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From Serious Eats

Who's The Most Serious Eater In Your Life?

How can I learn to eat like that? Does she give classes?

From Recipes

Dinner Tonight: Tortilla Espanola

My Filipino grandmother makes this from time to time, and it is always awesome. Served both hot and cold, it never failed to please.

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From Talk

Scales and Stones - Should I stop going?

From Talk

Cheap, nonperishable, healthy snack recipes?

From Talk

What to do with Langa Rocchetta?

From Talk

Avocado Recipes

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11 Cool Coffee Mugs and Tea Cups

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From Serious Eats

Who's The Most Serious Eater In Your Life?

How can I learn to eat like that? Does she give classes?

From Recipes

Dinner Tonight: Tortilla Espanola

My Filipino grandmother makes this from time to time, and it is always awesome. Served both hot and cold, it never failed to please.

From Serious Eats

Do Men Cook Differently Than Women in Restaurants? Can You Tell the Difference?

There is no gender in a kitchen when you have 10 entrees that need to be plated NOW or reaching for an artistic ideal.

From Serious Eats

Mixed Review: No Pudge! Brownies

@cdp1223: "faux sweeteners"? There really aren't any in the No Pudge! stuff. Trust me, I wouldn't touch them if they had it. Maybe the ingredients list has changed since you last had 'em?

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Rustic Fruit Desserts'

My grandmother's blackberry cobbler. She hasn't made it in a decade, but I still remember it.

From Recipes

Time for a Drink: Painkiller

I tried one at one of the Pusser's restaurants out of curiosity. Very nice. I can't say that I noticed the nutmeg, but that was probably an error on my part, as you can tell it's freshly grated. I only went with a Painkiller #1 (two shots), the weakest one. I was drinking with my mom, so I had to curb it a bit.

From Serious Eats

Mixed Review: No Pudge! Brownies

These are great brownies for that quick fix because the ingredients are simple. No hydrogenated oils. So hard to find that sort of criteria in other brownie mixes.

From Talk

May is National BBQ Month: Who serves it up best?

I have relatives that would tell me to go to no place but "The Pig" in West Side Jacksonville, and while I've enjoyed the BBQ there, I wasn't wowed by it. I would propose a three scale system of grading that would accurately allow us to review the BBQ dives in any given location.
Scale One Locality: 5:Locally Owned and Operated -> 1:National Chain
Scale Two Taste: 5:Mouthwatering Good BBQ -> 1:Not worth your time
Scale Three Originality: 5:Always Creative -> 1:Been the same since they opened

The Pig in Jacksonville would be a 4:3:2. The place is relatively local and its put out the same decent food for a long time.

This scale doesn't take into account particular styles of BBQ. Vinegary, spicy, or sweet; pig, cow, sheep, or goat; molasses, mayo, mustard, or none of the above are all fine in my book. In the end it can all be good BBQ.

From Serious Eats

Grocery Ninja: Dried Persimmons Are a Taste of Honeyed Sunshine

I found some shibing around Orlando's Little Vietnam. I had to check back here to make sure that the white stuff was normal and that I should wash them with hot water before eating, as the case said. I really like them, especially the chewy, gummy bits. Thanks for telling me about the dried persimmons, Grocery Ninja! I could never have exciting outings without you! ^.^

From Serious Eats

Served: Why Not to Date Customers (One Day I Will Learn)

It sounds like E. is enjoying his freedom to play the field after losing the marriage-minded girlfriend, so he's probably not looking for exclusivity. He probably won't see that girl again anytime soon or any other girl, for that matter. So don't fret about him at all; he's going to do what he wants in an attempt to "recuperate" from the loss.

From Talk

Five Guys Burgers

Burgers are good, nothing to write home about, and it's more about ordering a bunch of condiments and the messy satisfaction of getting your hands covered in it all. The fries are pretty good, and I admit that I enjoy the free peanut munching during the whole bit. It is a bit pricey, though, and I know that the peanut thing would drive down costs, but that's kind of part of the charm. Better than McDonald's or Burger King, but not exactly a ritzy Renaissance burger joint. Have fun.

