What's Your Pitch In?

[Boomer]

Pitch In? Pot Luck? Covered Dish? Hot Dish? Tailgate? Pig Roast?

Whatever you may call it. Lots of fun and lots of great food. Nothing elegant. Nothing fancy. Sometimes must go with beer.

So what do you take when you are invited to one of these?

Mr. Boomer makes great deviled eggs. But it's not exactly a recipe. Just Hellman's and mustard and paprika on top. But it absolutely must be mayo and it cannot be just any mayo. It absolutely must be Hellman's. Nothing else darkens our door. And most certainly Miracle Whip is never allowed. I had to convert when we got married.

We sometimes bake homemade cookies to take.

There is an actual recipe for a salad that we take once in awhile. I will add it here when I find it.

I was just wondering what you all take to such an event. And if you have some favorite recipes for such an occasion.

Boomer

[villages07]

Boomer,

A cheesy potato dish (as in dairy cheese not something gauche)...made with hash browns, lots of cheese, sour cream, mushroom soup, and secret ingredient...cornflakes. Rarely ever get to bring any leftovers home.

"Pot Luck" in my neck of the woods.

[KathieI]

Being in CA, we'd probably have something with sprouts and avacado and whole grain breads!! (kidding)

I actually have never been to a pot luck but for my own parties I usually do a huge pan of lasagna or baked ziti.

[redwitch]

Salad -- potato, pasta or fruit. And if it's a bbq, I usually have to drop by the day before with my bbq sauce.

[renielarson]

I have 2 dishes I make for pot lucks. One is homemade macaroni and cheese....with lots of extra cheese added. The other is sweet and sour baked beans using 4 different types of beans and lots of bacon.

[Taltarzac]

Pitch-in? That sounds like Hoosier speak for pot luck?

[punkpup]

I have 2 dishes I make for pot lucks. One is homemade macaroni and cheese....with lots of extra cheese added. The other is sweet and sour baked beans using 4 different types of beans and lots of bacon.


Those sweet and sour baked beans sound awesome!!!!!!!! You'll definitely have to bring those to our shindigs!!!!

We usually bring something which falls in one of the categories specified by the host e.g. main dish, salad, dessert, etc.

[Boomer]

Those sweet and sour baked beans sound awesome!!!!!!!! You'll definitely have to bring those to our shindigs!!!!


punkpup,

You are so right. They are just that. That recipe must run the distance from Michigan to Ohio and to Indiana, too. I have had those beans in all three states and they are always wonderful.

But I have never tracked down the recipe.

Bright, when you have time, I hope you will share the recipe. Your neighbor to the south, down I-75, would love it, as would many others here, I'm sure.

Thanks.

Boomer

[nONIE]

In our neck of the woods its called a dish to pass. When I first heard that, I laughed my a** off.

Anyway, I do make great clam Chowda!

[colleenj]

Since I love to bake, I am usually asked to bring homemade cookies, whoopie pies or a chocolate cake roll with homemade cream filling. Unfortunately I can't eat them- I have a wheat (flour) allergy!

[tony]

Is a whoopie pie one you would have somebody sit on?

[graciegirl]

Being in CA, we'd probably have something with sprouts and avacado and whole grain breads!! (kidding)

I actually have never been to a pot luck but for my own parties I usually do a huge pan of lasagna or baked ziti.


NEVER BEEN TO A POT LUCK?? I think that is against the law. You are invited to my house in Hadley as soon as I return and as soon as you return and /or we return at the same time!!

[KathieI]

NEVER BEEN TO A POT LUCK?? I think that is against the law. You are invited to my house in Hadley as soon as I return and as soon as you return and /or we return at the same time!!

Ohhhh, Gracie, your so sweet. No never been invited to one. Probably cause I'm so shy?

:redface: :redface: :redface: :redface:

And parties scare me!! :yikes:

I'll bring the lasagna, okay!!

[nONIE]

Is a whoopie pie one you would have somebody sit on?


NOOOO Tony, thats a whoopie cushion, What are we gonna do with ya?

[KathieI]

NOOOO Tony, thats a whoopie cushion, What are we gonna do with ya?

Maybe the pie makes funny sounds, ya think?

[nONIE]

If it does, Im not eatin it!!!!!!!

[KathieI]

Since I love to bake, I am usually asked to bring homemade cookies, whoopie pies or a chocolate cake roll with homemade cream filling. Unfortunately I can't eat them- I have a wheat (flour) allergy!

