Something Delicious

[SomethingBeautiful]

Ok confession, I asked a friend last night if she was dieting and as soon as I hit "send" I felt like a total idiot because I do not like that word and try not to use it. wth? A post inspired the question and I need to remind myself that the word "diet" has negative connotations for so many of us. Myself included in that.

Because I love to eat I have always had to be aware that I can pack on some extra lbs so I have had a yo-yo relationship with 20-30 lbs over the years. Not healthy. However, I love food and eat what I want, when I want, work hard, burn off lots of calories and then eat some more. *smirk*

So there you go.

Most of what I eat is very healthy but now and again I indulge in something that is sinfully loaded with enough bad cholesterol and sodium to kill me and I love every minute of it.


I haz the opposite problem with weight. I eat and eat but my metabolism is like its own super hero. I thought my anxiety was my super power, guess nots! I try to keep weight on but it doesn't work. *Gives my pants an evil glare and attaches belt* I lovez food - the foods I love. The ones I dont, not so much. My friends have been trying to change that. Only one has succeeded.

[SomethingBeautiful]

Hola from sunny Scottsdale, AZ where it once again looks and feels like Arizona. Good Goddess that cold front was frustrating.

So this past weekend when the site was down, I had the good fortune to go to a "Food Truck Festival" in Phoenix. It was awesome. This is an event hat I consistently have missed in other places like CA where I am usually working when others are dining out.

Food Trucks as you may have noticed have not just made a comeback but many have taken cuisine out of the restaurant and on to the road, which is what I love about them. Many keep the prices low making the food accessible to a wide audience.

Many trucks featured up to 5 items, some featured one or two and a handful had a huge menu.

Some of the highlights of the Phoenix event were:

~ BBQ trucks specializing in: KC, Memphis, NC, TX styles as well as local award winners in ribs and pulled pork.

~ A Noodle truck with fusion noodle dishes. Fresh noodles.

~ Tandoori Truck - Fascinating

~ Jambalaya Truck with Andouille Sausage as a feature

~ Roasted Corn in the husk truck. Always a hit with me in the south.

~ San Francisco Crab Roll - Deep fried and covered in a sweet chili sauce

~ Kettle Corn Truck with cooking demo on the ground.

~ My favorite - a local Dairy had an ice cream truck and served organic, fresh ice cream, warm bread pudding, and apple pie. 3 of us got 3 desserts and shared them. The Salted Caramel Ice Cream was my favorite.

The there was a wine tasting event. This is where I went off course. I really am not a drinker so I forget that when I drink anything it catches up with me fast. They had CA wines and Domain Chandon Champagne which was awesome. The rose' was especially good. Then there was a chocolate port that was insane. I cant recall the name of that one but will find it.

After the feasting and drinking we all needed coffee and not one truck had coffee. Seriously...we were shocked. Starbucks was too far to walk to so we hung around until one of us was qualified to drive and then pounced on the nearest Starbucks. All in all a fun day.

More food stories to come..it was a foodie weekend for sure.



Okies sooo while my plans are very early on and the monies thing is still an issue, I have a goal to have my own food truck! <3 *squees at many food trucks*

[SomethingBeautiful]

I can haz? That is all. *Tries not to lick screen*

http://s3-media2.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/PGa4C4VvMzF32yWa7O_Qrw/l.jpg

:| :| :|

[TheMerryFairy]

Hmmm! How to describe Irn Bru to the un-initiated? Lurid orangey coloured, sugary, fizzy pop. I have no idea how to convey the flavour. There is no comparison. :| It's not to my taste, although I have been known to throw a glass or two down when in Scotty Land and there's nothing else acceptable available. When in Roma an' all that. :cheesy:


:cheesy: Wuss! It's delish. In fact I've just eaten half a haggis all to myself. Yum! :eating:



Aye, Irn Bru (Made in Scortl'nd frrum gerrrdurs!) is what you lot call soda. You thought it was delicious? Have you booked you tastebuds in for an overhaul recently? :raspberry:

It probaby isn't even similar in taste. This tasted like pepsi & dr. pepper.

[Daktari]

It probaby isn't even similar in taste. This tasted like pepsi & dr. pepper.

As I said, Irn Bru is almost unclassifiable. If I said like old school Tizer that wouldn't help matters would it? I don't think it helps that I can't describe the smell for you. Smells seem to convey much to other folks. Sadly they're lost on me because I was born anosmic.

I'm not a lover of (soda) pop anymore; my dentist almost insisted I give up coke and pepsi type drinks 20 years ago.

When I was kid we loved Dandelion and Burdock fizzy pop. Do/Did you lot have anything like that?

[TheMerryFairy]

As I said, Irn Bru is almost unclassifiable. If I said like old school Tizer that wouldn't help matters would it? I don't think it helps that I can't describe the smell for you. Smells seem to convey much to other folks. Sadly they're lost on me because I was born anosmic.

I'm not a lover of (soda) pop anymore; my dentist almost insisted I give up coke and pepsi type drinks 20 years ago.

When I was kid we loved Dandelion and Burdock fizzy pop. Do/Did you lot have anything like that?

I have had Irn Bru, Tizer and Danelion & burdock in Canada! Haha. The D&B I've had it while eating English style Fish and chips. It has a very unique taste, I can say this much. Licorice and a little hint of ginger maybe? - not sure about what you have had?

Canada and the UK tend to share products. Thank you for your post!
I rely a lot on my senses, it seems to be how I process things. At least that's what I've been told ;)

[Greyson]

I'm not eating haggis, yes I know what it is, no no no no no. LOL

I thought I could eat it until I got to the phrase "enlosed in the stomach lining."

In a typical recipe, the haggis ingredients, including the organ meats, are cooked and then chopped, seasoned and enclosed in the stomach lining, which is then tied with cooking twine. The trussed haggis is then simmered for several hours.

[TheMerryFairy]

I thought I could eat it until I got to the phrase "enlosed in the stomach lining."

In a typical recipe, the haggis ingredients, including the organ meats, are cooked and then chopped, seasoned and enclosed in the stomach lining, which is then tied with cooking twine. The trussed haggis is then simmered for several hours.

I can't do it. Give me a kilt and I'll wear it. Eating haggis is probably one of the only parts of my Scottish heritage I will have trouble connecting with. I can understand why some people enjoy it. It apparently tastes like a spicy sausage but, personally I don't intend to find out. Sorry Guy Fiere!

[Corkey]

I thought I could eat it until I got to the phrase "enlosed in the stomach lining."

In a typical recipe, the haggis ingredients, including the organ meats, are cooked and then chopped, seasoned and enclosed in the stomach lining, which is then tied with cooking twine. The trussed haggis is then simmered for several hours.

Yea I don't do offal either LOL.

[Greyson]

Yea I don't do offal either LOL.

Now I have got to Google "offal." :glasses:



Offal is a collective term for the waste materials which remain after the carcass of an animal has been butchered and dressed. The term “waste materials” is actually a bit misleading, as many cultures have a variety of uses for offal, and in some regions certain parts of offal are treated as a delicacy. You may also hear offal called “organ meat” or “mixed organ meat.” With a growing interest in traditional butchery in the early 21st century, offal became much more readily available at restaurants and butcher shops, much to the delight of adventurous eaters.

The origins of this word are a bit unclear. Folk etymologists have suggested that it is a corruption of “off fall,” referring to the fact that as a carcass is butchered and dressed, the offal falls away, onto the floor of the butcherhouse. In modern times, of course, offal is collected in clean buckets and other containers, rather than being plucked up off the floor. This quaint explanation may or may not be correct; in any case, the word began to appear in English around the Middle Ages.

[JustLovelyJenn]

GASP!!! did you really use that four letter word in here where us gourmets come to escape and share decadence? Shame on you! lol

Fuck diets. I say be healthy.

In my attempt to do this I have majorly increased my vegetable consumption. Speaking of salads I can make a salad from anything. I've been eating a lot of onions and mushrooms which are great for you and help with weight loss. I don't feel bad about eating olive oil. butter and ghee and use it a lot when cooking my veggies. So I might have a huge plate of roasted, stirfry, grilled veggies and a little small portion of meat.

In all fairness, my diet is not very diet-like. I am simply retraining my body to return to a healthier way of eating. I have reduced my portion sizes and limited when I am willing to eat heavy carb meals. No carbs after 3 pm. I still eat everything I love I just choose to eat it at certain times of the day. My mother had a doctors appointment this week and her doctor is concerned about her blood sugar levels. When mom mentioned this new diet, the doctor jumped right on it... Now mom and I are meal buddies!! So far, its really working too!! I had to wear a belt with my jeans this week.

[TheMerryFairy]

In all fairness, my diet is not very diet-like. I am simply retraining my body to return to a healthier way of eating. I have reduced my portion sizes and limited when I am willing to eat heavy carb meals. No carbs after 3 pm. I still eat everything I love I just choose to eat it at certain times of the day. My mother had a doctors appointment this week and her doctor is concerned about her blood sugar levels. When mom mentioned this new diet, the doctor jumped right on it... Now mom and I are meal buddies!! So far, its really working too!! I had to wear a belt with my jeans this week.


That's wonderful! Besides blets are great accessories *laughs*. A meal buddy is always great. I could use a little extra motivation myself.

[Sun]

Sorry to rain on the party folks but if you have ever had sausage, a hot dog, pate', or the like, you have had some "offal" aka organ meat. Some Chefs make a specialty of it. Some restaurants cater to the Offal lovers. There is a place in NYC's Greenwich Village called Takashi (http://www.yelp.com/biz/takashi-new-york) that is a little Japanese Offal place, it looked like a sushi bar to me so I wound up in there one night before clubbing thinking that I was going to get some sushi.

What surprise that was.

[Corkey]

Sorry to rain on the party folks but if you have ever had sausage, a hot dog, pate', or the like, you have had some "offal" aka organ meat. Some Chefs make a specialty of it. Some restaurants cater to the Offal lovers. There is a place in NYC's Greenwich Village called Takashi (http://www.yelp.com/biz/takashi-new-york) that is a little Japanese Offal place, it looked like a sushi bar to me so I wound up in there one night before clubbing thinking that I was going to get some sushi.

What surprise that was.


I just say No.... LOL

[TheMerryFairy]

Sorry to rain on the party folks but if you have ever had sausage, a hot dog, pate', or the like, you have had some "offal" aka organ meat. Some Chefs make a specialty of it. Some restaurants cater to the Offal lovers. There is a place in NYC's Greenwich Village called Takashi (http://www.yelp.com/biz/takashi-new-york) that is a little Japanese Offal place, it looked like a sushi bar to me so I wound up in there one night before clubbing thinking that I was going to get some sushi.

What surprise that was.


I don't quite mind organ meat if it's done right. It's more the having it cooked in the sheeps stomach that gets me. I don't know why.

I have switched to veggie dogs. Although I do love me a good size sausage now and then.

[Sun]

I just say No.... LOL


One of our beloved San Francisco Chefs Chris Cosentino of Incanto is the Offal King. His website Offal Good (http://www.offalgood.com/)is not for the faint of heart.

As we say in San Francisco..whatever you are into..you will find here. Whatever food, kink, freak...seriously bacon espresso..the city is a mind fuck in so many ways lol

[Nadeest]

I am with you! On that note, we should make our own hard cider because so many have the evil "SULFITES" that I can not seem to get away from so I cant enjoy most of what is on the market.


I have made hard cider, a time or two, but probably not in the proper way. I simply hid the gallon of cider in my closet, until it turned hard, and then enjoyed it! :P

I just started drinking commercial hard cider recently, when I stopped in at a local restaurant/bar, and they had some there. I tried it (Strongbow) and was hooked. I think that I'd drather have that then most beers, to be honest.

[Daktari]

I thought I could eat it until I got to the phrase "enlosed in the stomach lining."

In a typical recipe, the haggis ingredients, including the organ meats, are cooked and then chopped, seasoned and enclosed in the stomach lining, which is then tied with cooking twine. The trussed haggis is then simmered for several hours.

In the modern era a sheep's stomach casing is only used by the 'elite' haggis maker. Most casings are synthetic nowadays now the ones your pigs arses and nose hotdogs have.

The tasty, peppery haggis I had last night was in a synthetic casing. :cheesy:




Can I ask what makes a cider 'hard'. Nad, you mention Strongbow, is that really 'hard' cider. It's a brand that's been made here since 1962 (I thought it was much older) here. Having just googled Bulmer (the maker of Strongbow) I find that what you lot might consider 'hard' is actually just 'dry'. Is that so?

[Nadeest]

"Can I ask what makes a cider 'hard'. Nad, you mention Strongbow, is that really 'hard' cider. It's a brand that's been made here since 1962 (I thought it was much older) here. Having just googled Bulmer (the maker of Strongbow) I find that what you lot might consider 'hard' is actually just 'dry'. Is that so?"

Um, to my mind, a 'hard cider' contains alcohol. That is basically what it means, here in the States, at least to my knowledge.

[TheMerryFairy]

"Can I ask what makes a cider 'hard'. Nad, you mention Strongbow, is that really 'hard' cider. It's a brand that's been made here since 1962 (I thought it was much older) here. Having just googled Bulmer (the maker of Strongbow) I find that what you lot might consider 'hard' is actually just 'dry'. Is that so?"

Um, to my mind, a 'hard cider' contains alcohol. That is basically what it means, here in the States, at least to my knowledge.

I would love to make my own! Has anyone ever succeeded?

[TheMerryFairy]

Tonight I am going to try a spicy thai chicken and veggie stirfry! I can't decide if I want it over rice or rice noodles.

[Corkey]

Tomorrow, or later tonight we'll be making General Tso chicken from scratch, with Jasmine rise.
Off to the store!

[TheMerryFairy]

Tomorrow, or later tonight we'll be making General Tso chicken from scratch, with Jasmine rise.
Off to the store!

That is one of my favorite dishes. Have fun in the kitchen :)

[Sun]

Hola Delicious people,

I need to STOP working.

So here I am.

Did anyone know that January 20th is National Cheese Lovers Day?

I had no idea.

How in the world shall we celebrate this?

[Sun]

Make Your Own Hard Cider (http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-10-01/How-to-Make-Hard-Cider.aspx)

http://www.leeners.com/_img/prod/516x344/hardciderjug.jpg

[Sun]

Question: does anyone use Red Panax Ginseng root for a health tonic?

[TheMerryFairy]

Hola Delicious people,

I need to STOP working.

So here I am.

Did anyone know that January 20th is National Cheese Lovers Day?

I had no idea.

How in the world shall we celebrate this?


Cheese inspired recipes?

[Sun]

Cheese inspired recipes?

Ok we all have 2 days to figure out this big National event! Ok now we are going to make it International and Trans Continental. Ha. Love the word play. Truly.

I may have to knock out my Creamy Polenta with Grilled Shitake Mushrooms and Blue Cheese. It is such a great opportunity to shop for cheese and crack open a really amazing Cabernet.

Or maybe Cappellini with sun dried tomatoes, baby artichoke and Feta.

Or...Mushroom Risotto....with really good shaved Locatelli Romano...

Then again I can make some fresh Mozzerella...

Absolutely no idea what I am going to do.

None.

[TheMerryFairy]

Ok we all have 2 days to figure out this big National event! Ok now we are going to make it International and Trans Continental. Ha. Love the word play. Truly.

I may have to knock out my Creamy Polenta with Grilled Shitake Mushrooms and Blue Cheese. It is such a great opportunity to shop for cheese and crack open a really amazing Cabernet.

Or maybe Cappellini with sun dried tomatoes, baby artichoke and Feta.

Or...Mushroom Risotto....with really good shaved Locatelli Romano...

Then again I can make some fresh Mozzerella...

Absolutely no idea what I am going to do.

None.




I don't have any ideas either BUT two days is a fair bit of time to get the ball rolling. At least I can pretend it is? Do you provide samples for all of these dishes? LOL!

I am thinking I would like to use some queso fresco or smoked gouda. Fresh mozzarella would be perfect for a thin crust mushroom pizza I have been dying to make!

[Corkey]

If you make a 4 cheese mac n cheese you can use cheeses from 4 continents, add some slow smoke ribs n slaw, and beer battered onion rings n you have a party. Better yet use a local IPA with the batter and serve another local IPA with the dinner.

[TheMerryFairy]

If you make a 4 cheese mac n cheese you can use cheeses from 4 continents, add some slow smoke ribs n slaw, and beer battered onion rings n you have a party. Better yet use a local IPA with the batter and serve another local IPA with the dinner.


Invite or not I'll show up to that one!

[Sun]

Thats what I am talking about, get the creative energy flowing.

Corkey go with the local IPA's! Yay, lets brew some.

I just tried a Sam Adams IPA last week and it is called "White Water". Wow really good.

Ok now I am hungry.

This thread will do it.

[TheMerryFairy]

Thats what I am talking about, get the creative energy flowing.

Corkey go with the local IPA's! Yay, lets brew some.

I just tried a Sam Adams IPA last week and it is called "White Water". Wow really good.

Ok now I am hungry.

This thread will do it.




Mozzarella sticks! Nothing like deep fried cheese logs :p They go well with a nice glass of Rickards!

I think I might have a glass and make some wings tonight. This thread never fails to make me hungry, even if I just ate a couple of hours ago.

[Corkey]

Thats what I am talking about, get the creative energy flowing.

Corkey go with the local IPA's! Yay, lets brew some.

I just tried a Sam Adams IPA last week and it is called "White Water". Wow really good.

Ok now I am hungry.

This thread will do it.

LOL suckin' on a Winter Lager at present. My muse is never far away LOL

[Sun]

LOL suckin' on a Winter Lager at present. My muse is never far away LOL

Ok you inspired me to crack one open too.

Cheers.

You know I rarely drink but I have had more to drink in the last 2 weeks than in the last few months. My friends are thrilled to have me back in town after being in hell for the holidays ;) just kidding...sort of..so they all want to celebrate lately.

I am going to need to hit the treadmill tomorrow to work off these extra calories. Beer is like drinking liquid bread.

Oh yeah..I am snacking on a whole wheat pretzel and roasted seaweed. Just sounds wrong. LOL

[Sun]

Mozzarella sticks! Nothing like deep fried cheese logs :p They go well with a nice glass of Rickards!

I think I might have a glass and make some wings tonight. This thread never fails to make me hungry, even if I just ate a couple of hours ago.

The wings I would love. So many people love friend cheese but I never developed an appreciation for it.

Fried Artichokes yes.

Hey I saw fried Twinkies on a menu. Seriously. Meant to ask where they got them from.

[TheMerryFairy]

The wings I would love. So many people love friend cheese but I never developed an appreciation for it.

Fried Artichokes yes.