From Talk

Scales and Stones - Should I stop going?

Thanks to everyone who's been chiming in on this one. I understand that fish have scales and rice grows in ground. I know to check fish I bring home and wash rice because of such things. I'm not perturbed by the items themselves but merely the fact that they slipped through scrutiny. Both times, it wasn't even at a busy time of day where I could understand the occasional lack of thoroughness due to time crunch. And by the way, Cassaendra, the rock was the size of an apple seed. I wish it was just the size of a salt or sugar granule, as it would have passed unharmed. I bit down on the sucker. Not cool.
I'm going to write a letter to the manager to let him or her know what's going on and give him or her a chance to double check on procedures. Thanks for everything.

From Talk

It's American Chocolate Week!

Chocolate Week? I've been having Chocolate Month since Valentine's candy went on sale the 15th.

From Talk

Italian bakery in Orlando?

From Chowhound, I offer:
"There's a great place called Andrea's Cheesecakes on Edgwater Dr not far off I-4. It's a family business started by Andrea's father and they are originally from NY. They have great cannoli!"
(http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/132548)

In confirming, here is the website for said bakery, including directions:
http://www.andreacheesecake.com/

Granted, they only have cannoli, but hopefully it'll grant something. If I find more information on other places later, I'll try to post again.

From Serious Eats

Ed Levine's Serious Diet, Week 59: How Much Should I Weigh?

BMI is not a good system for estimating a proper body weight if you are a tall fellow. The BMI system was invented in the mid 1800s in Europe. The fellow there, Adolphe Quetelet, only looked at the people around him, which were of a certain height. Six feet was never the norm back then, and I really can't say that the formula works out well when you get up that high. It becomes skewed when reaching these extreme heights. No fellow I've met around that height has been that weight without looking unhealthy.
Never go by a set weight. Pay attention to how you feel overall, and past that, how much muscle you have. Muscle is much denser than fat, so athletes and other fit people show up as "overweight" on BMI when they obviously are not. Visible body fat always seems to pool in the wrong places or take forever to remove, and some areas just need padding, so it's never a good idea to get hung up over a body location not looking the way you want it to.

From Serious Eats

2009 Bloggies' Food-Blog Winners

The writer of Cake Wrecks herself noted that she may not exactly qualify for "food blog", so no need to be upset with her directly. On that note, I disagree with Cake Wrecks being a food blog on the same note that Buckethead pointed out.

From Talk

Grapefruit: Way or No Way?

I admit that I'm surprised to see all the comments about doctoring grapefruit with sugar. I always added a touch of salt to sweeten it; same goes for watermelon. Is it just me?

From Serious Eats

Ed Levine's Serious Diet, Week 57: Apple Crisp, Lard Potato Chips, and Chocolate

I just saw you on ICA's redfish battle! I was so surprised to see you there. Good show! I have to say though, you don't look too bad.

From Talk

Paula Deen is pantsless

At least the pants drop itself wasn't intentional. She just wanted to show off how she was hooked up for the gig. It seems that she's always getting sloshed for these things. Is that how she handles her agoraphobia these days?

From Serious Eats

Served: Restaurant Job Search

I'm graduating in May, and as far as my experience has gone getting into graduate school, you would be applying now for Spring 2010, as most schools set their deadlines for Fall 2009 in January at latest. hellojodi raises a fine point, and I would like to make another. Try to think ahead about what you want in 30-40 years. I honestly cannot say what life would be like with a MFA in poetry outside of writing stuff to sell or being a community college professor, but I noticed from family members and friends around him that a terminal job as a server or other member in a restaurant seems to take its toll. After a bit, it seems that all the standing up gets to you, not to mention the occasional burn or other random accident. And too many seem to have no concept of retirement. I'm not saying that you should go for the MFA, but it might be worth giving it, being a server, and a few other occupations a second thought. I hope everything goes well for you, and thank you for always updating us on the life of a server.