Poor Colleen, she doesn't post that much and we're all making fun of her pie?

Colleen, we're only kidding, that's how we are, nasty, nasty, people

What's in this pie anyway? Something good? Like Mexican Jumping beans???

ONLY KIDDING, COLLEEN, PLEASE FORGIVE US.

[Muncle]

I've had several different things that I've taken to pot lucks over the years ranging from fresh bread (machine) to mashed potato casserole to a meatloaf party to a sensational pork 'n beans dish. However, the first neighborhood party we had here, I brought a smoked turkey breast. I injected Italian dressing into the meat and marinated it in same for a time, then rubbed it down with chili powder before smoking. Now I have to bring the damned turkey whenever there's a get together.

[samhass]

I take Buffalo wings. I season them, put them on the grill, baste with my homemade sauce and cook until a little crisp. I made 10# for one party. I saw a little old man stop by the wings and not leave until they were all gone. Granted, other people stopped and got some also, but he was like an eating machine. I also took along home made blue cheese dip.

[Rokinronda]

Stuffed Mushrooms and Baked Stuffed Shrimp, I've also made lasagne, chic wings, pulled BBQ pork.

[KathieI]

I take Buffalo wings.

Sam, are you sure you don't want to edit this ingredient? You know how sensitive people are to this word?

They have wings?

[colleenj]

No offense taken at the pie- obviously a New England thing and its not even a pie! Whoopie Pies are small homemade chocolate cakes with homemade cream filling in the middle of them (kind of like a soft ice cream sandwich but with cream filling rather than ice cream).

[KathieI]

Colleen, you must change the name of that pie immediately, it sounds delicious. Will you make one for me?? Thanks, Kath

[tony]

Holy Smoke, Colleen.

Whoopie pies are no joking matter. Cake. Ice cream. Holy Smoke. Luscious.

And now I see I have to arm wrestle KathieI for the Whoopie Pie. (It deserves to be capitalized.)

[samhass]

The area of Pa that I come from has a strong Mennonite community. Almost all the local grocery stores make and sell Whoopie pies. They also make Funny cake and Shoofly Pie.
I'm so used to seeing Whoopie Pies that I thought everyone had them.

[barb1191]

Snickerdoodles always seem to make a hit with the crowd.....b

[Muncle]

An area in which I lived in Northern VA was heavy in condos and townhouses. We had lot of singles. Not sure who started it, but someone came up with the idea of having a meatloaf party the first Saturday after the dreaded 15 April --- concept being that meatloaf was all we could afford. About 6-8 people would make meat loaves each with their own unique recipe. One great thing about DC was, like TV, we drew from a wide geographic area. One year one guy did a great Cajun loaf, one gal did a Mexican, and one from NE made one with oysters, of all things. Boy were those meals interesting, and the side dishes were always plentiful, fun and good.

[renielarson]

Punkpup and Boomer

Here's my recipe for the sweet and sour baked beans:

Walnut Valley Beans
1/3 lb. cooked and drained ground beef (I never ever add this)
8 oz. bacon cooked crisp, drained, and crumbled (I always use 12 oz., sometimes 1 lb.)
1 c. raw chopped onion
1 15oz. can pork and beans (I prefer Bush's Brown Sugar Baked Beans)
1 15oz. can drained lima beans
1 15oz. can drained kidney beans (I use red beans instead)
1 15oz. can drained butter beans
1/2 c. brown sugar (I prefer dark brown sugar)
1/2 c. ketchup
1/2 c. white sugar
1 Tbls. cider vinegar
1 tsp. regular yellow mustard
Dash salt

Mix all ingredients together and bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until desired thickness. Makes 10 servings.

[Boomer]

Thank you, Brightspot,

It sounds great. And I think I would like it better without the ground beef, too. Let that bacon rule! I just sent your recipe to print. I am trying it soon.

Boomer

[redwitch]

Hey, Colleen -- remember, I know where you live! Your whoopie pie sounds yummy!!! Can't wait to try it.

[graciegirl]

I've had several different things that I've taken to pot lucks over the years ranging from fresh bread (machine) to mashed potato casserole to a meatloaf party to a sensational pork 'n beans dish. However, the first neighborhood party we had here, I brought a smoked turkey breast. I injected Italian dressing into the meat and marinated it in same for a time, then rubbed it down with chili powder before smoking. Now I have to bring the damned turkey whenever there's a get together.


Munc.