Hey I saw fried Twinkies on a menu. Seriously. Meant to ask where they got them from.

I wish I could share some of them here. I made way too many for myself and I know what will happen. I'll end up eating them all anyway.

I love fried artichoke, zucchini and mushrooms. The cheese wouldn't be my top choice BUT it's good bar food along with deep fried pepperoni. It's a local treat when I'm out playing pool and having a drink.

I too have seen deep tried twinkies, oreos, mars bars and even cadbury cream eggs. I'm too scared to try it. If I get addicted to those my whole closet will need to be replaced or altered *laughs*

I will admit one of my favorite 'fried' items is a baileys ice cream coated in corn flakes, fried and then drizzled with chocolate sauce.

[starryeyes]

My Grandmas homemade almond roca she gave me tonight! Yum! Thanks grammie!!

[JustLovelyJenn]

All this talk of cheese... oh my... what to do...

for me it will be goats cheese and sheeps cheese in something...

perhaps a pizza... nothing more cheesy then pizza... mmmm. that sounds really good. now i want home made pizza...

[TheMerryFairy]

All this talk of cheese... oh my... what to do...

for me it will be goats cheese and sheeps cheese in something...

perhaps a pizza... nothing more cheesy then pizza... mmmm. that sounds really good. now i want home made pizza...

I instantly thought of a mushroom and cheese pizza. Maybe I will kick it up a notch with sausage and roasted red peppers. Goats cheese, mozzarella and something else.

[Nadeest]

I started a fresh batch of sourdough starter last night, as I didn't have any. Normally, I just start the bread going, the morning after I make the starter, but a friend talked me into waiting three days, as the starter recipe calls for, before I make a batch of bread. I am going to 'try' to wait those three days, at least, to see how it turns out. I do really want to have some fresh bread, though.

[Sun]

I started a fresh batch of sourdough starter last night, as I didn't have any. Normally, I just start the bread going, the morning after I make the starter, but a friend talked me into waiting three days, as the starter recipe calls for, before I make a batch of bread. I am going to 'try' to wait those three days, at least, to see how it turns out. I do really want to have some fresh bread, though.

YUM. One of the many things that I miss about CA is the sourdough bread. I did find a good bread here with green chilis in it.

There is nothing like warm sourdough with good butter.

[Sun]

My Grandmas homemade almond roca she gave me tonight! Yum! Thanks grammie!!

Hi starry! I swear I am going to start calling that almond roca "femme roca" because every femme that I know loves it.

Wonder whats in it?

[JustLovelyJenn]

I started a fresh batch of sourdough starter last night, as I didn't have any. Normally, I just start the bread going, the morning after I make the starter, but a friend talked me into waiting three days, as the starter recipe calls for, before I make a batch of bread. I am going to 'try' to wait those three days, at least, to see how it turns out. I do really want to have some fresh bread, though.

YUM. One of the many things that I miss about CA is the sourdough bread. I did find a good bread here with green chilis in it.

There is nothing like warm sourdough with good butter.

Ok... see, if you keep talking like this I am going to have to make bread... I love fresh bread and I never seem to have time to make it any more...

All the sudden I miss my bread maker...

[Sun]

All this talk of cheese... oh my... what to do...

for me it will be goats cheese and sheeps cheese in something...

perhaps a pizza... nothing more cheesy then pizza... mmmm. that sounds really good. now i want home made pizza...

I instantly thought of a mushroom and cheese pizza. Maybe I will kick it up a notch with sausage and roasted red peppers. Goats cheese, mozzarella and something else.

Last night I was incapable of cooking after more than 12 hours working on my laptop and trying to meet various deadlines. Burnt out. So a friend brought me pizza that he bought pre made at a natural market and then he added some toppings.

Well this got weird fast. The pizza was bbq sauce, some kind of cheese, chicken and the crust was an attempt at cornmeal. It was so boring that I topped it with my own pickled red onions and Tabasco. Did not help the texture of the mediocre crust. Epic fail. But I did not tell my buddy this because it was very nice of him to bring the pizza over and rescue me from my project.

When I get into work I can go 12 hours with no food and not want to stop and break my momentum. Bad bad habit.

Hopefully tonight I will have something interesting for dinner. Likely not though because I am going to be in a train the trainer training for a few hours today and just flat out busy.

I leave Wed and cant wait to get to Atlanta and be with 3,500 other LGBT people who are working for justice and equality. It is the 40th Anniversary of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. 25th Anniversary of the conference.

To be perfectly direct, it is really nice to get away from cooking now and then because I really need the break. If I do not have a break in there, I will fry. Ha.

Love word play.

Have a fabulous day Delicious People!!

[Sun]

Ok... see, if you keep talking like this I am going to have to make bread... I love fresh bread and I never seem to have time to make it any more...

All the sudden I miss my bread maker...





Get some at Pike Place Market!

Turn your oven into a stone oven. You can get some plain terra cotta or slate tiles at the Home Depot. Get a cheap oven thermometer..poof...you are in business :)

[JustLovelyJenn]

Get some at Pike Place Market!

Turn your oven into a stone oven. You can get some plain terra cotta or slate tiles at the Home Depot. Get a cheap oven thermometer..poof...you are in business :)


OMGOODNESS!!! What a fantastic idea... I had trying to decide what little treat to by myself at the market...

[Sun]

OMGOODNESS!!! What a fantastic idea... I had trying to decide what little treat to by myself at the market...

There you go. And an original Starbucks.

If you really want to do some fun research while in town, find a good artisan bread baker and ask where they source the wheat from. Usually the quality of the wheat used in truly excellent bread is not available at retail. Since Seattle is such a foodie town you can likely bring home some really amazing wheat and then go bread baking crazy at home when you build out your own temporary stone oven.

[TheMerryFairy]

What subject are we on now? Bread? Pizza?

Just get me both Jennie! *smirks*

[TheMerryFairy]

Get some at Pike Place Market!

Turn your oven into a stone oven. You can get some plain terra cotta or slate tiles at the Home Depot. Get a cheap oven thermometer..poof...you are in business :)




Someday in my crazy dreamworld I will own one in my dreamhouse! *Sighs* I love the taste that comes from using a stone oven. Or maybe I am just watching too much Triple D at night?

[TheMerryFairy]

Today is very hectic but in between markets, thrift stores, work and whatever I do this evening there is always room for good food, right?

Breakfast started off with tea and I made a breakfast wrap for myself. A sundried tomato and basil tortilla filled with cheese, egg, veggies , turkey and the last two strips of bacon.

At the market I enjoyed THE BEST cup of fair trade coffee I have had in months, a homemade oatmeal cookie with some sort of jam in the centre and a sample of a granola trail mix.

I picked up lots of goods including a ton of fresh veggies, free range chicken breast, local honey, peach mango jam, blueberry black currant jam, "goddess blend" loose leaf tea, a fairtrade dark chocolate bar and even some handmade coconut scented soap.

For lunch I treated myself to chicken curry, veggie samosa's and rice. All made fresh and for only 6 dollars it was quite worth it!!!

For supper I am thinking of makking something that will go well with a nice bread. My hips are going to hate this thread! :P That's fine, because I got some great deals at a local thrift store today. I want to eat!

A sourdough panini maybe? Something with a baguette or maybe a nice focaccia?
I haven't decided. I just know I don't want to have to wash a ton of pots and pans after working. I also don't want to sacrifice flavor or quality, regardless how "big" the meal is or how long it takes. Any suggestions, fellow food lovers?

[starryeyes]

Hi starry! I swear I am going to start calling that almond roca "femme roca" because every femme that I know loves it.

Wonder whats in it?

I don't know, but it's yummy!!! :-)

[Daktari]

Bread, start to finish in an hour.

Has to be soda bread. Leavened only with baking soda and cream of tartar it doesn't require proving. That it's delicious is the icing on the proverbial.

I've always made it with a smaller proportion of white to wholemeal strong flour and semi skim milk instead of buttermilk, because I always have milk in the fridge but rarely buttermilk. Been known to throw in a bit of this and/or that - chopped olives were good.

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, I made soda bread most days.

Just don't eat it too quickly after it's come out of the oven unless you want horrid indigestion. :|

[Ursy]

Hey, you guys have been busy!

I'm putting my votes in for the cheese fest: Paneer tikka masala - Heaven!
Plus, I LOVE deep fried mozzarella sticks! It's a guilty pleasure. I don't have them very often, but I think it feeds the little kid in me.

I actually don't have the paneer curry very often either. Indian curries tend not to agree with Kris for some reason. But Bek and I LOVE it. It's our mother/daughter treat whenever Kris happens to be elsewhere for dinner.

[Nadeest]

Bread, start to finish in an hour.

Has to be soda bread. Leavened only with baking soda and cream of tartar it doesn't require proving. That it's delicious is the icing on the proverbial.

I've always made it with a smaller proportion of white to wholemeal strong flour and semi skim milk instead of buttermilk, because I always have milk in the fridge but rarely buttermilk. Been known to throw in a bit of this and/or that - chopped olives were good.

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, I made soda bread most days.

Just don't eat it too quickly after it's come out of the oven unless you want horrid indigestion. :|

Can we get a recipe for that, please?

[Sun]

Happy Saturday Night & Sunday Morning to our friends on the other side of the world.

Just a reminder that tomorrow is National Cheese Appreciation Day, so get your game on folks. So far it looks like fried Mozzerella sticks are the popular dish.

Ursy how do you do the Paneer? I like Palak Paneer but I love spinach so it makes sense.

I am out with my gay boys.

Looks like trouble ;)

Have a great night all!

[TheMerryFairy]

Happy Saturday Night & Sunday Morning to our friends on the other side of the world.

Just a reminder that tomorrow is National Cheese Appreciation Day, so get your game on folks. So far it looks like fried Mozzerella sticks are the popular dish.

Ursy how do you do the Paneer? I like Palak Paneer but I love spinach so it makes sense.

I am out with my gay boys.

Looks like trouble ;)

Have a great night all!


I miss my gay boys!!! Have fun with yours for me LOL.

I am going to do a play on mozza sticks. I will take perogi shaped ravioli stuffed with mozzarella, coat it in parmesean bread crumbs, deep fry it and serve alongside of marinara sauce.

Cheesecake is also going to be on my menu. The main course I am figuring out but the salad will have feta!

[Ursy]

I am going to do a play on mozza sticks. I will take perogi shaped ravioli stuffed with mozzarella, coat it in parmesean bread crumbs, deep fry it and serve alongside of marinara sauce.

Cheesecake is also going to be on my menu. The main course I am figuring out but the salad will have feta!

Oh yum - sounds wonderful :)
I haven't tried deep fried ravioli yet, but I bet it's to die for.

Happy Saturday Night & Sunday Morning to our friends on the other side of the world.

Just a reminder that tomorrow is National Cheese Appreciation Day, so get your game on folks. So far it looks like fried Mozzerella sticks are the popular dish.

Ursy how do you do the Paneer? I like Palak Paneer but I love spinach so it makes sense.

I am out with my gay boys.

Looks like trouble ;)

Have a great night all!

I buy the paneer frozen from the international supermarket - I did make it from scratch once, but you don't get an awful lot from two litres of milk and it ends up more cost effective if I just buy it frozen. It's a very easy cheese to make though :)

This was the recipe I used:
http://www.infolanka.com/recipes/mess6/101.html

Last time I did the paneer curry I used a chicken tikka masala packet spice blend mix and followed the directions, but next time I'm going to try from scratch. This is the sauce I plan on following: http://www.food.com/recipe/chicken-tikka-masala-25587

Hope you're having a great time out with your Gay boys!

[TheMerryFairy]

Oh yum - sounds wonderful :)
I haven't tried deep fried ravioli yet, but I bet it's to die for.



I buy the paneer frozen from the international supermarket - I did make it from scratch once, but you don't get an awful lot from two litres of milk and it ends up more cost effective if I just buy it frozen. It's a very easy cheese to make though :)

This was the recipe I used:
http://www.infolanka.com/recipes/mess6/101.html

Last time I did the paneer curry I used a chicken tikka masala packet spice blend mix and followed the directions, but next time I'm going to try from scratch. This is the sauce I plan on following: http://www.food.com/recipe/chicken-tikka-masala-25587

Hope you're having a great time out with your Gay boys!

Ursy the stuff I have had is unreal! I am going to attempt my own tomorrow but I just hope it's half as good lol! I can't make my own pasta, though. But I will use fresh mozzarella and homamde marinara sauce to dip.

Curry is such a beautiful dish. Nice deep, rich flavors.

[Ursy]

Ursy the stuff I have had is unreal! I am going to attempt my own tomorrow but I just hope it's half as good lol! I can't make my own pasta, though. But I will use fresh mozzarella and homamde marinara sauce to dip.

Curry is such a beautiful dish. Nice deep, rich flavors.

Awesome :) Let me know how it goes!

I've made pasta a few times, but have yet to perfect it.

I think I might need to knead it more, the texture doesn't have that "bite" to it that they talk about.

They say it's very easy, once you get a feel for it.

[Daktari]

Can we get a recipe for that, please?

Sure! Off the top of my head: It's an easy one to double up, or even half for a mini loaf.

1lb strong flour - in whatever proportion of wholemeal to white that you might prefer. I liked half and half or less white. eta: I would love to try spelt flour which is becoming more common now.
tsp bicarbonate of soda
tsp cream of tartar
tsp salt
Some liquid to mix- I used to use semi skim milk because it's what I always have in. You could mix milk and or water with live yoghurt or buttermilk. Experiment, that's the key to having fun with recipe isn't it?

Sift all the dry ingredients into a bowl. Add some liquid, not too much at first. The amount of liquid can depend on many variables. The age (and type) of your flour, the ambient temperature and of the dry/liquid ingredients. When you've made a few you get the hang of it.

Adding enough liquid to bring the dough roughly together turn out onto a floured surface and knead lightly for a minute or so...but not too long. Traditionally formed into a round and a deep quarter cross pressed into the top. I liked to dust mine a with a little flour or sprinkle with oats/seeds etc. I also used to bake it in a loaf tin for ease of slicing. We like heavily buttered toast in this house so a slicing loaf is better for the toaster.

Bung it in the oven (at about 180-200C), spray a little water on the oven base to create some steam. 40-45ish minutes later you have bread. The bottom of the loaf should sound hollow when tapped with yer knuckles.

It's great bread, really impressive to turn out spontaneously when there's more mouths than anticipated to feed. If you have good cheese and good pickles in your fridge then you have a simple but sumptuous repast when served with good farm butter and freshly baked soda bread.

As St.Nigella says; Never knowingly under-catered :cheesy:

Just found this page which gives interesting info on soda bread straight from the Ballymaloe horses mouth.
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/stpatricks/sodabread

[Sun]

Awesome :) Let me know how it goes!

I've made pasta a few times, but have yet to perfect it.

I think I might need to knead it more, the texture doesn't have that "bite" to it that they talk about.

They say it's very easy, once you get a feel for it.

Hi Ursy,

My experience is that fresh pasta does not have a bite. Dry pasta cooked into a just done from firm stage or "al dente" meaning literally "to the tooth" or "to the bite" is where the bite or chewiness is. With dry pasta we can play with the outcome of the texture.

Fresh noodles will always be softer than dry, however, if you are using a harder wheat product or a high gluten wheat product you can get a more firm noodle. Fresh buckwheat for example may yield a more firm noodle than lets say semolina flour.

[Sun]

As St.Nigella says; Never knowingly under-catered :cheesy:



Daktari you brilliant soul, you have invoked the Goddess of the kitchen.

*sigh*

Nigella...ok crush alert.

[MarquisdeShey]

Cheese appreciation Day?

Thank god for cheese! What would life be like if you didn't have someone to eat cheese with...smiles...

Great recipes this week!Thanks for sharing Dakatari!

[Sun]

I know right? So many odd food related "days" and events. I can never keep up with them all.

Does anyone want to be in charge of tracking event days for this thread? It would also be great to get updates on food festivals.

On the foodie side of life... I have been doing advocacy work much of the week prepping for Atlanta so not focused on food or cooking. Not one good food story to tell from the last few days. Weird.

I need someone who can actually cook to cook for me!

[TheMerryFairy]

I know right? So many odd food related "days" and events. I can never keep up with them all.

Does anyone want to be in charge of tracking event days for this thread? It would also be great to get updates on food festivals.

On the foodie side of life... I have been doing advocacy work much of the week prepping for Atlanta so not focused on food or cooking. Not one good food story to tell from the last few days. Weird.

I need someone who can actually cook to cook for me!


I can try to help tracking event days and when I find information on food festivals I would be happy to share. I have a friend in mind who might be great with these weird food day facts.

I can't guarantee I can cook the best food, but I won't poison you. I'd like to think I can make a decent meal. If that's good enough for you, when we're both in the same area I will have something planned. *laughs*

[TheMerryFairy]

Hello cheese lovers and those of you who love the lovers of cheese! Are any of you doing cheese inspired dishes today?

I am just getting ready to prepare my food . I bought fresh pasta sheets to try out that deep fried cheese ravioli, my marinara sauce is ready to start simmering and the fresh mozzarella has been sliced.

I don't know what I will be doing for a main dish yet. I think I might go with a thin crust pizza with mushrooms, roasted red peppers, goats cheese, mozzarella, figs and some sort of herb?

I can do a salad on the side with fruits and feta.

Dessert will be a cheesecake. I am thinking a chocolate bottom crust and a white chocolate banana filling with a strawberry syrup to drizzle over the plate. Whipped cream and a fresh strawberry to top!

[StrongButch]

1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 2 skinless chicken breasts 1/2 pd large shrimp peeled and devained 1 small green bell pepper sliced 1 small red pepper sliced 1 yellow pepper sliced 1 small white onion sliced 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon arrowroot ( or cornstarch) 2 tablespoons white wine and 2 teaspoons of parsley chopped (fresh) 5 qts water 6 ounces fettuccine plain 6 ounces spinach fettuccine 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium tomatoes chopped mix in a small bowl spices cut chicken breasts use 1/3 seasoning mix on chicken in another bowl use 1/3 seasoning mix on shrimp boil you water for pasta let boil add both patas to water boil reduce heat let boil 12-14 minutes put olive oil in pan 1 tablespoon once oil is hot add chicken saute chicken 2 minutes each side add shrimp to pan cook for another 2 minutes stir so it doesnt stick pour chicken and shrimp in a bowl do not rinse the pan add tomatoes,peppers and onion to pan pour last 1/3 teaspoon of seasoning in pan saute 10 min add chicken and shrimp to the veggies in pan and pour 3/4 cup chicken stock and cook until most all the stock is gone stir constantly scraping the blacken stuff on bottom of pan turn down low mix arrowroot and wine in a bowl add to pan simmer over low heat until sauce thickens drain pasta put on plate and spoon jambayla over fetuccine sprinkle with parsley now you have an amazing meal

[Sun]

Welcome StrongButch!