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'The Great Wings Book'

Cheese platter. I like cheese too much to constrain it to stuffy gatherings.

From Serious Eats

The Icing vs. Frosting Debate

It might be a cultural thing, kind of like the "soda", "pop", "cola" debacle, just without the huge internet survey. I always heard "frosting" in North Florida.

From Talk

What kind of Candy or Cookies do you make for Christmas

My grandmother passed away this year, but every year I would help her in the kitchen to make fudge off the Kraft marshmellow fluff jar (my grandfather really likes it). She would also make snowball cookies (known by most as Italian wedding cookies, I think) and date nut rolls using empty cans. I was able to get most of the recipes in the end, though, so hopefully I can keep tradition.

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Thanks for the tip to use creme fraiche in mac 'n' cheese. I had some homemade stuff that needed to find a tasty home: http://eatcheapeatwelleatup.com/2009/09/08/you-fraiche-thing/

From Serious Eats

People Are Still Really Obsessed With Fage

Personally, I think this stuff is too bland and somewhat sour. It has great texture and it's very filling, but the flavor needs to be livened up a bit. I added sweet granola, honey and dried berries, but this still did not make a significant impact for me to "love it". I think that Greek yogurt is only good for Tsatsiki sauce. I would rather have Yoplait mixed with cottage cheese and fruit anyday over Fage.

From Serious Eats

Mixed Review: No Pudge! Brownies

I made a pan of the raspberry flavor tonight (added plain yogurt and vanilla extract, no extras). I under baked mine slightly to give them a very fudgey texture. The first bite was good and rich, but I couldn't eat more than one small bite. You really can't tell these are fat free because they have done a great job of adding tons of sugar and deep rich cocoa to disguise that fact. They are so sickly sweet. I can't imagine anyone losing weight eating these. No fat, sure...but the first ingredient is pure cane sugar, then white flour. I got these online and could not see the ingredients list, I usually never do that, but this was an impulse buy. Unfortunately, my husband loves them. So I have 3 more boxes and almost a full pan in the fridge. For me, 28 grams of high sugar carbs are just not worth the small portion. I'd rather spend my carbs on something both luscious and healthy... like fresh juicy organic strawberries and dark chocolate. Looks like I am in the minority but I cannot recommend "No Pudge" because I think they are unhealthy. Sorry : (

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Yum. Tonight I made blueberry creme fraiche ice cream. It was amazing.

From Recipes

Time for a Drink: Painkiller

Yes, we are standing on that line waiting for Smuggler's Cove to open.

One can usually find Pussers (here in the Bay Area) at Trader Joes. Cocktails at 80

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

I used the zucchini when I made it and I think it helped also with giving the casserole a bit more moisture. Next time I will probably double the amount, since once shredded it cooks away to almost nothing and you can't really taste it (IMHO).

From Serious Eats

Who's The Most Serious Eater In Your Life?

MY FATHER!!!! Holy Moly is that man COMPLETELY 100% obsessed with ALL THINGS FOOD!!!!!!!!!! The second I wake up in the morning when I am home he asks me what I want to eat for dinner... Whenever we don't have anything to talk about he talks to me about food... When he calls me when I am away he always asks me what I am having for dinner... He is not afraid to spend WADS AND WADS of $$ going out to restaurants or Whole Foods... He is where I get my food obsessions from - I guess I can thank him and get angry with him... ha ha!

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

@Chanteuse: The zucchini is there simply because whenever I make anything that is purely white (as in carbs and cheese), I convince myself that adding a vegetable will lighten the situation. Misled, I know, but I also just really love zucchini with thyme and cream. But all means, leave it out, or replace it if you like with broccoli florets or cauliflower or even prosciutto. I hope you enjoy it!