You and your damned turkey are on my short list to be invited to a Pitch-In next time we are in TV. Sounds YUMMY!

[renielarson]

Muncle

Don't wait for another pot luck to make that turkey of yours. And don't forget I live just a hop, skip, and a jump! Or should I say not far as the crow (turkey?) flies?

[sschuler1]

Boomer-I understand your Miracle Whip vs. Mayonnaise contest that you had in your house. We are a two condiment family still after 23 years! I could never get my husband to switch to real mayonnaise, and I can't stand the taste of Miracle Whip. (it tastes like mayonnaise that has gone bad!)

I usually take my easy to make jello salad to a pot luck. One large container of Cool Whip, one large container of cottage cheese (I usually use the small curd because I like the consistency better), one large package of lime Jello, and two cans of pineapple tidbits drained. Throw it all together in a bowl and mix it up. Voila, you are done. Throw it in the fridge for an hour or the freezer for 10 minutes if you are in a hurry and you are ready to go to the party! You can use sugar free too! Change up the jello and fruit and you get a whole new taste, but I like the lime and pineapple combo the best.

[barb1191]

I usually take my easy to make jello salad to a pot luck. One large container of Cool Whip, one large container of cottage cheese (I usually use the small curd because I like the consistency better), one large package of lime Jello, and two cans of pineapple tidbits drained. Throw it all together in a bowl and mix it up. Voila, you are done. Throw it in the fridge for an hour or the freezer for 10 minutes if you are in a hurry and you are ready to go to the party! You can use sugar free too! Change up the jello and fruit and you get a whole new taste, but I like the lime and pineapple combo the best.


I make a similar salad with the only difference is that I add chopped walnuts and ch9pped celery. Gives it a chewy texture. Really yummy......b

[jadebox]

Been watching this topic come up for days and had no idea what it was about. Since "In the Kitchen" is not my thing I ignored it. Finally curiosity got the best of me. POT LUCK!!! Now I understand. I usually go to the grocery store and buy something already made ;D. My husband takes cherry tomatos, punctures them with a toothpick, covers them with vodka, adds some tobasco and leaves them in the refrigerator to soak for a day or so. Serve them with a side of celery salt to dab in if desired and toothpicks to pick them up with.
These are called Bloody Marys on a stick.

[Boomer]

Boomer-I understand your Miracle Whip vs. Mayonnaise contest that you had in your house. We are a two condiment family still after 23 years! I could never get my husband to switch to real mayonnaise, and I can't stand the taste of Miracle Whip. (it tastes like mayonnaise that has gone bad!)


ss,

What a perfect description of Miracle Whip. Mr. Boomer converted me to Hellman's long ago and I have never looked back.

I guess I had better be careful. This is such a nice thread. I sure don't want to turn it into one of those awful internet flame wars. Condiment vs. condiment. My, my. Could get ugly. (But, ss, you are so right about which one is best.)

Hope,

Those tomatoes! Whoda thought! What a great idea! And it could not get any easier! And if you use those fancy toothpick to pick them up with, why, my oh my, an elegant presentation, too. I'm trying it. I will try to wait until we are either having company or going to a Pitch In. But, you know what? Maybe I should do a practice run.

Boomer

[renielarson]

Talk about mayonnaise stirs up memories. I remember back to when I was about 4 or 5 years old. Such a long time ago but some memories stick with me no matter how old I get. I would be tucked in bed, prayers said, kisses and hugs given, lights out, and then it would hit...the hankering would get the best of me every night.

I can only imagine how my sisters must have groaned when they heard my plea...coming from this little one tucked in bed. I wanted a mayonnaise sandwich! Nothing else but mayonnaise on bread. Mom would usually delegate my bedtime craving request to one of my older sisters who would make it for me and bring it to me in bed. Today, I think how awful it would be to sleep on crumb covered sheets but it didn't bother me one bit back then.

To this day I savor the memory of how good that simple sandwich tasted. I'm laughing because it wasn't mayonnaise but Miracle Whip and to this day, unless a recipe specifically calls for real mayo, I use Miracle Whip.

Yum!

[njgranny]

I am sooooooooo hungry and this topic is killing me. :) :) ;)

A friend of mine had a craving for mayonnaise sandwiches when she was pregnant with
one of her kids. I'd never heard of them before, but I love mayonnaise.

