Manchego Monday! Our Daily Dinner

Manchego Monday!

chuckieb 9 years ago
Good Morning Everyone! A tad cool and overcast here today. The Weather Network says it's 17C/63F but it doesn't feel that warm! :)
I may have used this thread title before but you know me...CRAFT! I don't know that I've seen Manchego cheese in Ottawa but we eat it a lot here. The English grocery stores have great little prepacked appy's and such and a common one is an assorted of Olives mixed up with Manchego cheese. It's very nice.

Spain's most famous cheese, so named because it originally was made only from the milk of Manchego sheep that grazed the famous plains of La Mancha. It's sometimes called the cheese of Don Quixote because Cervantes mentioned it in his novel, Don Quixote of La Mancha. Manchego, also know as Queso Manchego, is a rich, golden, semihard to hard cheese that has a full, buttery flavor that's still somewhat piquant. The two versions that are most commonly exported are curado, aged between 3 and 4 months, and viejo, aged 9 to 12 months. Another variation, Manchego en aceite ("in oil"), has been ripened for 1 year, during which time it's bathed in olive oil.

Seeing Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice would be very cool Joce. I saw a picture of it with a light covering of snow and it was just gorgeous as well! I'd kill for your Roast Beef dinner last night. I so have to make some Yorkshire pudding soon! :) Yum on your basket of peaches!
LOL @ your trek to the Sporting Goods store Marie and the dead animal heads! Oh goodness! :) They should have 'waiting areas' for the ladies just like they have 'husband benches' at some gift stores and women's shops. I always feel MOST sorry for men who get dragged to the Woman's Lingerie Department. They always look so uncomfortable and out of place. :) That's awesome Rick made home made salsa. I need to do that as well. Am looking forward to getting home and reaping the benefit of my ripening tomatoes.
So glad to hear your eyes are healing up so well and quickly Michelle! Glad your football team won! :) ROFL @ Paleofy! I'd be kind of afraid of a Yorkshire pudding made with coconut milk. I don't know that you'd get the right flavour.
I was surprised when Michelle had never tried Yorkshire Pudding and now you too Karen? You sure got a nice haul at the Church dinner! More Zucchini for you to transform! :)
Tina....hope you're okay? You didn't check in yesterday and that's always worrisome! :)
My cousins showed up just after noon yesterday and I served up a nice little nibblee lunch. Hummus, bread, cheese, crackers, olives, salami, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, etc. Betty is 82? and is going for a hip replacement this fall but she didn't want to pack a wheelchair or scooter and she actually walked over two miles with us yesterday! I was most impressed! We walked from our apartment down to the Magdalene Bridge where there is a Punting company and we hired a Punter to bring us on a little tour along the backs of the Colleges on the River Cam. The guide was very amusing and knew his stuff and all four of us enjoyed it immensely! We then brought them on to the main street in the down town core just to see King's College Chapel as you really shouldn't come to Cambridge without paying it homage. :)
http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/
Had dinner at their Hotel
http://www.hotelfelix.co.uk/
Really nice meal although they were packed and it took forever! We had reservations for 7:30 but I don't think we got seated at our table 'til 9? But....we were busy chatting and getting caught up so no matter. I had the Steak and Chips and Jim had the Lamb. Got home about 11 p.m.
They are heading off today around noon. Once their done their breakfast they'll pop over here for one last visit and a cup of tea.
Wishing everyone as super great Monday! Pic of a punt below so you know what I'm talking about. It's the English version of a Gondola. :)
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Good4U 9 years ago said:

Janet, I didn't realize Betty was the one, coming to visit you! What fun! I know from all the wonderful things you have said about her, in the past. It has been a very special visit for you:) You can buy Manchego cheese at Foodsmith's here. Laura is a big fan of it and after she mentioned it a couple of times, I went on a search for it. Of course now you know, I didn't have to search very far:) Thanks for all the very interesting info on it:) I am glad you went a punting tour. I found it gave Cambridge, an even more olde world perspective, from the walking view. Hotel Felix looks like a classy charming place and the grounds and setting, look absolutely beautiful! Enjoy your cup of tea with your guests this morning, and I hope they have a safe trip back home:)

I don't think I would like YP with coconut flour, Michelle or at least not having them that way for the first time. They would definitely be way off the mark IMHO. How did the Paleo tortillas work out for you last night?