Awesome recipe thank you!

TMF you can definitely track festivals for us, thank you. That would be very cool. That is very nice of you to offer to cook for me. Very kind. If we are ever in the same part of the world we can surely have that conversation. I am truly blessed with amazing friends who are scattered all over the world, who would love to cook for me if they were not all over the world. LOL

Sundays make me think of how my natural state of being would be to be home, with my family, cooking for them. My Italian ancestry would find it unheard of to have a Sunday with no big family meal.

I look forward to a future where I get to do this again. Sometimes starting over is more of an adjustment than we ever imagine that it could be, but it is in the small things, the rituals, the clear vision of what I want, that I find inspiration.

[StrongButch]

I am outside Atlanta Sun and was a chef before I discovered a camera. Ever need shots of food if im not busy im there.

[TheMerryFairy]

Welcome StrongButch!

Awesome recipe thank you!

TMF you can definitely track festivals for us, thank you. That would be very cool. That is very nice of you to offer to cook for me. Very kind. If we are ever in the same part of the world we can surely have that conversation. I am truly blessed with amazing friends who are scattered all over the world, who would love to cook for me if they were not all over the world. LOL

Sundays make me think of how my natural state of being would be to be home, with my family, cooking for them. My Italian ancestry would find it unheard of to have a Sunday with no big family meal.

I look forward to a future where I get to do this again. Sometimes starting over is more of an adjustment than we ever imagine that it could be, but it is in the small things, the rituals, the clear vision of what I want, that I find inspiration.


I agree. I keep re inventing the dreams I had set for myself and my goals. It will probably take awhile for the whole picture to be put together but I am determined to enjoy where life is going to take me and where my decisions will lead. I like the idea of having family style dinners. I enjoy cooking them but ideally for me I would love to gather with friends, family and partners who would rotate some of the cooking or cleanup.

[TheMerryFairy]

It seems as though there were/are a lot of festivals going on in January. I only started looking but so far I found :

Sun Peaks Winter Festival of Wine from January 12-20, 2013 in British Columbia

Napa Truffle Festival January 18-21, 2013. Napa, CA

FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST WEEK. 20-26 January 2013 in the UK which describes the festival as "The annual celebration championing the importance of breakfast."

Apparently 47% of people regularly skip breakfast during the week.

I look forward to checking out more festivals around the globe and updating. Perhaps this next week we can talk about our favorite breakfasts?? - whether it be a big relaxed setting on the weekend, grabbing a quick bite at a local diner or whipping something up in a hurry at home to fill us up for a long day.

[Daktari]

I saw paneer mentioned whilst I was reading this thread last night. Making your own paneer is fun.
http://showmethecurry.com/odds-ends/homemade-paneer-indian-cheese.html


Did you know that there are those who say that Chicken Tikka Masala is the UK national dish nowadays and it is indeed very popular, both in Indian eateries and supermarket chiller cabinets. The origin of the dish is murky but received wisdom says it was invented here as an acceptable form of 'curry' for the British palate.

[TheMerryFairy]

I saw paneer mentioned whilst I was reading this thread last night. Making your own paneer is fun.
http://showmethecurry.com/odds-ends/homemade-paneer-indian-cheese.html


Did you know that there are those who say that Chicken Tikka Masala is the UK national dish nowadays and it is indeed very popular, both in Indian eateries and supermarket chiller cabinets. The origin of the dish is murky but received wisdom says it was invented here as an acceptable form of 'curry' for the British palate.


I didn't know this! But chicken masala is quite tasty. I can understand it being a pretty big hit in the UK. Thanks for sharing the link with us.

[cinnamongrrl]

OK..anyone who knows me knows that I am a Trader Joe's addict...

Well, I found a really good trek mix there: cashew, almond and cranberries...omggggg so SO good! Love me some TJs!

[Ursy]

Hi Ursy,

My experience is that fresh pasta does not have a bite. Dry pasta cooked into a just done from firm stage or "al dente" meaning literally "to the tooth" or "to the bite" is where the bite or chewiness is. With dry pasta we can play with the outcome of the texture.

Fresh noodles will always be softer than dry, however, if you are using a harder wheat product or a high gluten wheat product you can get a more firm noodle. Fresh buckwheat for example may yield a more firm noodle than lets say semolina flour.



Ooh thanks luv, I will put this info in my pasta making notes :)

[spritzerJ]

A special event is coming up on Friday. I will be finally tackling Sopes for the dinner. I can't wait... refried beans, spanish rice and pico de gallo too.

And cheesecake for dessert.

I am going to try to not make it and eat it now!

[TheMerryFairy]

OK..anyone who knows me knows that I am a Trader Joe's addict...

Well, I found a really good trek mix there: cashew, almond and cranberries...omggggg so SO good! Love me some TJs!


That sounds delicious! I am going to have to look at this Trader Joe's.

[TheMerryFairy]

A special event is coming up on Friday. I will be finally tackling Sopes for the dinner. I can't wait... refried beans, spanish rice and pico de gallo too.

And cheesecake for dessert.

I am going to try to not make it and eat it now!

That's a great idea. I made one and I think I am invoking the spirit of all four golden girls tonight. LOL! I don't want to share but I think I should.

[Daktari]

That's a great idea. I made one and I think I am invoking the spirit of all four golden girls tonight. LOL! I don't want to share but I think I should.

I just started watching Golden Girls from season one, episode one. It still makes me laugh but oh dear those shoulder pads belong in the Superbowl. :|



:cheerleader: <<<Daktari who likes camp tv shows. Soap next :cheesy:

[TheMerryFairy]

I just started watching Golden Girls from season one, episode one. It still makes me laugh but oh dear those shoulder pads belong in the Superbowl. :|



:cheerleader: <<<Daktari who likes camp tv shows. Soap next :cheesy:

They don't belong anywhere! LOL. I haven't seen the show in a really long time. I only remember little bits of their personalities and that they all loved cheesecake. Betty white could totally play the superbowl though. She'd take a whole team down.

[KCBUTCH]

crisp fugi apples and natural peanut butter :)

[TheMerryFairy]

crisp fugi apples and natural peanut butter :)

I love apples with peanut butter :) . Everyone goes for the caramel but I only will do that if it's caramel apples for a seasonal snack.

Nutella is pretty nice too!

[KCBUTCH]

I love apples with peanut butter :) . Everyone goes for the caramel but I only will do that if it's caramel apples for a seasonal snack.

Nutella is pretty nice too!

same here- I am a healthy eater it just feels better when I eat well.
I cant recall the last caramel apple I've had but i know it was during the season for it- Never had Nutella actually

I just felt the need tonight for a treat.

[MarquisdeShey]

Sashimi (raw) with ginger and wasabi

dumplings

frog legs

[TheMerryFairy]

same here- I am a healthy eater it just feels better when I eat well.
I cant recall the last caramel apple I've had but i know it was during the season for it- Never had Nutella actually

I just felt the need tonight for a treat.

Normally I eat quite healthy also. Even when I make desserts that aren't "healthy" I always try to cut the fat content down and the sugars. I use low fat cream cheese for example and replace butter with olive oil sometimes etc.

[Daktari]

Never been able to bring myself to eat a froggy leg. Gribbit! :jester:

Have ya ever had suet dumplings atop stewed steak (or steak and kidney) in velvety meaty gravy? They have a brown crispy top with an unctuous, deceptively pillowy, gravy laden underbelly. Fabulous with either crispy roast potatoes or soft, buttery mash. :eating:

Nostalgia night for it seems :cheesy:

[Ursy]

Never been able to bring myself to eat a froggy leg. Gribbit! :jester:

Have ya ever had suet dumplings atop stewed steak (or steak and kidney) in velvety meaty gravy? They have a brown crispy top with an unctuous, deceptively pillowy, gravy laden underbelly. Fabulous with either crispy roast potatoes or soft, buttery mash. :eating:

Nostalgia night for it seems :cheesy:

Omg, you should write food porn! I'm totally taken in by that description. *drooling*

[JustLovelyJenn]

crisp fugi apples and natural peanut butter :)

Oh my!! I know what I am having for a snack in the morning!!! I just bought more natural peanut butter this week, and I have apples as well...

Thank you for the idea!!

[Ursy]

Hello everyone!

I just stumbled across the description for this herb, and I'd love to get hold of some seeds, as a couple of things caught my eye: "Cilantro on steroids" and "Does not bolt in Summer like Cilantro" - this sounds absolutely awesome to me :)
Papalo / Quilquiña / Papaloquelite
http://store.underwoodgardens.com/Papalo_Quilquia_Papaloquelite-Porophyllum-ruderale-ssp-macrocephalum/productinfo/H1036/

A quick Google didn't bring up anything available in Australia - has anyone heard of this wonderful sounding herb? It's Mexican.

[Daktari]

Omg, you should write food porn! I'm totally taken in by that description. *drooling*

I'm better at writing food p0rn than the other sort. :winky:

...dumplings are sooooo worth the drool too. I need to get the fellowship female fam. round and cook a stewed steak and dumplings dinner stat! :cheesy:

[Sun]

crisp fugi apples and natural peanut butter :)

Hiya KC and welcome to the delicious thread!

I am also a fan of a good crisp apple. For many years I would have outings up to Apple Hill (El Dorado County Foothills) and it was so much fun. There are something like 20 apple farms and several have huge kitchens and bakeries churning out pies, fritters, apple butter, apple sauce, more pies..it was insane. And really fun.

Speaking of natural peanut butter, I need to find a new source because I was using Whole Foods for natural nut butters but those days are over. I cant support the corporate greed from another company that refuses health care to employee's especially when they are dealing with food.

[Sun]

Hello everyone!

I just stumbled across the description for this herb, and I'd love to get hold of some seeds, as a couple of things caught my eye: "Cilantro on steroids" and "Does not bolt in Summer like Cilantro" - this sounds absolutely awesome to me :)
Papalo / Quilquiña / Papaloquelite
http://store.underwoodgardens.com/Papalo_Quilquia_Papaloquelite-Porophyllum-ruderale-ssp-macrocephalum/productinfo/H1036/

A quick Google didn't bring up anything available in Australia - has anyone heard of this wonderful sounding herb? It's Mexican.


Yes. I am very close to Mexico and can likely get you some seeds. Shall I? Will we be breaking some international agri code when I mail these to you? Will my package get confiscated in customs?

All the more reason to try ;)

Let me look into this I will check with Chef Silvana and see what she suggests.

Recon seed mission.

Ah luvz it.

[Sun]

Happy Monday Delicioustarians,

Today is Martin Luther King Jr Day here in the states.

I am very aware today of how many in our nation are living within the poverty lines and how Rev King was very concerned about poverty and worked hard to raise awareness of such.

It troubles me on a deep level that so many are having difficulty putting food on the table in a nation that is so rich in so many ways. We have more than enough food here to make sure that all have enough to eat.

It troubles me also, that more than 50% of all homeless people in this nation are children.

So while we talk about food and all of the privilege of simply being able to eat a diversity of foods, I am always mindful of those who may go hungry today. I do my part in my community and volunteer at the local food bank, I have always donated food and solicited my vendors for food donations especially at holiday time, but the work is never done.

What I would love to see would be more people sharing a meal with a friend, neighbor, or dropping off a meal, even a cup of soup, to someone who may be hungry. Those little steps in kindness mean so much.

Have a beautiful day everyone.

~ Sun

[Sun]

Sashimi (raw) with ginger and wasabi

dumplings

frog legs

What kind of Sashimi and dumplings?

[TheMerryFairy]

Happy Monday Delicioustarians,

Today is Martin Luther King Jr Day here in the states.

I am very aware today of how many in our nation are living within the poverty lines and how Rev King was very concerned about poverty and worked hard to raise awareness of such.

It troubles me on a deep level that so many are having difficulty putting food on the table in a nation that is so rich in so many ways. We have more than enough food here to make sure that all have enough to eat.

It troubles me also, that more than 50% of all homeless people in this nation are children.

So while we talk about food and all of the privilege of simply being able to eat a diversity of foods, I am always mindful of those who may go hungry today. I do my part in my community and volunteer at the local food bank, I have always donated food and solicited my vendors for food donations especially at holiday time, but the work is never done.

What I would love to see would be more people sharing a meal with a friend, neighbor, or dropping off a meal, even a cup of soup, to someone who may be hungry. Those little steps in kindness mean so much.

Have a beautiful day everyone.

~ Sun



I always have that in the back of my mind as well. Without going into personal detail, there have been times when I had to rely on the little I had and food banks to fill in the gaps. I've been very fortunate in my attempts to live within my means. Not everyone has the same privilege.

I always try to share what I have. I have volunteered in LGBT food banks, held corn boils and community meals when I was backpacking and met another group of artists or people who didn't have a lot. We lived on what we grew and what we could afford - which usually meant stretching it as far as possible.

The number of homeless and those affected by poverty is absolutely numbing if you really take the time to think about it. Not everyone really understands how differently things are in those circumstances. Some people do a great job at hiding it.

I think it would be wonderful to pay it forward all of the time. Not just when you have "extra" but stopping for a minute and thinking about sharing what you have already. When I think about humanity, I think about that concept. I know people need to worry about themselves and their family first , but we are all connected and I feel that offering to buy someone a coffee or a warm meal is no different than taking care of "your own".

I think that's one of those qualities that I truly respect with my friends and it's something I have grown to appreciate more and more.

This is such a great thread - we touch on so many subjects. I am just throwing it out there, I've had to get creative over my years for diversity in food. You would be surprised with what you can actually do with some spices and a box of Kraft dinner. I like working with leftovers. Maybe it would be nice to share some recipes that we like to make just from whatever we have in the cupboards?

[Sun]

Great ideas TMF, you could develop a website concept in cooking from the pantry, whatever is on hand. Smart and timely.

Friends of mine are opening a new "Free Clinic" downtown and today they are painting it. Getting closer to opening. I want to help but was unsure what I could do. The director, a friend, just got back to me as I asked if they needed coffee. Because really, God forbid that my friends should do anything with no coffee resources. You see the theme evolving, I am sure.

Anyway the Director told me that they do not have coffee or a coffee pot and in fact they kitchen is a shell and they left that for last.

So guess what? New project! Someone needs to stop me from taking on volunteer work because as it is I wind up working until midnight some nights getting deadlines met in addition to my regular work.

Truly this is a great project and will serve a very under served population including migrant workers who are trying to get citizenship but are in the red tape loop and cant get basic health services for themselves or their children. Seeing a child suffer with a cold and the look on the Mothers face when she has no resources is one of the worst feelings ever and its just not ok.

Some folks have asked me how they funded this free clinic model and I have no idea but will find out and report back if anyone is interested.

Have a great day all.

[starryeyes]

I made pancakes from scratch with powdered sugar. Mmmmm.

A girl has to eat! :-P

[ahk]

Hi.

So earlier I had started to write something and the darn connection went.

So instead of looking through 8 pages of things I've missed and comments I wanted to make of others, I am just doing a quick recap.

Ursy: I know of the seeds.
KC: I love apples and PB, I think they are a great brain jolt protein snack. Have you ever tried Ambrosia apples?
Sun: I think cheese day should be every day. Though since yesterday was National Cheese day, I made some cheesy (sharp cheddar) green chili chicken enchiladas. Had some friends over and chowed down.
Dante: Hi.

I will probably be MIA for another week, I have been super busy crazy with classes and I was looking up to see how many more days I have, and its only 53 days. I just can't believe it. Seriously.

Today's study break included: cara care orange, triscuits, and extra sharp white cheddar (the kind that has crystals in it). MMM.

Well back to study... test tomorrow, final thursday. See ya'll later.

Eat good. be Happy.

[Teddybear]

Today is our friday and I always cook something for us to have when cinn gets home. so tonite this is our menu and cinn doesnt have a clue so wait till she reads this

butternut squash raviloi with a brown butter sauce
turkey breast cooked with apple wood rub
sauttee green beans with sliced almonds and garlic
whole cranberry sauce

lets hope it turns out as good as i think it will

[ahk]

teddy:

if those are the ravioli from TJs, those are really good.

Enjoy your friday!! and dinner.

[Ursy]

Yes. I am very close to Mexico and can likely get you some seeds. Shall I? Will we be breaking some international agri code when I mail these to you? Will my package get confiscated in customs?

All the more reason to try ;)

Let me look into this I will check with Chef Silvana and see what she suggests.

Recon seed mission.

Ah luvz it.



Aww, that's so sweet of you, but I looked it up after making that post, it's classified as a weed (probably because of the flighty seeds) so it will most likely get confiscated.

Cath once sent me an autumn leaf and even that got confiscated!

Have you tried it Sun? It sounds amazing.

[Teddybear]

teddy:

if those are the ravioli from TJs, those are really good.

Enjoy your friday!! and dinner.



They arent from TJs. I dont know where one is from work and home. cinn goes to one for her work

[Sun]

I made pancakes from scratch with powdered sugar. Mmmmm.

A girl has to eat! :-P

Pancakes from scratch are the best! Nice job. I need to find a recipe for what is called a "Dutch Baby Pancake" because it is so good and you all will love it. Though it is a high egg product cholestrol fest. totally worth it. Not an everyday thing but for a once in a while meal. It is actually not a baby at all, it is a huge pancake, almost a souffle really where you pour the batter into a big round pan that has deep sides and set it in the oven to bake. For serving it gets a dusting of powdered sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Hi.

So earlier I had started to write something and the darn connection went.

So instead of looking through 8 pages of things I've missed and comments I wanted to make of others, I am just doing a quick recap.

Ursy: I know of the seeds.
KC: I love apples and PB, I think they are a great brain jolt protein snack. Have you ever tried Ambrosia apples?
Sun: I think cheese day should be every day. Though since yesterday was National Cheese day, I made some cheesy (sharp cheddar) green chili chicken enchiladas. Had some friends over and chowed down.
Dante: Hi.

I will probably be MIA for another week, I have been super busy crazy with classes and I was looking up to see how many more days I have, and its only 53 days. I just can't believe it. Seriously.

Today's study break included: cara care orange, triscuits, and extra sharp white cheddar (the kind that has crystals in it). MMM.

Well back to study... test tomorrow, final thursday. See ya'll later.

Eat good. be Happy.

You are one busy guy, my friend. Did you already share the recipe for the enchiladas? If not please do. I cant recall what all made it up here as a post. That said I should start downloading some of the recipes. It is crazy to go back and try to find them. Though I have not picked a date yet I def want to come to NM for Green Chili harvest this fall. We will have to be in contact about that.

