
"Linda wrote: "Okay Ladies, for those of you out there celebrating and/or making "the dinner" on Easter sunday. Does anyone care to share menus or any recipes? I can't look at turkey twice a year! ..."1 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced
1 8 oz. tub cream cheese with chives (and onions?)
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesian
1 T. snipped fresh tarragon or 1/2 tsp dried tarragon, crushed
8 oz. cooked ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-3 inch pieces
1- preheat oven to 400 degrees. In medium saucepan cook potatoes, covered, in lightly salted boiling water, for 5-7 minutes. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside. Toss asparagus into potato water and cook for two minutes, then drain.
2- for sauce, use same pan to combine cream cheese, milk, 2 Tbsp. Parmesan and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Heat and whisk until smooth and cheese is melted. Remove from heat, stir in tarragon
3- Layer potatoes, ham, asparagus, and sauce in 1.5 quart baking dish. Bake, covered, for 10 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
**** I think you could cut back a little on the baking time if you par-boiled the potatoes longer.
Sounds good. DH abhors asparagus (the fool!) so i think i'll substitute broccoli. Thank you for this recipe, JoAnn.deb
Linda wrote: "Okay Ladies, for those of you out there celebrating and/or making "the dinner" on Easter sunday. Does anyone care to share menus or any recipes? I can't look at turkey twice a year! I'm fishing he..."Linda, i forgot all about your question because it led me to my cookbooks and i lost track of time. My sister loves this, which she calls a side dish. It is the sweetest side dish ever. I do not make it but i'll gobble it down when someone else serves it.
Pineapple Casserole
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup sugar
* 4 eggs
* 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
* 5 slices white bread, cubed
* In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in pineapple. Gently fold in bread cubes.
* Spoon into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Serve warm. Yield: 10 servings.
I just searched for one with less fat & sugar, finding this.
Makeover Pineapple Casserole
* 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple
* 1/3 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2 egg whites
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 5 slices white bread, cubed
* Drain pineapple, reserving 1 cup juice; set pineapple and juice aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in egg whites. Stir in flour, then reserved pineapple and juice. Gently fold in bread cubes.
* Spoon into a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until top is lightly golden. Serve warm. Yield: 8 servings.
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup equals 229 calories, 9 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 74 mg cholesterol, 191 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit.
Maybe i'll try that one some day. This Easter DH is out of town & i'm gonna have a spinach salad.
deb
Ladies, I made a change to the recipe I posted (# 530). I underlined the change. Sorry about that...I just noticed a note on the recipe this morning.
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Ladies, I made a change to the recipe I posted (# 530). I underlined the change. Sorry about that...I just noticed a note on the recipe this morning."Dinner..... Monday!! TY JoAnn!
Madrano wrote: "Linda wrote: "Okay Ladies, for those of you out there celebrating and/or making "the dinner" on Easter sunday. Does anyone care to share menus or any recipes? I can't look at turkey twice a year! ..."Deb if you were nearby I'd say come on over! With dinner I'll be making a spinach salad with strawberries, red onion, maybe some feta, maybe some bacon bits???, with balsamic dressing!
While I would probably love the pineapple casserole, my guys would cringe! They go more for the savory and not sweet. My daughter will not even look at a sweet potatoes/ marshmallow casserole! Just give her some butter, salt and pepper and she's good to go! I like to pair sweet and savory, but they won't go for it and I'd end up eating all the sweet!
Just in case i don't get the chance, Happy Easter To All! and now i have to go relocate some hyacinths that are STINKING up my house!
Potent ones....!
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Ladies, I made a change to the recipe I posted (# 530). I underlined the change. Sorry about that...I just noticed a note on the recipe this morning."I like the re-use of that potato water. Thanks for remembering us, JoAnn.
deb
Linda wrote: "While I would probably love the pineapple casserole, my guys would cringe! They go more for the savory and not sweet. My daughter will not even look at a sweet potatoes/ marshmallow casserole! ..."Most of my life i steered clear of sweet 'taters because of that marshmallow casserole. Yuk. However, since moving to east Texas, where it is a major crop, i've grown to love it. I know cook it more often than regular potatoes with my meats. In fact, our lamb shanks are never served with regular potatoes now. Yum!
deborah
Linda wrote: "Just in case i don't get the chance, Happy Easter To All!..."And to you, Linda, as well as others here. At the risk of setting Alias into anaphylactic shock, i am going to plop poetry & religion right into this recipe thread. In the 70s i read a volume of poetry by Vassar Miller, titled Onions and Roses. One poem "To Jesus on Easter" comes to me every Easter, even though i long ceased to be a believer. Here 'tis.