Marie, Oh no! Know you would be very upset, seeing all those stuffed animal heads! When I had my farm, I needed a plumber for something, and their was one in a small town close by. When I was waiting in his office area, I was terribly freaked out! He had a bear head stuffed along with three little bear cubs! I ended out never hiring that fellow, b/c of that dreadful looking thing! It still creeps me out! Why would anyone do such a thing!

Karen, I could probably handle your Springfield Bass Pro shop. It sounds like it caters to everyone. Plus I love DARK CHOCOLATE COVERED ESPRESSO BEANS! I am glad your pasta salad turned out just great:)

TINA??? & SHONA???

My roast beef ended out to be just O.K. b/c it was a little overdone. Oh well, it will be much better tonight with lots of gravy, for hot roast beef sandwiches. The YP was really amazing thought! Dinner and the whole evening was very disruptive and disturbing. First my son called, to tell me Ang got her gift and would call me later. He then informed me a long time family friend Gary, is in the hospital with terminal brain cancer! To top it off, his poor wife Liz, just had both hips done yesterday! We don't even know at the moment , if they both of them are even in the same hospital? Chris was on his way out to their cottage, to check and make sure all the boats were not almost sunk, b/c of all the rain we have been getting. His phone was breaking up as he was going into a dead cell phone area and I haven't heard from him since. He said he would keep me updated on that sad situation. Then my GF's HB called, the one I was going to make all the little BD lunch appy's for this week. God love her, she has had a stroke! It has hit her eyes and she is almost blind, plus it has affected other skills. Her HB will let me know more about how she is doing today, after the specialists give him more results on how she is doing. Phew! Now all I am able to do is wait for more updates from my son and my GF's HB!
We didn't end out having the Fresh Peach Crisp last night. Maybe we will be able to give it a try for dessert tonight? The peaches were so sweet and juicy, I am almost positive it will be great.

Hoping everyone has a good day!

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NPMarie 9 years ago said:

Good morning ladies:)

Janet, I was out of my element so to speak at the sporting goods store..Rick knows when I start sighing and am about ready to throw a hissy fit..it's time to go:-D LOL
What a beautiful pic! Have I mentioned how jealous I am? Hahaha:)

Joce, WHAT? A mama bear and her cubs? Oh my..That is all kinds of wrong. How hard would it be to shoot a mama bear while she's protecting her cubs..what a man. Not. That's what I love about Rick, he likes to shoot wildlife with his camera...ok, I'm done:)
I am so very sorry to hear about your friend's! That is so sad..keep us posted dear...

Guess we'll be having leftover BBQ chicken & potato salad for dinner..I'm taking some to my parents (he BBQ'ed a bunch) ..they are having a plumber (good friend of ours) come out, something with the bathtub..the little handle (I don't know what it's called..Janet? You might know) you use it to drain the tub or to fill the tub..well, it broke..oh gosh, I need another cup of coffee..I'm not making any sense!!!

Tina? Hope your alright...xoxox

Happy Monday to all!

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Good4U 9 years ago said:

Marie, Do you mean the drain control on the bathtub? Is it on the spout? They are very very inexpensive and easy to replace. We had to replace them in both bathrooms when we first moved in. They seem to get calcified eventually jam up over time. Nice of you to bring the extra BBQ chicken and potato salad to your parents. I am sure they will appreciate it:)

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NPMarie 9 years ago said:

Yes! That's it:) I don't know if it's in the spout, I'm thinking isn't...
My Dad used to do all of the household repairs, now he's not able to..so I'm sure the plumber will get them fixed up asap:) I believe it just broke off...
Yes, Mom loves it when she doesn't have to figure out what to have for dinner:)

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notyourmomma 9 years ago said:

Hi. It seems my options these days are take the full dose of medications and spend the day in bed watching the room spin, or try to cut back on the meds and be in so much pain I can't function. Either way, it isn't giving me much function. I'll read the thread when I get back from the neurologist.

Hugs to all. You are my best support and I'm grateful for your friendship.