Today is our friday and I always cook something for us to have when cinn gets home. so tonite this is our menu and cinn doesnt have a clue so wait till she reads this

butternut squash raviloi with a brown butter sauce
turkey breast cooked with apple wood rub
sauttee green beans with sliced almonds and garlic
whole cranberry sauce

lets hope it turns out as good as i think it will

Nice menu Teddy. I am sure that Cinn will be thrilled. Great pairing of dishes too. Butternut squash ravioli is so good. Yum.

[Sun]

Here is the recipe that I mentioned. Though I see variations on this recipe, and mine had more eggs in it, this one looks about right. The end product looks like the one that I have cooked out of a cookbook that I have in CA not with me.

Dutch Baby Pancakes (http://kathdedon.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/dutch-baby-pancakes/)

[StrongButch]

Oil for frying, 1/4 cup of butter ,1/4 cup louisiana ,hot sauce ,dash ground pepper ,dash garlic powder ,1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ,1/4 teaspoon salt ,10 chicken wings heat oil to 375 just enough oil to cover the wings combine butter hot sauce,pepper,garlic powder in small saucepan over low heat heat until butter is melted and ingredients are well blended combine flour,paprika,cayenne pepper and salt in a small bowl put the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle flour mixture over them couting each wing evenly put wings in hot oil fry 10-15 min remove wings place on paper towel to drain then put wings in bowl and add hot sauce and stir serve with bleu cheese dressing and celery

[Sun]

Aww, that's so sweet of you, but I looked it up after making that post, it's classified as a weed (probably because of the flighty seeds) so it will most likely get confiscated.

Cath once sent me an autumn leaf and even that got confiscated!

Have you tried it Sun? It sounds amazing.

I have likely had it but did not know that I had it. Never worked with it. That is why I will ask Silvana about it she brings in a lot of stuff from Mexico since her restaurants are the real deal. It is no problem to send it I just have to hide it in something like a little stuffed animal. *grin*

What are they going to do at customs cut open a little fluffy animal toy? They have no real criminals to go after?

I see the writing on the wall now..International conspiracy...protests..demonstrations..boycotts...

Yeah no worries let me see if I can get the seeds first.

[Sun]

Oil for frying, 1/4 cup of butter ,1/4 cup louisiana ,hot sauce ,dash ground pepper ,dash garlic powder ,1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ,1/4 teaspoon salt ,10 chicken wings heat oil to 375 just enough oil to cover the wings combine butter hot sauce,pepper,garlic powder in small saucepan over low heat heat until butter is melted and ingredients are well blended combine flour,paprika,cayenne pepper and salt in a small bowl put the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle flour mixture over them couting each wing evenly put wings in hot oil fry 10-15 min remove wings place on paper towel to drain then put wings in bowl and add hot sauce and stir serve with bleu cheese dressing and celery

Nice Recipe! I love it when the hot fried wings hit the hot sauce. Awesome. Thank you for sharing this.

[Teddybear]

Nice menu Teddy. I am sure that Cinn will be thrilled. Great pairing of dishes too. Butternut squash ravioli is so good. Yum.

Sun

I really struggled with finding something to go witht he butternut squash ravioli. I thought of baked fish or a pork roast with apples and cherry but as I was talking to a friend about how we have a date nite when cnn gets home from work tonite and was telling them about what I was thinking about. I told them that knowing that the brown butter sauce is rich I didnt know if the baked fish I was think of would pair well. I mentioned the turkey breast and they damm near jumkped thru the phone to be here when it would b done. I am glad they dont live closer enough to show up for dinner

[Sun]

Sun

I really struggled with finding something to go witht he butternut squash ravioli. I thought of baked fish or a pork roast with apples and cherry but as I was talking to a friend about how we have a date nite when cnn gets home from work tonite and was telling them about what I was thinking about. I told them that knowing that the brown butter sauce is rich I didnt know if the baked fish I was think of would pair well. I mentioned the turkey breast and they damm near jumkped thru the phone to be here when it would b done. I am glad they dont live closer enough to show up for dinner

I hear you brother. Emphasis on "date night" jeeez some people only think of themselves. Folks get psycho with food. Its a good pairing. I was with a vegetarian for many years and when I would do turkey I would cook Tofurkey for her and wound up liking it oddly enough, so that was one item that got paired with the butternut squash. If you happen to have any fresh sage, it will compliment the butter sauce nicely. If not, no big deal.

The cranberry is what got me. I am a sucker for anything cranberry that is served with poultry. Yum. Let us know how this turns out. I am so happy that you are cooking tonight, cinn is so sweet and yall are so adorable.

[TheMerryFairy]

Wow! There is so much going on here tonight. I LOVE it!!!! Thanks for all of the wonderful ideas and recipes.

"Date night" cooking. I really enjoy things like this. It can be simple, intimate and you can learn a lot about a person from spending time together in the kitchen & their food habits. There are always exceptions.

I had some of the same experiences you have Sun, when it comes to cooking for others. I usually make vegetarian options (with at least one vegan dish) and non vegetarian options. What I found was that 9 times out of 10 the non vegetarians liked those dishes a lot more! Go figure :)

Ground soy is a lifesaver haha.

[Ursy]

I have likely had it but did not know that I had it. Never worked with it. That is why I will ask Silvana about it she brings in a lot of stuff from Mexico since her restaurants are the real deal. It is no problem to send it I just have to hide it in something like a little stuffed animal. *grin*

What are they going to do at customs cut open a little fluffy animal toy? They have no real criminals to go after?

I see the writing on the wall now..International conspiracy...protests..demonstrations..boycotts...

Yeah no worries let me see if I can get the seeds first.

Oh you are devious! But they might, I bet they have sniffer dogs. How else could they have known there was an autumn leaf in Cath's card? Beats the heck out of me!

I would worry if you made it obvious that you were hiding it. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble!

[TheMerryFairy]

I have likely had it but did not know that I had it. Never worked with it. That is why I will ask Silvana about it she brings in a lot of stuff from Mexico since her restaurants are the real deal. It is no problem to send it I just have to hide it in something like a little stuffed animal. *grin*

What are they going to do at customs cut open a little fluffy animal toy? They have no real criminals to go after?

I see the writing on the wall now..International conspiracy...protests..demonstrations..boycotts...

Yeah no worries let me see if I can get the seeds first.

Hold up. First of all, customs will sometimes scan those. Secondly, please please don't ruin being able to send stuffed animals for the rest of us? LOL!

[Sun]

Oh you are devious! But they might, I bet they have sniffer dogs. How else could they have known there was an autumn leaf in Cath's card? Beats the heck out of me!

I would worry if you made it obvious that you were hiding it. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble!

The dogs are going to sniff some seeds?

Omg..its not like I am sending pot seeds! How am I going to get in trouble?

I will figure something out. If I can walk through homeland security with an 8" knife and not wind up in jail, in NYC no less, I can get you some seeds.

[TheMerryFairy]

The dogs are going to sniff some seeds?

Omg..its not like I am sending pot seeds! How am I going to get in trouble?

I will figure something out. If I can walk through homeland security with an 8" knife and not wind up in jail, in NYC no less, I can get you some seeds.

May I say you must be awfully charming and dashing to be able to walk away from that! LOL. I would have been met with armed guards and completely probed and dragged to some kind of jail.

Only you could have managed that! :) Actually, I am thinking of maybe one other person I know who may have escaped doom. She's adorable like that. But I don't know if people would let her risk that LOL

[Sun]

So..I made a soup today, by request for a friend who needs to get back on her yoga healthy eating track. She is super busy and stressed out so I was happy to help.

Here is what I used:

Veg Soup

2 Large Sweet Potatoes (Cut into 1/2" chunks)
1 Large Turnip (cut into 1/2" chunks)
3 Large Leeks (halved and sliced)
2 Sweet onions chopped
8 cloves of garlic chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
1 Bunch of Turnip Greens, chopped
2 Cups sliced button mushrooms (any variety would work)
1 Head Broccoli, chopped
1/2 Cup Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped

Stock:
1 Qt Chicken Broth
1 Qt Veg Broth
1 Cup water

Seasoning:
3 Bay leaves
6 Coriander seeds
1/2 tsp Turmeric
ground black pepper
& sea salt (to taste)


I started the soup with the broth heated up and tossed in the Turnip and Sweet potatoes first. They take the longest to cook, after 20 mins, added the celery, onions, then carrots. After cleaning the leeks well, they can be full of dirt this time of year, they were sliced and added to the pot. Cook another 15 mins on low and then add everything else. Simmer for another 30 minutes.

This really needs another quart of broth or stock but at this stage is hearty. Adding cooked protein like sliced chicken or black beans would work too.

[Ursy]

The dogs are going to sniff some seeds?

Omg..its not like I am sending pot seeds! How am I going to get in trouble?

I will figure something out. If I can walk through homeland security with an 8" knife and not wind up in jail, in NYC no less, I can get you some seeds.

It must be the charisma :)

May I say you must be awfully charming and dashing to be able to walk away from that! LOL. I would have been met with armed guards and completely probed and dragged to some kind of jail.

Only you could have managed that! :) Actually, I am thinking of maybe one other person I know who may have escaped doom. She's adorable like that. But I don't know if people would let her risk that LOL

See? MerryFairy agrees! Charisma!

I don't have it. I got a 1.5 inch swiss army type knife confiscated because I'd forgotten it was in my bag. Pair that with my imposing height of 5 ft, who can blame them? I'd have been scared of me too.

[TheMerryFairy]

It must be the charisma :)



See? MerryFairy agrees! Charisma!

I don't have it. I got a 1.5 inch swiss army type knife confiscated because I'd forgotten it was in my bag. Pair that with my imposing height of 5 ft, who can blame them? I'd have been scared of me too.


I have it but not enough for THAT. I can bat my eyes all I want. Now I may be able to sweet talk them into buying something but it's not quite the same.

It would have been the icing on the cake if Sun had've talked them into letting him have the knife BACK. Happy ending for sure then.

[Sun]

It must be the charisma :)



See? MerryFairy agrees! Charisma!

I don't have it. I got a 1.5 inch swiss army type knife confiscated because I'd forgotten it was in my bag. Pair that with my imposing height of 5 ft, who can blame them? I'd have been scared of me too.

Did you all miss my post on this? Omg it was tragic.

So thank you, I do not think it was charisma I think it was the genuine look of shock on my face that I could be so stupid as to bring a "weapon" through Homeland Security surrounded by armed guards. My mind was somewhere else when I was packing. So my knife..my beautiful Shun Santuko knife that I worked with every day for the last year, was going to either be confiscated or..and here is the real miracle..they gave me a chance to go check my carry on.

Really they should have just taken the knife, but I must have looked so shocked, sad..I dont know I was probably pouting, had puppy dog eyes..! I've been told that if I pout I can get anything out of anyone, and seriously I do it and I don't even know I am doing it.

God I cant believe I just admitted that in a public forum.

*so embarrassed*

Well those big bruiser, Homeland Security guards were so concerned about my reaction to not being able to take my knife once they realized that I was a Chef and not a terrorist..that they really did try hard to help me. In the end it was too late to check a 2nd bag and I had to just give the knife away. Its so stupid but I was so upset. Then I stopped to think of all of the nice things that people have done for me in my lifetime and I gave it to a nice lady who worked for the airlines who said she would give it to her son in law who was just learning to cook and did not own one good knife.


Suppose that was paying it forward in some way.

*shrugs*

It was not a good week. Or month. One loss after another.

[TheMerryFairy]

Did you all miss my post on this? Omg it was tragic.

So thank you, I do not think it was charisma I think it was the genuine look of shock on my face that I could be so stupid as to bring a "weapon" through Homeland Security surrounded by armed guards. My mind was somewhere else when I was packing. So my knife..my beautiful Shun Santuko knife that I worked with every day for the last year, was going to either be confiscated or..and here is the real miracle..they gave me a chance to go check my carry on.

Really they should have just taken the knife, but I must have looked so shocked, sad..I dont know I was probably pouting, had puppy dog eyes..! I've been told that if I pout I can get anything out of anyone, and seriously I do it and I don't even know I am doing it.

God I cant believe I just admitted that in a public forum.

*so embarrassed*

Well those big bruiser, Homeland Security guards were so concerned about my reaction to not being able to take my knife once they realized that I was a Chef and not a terrorist..that they really did try hard to help me. In the end it was too late to check a 2nd bag and I had to just give the knife away. Its so stupid but I was so upset. Then I stopped to think of all of the nice things that people have done for me in my lifetime and I gave it to a nice lady who worked for the airlines who said she would give it to her son in law who was just learning to cook and did not own one good knife.


Suppose that was paying it forward in some way.

*shrugs*

It was not a good week. Or month. One loss after another.







You poor dear! I am really sorry. At least it was some form of paying it forward. I hope this month will be better than the last. Maybe you will get another knife of the same (I know it's NOT the same) to work with.

I am a sucker for a pout and puppy eyes. I won't even lie. I might do it on occasion without trying but again, you are brining someone to mind. It's funny how that works - you see similarities in people but yet they are so different on so many levels.

I wish the pout worked for me sometimes LOL! Not that I am trying to get anything out of anyone but, I would like to make someone mushy :P

Your reaction was not stupid. That is your tool - it's your art. I would have been just as upset. It's a piece of you, you exchanged energy on a daily basis.

The first pair of real haircutting scissors I owned ended up getting damaged really bad. I was stupid. I cried for days. I was so proud to have earned those. I felt confident when I could use them. I understand.

Perhaps it was life's way of telling you to let go - that better things are yet to come. I am such an optimist.

[SomethingBeautiful]

Did you all miss my post on this? Omg it was tragic.

So thank you, I do not think it was charisma I think it was the genuine look of shock on my face that I could be so stupid as to bring a "weapon" through Homeland Security surrounded by armed guards. My mind was somewhere else when I was packing. So my knife..my beautiful Shun Santuko knife that I worked with every day for the last year, was going to either be confiscated or..and here is the real miracle..they gave me a chance to go check my carry on.

Really they should have just taken the knife, but I must have looked so shocked, sad..I dont know I was probably pouting, had puppy dog eyes..! I've been told that if I pout I can get anything out of anyone, and seriously I do it and I don't even know I am doing it.

God I cant believe I just admitted that in a public forum.

*so embarrassed*

Well those big bruiser, Homeland Security guards were so concerned about my reaction to not being able to take my knife once they realized that I was a Chef and not a terrorist..that they really did try hard to help me. In the end it was too late to check a 2nd bag and I had to just give the knife away. Its so stupid but I was so upset. Then I stopped to think of all of the nice things that people have done for me in my lifetime and I gave it to a nice lady who worked for the airlines who said she would give it to her son in law who was just learning to cook and did not own one good knife.


Suppose that was paying it forward in some way.

*shrugs*

It was not a good week. Or month. One loss after another.







I can haz the pouty/puppy eyez irresistibleness too! With some people - I don't know if ALL of the time but I still likez to think it works. At least I still thinks I doez. Doez I? I don't try to but I can get very emotional and whimpery when overwhelmed or well, almost anything. Perhaps my friends need to be the ones to answer. I wouldn't be able to even get them to be nice. Knowing my luck they would just takez me and cuff me :( I am sorriez about your pretty knife.

I can haz soup , please? Beer too!

[Ursy]

Did you all miss my post on this? Omg it was tragic.

So thank you, I do not think it was charisma I think it was the genuine look of shock on my face that I could be so stupid as to bring a "weapon" through Homeland Security surrounded by armed guards. My mind was somewhere else when I was packing. So my knife..my beautiful Shun Santuko knife that I worked with every day for the last year, was going to either be confiscated or..and here is the real miracle..they gave me a chance to go check my carry on.

Really they should have just taken the knife, but I must have looked so shocked, sad..I dont know I was probably pouting, had puppy dog eyes..! I've been told that if I pout I can get anything out of anyone, and seriously I do it and I don't even know I am doing it.

God I cant believe I just admitted that in a public forum.

*so embarrassed*

Well those big bruiser, Homeland Security guards were so concerned about my reaction to not being able to take my knife once they realized that I was a Chef and not a terrorist..that they really did try hard to help me. In the end it was too late to check a 2nd bag and I had to just give the knife away. Its so stupid but I was so upset. Then I stopped to think of all of the nice things that people have done for me in my lifetime and I gave it to a nice lady who worked for the airlines who said she would give it to her son in law who was just learning to cook and did not own one good knife.

Suppose that was paying it forward in some way.

*shrugs*

It was not a good week. Or month. One loss after another.



Aww sweets.

*hugs*

I hope the guy who ended up with your knife treats it well and appreciates it.

Now I'm trying to imagine you with the pouting and the puppy dog eyes.
No, stop it with the puppy dog eyes! *chortle*
Stop it, I said! :)

I have favourite knives. One of them is a purple ScanPan. Kris has a habit of putting it back in its sheath the wrong way round. I have no idea why his brain thinks it goes in that way.

Actually another one of my very favourites is a smallish cheap no-name one that just says "stainless" and "made in Japan". It sharpens up beautifully. I think I stole it from my mother.

[MarquisdeShey]

Quinta do Alqueve - Fernao Pires - 2010 - Portuguese - White wine

Playful...rich... with a palatable kick...

[TheMerryFairy]

Quinta do Alqueve - Fernao Pires - 2010 - Portuguese - White wine

Playful...rich... with a palatable kick...


I will take some of that! :) It sounds delicious.

[Nadeest]

Did you all miss my post on this? Omg it was tragic.

So thank you, I do not think it was charisma I think it was the genuine look of shock on my face that I could be so stupid as to bring a "weapon" through Homeland Security surrounded by armed guards. My mind was somewhere else when I was packing. So my knife..my beautiful Shun Santuko knife that I worked with every day for the last year, was going to either be confiscated or..and here is the real miracle..they gave me a chance to go check my carry on.

Really they should have just taken the knife, but I must have looked so shocked, sad..I dont know I was probably pouting, had puppy dog eyes..! I've been told that if I pout I can get anything out of anyone, and seriously I do it and I don't even know I am doing it.

God I cant believe I just admitted that in a public forum.

*so embarrassed*

Well those big bruiser, Homeland Security guards were so concerned about my reaction to not being able to take my knife once they realized that I was a Chef and not a terrorist..that they really did try hard to help me. In the end it was too late to check a 2nd bag and I had to just give the knife away. Its so stupid but I was so upset. Then I stopped to think of all of the nice things that people have done for me in my lifetime and I gave it to a nice lady who worked for the airlines who said she would give it to her son in law who was just learning to cook and did not own one good knife.


Suppose that was paying it forward in some way.