[uujudy]

njgranny....meeeee toooooo! :) ;)

I grew up in Ohio and a "normal" sandwich in our household was peanut butter and mayonnaise -- and it had to be Hellman's. My dad and I would feast on PB & M sandwiches on grocery shopping day (when the bread was really soft and fresh). My mom didn't much care for PB, so it was a special treat just for the 2 of us.

To this day, whenever I'm feeling under the weather, nothing perks me up like a PB & M! If you love mayonnaise sandwiches you might want to give it a try. It's yummy! :bigthumbsup:

[renielarson]

Judy

Sounds strange but I like PB and I like mayo so it may work for me. I'll try it one of these days.

My daughter had a friend who loved PB and brown sugar sandwiches. I tried it once and I have to admit it was delicious. However, I wouldn't eat PB/brown sugar sandwiches on a regular basis.

My favorite PB/jelly sandwich isn't that odd...add sliced bananas to it.

I think we have hijacked this thread....lol.

[uujudy]

...I wouldn't eat PB/brown sugar sandwiches on a regular basis.

My favorite PB/jelly sandwich isn't that odd...add sliced bananas to it.

I think we have hijacked this thread....lol.




Attention Traffic Cops :cop: :cop: :cop:
We are discussing different kinds of finger sandwiches for the Pitch In/PotLuck! LOL We can cut off the crusts and make an assortment of fancy mayonnaise sandwiches -- some plain, some with PB, some with brown sugar, bananas, honey.... even some with Miracle Whip. A potluck with a mayonnaise sandwich theme would be unique, that's for sure! (But we'd definitely have to include some of those Bloody Mary tomatoes)

[renielarson]

You're a riot, judy... ;D

[samhass]

Peel a whole fresh pineapple, cover it with a cinnamon/brown sugar mixture and grill it over coals or fire until the sugar mixture browns or glazes. Slice and serve. It is wonderful.
If you don't want to grill, just slice the peeled pineapple, cut it in long slices, cover with the
sugar/cinnamon and broil on high til it bubbles/glazes.

[Boomer]

Peel a whole fresh pineapple, cover it with a cinnamon/brown sugar mixture and grill it over coals or fire until the sugar mixture browns or glazes. Slice and serve. It is wonderful.
If you don't want to grill, just slice the peeled pineapple, cut it in long slices, cover with the
sugar/cinnamon and broil on high til it bubbles/glazes.


This sounds wonderful and easy. But I have never figured out how to pick out a really good fresh pineapple. What's the secret?

Boomer

[renielarson]

Here's a good site with valuable pineapple info...

http://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Pineapple-Is-Ripe

[Boomer]

Thanks, Brightspot. That is a good site. Maybe I can finally get it right next time.

About those peanut butter sandwiches, I think it was PB and bananas that was Elvis' favorite. That's my favorite, too. I put it on whole wheat bread and add a few walnuts and eat it for breakfast. When I do that, I don't get hungry again for a long time. The combination seems to have a lot of staying power. I can do a pretty late lunch that way.

And, uujudy, I am loving those little mayo and PB combo sandwiches. This Pitch In, Pot Luck, whatever is becoming more elegant by the minute. What with no crusts and all. Do you think it will be necessary to hold our pinky fingers in the air while we eat them.

I certainly hope there is a plan to have lovely little signs, done in calligraphy. Signs resting perhaps on tiny little silver easels. One sign to say "Hellman's" and the other to say "Miracle Whip." There must be no breach of etiquette. Can you imagine the loss of social standing for a hostess who did not distinguish between the two for her gourmet guests! What a faux pas that would be. The gossip would go on forever. Horrors!

Boomer

[renielarson]

Boomer

It was Elvis's favorite sandwich, however, he added a twist to it. It had to be grilled!

When I make a grilled cheese sandwich I butter the bread on the side that will be touching the skillet. I wonder if Elvis's sandwich was buttered first before frying? I would think so or otherwise some type of oil would have to be used.

Hmmm....I may have to give this a try!

I'm wondering something else. Usually potlucks/pitch-ins are rather informal affairs. This talk about calligraphy, silver easels, and pinkies standing at attention has me worried. How bout mini chalkboards on mini wooden easels?

[Boomer]

Yes, Bright, that probably would be for the best. I just got a case of the vapors there for a moment with the thought of uuj's finger sandwiches, no crusts and such. I just got all caught up in it, imagining the presentation. I guess I saw myself attending an elegant tea at the Ritz or something.

What was I thinking? :dontknow:

You know. . .Perhaps it is these Bloody Mary on a Stick things I have been testing here in the kitchen. I do tend to get a little carried away lately.