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MissouriFarmWife 9 years ago said:

This sounds like Harbor Freight - a discount (sort of) tool store in Springfield. We usually go there first. Wayne is in his glory. I sometimes go in and sometimes just wait in the car, since there are no benches for disgruntled wives to sit on while waiting. But it puts him in a good mood so he can't complain about the stores I want to see. If the arthritis is kicking up, or the motrin has NOT kicked in yet, I am content to wait it out. He also likes Bass Pro so that is often stop # 2. Especially during December when they often have the dark chocolate covered espresso beans. Sigh.

Speaking of bears, we have not seen the one that was in the lane. Circumstantial evidence point to blackberries disappearing, and they do love berries. It is probably a black bear, which try to avoid us as much as we try to avoid them.

BBQ chicken and potato salad sound great. I may make the latter for supper tonight along with meatloaf. I even have the ingredients - yippee!

2 loaves of Honey Butter Zucchini Bread (an Allrecipes recipe) are in the oven, destined for the freezer unless I make two more, in which case one is destined for lunch. It called for walnuts, I only had almonds so tossed them in, and coconut. I did not have coconut so it doesn't have any. We are not real coconut fans, so it will not be missed.

I may try freezing zucchini for future use in quick breads. Dehydrating it would be an option if we owned a dehydrator. A redneck option is using the dashboard of your car and screening the open window to keep out flies. Ha ha. I don't think I'm ready for that option. Will look for a dehydrator the next time we are in Springfield.

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

Cousins and I had a lovely visit this morning and they headed off just past noon. Then had a nice online chat with Benjamin and then a short one with Jim's sister as it is her birthday today. She's heading back to Alaska tomorrow.
Hot Beef Sandwiches are THE BEST Joce! Lucky you! But what a deluge of bad news you received over the course of last night! Holy Smokes! Poor Gary and Liz! That's a whole lot on their plates to deal with! If your GF got to the Hospital straight away after having her stroke it's amazing what the Dr.'s these days can do right away to reverse a lot of the damage. I hope you hear back from both parties soon and that it is better news on all fronts.
Your BBQ chicken and potato salad sounded scrumptious Marie and it's nice your parents are going to get to share in the bounty! :) I think that bath tub part is called a "thing-a-ma-bobber". LOLOL. :)
Went exploring more of the neighbourhood this afternoon and walked to that St. Andrew's church I was telling you about last week. I'm guessing it was a wedding that had the Church bells pealing as there were paper rose petals strewn over the walk in front of the Church still. Ages old cemetery there. Unfortunately the Church is only open in the mornings so I couldn't go in but I did have a nice walk around the grounds. Then I came back across the river and saw a sign that said "Leper Chapel" and an arrow. Never having seen or even heard of a Leper Chapel before I decided I should go check it out so continued on for a ways until I came across it. Gorgeous old building. Again closed up so I couldn't peek in.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leper_Chapel,_Cambridge
Grabbed some groceries on the way home and now I'm doing laundry. I'm making a Roast Chicken tonight with mashed potatoes and gravy (bought the gravy pre-made). Cucumber and tomato slices with balsamic vinaigrette on the side.

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mommyluvs2cook 9 years ago said:

Hi all! I have never had Manchego cheese before although I know it's very common. Is it a pungent cheese? Gosh I haven't had a single ounce of cheese in 2 weeks...now I want some lol! Your lunch layout yesterday sounds yummy. Oh wow on Betty's hip and trekking that far....impressive! It's always nice to have a tour guide that knows what he's talking about. All in all, sounds like y'all had a spectacular day :)
Hi Joce! Yea I know the coconut flour and milk would change things quite a bit in that recipe...even the texture. I may wait for one of my cheat days to give them a try. I'm really enjoying eating this way and actually wouldn't mind making it permanent, but I do know there will be days where I will need a bread/pasta/cheese fix :) I read the reviews for the tortillas and they mostly said they turn out more like crepes than tortillas...but people were raving how delicious they were regardless so I used lettuce wraps for my tacos last night but still whipped up a batch of those "tortillas" this morning and omg they are good! I dabbed a little almond butter in the middle of one, topped that with some sliced strawberries and rolled it up and drizzled with some pure maple syrup. They are just like crepes and I was in heaven this morning :) Sorry to hear the beef was dry, but I do think drowning in gravy is the perfect solution. What an emotional evening you had! I'm so sorry to hear about all your friends. So much trama...keep us posted on each one of them :( let us know how the peach crisp turns out.
Hi Marie, lol I know what the handle thingy your talking about is but I don't know the name of it either! Glad you made it through the sports store alive :P
We found a new park close by called Carbide Park. It's very nice out here and they have an awesome play ground. It's super hot though! Tonight will be http://fitpaleomom.com/paleo-chicken-and-sausage-gumbo/ served over cauliflower "rice". Wishing everyone a great day!

