What's For Dinner Tonight: Episode 2021 – A New Hope

I made fried catfish filets, sliced tomatoes, frozen Arby’s curly fries, and corn dodgers. Does anybody know what corn dodgers are? My dad used to make them, and I have modified his recipe a bit.

2/3 cup cornmeal
1/3 part flour
1 tsp baking powder
dash of salt
dash of sugar
1/4 cup sliced green onions
up to 1 cup boiling water

Whisk dry ingredients together. Add green onions and stir. Whisk in boiling water a little at a time to form a thick paste. Fry by spoonfuls at the same time as your fish for a few minutes per side until golden brown.

I’m making “Salisbury Steak”, but I’m not sure if it’s the right name.

Basically, oval patties of what is pretty much meatloaf mixture, sauteed with sliced mushrooms, and then simmered in brown gravy (Knorr’s brand), until they’re done. They’ll be served with real mashed potatoes and a green salad.

As long as there is mustard in there somewhere, it’s Salisbury steak. I put a bit of ground mustard in mine. YMMV!

Three all-beef sliders with cheese, pickles and ketchup, and some tots with ketchup, with a no-name IPA and a glass of ice water.

We call those hushpuppies down here.

Parmesan garlic chicken wings, celery, water…dessert-pineapple smoothie.

Had to think of wh at to do with the last 3 chicken quarters. Thought of chicken and rice soup but we just had chicken and dumplings. Waitaminute-- Chicken and rice? Arroz con Pollo!

I am a disgrace to my Puerto Rican heritage as I cannot make rice, so fingers crossed! It sure smells good.

Tuna croquettes, spinach souffle, naan and grapes.

Singapore noodles, pork Lo Mein, Chinese-style chicken wings.

Curry chicken salad.

Homemade gnocchi with a simple tomato sauce (olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt.) It’s been many many moons since I made gnocchi, but tonight the stars aligned and they came out pillowy soft, perfectly paired with that simple sauce and some freshly grated parmigiano. The younger daughter rated the plain gnocchi 9.5/10, and with sauce, 12/10, so that made my night. It’s difficult to please their particular palates.

Did she say why she marked down the gnocchi on its own by .5? Tough crowd, indeed!

I didn’t ask. I’ll take a 9.5 any day! The other one was only giving me a 6-7. She said it was too potatoey! I’ll have to make the potato-less version for her one day and see what happens. This one is 2 lb potato to about a cup of flour and then some bench flour, but also 1/4 cup ricotta which helps make it extra pillowy. For me, they were on the money for my tastes. Last time I tried, they were just short of a disaster. Wayyyy too dense and floury. That effort was like a 2/10.

Lol! I can just picture them holding up score cards.

Grilled salmon served with riced cauliflower seasoned with cilantro and lime. Iced Grey Goose to drink.

Leftover mac and cheese with Bacon Salt, a tossed salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing, and garlic toast, with a glass of ice water. Later, some raisins.

Dinner tonight is Taco King. Taco King is what Taco Bell would be if Taco Bell made food that was really good. It is a local chain owned and run by Asians. Asians make the best Tex-Mex.

ETA: This is a Long Island restaurant. I know there is a different one in LA.

Turkey club sandwich, Santa Fe chicken soup, cucumber salad and red grapes.

Chili with cheese, sour cream, fresh sliced jalapeños, and mini cornbread loaves.

Genesee Cream Ale to drink.

Leftover lasagna, tossed salad with blue cheese dressing, ice water. Later, a chocolate bonbon and a little milk.