Boomer

[uujudy]

Bright, thanks for the link to the pineapple instructions. I'll give it a try next time I buy a pineapple. I used the "pull the leaf" method for years, with mixed results. Sometimes OK, sometimes not OK. And I also butter my bread before I put it in the frying pan. I thought everybody did? Of course, I thought everybody liked PB & M sandwiches, too. Maybe mayonnaise sandwiches are a Midwest thing? The standard response to it everywhere else I've lived has been "Ewwwww!" for the PB & M.

Boomer, I was totally carried away by your description of little silver easels, calligraphy, and pinkies in the air! Little Hellman's and Miracle Whip signs... It does sound lovely, doesn't it? Mini chalkboards on mini wooden easels would work, too! If we served enough Bloody Marys on a stick maybe we wouldn't have to worry about breaches of etiquette? :dontknow: Nobody would remember them the next day. ;)

Oh I can't wait until we get to TV. I want to meet all of you! I'll bring the sandwiches! 040

[bestmickey]

Here's my favorite Grilled Pineapple recipe:


Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups dark rum
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
freshly grated nutmeg to taste
1 large ripe pineapple, peeled and trimmed, eyes carefully removed
4 slices lemon (or plain) pound cake
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup caramelized toasted walnuts
DIRECTIONS
Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Immediately remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
When the simple syrup is cool, combine it with the rum, brown sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg to taste in a large, shallow baking dish, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Add the whole pineapple and turn to coat all sides with the rum mixture. Cover lightly with plastic film and marinate at room temperature for 12 hours (or refrigerated for up to 2 days), turning frequently so that all sides of the pineapple have absorbed some of the marinade. Remove the pineapple from the dish, separately reserving the marinade.
Preheat the grill to medium-high.
Place the pineapple on the preheated grill. Grill for about 20 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until all areas of the pineapple are beginning to glaze and the center has begun to cook slightly.
Slice pineapple, place on slices of pound cake, add vanilla ice cream, drizzle on some of the leftover marinade and nuts (if desired).

[bestmickey]

When contributing to pot-lucks, I typically bring a dish of home-made Chicken Liver Pate, with a couple loaves of mini-rye bread.

[Boomer]

When contributing to pot-lucks, I typically bring a dish of home-made Chicken Liver Pate, with a couple loaves of mini-rye bread.


bestmickey,

My people call it Braunschweiger Spread.

Well, I guess that's a liver of a different creature. But it sure is good on that mini-rye, too.

Thanks. I had forgotten all about that stuff.

Boomer

[njgranny]

My mother and I used to eat peanut butter and onion sandwiches. Haven't tried one for years. Just doesn't sound as good nowadays. :-)

[Ceevee]

My nephew started taking Banana Pudding to all the occasions and, like Muncie, that's what was expected from him from that day on. He couldn't convince everyone that he got the recipe off the box. And, your Whoopie Pies sound like the Moon Pies my husband loved!

[Mintjulep]

For all you mayo lovers, my friend makes a terrific toasty garlic bread with mayo.

You just slice a french bread, longwise, then spread mayo on top (instead of butter), sprinkle a bit of garlic salt, then sprinkle on lots of black pepper.
He usually toasts it on the grill, but you can stick it in the oven to toast if you want.
Has a different very tangy taste that is delish!!!

[nONIE]

bestmickey,

My people call it Braunschweiger Spread.

Well, I guess that's a liver of a different creature. But it sure is good on that mini-rye, too.

Thanks. I had forgotten all about that stuff.

Boomer


a little trick I learned regarding Braunschweiger/liver sausage.

If you want to get a pill down your dog or cat in a big hurry, just stick it in a little ball of Braunschweiger. They gobble it down so fast, and are ecstatic with their treat, It works every time without all the hassle.

[Boomer]

For all you mayo lovers, my friend makes a terrific toasty garlic bread with mayo.

You just slice a french bread, longwise, then spread mayo on top (instead of butter), sprinkle a bit of garlic salt, then sprinkle on lots of black pepper.
He usually toasts it on the grill, but you can stick it in the oven to toast if you want.
Has a different very tangy taste that is delish!!!


Mint,

ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!! !!!!

I cannot decide if you are my new best friend or if you are, in fact, a devil. Here's what happened. . .

I am constantly renewing my vow to live a life of virtuous eating. Constantly renewing my vow. Constantly renewing my vow. Constantly renewing my vow.