*shrugs*

It was not a good week. Or month. One loss after another.





I do think that that was paying it forwards, Sun. Thank you for caring about that knife and giving it to someone who will appreciate it. I've never had any Shun knives yet, but I know that they are good ones. I just don't think that I need to spend that kind of money on knives, at least until I get better knife skills.

[Sun]

Quinta do Alqueve - Fernao Pires - 2010 - Portuguese - White wine

Playful...rich... with a palatable kick...

Please pass some my way, I just engaged in publicly humiliating myself with my knife story *smirk*.

On another note..I love Portugese wines..especially a good Port.

Mmmmm...velvety, silky, full of fruit that explodes on the tongue...raspberry, cherry, plum...I especially like the play between a fine chocolate that is seductively rich and a warm port. An intoxicating combination.

[Sun]

I can haz the pouty/puppy eyez irresistibleness too! With some people - I don't know if ALL of the time but I still likez to think it works. At least I still thinks I doez. Doez I? I don't try to but I can get very emotional and whimpery when overwhelmed or well, almost anything. Perhaps my friends need to be the ones to answer. I wouldn't be able to even get them to be nice. Knowing my luck they would just takez me and cuff me :( I am sorriez about your pretty knife.

I can haz soup , please? Beer too!

I see you as a cute lol cat and you can haz soup I duz not know if ah should be responsible for givin you beer. I sawz what yo cat frenz duz wif beerz. Jus sayin ;)

Aww sweets.

*hugs*

I hope the guy who ended up with your knife treats it well and appreciates it.

Now I'm trying to imagine you with the pouting and the puppy dog eyes.
No, stop it with the puppy dog eyes! *chortle*
Stop it, I said! :)

I have favourite knives. One of them is a purple ScanPan. Kris has a habit of putting it back in its sheath the wrong way round. I have no idea why his brain thinks it goes in that way.

Actually another one of my very favourites is a smallish cheap no-name one that just says "stainless" and "made in Japan". It sharpens up beautifully. I think I stole it from my mother.

OMG I already humiliated myself with that story and you are laughing at me too!

*whimpers*

Trust me, no one, but a select few..and no one at this point in my life, gets to see either the pout or the puppy dog eyes, its a natural side effect of huge fricking disappointment like losing my favorite knife that I make a living with.

*sigh*

Ursy you stole a knife from your Mother?

Why do you do these things? Was she going to take it through security at the airport? Gee I kinda wish someone that I loved would have stolen my knife. lol

[TheMerryFairy]

I see you as a cute lol cat and you can haz soup I duz not know if ah should be responsible for givin you beer. I sawz what yo cat frenz duz wif beerz. Jus sayin ;)



OMG I already humiliated myself with that story and you are laughing at me too!

*whimpers*

Trust me, no one, but a select few..and no one at this point in my life, gets to see either the pout or the puppy dog eyes, its a natural side effect of huge fricking disappointment like losing my favorite knife that I make a living with.

*sigh*

Ursy you stole a knife from your Mother?

Why do you do these things? Was she going to take it through security at the airport? Gee I kinda wish someone that I loved would have stolen my knife. lol




Give her a beer and let's see what happens!

Don't whimper, I'm not laughing at you & you didn't humiliate yourself. You opened up and showed a vulnerable part of yourself. The experience may have been embarrassing but you have comfort here, with us.

[Sun]

I do think that that was paying it forwards, Sun. Thank you for caring about that knife and giving it to someone who will appreciate it. I've never had any Shun knives yet, but I know that they are good ones. I just don't think that I need to spend that kind of money on knives, at least until I get better knife skills.

Thanks hon. What I would suggest is that if you want a Shun watch for sales. They go on sale once or twice a year. I really wish I had been working with one long ago. Friends tried to tell me to switch from German to Japanese knives but I am stubborn. The Shun are lighter and hold an edge much longer. The heaviness of the German knives made no sense to me once I tested a Shun. With such a sharp edge I was able to use the knife for so many tasks including filet. I could take a whole Salmon down in no time. The knife just glides right through everything. Beautiful.

[Sun]

Give her a beer and let's see what happens!

Don't whimper, I'm not laughing at you & you didn't humiliate yourself. You opened up and showed a vulnerable part of yourself. The experience may have been embarrassing but you have comfort here, with us.

Oh trust me I have humiliated myself in stories to Ursy for years. She has been one of my go to friends when I am feeling beaten down by the world.

Really I would never publicly admit to such a thing as pouting. So in a way, this truly cracks me up. It is a behavior unbecoming of a Daddy and a Sir, but thank you, very kindly for your support of my revealing my inner boy. *grin*

[TheMerryFairy]

Oh trust me I have humiliated myself in stories to Ursy for years. She has been one of my go to friends when I am feeling beaten down by the world.

Really I would never publicly admit to such a thing as pouting. So in a way, this truly cracks me up. It is a behavior unbecoming of a Daddy and a Sir, but thank you, very kindly for your support of my revealing my inner boy. *grin*




Well, I guess then I can admit that I am not aware of what Daddy/Sir behavior consists of. I have never been exposed to that type of dynamic *blushes* As long as it is healthy behavior, I see no harm in anything at all - inner child or otherwise.

[cinnamongrrl]

So..I made a soup today, by request for a friend who needs to get back on her yoga healthy eating track. She is super busy and stressed out so I was happy to help.

Here is what I used:

Veg Soup

2 Large Sweet Potatoes (Cut into 1/2" chunks)
1 Large Turnip (cut into 1/2" chunks)
3 Large Leeks (halved and sliced)
2 Sweet onions chopped
8 cloves of garlic chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
1 Bunch of Turnip Greens, chopped
2 Cups sliced button mushrooms (any variety would work)
1 Head Broccoli, chopped
1/2 Cup Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped

Stock:
1 Qt Chicken Broth
1 Qt Veg Broth
1 Cup water

Seasoning:
3 Bay leaves
6 Coriander seeds
1/2 tsp Turmeric
ground black pepper
& sea salt (to taste)


I started the soup with the broth heated up and tossed in the Turnip and Sweet potatoes first. They take the longest to cook, after 20 mins, added the celery, onions, then carrots. After cleaning the leeks well, they can be full of dirt this time of year, they were sliced and added to the pot. Cook another 15 mins on low and then add everything else. Simmer for another 30 minutes.

This really needs another quart of broth or stock but at this stage is hearty. Adding cooked protein like sliced chicken or black beans would work too.



Omg thank you for this darlin!I love me some nummy veggie soup...winter is great soup weather!

[JustLovelyJenn]

Great ideas TMF, you could develop a website concept in cooking from the pantry, whatever is on hand. Smart and timely.

Friends of mine are opening a new "Free Clinic" downtown and today they are painting it. Getting closer to opening. I want to help but was unsure what I could do. The director, a friend, just got back to me as I asked if they needed coffee. Because really, God forbid that my friends should do anything with no coffee resources. You see the theme evolving, I am sure.

Anyway the Director told me that they do not have coffee or a coffee pot and in fact they kitchen is a shell and they left that for last.

So guess what? New project! Someone needs to stop me from taking on volunteer work because as it is I wind up working until midnight some nights getting deadlines met in addition to my regular work.

Truly this is a great project and will serve a very under served population including migrant workers who are trying to get citizenship but are in the red tape loop and cant get basic health services for themselves or their children. Seeing a child suffer with a cold and the look on the Mothers face when she has no resources is one of the worst feelings ever and its just not ok.

Some folks have asked me how they funded this free clinic model and I have no idea but will find out and report back if anyone is interested.

Have a great day all.

This is a wonderful project!! There are so many communities that could benefit from people who are really willing to work for a difference. Working in the local schools I see so many children that go without. They are in need of health care, basic needs like clothes, coats, and shoes. Food is sometimes much farther down on the list. At least they can eat at school.

As a teacher, once I am settled those types of projects will be high on my volunteer list. Sadly, there are not many projects like that where I am now. I help where I can, food banks, clothing banks, etc. BUT, I am looking forward to being in a position that I can initiate programs if they do not already exist.

[Sun]

This is a wonderful project!! There are so many communities that could benefit from people who are really willing to work for a difference. Working in the local schools I see so many children that go without. They are in need of health care, basic needs like clothes, coats, and shoes. Food is sometimes much farther down on the list. At least they can eat at school.

As a teacher, once I am settled those types of projects will be high on my volunteer list. Sadly, there are not many projects like that where I am now. I help where I can, food banks, clothing banks, etc. BUT, I am looking forward to being in a position that I can initiate programs if they do not already exist.

Yes it is a great project but you have to get a snapshot of my life. Before the day was over one of my friends who emerged from this wonderful project covered in paint had to come and tell me "Sun they have a HUGE piece of land and want to grow an organic garden" so of course I should help them and teach them how to do a food bank and hot meal program and lets get them into solar technology..do you see the great thinktank here?

My friends are amazing, giving, loving people, but..I cant keep taking on projects. I can lead a project and delegate but I will not have a lot of time to do so. What I can do however is help them to find funding for these projects and then identify the right people who will actually be here to help them when I return to CA.

[Ursy]

OMG I already humiliated myself with that story and you are laughing at me too!

*whimpers*

Trust me, no one, but a select few..and no one at this point in my life, gets to see either the pout or the puppy dog eyes, its a natural side effect of huge fricking disappointment like losing my favorite knife that I make a living with.

*sigh*

Ursy you stole a knife from your Mother?

Why do you do these things? Was she going to take it through security at the airport? Gee I kinda wish someone that I loved would have stolen my knife. lol

Aww love.
I can't laugh at you when you whimper *squishes*

Yes, I've stolen a few random things from my darling wonderful Mum.
I think it was that "leaving home for the first time and taking a bit of it with you" kind of thing. I went to Uni miles away from home, and if I coudn't take her back to college with me, I wanted to take "bits of her". <3

I wonder what bits of "home" Bek will steal from me one day.

[JustLovelyJenn]

Yes it is a great project but you have to get a snapshot of my life. Before the day was over one of my friends who emerged from this wonderful project covered in paint had to come and tell me "Sun they have a HUGE piece of land and want to grow an organic garden" so of course I should help them and teach them how to do a food bank and hot meal program and lets get them into solar technology..do you see the great thinktank here?

My friends are amazing, giving, loving people, but..I cant keep taking on projects. I can lead a project and delegate but I will not have a lot of time to do so. What I can do however is help them to find funding for these projects and then identify the right people who will actually be here to help them when I return to CA.

No you cant keep taking on more and more projects. Its time to prioritize i think. Look at what is really on your plate and make sure your not going to burn out before you can complete whats there. You do so much, its absolutely amazing, but your right... You really do need to make sure your taking care of yourself. I am sure you will be able to help find the right people to keep the project going!

[JustLovelyJenn]

I had the most amazing, simple, dinner...

I found some very nice mussels in the freezer section of our outlet grocery store... Its a big treat for me to get seafood!

So I steamed them in some turkey broth I had in the freezer with a fresh lemon, and some coriander and fennel seeds. Then just poured some garlic butter over them in the bowl. I made a salad to go with it... fresh organic kale, campari tomatoes, and baby bella mushrooms with a horseradish mustard vinaigrette. So simple, but so satisfying.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/184715_10200162798889953_2069449721_n.jpg

[TheMerryFairy]

I had the most amazing, simple, dinner...

I found some very nice mussels in the freezer section of our outlet grocery store... Its a big treat for me to get seafood!

So I steamed them in some turkey broth I had in the freezer with a fresh lemon, and some coriander and fennel seeds. Then just poured some garlic butter over them in the bowl. I made a salad to go with it... fresh organic kale, campari tomatoes, and baby bella mushrooms with a horseradish mustard vinaigrette. So simple, but so satisfying.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/184715_10200162798889953_2069449721_n.jpg


What a beautiful dish!

I love when you can still taste the fresh flavors of the food. It can be simple and elegant. All you need to do is highlight what's already there! You're a natural at it.
Have I mentioned that you can also cook for me anytime? LOL

[Nadeest]

Thanks hon. What I would suggest is that if you want a Shun watch for sales. They go on sale once or twice a year. I really wish I had been working with one long ago. Friends tried to tell me to switch from German to Japanese knives but I am stubborn. The Shun are lighter and hold an edge much longer. The heaviness of the German knives made no sense to me once I tested a Shun. With such a sharp edge I was able to use the knife for so many tasks including filet. I could take a whole Salmon down in no time. The knife just glides right through everything. Beautiful.

A friend of mine, and a classmate in culinary school used a Global Chef's Knife. It worked pretty well for her, and I liked the look of it.

[Ursy]

I have a sous chef now :)

I've started getting Bek involved in the kitchen. If something happened to the adults in her life, she would be totally unprepared to take care of herself, even though she's 18, and that frightens me. (She's a young 18 - she has Asperger's, like me. We are late bloomers).

Tonight was fried rice. She did a great job :)

[Sun]

Good Morning Delicious people!

You all have been busy. Awesome.

Jennie - Great looking mussels, nice work.

Nadeest - Test the knives out and see what feels right to you. If you have a Sur la Table or Williams Sonoma, nearby they let you test them.

Ursy - Bek the sous Chef! Yay I love it. One thing I learned with my Aspy bff is that she can relate to food much better if she has a role in putting it together in some way. If I cook and she is going to eat I have to make sure that there is some assembly required or some choice in the matter. That is kind of cool for me.


I really enjoy how we think differently about things.

I've been trying to pack for my trip and realize that I have 5 days of hotel food or food on the road ahead of me. Not fun! Maybe I will lose some weight on this trip.

Question for you all, does anyone know what the regional specialty dishes are in Atlanta?

[Daktari]

Well, I guess then I can admit that I am not aware of what Daddy/Sir behavior consists of. I have never been exposed to that type of dynamic *blushes* As long as it is healthy behavior, I see no harm in anything at all - inner child or otherwise.

Now, see, there is no set behaviour for a Daddy or Sir, each one is different; as they are also different with each girl.

Healthy? Healthy as carrots I'd say!

[SomethingBeautiful]

[QUOTE=Sun;735188]I see you as a cute lol cat and you can haz soup I duz not know if ah should be responsible for givin you beer. I sawz what yo cat frenz duz wif beerz. Jus sayin ;)


I iz quite kittun like but not many people really get to see what I mean. I canz be trusted wif beer!!!! It's BEER I can't wastes that!!! Thankz for tha soup though . In all fairness I am far more liklely to spill hot sauce on myselfz. It's a natural talent. Why doez shirts not haz hot sauce resistance? Wrinkle resistance doez no good to me. I never learnz that white shirts attract stainz either so I try to not wear white. I still spill thingz

[SomethingBeautiful]

Question for you all, does anyone know what the regional specialty dishes are in Atlanta? [/COLOR][/B][/QUOTE]


Chicken and Waffles, peach cobbler I am sure there iz others but those two I know for sure! Soul foods

[ManOMan]

My first thought seeing this is that I want some good Pho.

Foodie checking in. Will be back. Thanks for starting this!


It's always time for Pho! I am grateful to have an amazing place right around the corners....or maybe it's a curse...lol....

[StrongButch]

Our food here in Georgia is southern based. Barbecue,fried chicken,catfish,shrimp,fried green tomatoes,grits,greens,cornbread,jambalaya,biscuits . Hope this helps you out Sun. We are very friendly people your gonna love Atlanta! My suggestion fry it make it spicey they will eat it. (lol)

[ManOMan]

Oh you are devious! But they might, I bet they have sniffer dogs. How else could they have known there was an autumn leaf in Cath's card? Beats the heck out of me!

I would worry if you made it obvious that you were hiding it. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble!


I've been reading this sting about the seeds and I am definitely am going to orders some. What I was thinking though, is that if you contacted Underwood directly, they might be able to send seeds abroad. Just a thought.

[ManOMan]

I have a sous chef now :)

I've started getting Bek involved in the kitchen. If something happened to the adults in her life, she would be totally unprepared to take care of herself, even though she's 18, and that frightens me. (She's a young 18 - she has Asperger's, like me. We are late bloomers).

Tonight was fried rice. She did a great job :)


I think this is wonderful that you are taking the time to teach her and that she's willing to learn. When my ex and I were together I really wanted to teach my stepson 'cause I didn't him to grow up and be one of those 'helpless' bachelors. Alas he was fine 'helping' once in a while, but it wasn't his thing. I've lost contact with him, sadly. I hope that he's eating real food and not canned/processed junk.

[Ursy]

I've been reading this sting about the seeds and I am definitely am going to orders some. What I was thinking though, is that if you contacted Underwood directly, they might be able to send seeds abroad. Just a thought.

They sound really cool, don't they? I'd never heard of them before.
The difficult part is getting them through customs, they would most likely be confiscated.

[Ursy]

I think this is wonderful that you are taking the time to teach her and that she's willing to learn. When my ex and I were together I really wanted to teach my stepson 'cause I didn't him to grow up and be one of those 'helpless' bachelors. Alas he was fine 'helping' once in a while, but it wasn't his thing. I've lost contact with him, sadly. I hope that he's eating real food and not canned/processed junk.

Yes, it's such an awesome skill to have. Even more awesome if you can learn to love it!

She is quite interested in food. One of our favourite things to do is to go to one of those international supermarkets and look at all of the interesting things that you can't get in the regular supermarkets.

She's very open to trying things she's never tried before. She turned 18 last Friday and we went to a buffet restaurant (she loves the variety of those places) and she tried a baby octopus. She ate the whole thing, but said she probably wouldn't bother eating any more of them.

[Sun]

It's always time for Pho! I am grateful to have an amazing place right around the corners....or maybe it's a curse...lol....

Welcome! Lucky you. I would love to have a great Pho place close by. No complaints here though, I have amazing Mexican food and my favorite Sushi ever :)

[Sun]

Our food here in Georgia is southern based. Barbecue,fried chicken,catfish,shrimp,fried green tomatoes,grits,greens,cornbread,jambalaya,biscuits . Hope this helps you out Sun. We are very friendly people your gonna love Atlanta! My suggestion fry it make it spicey they will eat it. (lol)

Thanks Strong. I do love all things southern.

This week I will not be cooking but will find some time to seek out the local flavors.

[Sun]

Yes, it's such an awesome skill to have. Even more awesome if you can learn to love it!

She is quite interested in food. One of our favourite things to do is to go to one of those international supermarkets and look at all of the interesting things that you can't get in the regular supermarkets.

She's very open to trying things she's never tried before. She turned 18 last Friday and we went to a buffet restaurant (she loves the variety of those places) and she tried a baby octopus. She ate the whole thing, but said she probably wouldn't bother eating any more of them.

Bek is very adventurous. I cant imagine the mini diva eating anything adventurous at this state. I cant even get her to try hot sauce. Garlic I had to sneak into the food.

