Ghost Town

Wednesday, January 28, 2008 we watched Ghost Town (2008) starring Ricky Gervais and we made "White as a Ghost Mac and Cheese"

Dr. Bertram Pincus (Gervais) doesn't like people very much. In fact, the antisocial dentist does everything he can to avoid interaction with other human beings. Unfortunately, he gets more than he bargained for when he is released from the hospital after undergoing a standard procedure: he can see dead people, and they can see him. Suddenly, every ghost in New York City wants Pincus to help clean up their unfinished business. Dapper Frank (Kinnear) is the most persistent ghost, badgering Pincus to help keep his widow, Gwen (Leoni), from making a big mistake.

While the movie was not so good, the dinner was really yummy. Who knew a "healthy" version of Mac and Cheese could taste good? In short, make the dinner, don't bother with the movie.

In attendance: Barb and Lindsey

Ratings: Movie = 2.375, Dinner = 3.75

Coal Miner's Daughter

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 we watched Coal Miner's Daughter (1980) and ate Appalachian Deer Burgers with Creamy Curry Slaw

Sissy Spacek shines in her Oscar-winning role as country singer Loretta Lynn. The movie charts the rise of the queen of country music, from her hardscrabble upbringing in Appalachia to stardom at the Grand Ole Opry. Married at the age of 13, Loretta was pushed into a music career by her husband, Dolittle (a wonderful Tommy Lee Jones). Beverly D'Angelo appears as Patsy Cline, and that's Spacek's singing voice you hear as Lynn.

The venison burgers were made possible by my dad, who gave us the meat.
Our improvised recipe was:
1 1/2 lb. venison
1 egg
1/2 cup panko
3 thinly sliced scallions
1 TB Worcestershire sauce
coarse salt
ground pepper

Combine all ingredients together just until mixed. Add more panko if mixture seems too wet. Form into 6 patties, sprinkle formed patties with Montreal Steak seasoning. Heat skillet over medium high and when hot, add patties. Cook 5-6 mins each side until well done but still moist. Serve on toasted buns with mayo, ketchup, mustard, lettuce and tomato. We found delicious yellow tomatoes at the market that added a nice twist to our burgers.

Creamy Curry Slaw, serves 8+
Dressing:
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup plain yogurt
2 TB sugar
2 TB cider vinegar
1 TB fresh lime juice
1 tsp curry powder

1 large cabbage, cored and shredded
4 carrots, peeled and grated
2 cups golden raisins
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, raisins, scallions, half of cilantro, and half of parsley. Toss with dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and parsley. Enjoy!

In attendance: Lindsey and Barb
Ratings: Movie = 3.625, Dinner = 4.75

Man on Wire

Thursday, January 15, 2009 we watched Man on Wire and Man, was it amazing! For dinner, we made: "A Tight Rope Act:" Chicken roll-ups with herb cheese and spinach with a side of lemon, pistachio pasta.

James Marsh's dazzling, invigorating documentary Man on Wire tells the story of a truly inspiring figure. In the early 1970s, a fiery young Frenchman named Philippe Petit wanted to shake up the world. When he saw the World Trade Center being built in New York City, he found his mission. Petit was a trained high wire walker, and his goal was to set up a wire between the two towers and give the world a show it could never have expected.

The chicken roll-ups were delicious! So easy to make with chicken cutlets, Alouette spreadable herb cheese, and some blanched spinach . We rolled up the cutlets, tied them with our "tight rope" of butcher's twine, then pan-seared them-yum! The pasta was even more delicious with a wonderfully nutty texture. I think we would all highly recommend both.

In attendance: Janette, Stacey, Barb and Lindsey (Eric you missed a good one!)
Ratings: Movie = 4.875, Dinner = 5

Witness

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 we watched Witness (1985) and had a traditional PA Dutch New Years Dinner of pork and sauerkraut to kick off '09.

Witness, director Peter Weir's tense thriller, features cop John Book (Harrison Ford) undercover in an Amish community to protect a boy who witnessed a murder. Once inside, the faux-Amish Book must adjust to major culture shock while cautiously romancing the child's mother (Kelly McGillis). Suspense and romance intermingle memorably in William Kelly's airtight script, a frequent model for budding screenwriters.

For dinner, the Crock Pot did the cooking: one pork shoulder roast and two bags of sauerkraut plus some fresh ground pepper on low for 10 hours. We concocted some smashed potatoes and served with applesauce to round out the meal. YUM!

In attendance: Katie, Lindsey, Eric, Barb

Ratings: Movie = 2.5, Dinner = 4.25

Uncle Buck

December 30, 2008 (my 28th birthday) we watched Uncle Buck (1989), which happens to be my favorite movie of all time, and we made giant pancake-cakes! "You should see the toast. I couldn't even get it through the door."

When Bob and Cindy Russell (with that hair!!) have to leave town for a family emergency, they are left with no alternative but to call in Bob's brother, Buck (John Candy), to baby-sit. A jobless, lifelong bachelor with a heart of gold, Buck hardly seems the ideal baby-sitter. Charged with caring for his smart-mouthed teenage niece, Tia, and her two outspoken younger siblings, Maisy and Miles (or is it Larry and Jennifer?), Buck finds himself learning how to survive in suburbia and parent at the same time. At first Buck doesn't even know how many times a day to feed the dog, much less the kids. He battles the washing machine and sends Miles to school with an utterly inedible bag lunch. But little by little Buck begins to take his responsibility seriously, putting the needs of his nieces and nephew before his own, earning their love and respect. With any luck, his newfound familial instincts will help him win back his estranged girlfriend, Chanice (Amy Madigan), who is tired of his refusal to commit to marriage.

We used pancake mix from Whole Foods (365 brand) which my mom swears is the best. However, one must remember ALL of the ingredients! So, after Corinne took over the batter production the pancakes were amazing! We made them as large as the largest pans we had. Of course, we had to have some bacon and to healthify-fruit salad. To end it all: yogurt parfaits!

In attendance: Lindsey, Barb, Eric, Corinne, Laurie, Stacy, Evert, Dan, and Janette

Ratings: Movie = 4.625 stars, Dinner = 4 stars
Success!!