Anyway, today I met a friend for lunch. I had salad with grilled chicken, iced tea, and only one glass of chardonnay. Virtue was my middle name.

Not only was I pretty darned perfect at lunch, but waiting at home for supper was a big pot of something called Tuscan soup. This was a recipe that I had found in one of those checkout line weekly magazines. You all know the magazine I mean. All full of empty promises about how you can be so skinny by the time the next issue arrives.

Well, Mint, before I left the kitchen computer today, I had checked this thread where I saw this wicked little tip of yours about using mayo for garlic bread. (And that would most certainly be Hellman's, NOT Miracle Whip.)

And your little recipe stuck in my brain.

So on the way home, I stopped at the grocery and bought French bread.

I told myself the biggest lie. I told myself that I had to test the recipe. Yeah. Uh huh. Test the recipe! For heavens sake! It is Hellman's slathered on bread, garlic salt, and ground pepper. It's not like it's some souffle or something. But oh no. I had to test the recipe. I am serving filets on the 4th and I thought this might go great with them. But juuuussssst to be sure, I had to test the recipe. Yes, indeed, I did. Goes well with soup.

Well, the Tuscan soup was actually pretty good. Not great. But pretty good. Supposedly this is the stuff that helped Valerie Bertinelli get skinny again. Poor Valerie. You know, being married to Eddie Van Halen would be enough to turn even Mother Theresa into a bit of a butterball. But Valerie lost all that weight with this soup and she's got a new man, who seems much better. I digress.

Back to this wonderful/terrible little recipe. . .

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!! !!

Boomer in the Test Kitchen

[renielarson]

I want to try this recipe so bad...so bad...so bad...but

can't...can't...can't...can't...can't...can't...ca n't...can't

French bread is too high in calories and Hellman's is way off the chart...

So, all I can do is fantasize...ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh

[barb1191]

Just a wee bit off topic.... :cop:

Boomer... I thought that Valerie Bertinelli is a spokesperson for Jenny Craig and attributes her forty-pound weight loss to Jenny. Valerie has television commercials for JC....b

PS: Is this Tuscany soup similar to the cabbage-soup diet?

[Boomer]

Barb,

Here it is:

3 zucchini, chopped
1 and 1/4 C. eggplant, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
! C. water or low-sodium organic chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with chili (That's what it says, but I think it means chili seasoning. That's what I used.)
1 can (14.5 oz.) no-salt added whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped (seems like you could just get them already chopped, but this recipe seems to enjoy chopping - probably to work off any residual anger over love gone wrong)
2 jars (4 oz. each) sliced, drained mushrooms (I used fresh mushrooms)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Combine in large pot, stir, boil, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese when served (4 servings, 80 calories each)

DO NOT. I REPEAT DO NOT TAKE THIS STUFF TO A PITCH-IN. SOMEBODY WILL THROW YOUR SKINNY :edit: OUT SO FAST YOU WILL NOT KNOW WHAT HIT YOU. -- unless, you back it up with some of that wicked, wicked Hellman's on French bread with garlic salt and ground pepper. Then they will let you stay.

Boomer in the Test Kitchen

Barb, I just looked back at what I wrote in the earlier post. I guess this soup helped Valerie or helps her now or something. The article talks about her Jenny Craig success.

[barb1191]

Boomer....

:a20: 1rnfl You are a hoot!! You write with such expression of your dynamic personality. Thanks sooooo much for the recipe......b

PS: Think that I'd add frozen kale or spinach to it for more flavor. Will give it a try; sounds good to me. Love most soups.

[renielarson]

EWWWWW Boomer

Just from reading the recipe....and being the healthy somewhat vegetarian I am....I would never...let me repeat...NEVER....have tried this recipe....

So sorry g/f....sounds toooooo veggie to me...

Needs meat...yes,...MEAT....like chicken, beef, pork...something to give it substance...(I have to admit I'd add a soy meat substitute)

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh

[Boomer]

Bright,

You are right. It does need substance.

I said the same thing when I tasted it. Even some red beans would work I think. There is no protein anywhere, except for that little sprinkle of cheese. And cheese is not really meant to be truly sprinkled. If I'm going to have to try to sprinkle it, I need to just not even start.

Boomer, A Woman of Substance

[redwitch]

Just to add to the mayo/French bread recipe, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and paprika and you have garlic bread that is pretty good. To make it great, add some fresh garlic.