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MissouriFarmWife 9 years ago said:

The link for the zucchini bread recipe is : http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Honey-Butter-Zucchini-Bread/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=honey%20butter%20zucchini&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe%20Hub&soid=sr_results_p1i1.

That looks a bit long but it is what came up on the URL.

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

I knew I'd have some SP's! :)
Oh Tina! I honestly have my fingers and toes crossed that the Neurologist can get you some relief. Between those two options I think I'd be going with the spinning room over the pain. But neither sound nice at all. Do let us know how it goes.
I've been toying with the idea of getting a dehydrator as well Karen. I've never heard of dried Zucchini before though. Then do you just add water to poof it back up? :)

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

The manchego cheese I had Michelle was quite mild but had flecks of hot chili flakes in it. NOM. :) Those 'tortillas' sure sound good. But cauliflower rice? Ai yi yi. I'm thinking ixnay on the Paleo for Janet. :) LOL!

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NPMarie 9 years ago said:

Tina, please keep us posted! I am so sorry you're having to go thru this:( <hug>

Janet, ROTFL! That's what I wanted to call it but was afraid you'd give me a bad time for being a lame-o! Ha!

Awww Michelle, nothing like a beautiful park! I have fond memories of visiting Bidwell Park when I lived in Chico...Mom & Dad used to take us to Sycamore Pool, which is part of the creek.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidwell_Park..the park is huge, so many things to do!

Karen, yes, nothing like BBQ chicken & potato salad! We have a Harbour Freight in Chico, which Rick loves! That's my 2nd least fav thing to do, go to a tool store:) LOL I sound like such a no fun fuddy duddy..I'm NOT! Really!

Need to mail some bills, go to the accountant & bank..then Chico later..it's been kindof slow the past week, let's hope things pick up..he has some doors to install, but it's new construction and their not ready for doors yet..a few service calls would be nice!

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MissouriFarmWife 9 years ago said:

I have NEVER tried drying zucchini. This will be a first. I know I can freeze it but have not tried that yet, either. The two or three giant zucchinis left do need something to keep them, so it will be one or the other or maybe both!

Manchego cheese is a new one for me. Is it sharp? Mild? Creamy? I doubt if I could find it in this part of MO, though.

A loaf of zucchini bread is in the oven now.. I copied it from somewhere on the internet under "Moist zucchini bread." It is destined for the freezer, also, and the loaf that crumbled a bit is headed for lunch.

I could never do big game hunting even if I wanted to. They need to be left alone to live in peace. I'm curious about the plumber's office bears, though. Why just the head? Ick.

Mama bears defending cubs are lethal. The general advice around here is DO NOT get in between mama and cubs. The 1,000 pound plus creature, even the calmer black bear, will kill you in a heartbeat. We try to avoid wherever they are.

Update: the bread overflowed the pan and is all over the oven and is not done at all - so I had to reset the timer for 30 minutes and when it is done, will have to cool the oven, scrape out the mess, and CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. Then maybe run the self cleaner part. Ugh! Yukky! Grrr! I should have followed my instincts and put some of the batter in another pan, in spite of the directions. What a mess.

We may not be having meatloaf tonight unless I get moving! See you later.

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mommyluvs2cook 9 years ago said:

Wow a lot of SP going on earlier!! Marie you must be talking about the little round silver thing below the spout with the tiny little handle sticking out that you flip up and down to drain the water? Our bathtubs aren't like that but they are at my dad's house. Holy cow the park we went to is nothing as beautiful as Bidwell Park lol! Looks awesome though!
Aww. Tina, sounds like no matter what you do, you can't get to feeling right :( I'm so hoping you can get this all figured out, good luck at your appt. today :)
I know what you mean Karen, yesterday we actually went school clothes shopping at the mall and I let Michael stop at Sears to look at some tools, so everybody was happy lol! Freezing the zucchini is the perfect idea, especially if you are going to use it in bread. It tends to get wet and soggy when unfrozen for just sauteing in the pan. You can also grate the zucchini before freezing to make your job easier later :) Yikes, sorry about your oven disaster :(
What a neat looking little chapel you found Janet! Interesting history too. Yum Yum on your roasted chicken tonight, wish I could have some of you mashed potatoes! Manchego sounds delicious then, love that it is mild :P Lol, yes Paleo isn't for everyone, but hey, you can eat as much meat as you'd like!!