[TheMerryFairy]

Thanks Strong. I do love all things southern.

This week I will not be cooking but will find some time to seek out the local flavors.

Have a wonderful and safe trip! I can't wait to see your posts when you return.

They take bbq seriously in Atlanta! Then again, all southern soul food is sure to hit the spot . Fried okra, shrimp & grits, bread pudding, hush puppes and homestyle beans!

There are lots of little local diners, food trucks and the like for you to experience the regional flavors. Speaking of food trucks, if you want to track where to find a good spot so you don't need to worry about hotel food, look here! They even have menu's listed :)

http://roaminghunger.com/atl

I did some research. I am not sure the days you will be gone but Jan 26th there is an Atlanda beer festival. Atlanta Winter Beer Fest!

The 25th-27th they have a harley booth at the motorcycle show. I know it's not food related but I thought if you had time, it may peak your interest.


Here is a link for things going on around the area food & drink related : http://www.atlantabuzz.com/category/food-drink/

[Sun]

Wow thank you TMF, awesome research.

I will be online the whole week and I will be working while at the convention as I have a big project underway and cant just break from it for a volunteer week.

If there is anything exciting to report I surely will. One of these days I have to get some pics uploaded to post here. What sites are you all using for that? I have Photobucket.

[TheMerryFairy]

Wow thank you TMF, awesome research.

I will be online the whole week and I will be working while at the convention as I have a big project underway and cant just break from it for a volunteer week.

If there is anything exciting to report I surely will. One of these days I have to get some pics uploaded to post here. What sites are you all using for that? I have Photobucket.



I really haven't posted anything here but photobucket seems to be popular. I have one of those lol

[TheMerryFairy]

I had the most wonderful lunch today at a little mediteranean bistro!

The atmosphere was classy but still casual and comfortable. They set the tone with goegeous red table settings, cute candle holders and faint authentic music playing in the background.

The lighting was perfect, my waitress was a resfreshing burst of energy & the food was out of this world. I think I had a divine experience, similar to the ones from Eat pray love. THAT is exactly what I have tried to embrace and it's the type of life I want to continue living. Fresh food, lovely ambiance and the feeling as if you've been transported to an exotic destination.

I am still swooning. Okay so my lunch is pretty much the only thing I will be eating today because there was so much to choose from and I couldn't resist!

I started with a glass of water with extra lemon & then I had a pepsi with my main.

I shared two appetizers : Tyrokafteri Dip - a feta and roasted red pepper spread served with fresh warm pita bread & mythos mussels - steamed in greek beer, lemon and a fresh garlic cream

My entree was a lamb and spice stuffed grape leaf (just one) on the side of a chicken and chorizo whole wheat penne with bright fresh veggies, a spicy tomato sauce and manchego cheese.

I really didn't have any room for dessert BUT who can turn down herbal tea, deep fried cheesecake & baklava?? :)

My friends are too kind to me.

[Ursy]

That sounds wonderful!
I've heard of lots of deep fried things before, but never deep fried cheesecake :)

Was it amazing?

[Nadeest]

We started making Tiramisu in class today, and it will be finished next week. It was fun, and I think that I am really going to enjoy my Advanced Pastry class. It looks like we will be making mostly tortes, and European style desserts. :)

[TheMerryFairy]

We started making Tiramisu in class today, and it will be finished next week. It was fun, and I think that I am really going to enjoy my Advanced Pastry class. It looks like we will be making mostly tortes, and European style desserts. :)

That's delicious! I wish I could sample your work :P

[Dante]

Greetings everybody! Not sure if there is a particular topic for discussion, but, I love reading and learning.
I have it on good authority than our very own, Sun made killer enchiladas that I saw a pic of and am dying for his recipe!
lemons ......aids in detoxing & digestion. High in vitamin C. Burns fat & accelerates weight loss.

I made a very good salad the other day that I had the recipe for. Shredded cabbage, chopped radishes, green onions, and chopped cilantro. the dressing was simply lemon juice, and olive oil. The cilantro really made it delicious .

Thing about cilantro, peeps either hate it or love it. I love it, strong taste, like rosemary.

[TheMerryFairy]

Greetings everybody! Not sure if there is a particular topic for discussion, but, I love reading and learning.
I have it on good authority than our very own, Sun made killer enchiladas that I saw a pic of and am dying for his recipe!
lemons ......aids in detoxing & digestion. High in vitamin C. Burns fat & accelerates weight loss.

I made a very good salad the other day that I had the recipe for. Shredded cabbage, chopped radishes, green onions, and chopped cilantro. the dressing was simply lemon juice, and olive oil. The cilantro really made it delicious .

Thing about cilantro, peeps either hate it or love it. I love it, strong taste, like rosemary.



I love cilantro! Your salad sounds wonderful :) You'll have to let us know how the enchiladas turn out.

[Dante]

I love cilantro! Your salad sounds wonderful :) You'll have to let us know how the enchiladas turn out.


Yesssss when Sun gives us the recipe.

[TheMerryFairy]

Yesssss when Sun gives us the recipe.

I am going to have so many recipes to try out. This is wonderful!

[Dante]

Regarding cheese ......
My mom had this cheese grater. It was all metal. It had a crank. Each blade was a round disc. It was the best! Super fast. I found one somewhere and bought my own. I don't have a pic, however. I swear the cheese tasted better using it. :passinggas:

My mom's recipe every Thanksgiving and Xmas.
Even though it is called onion pie, it is the cheese that makes it delicious. Similar to a quiche.


Onion Pie

Crust: 1 and 1/2 cups crushed soda crackers
1/2 cup melted butter
mix till crumbly and line large pie plate.

Saute 3 1/2 cups sliced onion in 1/2 cube butter.
Scald 1 cup milk. Let it cool. add the milk and 3 slightly beaten eggs to the onions. pour into the prepared pie plate.
Cover top w/ grated cheddar cheese.
Bake at 325 til brown, about a half hour.


Coconut ..... lowers cholesterol, improves diabetes, aids digestion, high in protein & calcium

[Corkey]

Haz no taste buds
:watereyes::cough:

[Dante]

Sorry you're sick and no taste buds, Corkey.

Onions ....we have green onions, maui onions, red onions, which I only like in salads, cold, not cooked. white onions, brown onions, and pearl onions. I confess I have never had shallots and I am curious. are they good? what do they taste like?

Today was my mom's birthday, and it was sad for me looking at some of those recipes with her own hand-writing. sigh ...... I missed her a lot today. She was the best cook ever. One time she had a party for her friends, house warming, and she made so many appetizers, everyone was full and couldn't eat the dinner. lol

[fever]

I agree, Dante. I have been finding recipes written by mom, or Women's Weekly magazines where she has marked an article and then made a comment. She would then pass them on to me, so I would see each word of wisdom she thought I should know. Fondly I feel close to her at these times. Thanks for reminding me..........Sorry you're sick and no taste buds, Corkey.

Onions ....we have green onions, maui onions, red onions, which I only like in salads, cold, not cooked. white onions, brown onions, and pearl onions. I confess I have never had shallots and I am curious. are they good? what do they taste like?

Today was my mom's birthday, and it was sad for me looking at some of those recipes with her own hand-writing. sigh ...... I missed her a lot today. She was the best cook ever. One time she had a party for her friends, house warming, and she made so many appetizers, everyone was full and couldn't eat the dinner. lol

[Corkey]

Sorry you're sick and no taste buds, Corkey.

Onions ....we have green onions, maui onions, red onions, which I only like in salads, cold, not cooked. white onions, brown onions, and pearl onions. I confess I have never had shallots and I am curious. are they good? what do they taste like?

Today was my mom's birthday, and it was sad for me looking at some of those recipes with her own hand-writing. sigh ...... I missed her a lot today. She was the best cook ever. One time she had a party for her friends, house warming, and she made so many appetizers, everyone was full and couldn't eat the dinner. lol






Iz afeared I really can't describe a shallot, but I can eat them and not the others without pills. Go figure. They are probably not as strong in their chemical make up, which goes better with mah system. Back to bed, parental carbon units for lunch tomorrow, today, oy'

[Ursy]

Sorry you're sick and no taste buds, Corkey.

Onions ....we have green onions, maui onions, red onions, which I only like in salads, cold, not cooked. white onions, brown onions, and pearl onions. I confess I have never had shallots and I am curious. are they good? what do they taste like?

Today was my mom's birthday, and it was sad for me looking at some of those recipes with her own hand-writing. sigh ...... I missed her a lot today. She was the best cook ever. One time she had a party for her friends, house warming, and she made so many appetizers, everyone was full and couldn't eat the dinner. lol




I like shallots, do you mean the green ones? I'm not sure if that you call shallots and what we call shallots is the same thing - they look like these:
http://www.taste.com.au/how+to/articles/697/green+shallots

They taste a bit less intense than onion. If you've had chives or leeks, they are kind of like that. Oniony but planty as well (those are technical terms, by the way) - lol :)

Happy birthday to your Mom. I'm like that with my Grandma's recipes. They are so special because they are in her handwriting. Hugs to you - I miss my Grandma too.

[Nadeest]

Shallots, to me, are a different thing. Here is a link to what I understand as shallots: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/shallots-00000000039363/index.html . They are kind of a mix between onions and garlic, and are very good.

I just saw a recipe for caramelized shallots on a website, that I am looking forwards to trying out soon. I shan't give out the recipe yet, as I haven't tried it out. Besides, it is someone else's recipe, and she has her own website, so that wouldn't be fair to her.

[Ursy]

Shallots, to me, are a different thing. Here is a link to what I understand as shallots: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/shallots-00000000039363/index.html . They are kind of a mix between onions and garlic, and are very good.

I just saw a recipe for caramelized shallots on a website, that I am looking forwards to trying out soon. I shan't give out the recipe yet, as I haven't tried it out. Besides, it is someone else's recipe, and she has her own website, so that wouldn't be fair to her.

Oh, they look just like little onions!
Funny how things differ between regions and countries.

We don't say cilantro at all here, it's just coriander. Fresh coriander / coriander leaves, otherwise just coriander if it's the dried, ground seeds. I like the idea of calling it cilantro as it eliminates any doubt. I bet it's caused a lot of confusion when Americans have come across a recipe from Australia (or England, I think)

[Teddybear]

Ltns peeps. This is our Friday tonite. Short week for us.

My menu for tonite us:

Cajun catfish just haven't decided if it will b baked, fried ir a faux grilled.

Home made cole slaw

Home made hush puppies

southern baked beans
Pickles

Now she knows :o

[cinnamongrrl]

Ltns peeps. This is our Friday tonite. Short week for us.

My menu for tonite us:

Cajun catfish just haven't decided if it will b baked, fried ir a faux grilled.

Home made cole slaw

Home made hush puppies

southern baked beans
Pickles

Now she knows :o


mmmmmm now my belly is rumbling even more! :) Can't wait baby...xo

[Corkey]

I like shallots, do you mean the green ones? I'm not sure if that you call shallots and what we call shallots is the same thing - they look like these:
http://www.taste.com.au/how+to/articles/697/green+shallots

They taste a bit less intense than onion. If you've had chives or leeks, they are kind of like that. Oniony but planty as well (those are technical terms, by the way) - lol :)

Happy birthday to your Mom. I'm like that with my Grandma's recipes. They are so special because they are in her handwriting. Hugs to you - I miss my Grandma too.


Those I call scallions, shallots are the lil purple ones sometimes with two in a bulb.

[TheMerryFairy]

Good evening everyone!

My apologies for not keeping up on this thread for a few days. I hope everyone is taking care.

Tonight I made a veggie chili. I used ground soy browned and seasoned instead of the ground beef. It turned out amazing. I even put it into a bread bowl and topped it with a bit of light cheddar.

What does everyone like to eat on a cold winter night?

[Ursy]

Those I call scallions, shallots are the lil purple ones sometimes with two in a bulb.

How interesting, I must keep an eye out for some!

Good evening everyone!

My apologies for not keeping up on this thread for a few days. I hope everyone is taking care.

Tonight I made a veggie chili. I used ground soy browned and seasoned instead of the ground beef. It turned out amazing. I even put it into a bread bowl and topped it with a bit of light cheddar.

What does everyone like to eat on a cold winter night?

Oooh, I love winter food. Soups and stews - it's real comfort food.
Can't wait for the cooler weather to come 'round again.

Your veggie chili sounds wonderful!

[MarquisdeShey]

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/542430_10151134067022436_1983930975_n.jpg

[Daktari]

Don't forget banana shallots too.

Shallots = smaller, less 'aggressive', posh hunions.

[ahk]

Regarding cheese ......
My mom had this cheese grater. It was all metal. It had a crank. Each blade was a round disc. It was the best! Super fast. I found one somewhere and bought my own. I don't have a pic, however. I swear the cheese tasted better using it. :passinggas:

My mom's recipe every Thanksgiving and Xmas.
Even though it is called onion pie, it is the cheese that makes it delicious. Similar to a quiche.


Onion Pie

Crust: 1 and 1/2 cups crushed soda crackers
1/2 cup melted butter
mix till crumbly and line large pie plate.

Saute 3 1/2 cups sliced onion in 1/2 cube butter.
Scald 1 cup milk. Let it cool. add the milk and 3 slightly beaten eggs to the onions. pour into the prepared pie plate.
Cover top w/ grated cheddar cheese.
Bake at 325 til brown, about a half hour.


Coconut ..... lowers cholesterol, improves diabetes, aids digestion, high in protein & calcium

MMM, sounds wonderful.
and
this is what I use most of time.

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/287881/287881,1236149081,4/stock-photo-cheese-grinder-metal-kitchen-equipment-on-white-26276914.jpg

Dante, is this similar to what you are referring to?

Good evening everyone!

My apologies for not keeping up on this thread for a few days. I hope everyone is taking care.

Tonight I made a veggie chili. I used ground soy browned and seasoned instead of the ground beef. It turned out amazing. I even put it into a bread bowl and topped it with a bit of light cheddar.

What does everyone like to eat on a cold winter night?

We are enjoying Beef stew tonight. My honey makes it with beef chunks (grass fed), multi coloured carrots, potato, thyme, tomato, beef stock, garlic, onions and I'm sure I'm missing something. I just come prepared with an hungry appetite. :eating:

[Ursy]

I have some multi-coloured carrot seeds, can't wait to plant them!
The purple ones are supposed to be super-good for you, way better than the regular orange ones. I'm not sure about the other colours.

I should look it up sometime, when I'm not feeling lazy :)

[ahk]

Here (http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/ar/archive/nov04/carrot1104.htm) you go, Ursy.

:)

[Daktari]

Deletion...as you were. :blush:

[Ursy]

Here (http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/ar/archive/nov04/carrot1104.htm) you go, Ursy.

:)

Ooh cool, thanks so much ahk!
I'm looking forward to planting these babies :)
I've got purple, red, yellow and the standard orange.

They'd make a very pretty coleslaw, methinks.

[easygoingfemme]

We made a dessert pizza here tonight.
Used a gluten free crust recipe from Bob's Red Mill. Baked the crust without any toppings on the pizza stone. Then took out and covered with:

Soft goats cheese that my daughter whipped with some raw honey.
Sliced figs and apples that I cooked in apple cider for a few minutes, just until soft.

Spread the goats cheese on the hot crust. Used a slotted spoon to take figs and apples out of cider and spread them over the pizza. Pizza back in the oven for 2 minutes to warm everything up together.

Mmmmm.

[TheMerryFairy]

I had a cuopon for free pizza. As it turns out tonight they had a "buy one, get one" so now I have two! : A sausage, pepperoni & mushroom and then a hawaiian bbq chicken with stuffed cheese crust. Yes, I know it's ridiculous LOL I am thinking of sharing the chicken one with friends tomorrow, if I can convince one of them to come for lunch.

[KCBUTCH]

a friend just sent me a recipe for gluten free/sugar free brownies cant wait to try them YUM YUM

[Gemme]

I had a cuopon for free pizza. As it turns out tonight they had a "buy one, get one" so now I have two! : A sausage, pepperoni & mushroom and then a hawaiian bbq chicken with stuffed cheese crust. Yes, I know it's ridiculous LOL I am thinking of sharing the chicken one with friends tomorrow, if I can convince one of them to come for lunch.

What time would you like me to be there?

:cheesy:

[Corkey]

Ami is going to make home made pizza for the SB.
N cookies for the meantime. I am one lucky guy!

Oh n blueberry scones :cheesy:

[dixie]

What time would you like me to be there?

:cheesy:

I got $20 worth of Pizza Hut coupons in the mail today because I complained about them screwing up the kiddo's pizza the other day. Woot! We can share 2 of those $10 boxes! LOL

[TheMerryFairy]

What time would you like me to be there?

:cheesy:

Anytime you get here! LOL I can have fresh pizza waiting though. You might not want 3 day old sausage LOL

[Sun]

Good Morning Delicious people!!

Wow it feels like I have been away for a long long time!

My conference was insanely amazing, as well as inspiring in so many ways. I am still processing so much information and so many connections.

How are yall doing?

Sadly I have not one food adventure to share from Atlanta. The conference was at the Hilton and I mostly ate on the run. Never made time to dine out, as the programming went from 8am to 10pm on most days and I opted to get as much time in with the community as possible. So apparently I missed out on some real good soul food. Oh well.

Since I have been back in AZ however I am more than making up for the lack of food adventures since my bff is in cooking mode these days and had made some amazing, if high calorie, stuff, including Corn Chowder, Chili, Apple Fritters, Bacon wrapped Apple Fritters (crazy good) and two nights ago we made Pecan Praline ice cream and Mango Sorbet. I need to find a treadmill and a gym asap.

I'm going to attempt to catch up on all of the posts that I have misses..wish me luck! ;)

[Sun]

We made a dessert pizza here tonight.
Used a gluten free crust recipe from Bob's Red Mill. Baked the crust without any toppings on the pizza stone. Then took out and covered with:

Soft goats cheese that my daughter whipped with some raw honey.
Sliced figs and apples that I cooked in apple cider for a few minutes, just until soft.

Spread the goats cheese on the hot crust. Used a slotted spoon to take figs and apples out of cider and spread them over the pizza. Pizza back in the oven for 2 minutes to warm everything up together.

Mmmmm.

Wow that sounds amazing. There is a huge market for Gluten Free prepared foods if you ever decide to start up a small business of making them. I can also think of a few areas that need a Cafe that specializes in Gluten Free. There is one nearby and they are busy all the time. However with over one million locals, one Cafe is not enough.

Where are the figs coming from this time of year?