[barb1191]

Bright,

You are right. It does need substance.

I said the same thing when I tasted it. Even some red beans would work I think. There is no protein anywhere, except for that little sprinkle of cheese. And cheese is not really meant to be truly sprinkled. If I'm going to have to try to sprinkle it, I need to just not even start.

Boomer, A Woman of Substance



Ohhhh "Woman of Substance"..... red beans sounds good to me along with kale and/or spinach. yummmm....b

[Boomer]

P-s-s-s-t, let's put some pasta in it. Don't tell Valerie and Jenny, OK.

Boomer

[Rokinronda]

or rice?

[renielarson]

Ok Boomer...

Off subject


But...


How do you change the font SIZE?

[uujudy]

Getting back to the recipe.... 024

Out here in the wild west we have "Rotel" diced tomatoes and green chilies. It's just chopped tomatoes and chopped green chilies all mixed together in one can. :hot: You can buy the original flavor or the mild. The original is pretty zippy, and it adds that special something to soups and stews. The bad news is that it only comes in 10 oz cans. I usually use a can of Rotel AND a can of chopped tomatoes when I make soup. You might be able to find it in the Mexican food aisle? If you want to try it let me know and I can ship some to you.

AND, (I'm with you, Bright) how DO you change the font size? :dontknow:

[Boomer]

AND, (I'm with you, Bright) how DO you change the font size? :dontknow:


Bright and uuj,

OK. Look up.

No, not at the ceiling. Not at the top row of the keyboard. Look up at those little squares above the white box that you type in.

See the one with the 'A' with the up and down arrow. Next door to the red 'A.'

OK. Click on that box.

Put your cursor (or is it curser?) in between those little bracket thingies. That's where I am typing right now, but as you can see, the font size has not changed.

Now change that 10 to whatever. I am on 7 right now.

OK, now I am back in just normal stuff.

Watch those end marks or you will put everything in squint print. I have abandoned quite a few posts when preview showed it all in the wrong size font. So check preview along the way.

Now that I have opened this whole new world to you, please promise that you will not gossip about me in tiny font.

Boomer the Typing Teacher

[graciegirl]

The last ten ounce can of Rotel tomatoes I used to take the finish off of a dresser I was redoing.

[graciegirl]

Mayonnaise to die for> Take your Hellmans and add some ( a lot )of FRESH smashed up garlic. They call it "I" or AYE or something I can't spell in France and it is even good with green beans. A dollop is never enough.

[Rokinronda]

reminds me of the sour cream, horseradish (horsey sauce) for prime beef!! Add bacon, great on swordfish! mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,

[Rokinronda]

I have been known to make Stromboli. Bread dough with prosciutto and provelone, or whatever suits your fancy. I have made it w/ grilled chicken, broccoli and swiss, or ham and cheddar with asparagus, etc.......rolled, baked and sliced.....looks as good as it tastes!

[renielarson]

Please forgive me for hijacking this thread for just a minute...

I think I've got it, I think I've got it!

The problem I had before was trying to change the font AFTER I had already typed something.

Thanks Boomer! :hot:

[nONIE]

Woooo! Bright,

Are ya trying to make a statement? Oh my achin ears!! :( LOL LOL

[Mintjulep]

Boomer,
I was a Miracle Whip woman til I married my husband.
He's a Hellmans or die kinda man too.
Tho I could swing either way, Hellmans is all that's in our kitchen anymore.
When we go out to eat, he even has to ask if they use Hellmans.
If not, he orders with no mayo.

Glad you like the garlic bread,,, I think. :dontknow:

Your posts always crack me up!!! And I totally GET them...

[Shirleevee]

Graciegirl,

The French call it. "aioli".............ummmmmm! Try topping salmon with it under the broiler for a minute.


Shirleevee

[uujudy]

Please forgive me for hijacking this thread for just a minute...

I think I've got it, I think I've got it!

The problem I had before was trying to change the font AFTER I had already typed something.

Thanks Boomer! :hot:


ME TOO! Now I'm outside the little brackets. Now I'm inside Outside Inside Outside Thank You Boomer!!!! :bow: :clap2: 040

[uujudy]

The last ten ounce can of Rotel tomatoes I used to take the finish off of a dresser I was redoing.