"And when the last bridge breaks
I shall walk on the bright span of your breath."
I seem to have an inordinate number of quotes which feature God, spirituality and such. Some, such as this one, pre-date my intense theological search in the '80s.
deborah, wishing i had a recipe to share, a sort of antidote for Alias
Madrano wrote: "Linda wrote: "Just in case i don't get the chance, Happy Easter To All!..."And to you, Linda, as well as others here. At the risk of setting Alias into anaphylactic shock, i am going to plop poet..."
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And a Happy Easter to you, too. :)
It is not the OT that is sending me into shock, it is all that sweet high calorie stuff. Not my thing.
I meant to post a warning to you Alias, that you not read my recipe!!!
Much better for me to read about all that sugary goodness than to be eating it....Susan, who doesn't have a chocolate bunny whose ears I can munch this morning.
Pineapple Casserole! Yum! A Southern Delight....haven't made that in a while.Today, Dh is making Turkey Cutlets with Yukon Gold Mashed Taters, Gravy & Fresh Broccoli. YUM!
I wish we were having one of those spiral sliced hams, so I could make JoAnn's recipe. I sued to make one like that years ago, but without the Asparagus. Sounds Delish! DH and I eat both Asparagus and Broccoli; he prefers the Asparagus, I prefer the Broccoli. I love it raw or cooked!
Happy Easter Friends!
Donna
Alias Reader wrote: "It is not the OT that is sending me into shock, it is all that sweet high calorie stuff. Not my thing. ..."I know, it's awful, isn't it? Alias, you might die here in the south with all its high-fat, high-sugar cooking. And always served with excuses, hinting at dieting tomorrow or nothing sticks on holidays. Ha!
deb
Madrano wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "It is not the OT that is sending me into shock, it is all that sweet high calorie stuff. Not my thing. ..."I know, it's awful, isn't it? Alias, you might die here in the south..."
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If Paula Dean is an example of Southern cooking, count me out. Her cooking should come with a coupon for a triple heart bypass. I actually saw her wrap bacon around mac & cheese and deep fry it ! Crazy.
Wow! I'm sorry to have to say that sounds good. It's nice to be too lazy to make stuff like that. :-)
My husband bought me a box of chocolates (all dark) from the teeniest, most divine little chocolate shop in Pleasantville. I have found the ultimate in this collection. A very soft caramel, coated with dark chocolate and sea salt! It's just to good to be true!
Linda wrote: " I have found the ultimate in this collection. A very soft caramel, coated with dark chocolate and sea salt! It's just to good to be true! ..."Isn't that the most amazing taste? My sister bought me an entire box of chocolates just because it had two of these in it! Incredible.
Beyond amazing....! And it doesn't taste the same if you sprinkle sea salt on the other chocolates! ;0) JoAnn, if you ever come to NY, this tiny divine chocolatier is in Pleasantville. You can buy these little pieces of heaven piece by piece there, fill your OWN BOX! By the pound, of course! If you like, I would be happy to find out if she ships...
and she gives free samples... according to my daughter!
Linda, is it the Lil Chocolate Shop in Pleasantville? If so, I wrote down her phone info ......I know a nearby chocolate shop is very picky about how far it will ship ---- and I have not checked to see if it makes this particular confection.
I am drooling all over the keyboard! Caramels? YUM--an entire box of salted caramels? Divine.
Book Nook Cafe
Books mentioned in this topic
Onions and Roses (other topics)The Joy of Cooking (other topics)
Sink Reflections (other topics)
The School of Essential Ingredients (other topics)
Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes from Ireland's Heritage (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Vassar Miller (other topics)Robin Miller (other topics)
Rocco DiSpirito (other topics)
Lorraine Bodger (other topics)
David A. Kessler (other topics)
dessert ideas, also welcomed!