[Sun]

Greetings everybody! Not sure if there is a particular topic for discussion, but, I love reading and learning.
I have it on good authority than our very own, Sun made killer enchiladas that I saw a pic of and am dying for his recipe!
lemons ......aids in detoxing & digestion. High in vitamin C. Burns fat & accelerates weight loss.

I made a very good salad the other day that I had the recipe for. Shredded cabbage, chopped radishes, green onions, and chopped cilantro. the dressing was simply lemon juice, and olive oil. The cilantro really made it delicious .

Thing about cilantro, peeps either hate it or love it. I love it, strong taste, like rosemary.


Dante! Sup So Cal! We should go to a Lakers game sometime and I will just bring the Enchiladas! That's my team too :)

I will put together a recipe and post it. The thing about my cooking is that unless someone else is going to replicate it I have very little recorded these days. Mostly I am working up recipes for other people. Odd thing about that, I have been doing it for long enough that I can look at something and say..that looks like a 1/4 Cup and be pretty near accurate. That said, Enchiladas can be made quickly with roasted Chicken that gets pulled and shredded, warm tortillias, a simple sauce and some good cheese. Sometimes I like to add roasted chilis to the chicken or go off on a fusion and add roasted baby artichokes. It all depends on my mood.

So I will be sure to come back and post a recipe. I need to remember to keep track of all the recipes that we post in here so that we have some sort of archive.

As for thread topics, it seems that we just start them.

Curious has anyone made Pralines? I used two very different recipes and the results were night and day. Trying to decide which one I like best to mix into the fresh ice cream.

[Nadeest]

Yes, we made Pecan Pralines in my American Regional Cuisine class. They were delicious!

[KCBUTCH]

LOOKING FOR A GREAT VEGETARIAN CROCK POT RECIPE BY TOMORROW IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS-ENOUGH TO FEED 10-15

THANK YOU FOR HELPING :)

[ahk]

LOOKING FOR A GREAT VEGETARIAN CROCK POT RECIPE BY TOMORROW IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS-ENOUGH TO FEED 10-15

THANK YOU FOR HELPING :)

Sweet Potato Chili

Ingredients
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
kosher salt and black pepper
1 28-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 15.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed
1 15.5-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed
1 medium sweet potato (about 8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
sour cream, sliced scallions, sliced radishes, and tortilla chips, for serving

Directions
In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, cocoa, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add the tomatoes (and their liquid), beans, sweet potato, and 1 cup water.
Cover and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened, on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours (this will shorten total recipe time).
Serve the chili with the sour cream, scallions, radishes, and tortilla chips.

~~

Veggie Stew

4 large carrots, diagonally sliced into 2-inch pieces (about 5 cups)
2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained
Directions
Combine the carrots, turnips, onion, garlic, tomatoes (with their liquid), broth, salt, cumin, and pepper flakes in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours.
Add the zucchini and chickpeas and cook 1 hour longer on low. Serve with cooked rice.

Try web searching for some recipes too--

Good luck.

[CA_BabyCakes]

There is the greatest tiny nacho place in Pico Rivera, the ingredients are simple, chips, pork green chili, cheese and guacamole, but they cook their own chips and they are AMAZING! Casa Garcia on Whittier Blvd!

[KCBUTCH]

Thank you soooo much - that sweet potato chili looks perfect-



Sweet Potato Chili

Ingredients
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
kosher salt and black pepper
1 28-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 15.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed
1 15.5-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed
1 medium sweet potato (about 8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
sour cream, sliced scallions, sliced radishes, and tortilla chips, for serving

Directions
In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, cocoa, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add the tomatoes (and their liquid), beans, sweet potato, and 1 cup water.
Cover and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened, on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours (this will shorten total recipe time).
Serve the chili with the sour cream, scallions, radishes, and tortilla chips.

~~

Veggie Stew

4 large carrots, diagonally sliced into 2-inch pieces (about 5 cups)
2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained
Directions
Combine the carrots, turnips, onion, garlic, tomatoes (with their liquid), broth, salt, cumin, and pepper flakes in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours.
Add the zucchini and chickpeas and cook 1 hour longer on low. Serve with cooked rice.

Try web searching for some recipes too--

Good luck.

[JustLovelyJenn]

I made a really amazing coleslaw yesterday and thought I would tell you about it...

My mom is not too fond of this particular salad, but I love it so I thought I would try a little tweeking to see if I could perk her taste buds.

I added a few more veggies then normal using...

1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
1 white onion, thinly sliced
3 stalks of celery, thinly sliced
3 sweet peppers, thinly sliced
1 carrot, shredded
1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

Kept the dressing light and simple, not using too much...

3 tbsp mayonase
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp horseradish
A squeeze of lemon juice

This was an instant hit!! I was so excited.

[Sun]

Hola Delicious peeps,

So a few days ago I made a Cuban Black Bean soup and that got my fire going for latin food...so Sofrito is simmering and I am thinking about making Ropa Vieja, Platanos, Yucca and some Arroz Amarillo tomorrow.

What I really want is to walk into a Cuban restaurant and have someone serve this to me but...alas...in the desert...no island *sigh*. Oh well.

I am on a salt kick too..must have been dehydrated. So all of yall Super Bowl freaks, if you want something really simple for a dip (I made this all the time, super easy and a great dip for raw veggies) try this:

1 Cup Peppercorn Ranch Dressing
1/8 C Tapatio or Franks Red Hot sauce

Simple and really good. If your friends are like mine they will be dipping everything into the mix.

[Nadeest]

I'm trying a new recipe for ceviche that I found. This looks more like it is designed for part of a meal, rather then a dip, like the other recipe that I have, is. Hopefully, it works out well, though.

[TheMerryFairy]

I want to relax tonight but I also want to cook something as a special treat! I had subway for supper and I skipped fast food after skiing.

I am thinking about doing an asian inspired stirfry - hearty, warm and full of crunchy veggies with rice noodles.

I may also make a simple pudding to make a parfait over the weekend.


I love reading all of your recipes! I am going to attempt making a different one each week :)

[TheMerryFairy]

Good Morning Delicious people!!

Wow it feels like I have been away for a long long time!

My conference was insanely amazing, as well as inspiring in so many ways. I am still processing so much information and so many connections.

How are yall doing?

Sadly I have not one food adventure to share from Atlanta. The conference was at the Hilton and I mostly ate on the run. Never made time to dine out, as the programming went from 8am to 10pm on most days and I opted to get as much time in with the community as possible. So apparently I missed out on some real good soul food. Oh well.

Since I have been back in AZ however I am more than making up for the lack of food adventures since my bff is in cooking mode these days and had made some amazing, if high calorie, stuff, including Corn Chowder, Chili, Apple Fritters, Bacon wrapped Apple Fritters (crazy good) and two nights ago we made Pecan Praline ice cream and Mango Sorbet. I need to find a treadmill and a gym asap.

I'm going to attempt to catch up on all of the posts that I have misses..wish me luck! ;)


You made bacon apple fritters and icecream?? I'll trade you the treadmill for some samples! LOL

[Sun]

I'm trying a new recipe for ceviche that I found. This looks more like it is designed for part of a meal, rather then a dip, like the other recipe that I have, is. Hopefully, it works out well, though.


*Perk* Ceviche? A majic word in my world.

Feel free to share. ;)

[Sun]

You made bacon apple fritters and icecream?? I'll trade you the treadmill for some samples! LOL

My insane bff made the fritters, I made the Pecan Pralines and we made the ice cream & sorbet together. It was a lot of fun! I do not do much with confections so the Pralines presented a few questions and timing challenges but now that I have the sugar groove going on I am going to do more with confection. The great thing about cooking is that there is ALWAYS more to learn.

Oh...the bacon wrapped apple fritters...destined to be a cult classic. Truly off the HOOK!

I am contemplating a caramelized bacon wrapped caramel apple. Will report back on that one.

Today I dropped into Williams Sonoma to look at the knives..I am still so sad about losing my favorite knife :( Ridiculous I know!

[TheMerryFairy]

My insane bff made the fritters, I made the Pecan Pralines and we made the ice cream & sorbet together. It was a lot of fun! I do not do much with confections so the Pralines presented a few questions and timing challenges but now that I have the sugar groove going on I am going to do more with confection. The great thing about cooking is that there is ALWAYS more to learn.

Oh...the bacon wrapped apple fritters...destined to be a cult classic. Truly off the HOOK!

I am contemplating a caramelized bacon wrapped caramel apple. Will report back on that one.

Today I dropped into Williams Sonoma to look at the knives..I am still so sad about losing my favorite knife :( Ridiculous I know!



It's not ridiculous, I'd be pouting and sighing until I found something that might even satisfy the void.

That caramel apple sounds delicious! Confection stuff has always interested me but I can't seem to wrap my brain around it like I can cooking meals. Maybe it's something to look into for the future. When I promote my own project I can also have a tasting sample out to make sure they come back LOL

[ruffryder]

Hello everybody! been some time since I been in here. Ya'll have been busy and posting yumminess all over here. YUM!

I was wondering what the hell sriracha was. I'm starting to see it everywhere so thanks to those that are posting about it. LOL!

Datil chiles, I think I heard about them when I first moved to FL just over a year ago those and them damn boiled peanuts. haha. and I still haven't tried either!

Speaking of festivals, FL has one for the datil chile. They also have a strawberry one http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/ that I would love to attend sometime. Looks very cool! I also want to go to this chocolate place for a tour https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateKingdom I think it would be interesting to see how chocolate is made. I had the priviledge while in Mexico once to see how tequila is made. That was quite interesting too.

What cool and awesome festivals and tours have you attended relating to food?!

[Sun]

Hello everybody! been some time since I been in here. Ya'll have been busy and posting yumminess all over here. YUM!

I was wondering what the hell sriracha was. I'm starting to see it everywhere so thanks to those that are posting about it. LOL!

Datil chiles, I think I heard about them when I first moved to FL just over a year ago those and them damn boiled peanuts. haha. and I still haven't tried either!

Speaking of festivals, FL has one for the datil chile. They also have a strawberry one http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/ that I would love to attend sometime. Looks very cool! I also want to go to this chocolate place for a tour https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateKingdom I think it would be interesting to see how chocolate is made. I had the priviledge while in Mexico once to see how tequila is made. That was quite interesting too.

What cool and awesome festivals and tours have you attended relating to food?!
Hey ruff!

There are a ton of food festivals in CA & AZ, impossible to get to all of them but...since AZ starts warming up about now..there are a lineup of festivals slated for the next 3 months. Some are bbq, bbq & beer, beer, and one big one in Scottsdale which is a multi Chef event.

In CA I like the Garlic Festival the best of all and of course the State Fair. The problem with Strawberry Festivals imo is that they are not organic and therefore, sprayed with poison.

Siracha is fabulous but speaking of poison...loaded with sulfites. So make your own. It is the preferred ingredient in Japanese sushi spicy tuna rolls..my favorite roll. However many people are allergic to sulfites and have not a clue. No wonder...the stuff is used all over the market.

[Sun]

It's not ridiculous, I'd be pouting and sighing until I found something that might even satisfy the void.

That caramel apple sounds delicious! Confection stuff has always interested me but I can't seem to wrap my brain around it like I can cooking meals. Maybe it's something to look into for the future. When I promote my own project I can also have a tasting sample out to make sure they come back LOL


The only confection that I knock out on a regular basis is Truffle so the ganache is a no brainer for me by now. I do a lot of sauces though, caramel, raspberry, chocolates in variations, recently caramel with sea salt..and so on. Given our cultural fixation with candy I should make it more often. The Truffles are always a special event..especially for a special date or something of the sort. Nothing like home made chocolate to put a smile on a ladies face.

[cinnamongrrl]

I admit to being more of a hunter/gatherer where food is concerned...Teddy is the cooker...lol but I WILL share nummy treats that I find as we go along...

SO...the latest greatest thing is!

Artichoke spinach YOGURT dip from Trader Joes! It's not all fat laden like some of the other spinach/artichoke dips, has a GREAT texture (I'm all about texture) and they even add in red peppers for color. Tasty Treats!

We have them with the flaxseed and veggie chips from TJs also... :)

[Sun]

I admit to being more of a hunter/gatherer where food is concerned...Teddy is the cooker...lol but I WILL share nummy treats that I find as we go along...

SO...the latest greatest thing is!

Artichoke spinach YOGURT dip from Trader Joes! It's not all fat laden like some of the other spinach/artichoke dips, has a GREAT texture (I'm all about texture) and they even add in red peppers for color. Tasty Treats!

We have them with the flaxseed and veggie chips from TJs also... :)

Well Hi Sugar

You have to pop on Teds Facebook and check out my Apple Fritter & Ice Cream pics. Quite insane.

I love that dip from Trader Joes. The Chips are awesome too. Good stuff. Are you still avoiding the Chocolate Pudding? That is the best. I need to get over there and pick up a few things. Btw I have all of my friends hooked on the dried mango with chili and the chicken sausages. Funny how that works.

[Sun]

Oh forgot to mention that my Bff is Austrian and she had to bring me to this German Sausage Company that was insane. The food is so good. We also picked up heavy dense dark bread from Germany and Butter from Austria.

OMG :loveBFP:

Love that place. I think I tried..seriously...12 different types of German sausage.

Cant wait to go back.

[Corkey]

Oh forgot to mention that my Bff is Austrian and she had to bring me to this German Sausage Company that was insane. The food is so good. We also picked up heavy dense dark bread from Germany and Butter from Austria.

OMG :loveBFP:

Love that place. I think I tried..seriously...12 different types of German sausage.

Cant wait to go back.

Dude, the treadmill...hit it LOL

[Sun]

Dude, the treadmill...hit it LOL

Dude I am good. All I am doing is losing weight. I eat really healthy, trust me. The high fat food is in extreme moderation. Did you see that green drink posted on Facebook? Yeah I drink and eat more vegetables in a day than most americans consume in a week. ;)

[Ursy]

Today was the second lesson in the kitchen with Bek - pumpkin soup day for my little sous chef. She did well!

It is not soup weather, but we had a 2/3 of a big pumpkin to use up.
No matter, we both enjoyed it for lunch anyway.

I remember being a couple of years older than her, my first time making pumpkin soup, at the first place I ever lived in on my own. The recipe never said to drain the pumpkin, but it didn't say not to either. I drained it. Bad decision! I should have called Mum! Glad to know Bek will be better prepared than me, if she ever leaves home (I don't think I'll mind if she doesn't)

Speaking of German sausage, last time we were at the local markets Bek decided to try one. It had chunks of cheese in it. I think she liked it. The fat factor is not a concern with her, she's a tiny little thing - could do with some more weight on her.

[cinnamongrrl]

Well Hi Sugar

You have to pop on Teds Facebook and check out my Apple Fritter & Ice Cream pics. Quite insane.

I love that dip from Trader Joes. The Chips are awesome too. Good stuff. Are you still avoiding the Chocolate Pudding? That is the best. I need to get over there and pick up a few things. Btw I have all of my friends hooked on the dried mango with chili and the chicken sausages. Funny how that works.

ohhh so you and TEDDY are FB friends now??? Hmmphhh Here I thought you were allll mines... ;)

Pudding: I am practicing avoidance like a religion...I have too many other bad habits...lol Like those Tahitian Vanilla Caramels....droooool

Chicken sausage sounds amazing...I'm back to no beef or pork, so it's a good way NOT to miss sausage....I likes my spice!

<<<SPICE GIRL!!

[Sun]

Good Morning Delicious peeps

Well I got to start my mornng off with some hate mail. Crazy how some people act when they do not get what they want. So whats good everyone?

What are yall cooking today?

I need some mega coffee that was one long night.

We have this German coffee that translates into something like

"This will build you up and make you strong!"

So now my buddy Jim and I are joking around about how much this coffee is going to "build us up" *smirk* its kinda cute really.

[TheMerryFairy]

Good Morning Delicious peeps

Well I got to start my mornng off with some hate mail. Crazy how some people act when they do not get what they want. So whats good everyone?

What are yall cooking today?

I need some mega coffee that was one long night.

We have this German coffee that translates into something like

"This will build you up and make you strong!"

So now my buddy Jim and I are joking around about how much this coffee is going to "build us up" *smirk* its kinda cute really.


I love coffee! I had the best fair trade roasted blend this morning at the farmers market. I bartered my serviced with a few of the local vendors and got some honey, maple syrup, organic granola, fruits veggies and a homemade pie.

I don't know what I will be cooking today - I had chicken samosa's for lunch. I may stick with the indian cuisine and do a butter chicken lasagna or something? Served with rice or a salad? I like rustic cooking with a touch of my personal flare.

\

[Sun]

ohhh so you and TEDDY are FB friends now??? Hmmphhh Here I thought you were allll mines... ;)

Pudding: I am practicing avoidance like a religion...I have too many other bad habits...lol Like those Tahitian Vanilla Caramels....droooool

Chicken sausage sounds amazing...I'm back to no beef or pork, so it's a good way NOT to miss sausage....I likes my spice!

<<<SPICE GIRL!!

Ted and I have been fb friends for a while darlin! You are gonna have to share me *smirk* lol

Love you two. Yall are so frigging adorable.

The Chicken sausages really are amazing you should try some.

I am still making a pot of vegetable soup every day and getting a lot of vegetable nutrition that way, then I snack on raw veggies and juice veggies. When I was in Atlanta I was not juicing and not eating enough veg, though I did manage to find raw veg every day but what a difference. Running 15 hours average a day plus the mental workout, I realized how much I rely on vegetable nutrition.

Another thing too is that plenty of vitamin C, D and healthy digestive enzymes make this odd season with not enough sunshine or fresh produce tolerable.

If you ever get the chance to try that "Kale-Aid" raw juice that I posted about, do it. Its insane.

[Sun]

Today was the second lesson in the kitchen with Bek - pumpkin soup day for my little sous chef. She did well!

It is not soup weather, but we had a 2/3 of a big pumpkin to use up.
No matter, we both enjoyed it for lunch anyway.

I remember being a couple of years older than her, my first time making pumpkin soup, at the first place I ever lived in on my own. The recipe never said to drain the pumpkin, but it didn't say not to either. I drained it. Bad decision! I should have called Mum! Glad to know Bek will be better prepared than me, if she ever leaves home (I don't think I'll mind if she doesn't)

Speaking of German sausage, last time we were at the local markets Bek decided to try one. It had chunks of cheese in it. I think she liked it. The fat factor is not a concern with her, she's a tiny little thing - could do with some more weight on her.

My Sugar Plum Fairy!!

I love your little Sous Chef stories.

Honey I just saw pics of your new house..Wow! Gorgeous. Best wishes to you all. There is nothing like a fresh new start hey?