Aw Gracie, Gracie, Gracie... It's not THAT hot, is it? ::) Maybe you tried the original? Maybe that's why they make a mild version?
I went through life whining, "Is it very spicy?" Never like spicy foods at all.
Then I went through menopause.... I don't know if I should blame menopause or if I've developed a mature (old, tasteless) palate. Or maybe it's living in the wild west where everything has red peppers or chilies in it? Foods started tasted kind of bland to me, so I started spicing them up a little. Now I keep a big jar of ground red pepper handy and use it on almost anything you would use black pepper on. It makes everything zippy! Yum! :hot:

Back on topic... If we do all get together for a pitch in/potluck you should be warned that the red sprinkled on top of my deviled eggs (made with Hellman's) isn't paprika! ;)

[Boomer]

OK

Here I am, right now, even as we speak, in the test kitchen. I am facing a 55-gallon drum of the controversial Tuscan soup that helped Valerie get over Eddie.

And I just ladled out a batch and I added red beans. I will let you know.

And that :edit: leftover French bread, the part I did not slather and bake last night, is calling from the counter. That half-baked baguette is starting to get Mr. Boomer's attention now, "Slather me. Slather me. Bake me. Bake me." If I could get up from in front of this computer, I would throw that thing right into the garbage can. Yeah. That's it. That's what I would do.

Boomer

Oh, and I want to say that I am so pleased that the launch of my new career as a typing teacher has been such a success.

[Shirleevee]

uuJUDY,

Finally, after years of begging the supermarkets in NY for Rotel, Costco started selling the small cans by the case. YIPPEEe! Does anyone know if this can be bought in TV? I know that the Walmarts in Pennsylvania sell the Rotel brand and their own knock-off version.

Shirleevee

[Rokinronda]

Rotel?? :dontknow: what is Rotel??

[Shirleevee]

Ronda,

It is a mix of diced tomatoes and jalapenos........Sailor loves spicey and I can't touch hot peppers so this is great for us.


Shirleevee

[uujudy]

Shirlevee, I see by their website ( http://www.texmex.net/Rotel/main.htm ) that Rotel is now owned by ConAgra, so it should be available just about everywhere? They also have a list of recipes at the website (scroll down). I had no idea! I used Rotel instead of canned tomatoes when I wanted to spice things up a bit, but I had no idea there were real recipes! Recipes! Yay! It says here that they also have an Italian style. I'll have to give that a try -- if I can find it at the grocery store. Maybe the Italian style would work in Tuscan soup?

Shhhh. Off topic: Boomer, how did the soup turn out with the beans?

[Boomer]

Shirlevee, I see by their website ( http://www.texmex.net/Rotel/main.htm ) that Rotel is now owned by ConAgra, so it should be available just about everywhere? They also have a list of recipes at the website (scroll down). I had no idea! I used Rotel instead of canned tomatoes when I wanted to spice things up a bit, but I had no idea there were real recipes! Recipes! Yay! It says here that they also have an Italian style. I'll have to give that a try -- if I can find it at the grocery store. Maybe the Italian style would work in Tuscan soup?

Shhhh. Off topic: Boomer, how did the soup turn out with the beans?


The beans improved the soup. I think it was more from a feel like you are eating something that might stick with you awhile point of view. But I am going to look for these Rotel Italian style. And those really hot ones, too. Mr. Boomer would like those. I have enough of this soup to experiment in batches. (I put in the entire eggplant and extra of the other stuff, too. Chopping can be too much fun.)

Boomer

[Boomer]

Oh, and uuj, not to worry about off topic. My goodness, I am the one who put this soup right in the middle of a thread that is talking about wonderful food with actual flavor. Do you think I need to repeat that warning about not taking this stuff to a pitch-in? I sure don't want to ruin anybody's 4th of July.

And besides, I am the queen of never worrying about off topic.

And that reminds me. Nonie, that Braunschweiger for dog pills tip is pure genius. No dog could resist Braunschweiger.

Off topic? Who cares? We are all just pitching in.

Boomer

[graciegirl]

Oh Boomer. I have been up all night trying to get my curser between the lines and changing the numbers (the last number I tried was 109) and I still can't get the :edit: font thingy to change. I want to shout and whisper too. I am going to bed. :edit: it.

[Boomer]

Oh gg,

Just try to dream in something normal, like 10 pt., maybe 12 if you don't sleep in your reading glasses.

And do not worry. It took me forever to figure that one out. (And have you ever clicked on that little underlined 'more' up there? That's another whole new world.)

OH NO!! This place just needs to send somebody to my house to hit me over the head. I think I just gave you homework, gg.

Boomer the Typing Teacher