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MissouriFarmWife 9 years ago said:

I have figured out most of the abbreviations except one eludes me
SP = stupid post? sliced pastrami (not really) ? / such pests? - I gave up. Please enlighten - my feeble brain can't figure it out.

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mommyluvs2cook 9 years ago said:

Simultaneous Posting, LOL @ Stupid posting!!!

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notyourmomma 9 years ago said:

Michelle beat me to the explanation. LOL @ Stupid posting. Simultaneous posts happen a lot in ODD.

Karen, what a disaster on the zucchini bread.....Sorry dear. Glad you pasta salad went over well.
Marie, I would be totally freaked out about the heads of the animals. So sad. What a crazy night Rick had.
Joce, that is horrible news about your friends. I'm so sorry. I do hope that the doctors can work it out for them.
Michelle, I really have to check out the paleo subs. I would love your breakfast. I have coconut oil, need to look for the flour. I'm glad it is a good diet for you.

I haven't looked at the park links or chapel links. My vision is extremely blurry at this time and I'm exceptionally queasy. The headache begins.

I love Dr. Bell. He has the best bedside manner of any doctor I have. So reassuring, completely comfortable in explaining the reason of his tests, a sense of humor and so kind. Number one concern, the benign lesion in the left frontal lobe, second is the frequent headaches, the borderline glaucoma, the freckle on my retina, lack of sleep is part of the culprit as far as he is concerned as well. So he has ordered an open MRI to check on the brain and rule out stroke issues. Second is a sleep study. Once that is done, we will plot a plan of action.

I'm going to go lie down. Frozen lime bars are my new friend. Makes the medication cotton mouth go away in a heartbeat.

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notyourmomma 9 years ago said:

Janet, your adventures in Cambridge are totally awesome. So happy you had a family visit. Thank you for explaining a punt tour. I was clueless.

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

Marie, Bidwell Park is gorgeous! I checked out the link. My kind of place! LOL @ a tool store being your second least favourite thing to do. :) Sending the "Service Call Fairy" your way. :)
I copied and pasted the description of Manchego cheese in the first post today Karen and that pretty much sums it up. I find it quite mild. Oh no on the overflowing Zucchini bread. My second least favourite job in the world is cleaning the oven. :)
I used to dread school clothes shopping Michelle. Benjamin was not the best shopper especially for clothes and it'd be just painful. If I managed to get out of the store without blowing my top I'd consider it a major success.....clothes in tow or not. :) I would like the meat aspect of Paleo. :)
Our chicken dinner was yummy. Good comfort food. didn't care for the Balsamic Vinaigrette. It was sweeter than we're used to.
Hurray for Dr. Bell Tina. I think bedside manner is almost a priceless commodity. Did you not already go through a sleep study not that long ago? I'm sure you did. Yum on frozen lime bars. Go rest. don't hurt. Gentle hugs.

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MissouriFarmWife 9 years ago said:

Hurray for frozen lime bars, Tina. Sounds like you have a good Dr.! Try to get some rest.
We didn't have meat loaf. Leftover / sandwich night.
Soon soon soon! I WILL make it.
SP - never thought of simultaneous posting. LOL.

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MissouriFarmWife 9 years ago said:

Just back from a meeting - our neighbor stopped in to see the sun room and kitchen afterward. It is after 9:30 and we are both beginning to wind down. We may go shopping in Springfield tomorrow after Wayne's Dr. appt. Or maybe not. It is so HOT that we could chicken out. All is subject to change.

We want to locate some seating for the sun room. A padded, rustic bench or matching swivel chairs are the main choices. I still have some store credit at Bed, Bath & Beyond, and they usually have accessories. Will have to go by Bass Pro, of course. And The Rusty Moose, a small, rustic store. By that time, I am sure I will be ready to come home.

My arthritis-hip-weather predictor (LOL) claims rain is coming in a day or so. It is usually pretty reliable. Tomorrow should be a MOTRIN day, for sure.

See you later.

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