I envy that you have a Sous Chef! I need one *grin*

When I have mini diva in the kitchen with me she likes to watch me cook. Often she will hand me this or that if I need something but she is a bit timid around the stove still and not comfortable with knives. Likely the weekly manicured diva nails are having an impact on the knife skills.

But I love to have her in the kitchen with me and miss her terribly now. Not that I needed any lessons in value or appreciating the time that we have been gifted with those that we love, but I surely miss that little one every minute of the day. Its not the same to cook without her :( There are a few favorites that I make for her and I dont even cook them at all now. Just makes me too sad.

Hopefully she will come visit me on spring break.

[Sun]

I love coffee! I had the best fair trade roasted blend this morning at the farmers market. I bartered my serviced with a few of the local vendors and got some honey, maple syrup, organic granola, fruits veggies and a homemade pie.

I don't know what I will be cooking today - I had chicken samosa's for lunch. I may stick with the indian cuisine and do a butter chicken lasagna or something? Served with rice or a salad? I like rustic cooking with a touch of my personal flare.

\

Barter is a great idea. Is the farmers market indoors?

What is butter chicken lasagne? I have not heard of this.

[Ursy]

Butter chicken lasagne? Merry Fairy, that sounds inspired!

Sunshine! Yes, new house settled last week - we are very happy with itl. Now we just have to sell the current one. (For those of you who don't know, my partner has had bad health issues and hasn't been working for nearly a year so we've had to downsize).

I've been freaking out. I won't be able to relax until this house is sold and things settle down to a more affordable level.

Like Mini Diva, Bek is a bit timid around the stove and sharp knives. I hope that she will get over that in the next few cooking sessions.
I hope you get to see Mini Diva again very soon. xx

[Sun]

Butter chicken lasagne? Merry Fairy, that sounds inspired!

Sunshine! Yes, new house settled last week - we are very happy with itl. Now we just have to sell the current one. (For those of you who don't know, my partner has had bad health issues and hasn't been working for nearly a year so we've had to downsize).

I've been freaking out. I won't be able to relax until this house is sold and things settle down to a more affordable level.

Like Mini Diva, Bek is a bit timid around the stove and sharp knives. I hope that she will get over that in the next few cooking sessions.
I hope you get to see Mini Diva again very soon. xx

Any bites on the house? Try to relax and visualize it being sold. It really works.

What else are you and Bek cooking?

Mini diva is most happy with the microwave. I am trying to convince her that this is not a cooking device. So far this is not working so well.

[Sun]

Tonight I had Portobello mushroom, spinach, red pepper, cheese crepes with a jalepeno pepper jam..sounds crazy but it was good. Then my crazy bff made more ice cream..this time caramel brandied walnut ..which was ridiculously good.

[Ursy]

House is not on the market yet, hon. Kris is just not well enough to do anything, and I can't do it all. This is why I'm freaking out! Hopefully one of Kris' friends is coming over next weekend to help with the garden.

Tonight, Bek and I are making pizza. We've just put the dough in the fridge because I don't want it to rise too fast - I have some gardening to take care of first.

She seems to be enjoying time in the kitchen - last night, she asked Kris if she could help and he showed her how to mash the potatoes.

Your crepe and your bff's ice cream both sound amazing! I just looked at my ice cream maker today, pondered whether to pack it now or not... still pondering that one.

I think I'll pack it. I have enough to do for now.

Okies, off to plant a couple of things! Trying to make the front garden look presentable at the moment :)

[Nadeest]

I just thought about this, while having breakfast this morning, and I'd love to do a poll on it, sometime. How many people tend to have leftovers for breakfast, instead of fixing something else?

[Sachita]

I've been playing around with baking. I'm a great chef but for some reason just never messed with baking. I made some slamming pizza's using a stand mixer, baking stone- then I tried all kinds of toppings- fresh mozzarella (the real kind), fresh herbs, spinach, sausage, mushrooms, roasted peppers, all types.
I made the crust kinda thick and small pizza's. I'm going to make room in my freezer, make some more and freeze them, although I'm thinking fresh is best.

I also made some biscuits and although they came out good, I'm trying various recipes until I get the right one for me. I just love a good biscuit!

I bought all kinds of organic flours and such to start making breads and cookies.

[TheMerryFairy]

I just thought about this, while having breakfast this morning, and I'd love to do a poll on it, sometime. How many people tend to have leftovers for breakfast, instead of fixing something else?

I do that for breakfast about twice a week. The rest of the time the leftovers are used for lunch, if there are leftovers OR I will transform the leftovers into something else. For example, thin steak strips will become the meat in my breakfast wrap with egg, cheese, salsa, veggies etc

[TheMerryFairy]

Barter is a great idea. Is the farmers market indoors?

What is butter chicken lasagne? I have not heard of this.

The market is indoors for the winter. The rest of the time this particular market does a combination of outdoor and indoor.

Butter chicken lasagne is just a complete fusion of indian and italian dishes. You layer the lasagne the same way you would normally only this time you are using tandori chicken instead of beef or ground soy. The sauce is made from butter, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, chili powder, other spices, onion, green pepper and mushroom.

I layer using boiled lasagne noodles, ricotta and herbs.

I can't take ownership of the idea, I was inspired by the food network,

[dixie]

I'm craving some southern comfort food on this cold snowy day. This is what I will be cooking tonight....

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/555940_10151342128257144_469540408_n.jpg

cube steak w/gravy
mashed potatoes
veggies

[Ursy]

I just thought about this, while having breakfast this morning, and I'd love to do a poll on it, sometime. How many people tend to have leftovers for breakfast, instead of fixing something else?

I'm doing that right now - mashed potatoes in the microwave as we speak!

[Sachita]

The market is indoors for the winter. The rest of the time this particular market does a combination of outdoor and indoor.

Butter chicken lasagne is just a complete fusion of indian and italian dishes. You layer the lasagne the same way you would normally only this time you are using tandori chicken instead of beef or ground soy. The sauce is made from butter, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, chili powder, other spices, onion, green pepper and mushroom.

I layer using boiled lasagne noodles, ricotta and herbs.

I can't take ownership of the idea, I was inspired by the food network,

holy hell that sounds great. I'll need to play around with that one. I eat some kind of curry every week.

[Sun]

Hola Delicious Fabulous People,

You all have my craving for a home cooked meal. Its been a yogurt and fruit kind of day so far. I'm having a crash and burn day after a busy few weeks.

I have a few questions for you all,

1. Speaking of curry...does anyone make their own curry powder?
If so, what are your particular techniques?

2. Does anyone make Shrimp & grits?

3. Do any of you make soft drinks? I made ginger ale a few days ago and it was so much better than any bottled, canned product that I have ever had. That got me thinking about making some more soda syrups.

So Super Bowl Sunday means to me, that I am hearing from my friends that have football freak partners :) in other words, the ones that are not into football. My phone has been ringing like crazy today.

What are you all up to?

[Sun]

I just thought about this, while having breakfast this morning, and I'd love to do a poll on it, sometime. How many people tend to have leftovers for breakfast, instead of fixing something else?

That all depends on what the leftovers are.

If I have polenta I will likely grill it off and top it with something.

Grilled artichokes or cooked spinach can become a part of a poached egg dish, think Benedict with vegetables instead of ham. I do a egg white scrambles frequently and will incorporate leftover vegetables. Hmm...I see a theme here.

If you mean straight up leftovers that are not deconstructed and re-worked, not usually the norm for me. Though not opposed to the idea. Its a mood thing.

The one caveat is that if I have been drinking the night before, or have otherwise put my body through some physical exertion all bets are off and I may just eat something out of the ordinary for breakfast or make a big breakfast. That can be an "anything goes" situation.

[ahk]

MMM all this food talk.

Yesterday, my wife and I went to a super bowl party, though I probably only watched 15 minutes of the game and just talked and ate the rest of the time.

I made this -- it was a hit, who knew.

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
4 oz cream cheese (softened, room temp)
1/4 lb (1 stick) butter (softened, room temp)
1 TBS vanilla extract
1.5-2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Place peanut butter, cream cheese, butter and cream (with hand mixer), add vanilla and powdered sugar (increments of 1/2 cup) add till you feel its a good consistency. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Serve either in a bowl or shape into something. I did a football and coated with rest of mini chips.

Serve with pretzels and/or popcorn. It's good. I promise.

http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/195343702557878374_7HdRL8kI_b.jpg

[ahk]

SOooooo...

What is everyone eating???

I'm in a salad mood right now--

Herb Salad (mixed greens w/ cilantro, parsley, dill), feta cheese, walnuts, and pear vinaigrette.

[Corkey]

Oatmeal raisin cookies....

[ahk]

Oatmeal raisin cookies....

Homemade?

:linecook:

Care to share the recipe?

[Corkey]

Homemade?

:linecook:

Care to share the recipe?

yes and Ami is the baker in the family, me, I haven't a clue..:blush:

[TheMerryFairy]

SOooooo...

What is everyone eating???

I'm in a salad mood right now--

Herb Salad (mixed greens w/ cilantro, parsley, dill), feta cheese, walnuts, and pear vinaigrette.

It was a long day today! I am in a "don't want to" mood. I stopped into a little local place to get a grilled chicken burger piled with fresh veggies, pineapple, and this really tasty island type hp sauce. Then I treated myself to their handmade sweet potato fries and salt reduced gravy.

Knowing someone who works there helps so I can be given an honest opinion about the nutritional value. It's still not as great as if I made it all myself, but tonight I don't mind.

[Ursy]

SOooooo...

What is everyone eating???

I'm in a salad mood right now--

Herb Salad (mixed greens w/ cilantro, parsley, dill), feta cheese, walnuts, and pear vinaigrette.

That salad sounds pretty amazing. It's good salad weather here now. I've planted some radishes and am waiting for them to come up. They are apparently one of the quickest veges from germination to harvest - 30 to 40 days. I also learned that you can eat the greens, and if you let it go to seed it produces pods that you can also eat.


It was a long day today! I am in a "don't want to" mood. I stopped into a little local place to get a grilled chicken burger piled with fresh veggies, pineapple, and this really tasty island type hp sauce. Then I treated myself to their handmade sweet potato fries and salt reduced gravy.

Knowing someone who works there helps so I can be given an honest opinion about the nutritional value. It's still not as great as if I made it all myself, but tonight I don't mind.

I'm kind of lucky - now that Kris is not working, if I'm in a "don't want to" mood, he's got it covered. Your chicken burger sounds pretty darn good though!

[Dante]

well damn.....
a lot to talk about.
Paula Deen said that February is cherry month...
regarding leftovers for breakfast, I love to make potato pancakes with leftover mashed potatoes and a couple of fried eggs..

Sun mentioned curry....I don't think I have ever even had it.

And ceviche.....I have always wanted to try it

I have been on a shrimp and garlic kick. I tried the minced garlic in the jar. I think it comes from Gilroy, CA, the garlic capitol. Anyway, it is very strong. and I love garlic! I could eat it out of the jar. I saute my shrimp in some olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic and fresh parsley. It is yummy.

Super Bowl at my house. I wanted something different. I made baby back ribs in the crock pot, then put them in the oven, added some barbecue sauce til it carmelized, then done.

then, I found this "killer" recipe for garlic cheese bread. OMG....
Cut a whole loaf of french bread in half long ways, then cut those in half so you have 4 . melt some butter with of course, I used my garlic from the jar. you swish the first piece of bread cut side down into the butter mixture til the bread browns. repeat with the remaining 3 pieces of the loaf. put on a baking sheet cut side up. take a quarter cup of mayo mixed with grated cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan cheeses and chopped green onions. mix well and it will easily spread onto the tops of the bread. put in oven til cheese melts and unbelievable! that's all I ate lol

From food network I learned that they all cook with kosher salt, so I use it now too, but, now everyone is talking about sea salt. My question is ......is sea salt better for us than others???

ahk ......the cheese grater you showed is similar to mine. Do you have one too?

CA Baby Cakes ......OMG you live in Pico Rivera ??? I was born and grew up in Montebello! Have you been to Garduno's on Whittier Blvd. by the High School!....I still drive there for the food!!! However, practically every little place there has outstanding Mexican Food !!!

The Academy Awards are coming up I think Feb 24th on a sunday night. It is a tradition at my house. It is taco night ....You all are invited! I usually just make beef tacos, refried beans, and Spanish rice, but, if anyone wants, I will make carnitas tacos also...

Make some Margaritas too....Can't wait.

Hi Ursy.....you are such a sweetie ...........

JustLovelyJenn, you are looking lovely tonight. (Just had to say that)
Dante .................................................. .................. out

[Corkey]

http://www.saltinstitute.org/About-salt/Salt-FAQs

From the Salt Institute.

[ahk]

That salad sounds pretty amazing. It's good salad weather here now. I've planted some radishes and am waiting for them to come up. They are apparently one of the quickest veges from germination to harvest - 30 to 40 days. I also learned that you can eat the greens, and if you let it go to seed it produces pods that you can also eat.




I'm kind of lucky - now that Kris is not working, if I'm in a "don't want to" mood, he's got it covered. Your chicken burger sounds pretty darn good though!

I love radishes. I esp love them when they are smaller and sprinkled with salt. MMMM. You can also take your tops of radishes and place in salad, good for you.

Recipes for Radish Greens (http://www.thekitchn.com/dont-toss-those-radish-greens-145724)

It was a long day today! I am in a "don't want to" mood. I stopped into a little local place to get a grilled chicken burger piled with fresh veggies, pineapple, and this really tasty island type hp sauce. Then I treated myself to their handmade sweet potato fries and salt reduced gravy.

Knowing someone who works there helps so I can be given an honest opinion about the nutritional value. It's still not as great as if I made it all myself, but tonight I don't mind.

I find nothing wrong with eating out, esp when you have the "don't want to" kind of mood, I totally get it. We normally just throw a pizza in oven and try to eat a salad or cook up some frozen green beans or something like it.


well damn.....
a lot to talk about.
Paula Deen said that February is cherry month...
regarding leftovers for breakfast, I love to make potato pancakes with leftover mashed potatoes and a couple of fried eggs..

Sun mentioned curry....I don't think I have ever even had it.

And ceviche.....I have always wanted to try it

I have been on a shrimp and garlic kick. I tried the minced garlic in the jar. I think it comes from Gilroy, CA, the garlic capitol. Anyway, it is very strong. and I love garlic! I could eat it out of the jar. I saute my shrimp in some olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic and fresh parsley. It is yummy.

Super Bowl at my house. I wanted something different. I made baby back ribs in the crock pot, then put them in the oven, added some barbecue sauce til it carmelized, then done.

then, I found this "killer" recipe for garlic cheese bread. OMG....
Cut a whole loaf of french bread in half long ways, then cut those in half so you have 4 . melt some butter with of course, I used my garlic from the jar. you swish the first piece of bread cut side down into the butter mixture til the bread browns. repeat with the remaining 3 pieces of the loaf. put on a baking sheet cut side up. take a quarter cup of mayo mixed with grated cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan cheeses and chopped green onions. mix well and it will easily spread onto the tops of the bread. put in oven til cheese melts and unbelievable! that's all I ate lol

From food network I learned that they all cook with kosher salt, so I use it now too, but, now everyone is talking about sea salt. My question is ......is sea salt better for us than others???

ahk ......the cheese grater you showed is similar to mine. Do you have one too?

CA Baby Cakes ......OMG you live in Pico Rivera ??? I was born and grew up in Montebello! Have you been to Garduno's on Whittier Blvd. by the High School!....I still drive there for the food!!! However, practically every little place there has outstanding Mexican Food !!!

The Academy Awards are coming up I think Feb 24th on a sunday night. It is a tradition at my house. It is taco night ....You all are invited! I usually just make beef tacos, refried beans, and Spanish rice, but, if anyone wants, I will make carnitas tacos also...

Make some Margaritas too....Can't wait.

Hi Ursy.....you are such a sweetie ...........

JustLovelyJenn, you are looking lovely tonight. (Just had to say that)
Dante .................................................. .................. out


Dante, buddy-- I didn't know cherry season was around the corner, I love me some :cherry: s.

Yep, I have the cheese grinder, though mine is about 25 yrs old and is orange plastic. I inherited from my grandma -- it makes a creaking noise when I grind cheese in it. LOL.

The bread you mentioned, sounds delish. and I wish we had good seafood here, I like shrimp, garlic, and butter/olive oil. Yum.

So I found a few links for you about salt-- We use just Kosher salt because of the larger flakes and feel you don't have to use to much of it. But sea salt is good, esp the coloured sea salts (like grey or pink) -- depending on where they are from.

Sea salt vs Kosher Salt (http://www.diffen.com/difference/Kosher_Salt_vs_Sea_Salt)

&

which is healthier? (http://www.3fatchicks.com/sea-salt-vs-kosher-salt-which-is-healthier/)

Coloured salts (http://www.salttraders.com/pages/Why-Natural-Sea-Salt%3F.html)

Well I am done for now-- I have an exam to study for and my break is over. Have a good evening/day everyone and I'll see you tomorrow.

:tea:

[ruffryder]

Oh forgot to mention that my Bff is Austrian and she had to bring me to this German Sausage Company that was insane. The food is so good. We also picked up heavy dense dark bread from Germany and Butter from Austria.

OMG :loveBFP:

Love that place. I think I tried..seriously...12 different types of German sausage.

Cant wait to go back.

12 different types! Wow! I love german sausage. Wish I could find some around here. There should be somewhere, someplace. Now I'll be in search. I like mine in the morning with eggs.

As for what I've been eating. I' work nights so I've been relying on the chef at work and the last two nights have been great. Beef lasagna and then Cashew chicken. As for what I need to be making; I have the fixings to make a turkey pot pie, vegetable beef soup, and I think spicy chicken pasta sounds good too! See if I get some of this made by the end of the week!

[Dante]

Corkey and ahk .....thanks for the info about salt.

Corkey, I forgot to mention. You were sick. Hope you are all better now, but, I remembered once when a woman I was dating was sick, I went and got her some hot & sour soup at my Chinese place. She swears it helped her tremendously! I have tried it when I got sick once, and it helped me. ?????

[Daktari]

http://www.saltinstitute.org/About-salt/Salt-FAQs

From the Salt Institute.


Ta for the linky Corkers! :cheesy:

I lurve salt. Yeah, I know, it's bad for ya. Current fave outta the collection is pink Himalayan salt. Smoked Maldon salt is good, as it the classic fleur de sel.

[JustLovelyJenn]

JustLovelyJenn, you are looking lovely tonight. (Just had to say that)
Dante .................................................. .................. out


Wow... Thank you Dante, I so needed this smile....

[JustLovelyJenn]

I am home alone today... that means I get to cook lunch for one... something to think about.