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

In regards to the Mac and Cheese recipe. What does the Zucchini do to the recipe? Will it be horrendous w/out?

I really don't like zucchini.
A

From Serious Eats

Who's The Most Serious Eater In Your Life?

I'm lucky in that I'm immersed in a sea of serious eaters. BF loves my cooking (and can definitely hold his own at grill and stove). Bro was a charter member of my gourmet group back in Brooklyn - so I'd have to count those two as top of my list. I have a whole bunch of foodie friends - some from here - who encourage me to expand my cooking horizons and present me with challenges.

I also love my not-so-serious-eaters who ask me for recipes and how-to advice. Shepherding someone in the kitchen gives me about as much reward as watching someone relish my food.

From Serious Eats

Who's The Most Serious Eater In Your Life?

Also when I was in Thailand I was the only one to eat from street carts, new produce, hole in the wall restaurants, or things considered disgusting. And boy did it pay off--Durian Chips are some of the best chips in the world.

From Serious Eats

Who's The Most Serious Eater In Your Life?

Common answer, but myself. I am too poor to eat out much, and I have no foodie friends(anyone live in Arlington TX?), so I usually pace myself. The first time I ever went to a pizza buffet, I ate 2 1/2 pizzas, 10 cheese breadsticks, 2 salads, a brownie and 3 sodas in an hour and a half. Every picture of me as a boy is of me eating! I'm lean and normal height, but I have a huge stomach, fast blood and an over active thyroid. Add to that my palatial discernment and constant desire for quality eats, plus my poverty and you've got one inventive cook.

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

There's something so beautifully unique about your post, and combining a rather scary childhood memory that I think most readers will relate to, with delicious recipes makes your column one I look forward to. Keep up the wonderful work - serious journalism and editorial along with eats!

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Going to try the mac and cheese tonight. Thanks for posting the recipes!

From Recipes

Dinner Tonight: Tortilla Espanola

I spent a few months in Spain and ate a lot of this dish but the absolute best I had was fresh, warm, and with spinach. I wasn't a huge fan of the standard dish but the addition of spinach was incredible.

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Your parents obviously didn't educate you to respond (my emphasis): "No, THANK YOU" or "No, my parents don't allow this."

From Recipes

Dinner Tonight: Tortilla Espanola

This is on my to do list for quite some time. Looks great- I am inspired now.

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Creepy! Adults were always a bit creepy to me until I became one. As for crème fraîche, I had never seen it until I visited my family in Gay Paree. Anyway, my uncle makes over easy eggs with the good stuff carefully mixed into the whites. As a kid who grew up in the US, I was shocked at the eggs' quivering underdone-ness but they were absolutely delicious. I would eat eggs this way every day if 1) US supermarket eggs were as tasty as their Frenchie counterparts and 2) if I was guiltless about the calories!

From Recipes

Dinner Tonight: Tortilla Espanola

@gtrine - the aioli wouldn't be terribly unauthentic. During my stay in Spain (León) the tortilla was often served with mayo on the side... Now I have to have them that way, and dress my leftover tortilla sandwiches with a bit of mayo, too.

I usually use José Andrés' recipe but am eager to give this one a try - must keep working towards tortilla perfection!

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Creme Fraiche is wonderful stuff and worth searching for. I know I am going to try the sorbet.

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Try mixing a bit of horseradish in with some creme fraiche and serve on a roast beef sandwich....tres yum.

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Yep, some of the best writing about food that I've seen. Ms. Saretsky has me wanting to try all three recipes and I have never been all that keen on English peas or mac & cheese.

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

Wow - wonderfully written account . . . I was in the kitchen with you cringing as she stood with raised hand ready to strike . . . . Whew - now I'll look at your discussion of creme fraiche!

From Recipes

The Secret Ingredient: Crème Fraîche

i learned from amanda hesser to put a dollop of creme fraiche into my cream and whip them together. it gives my creme chantilly a delicious tang and heft.

From Recipes

Dinner Tonight: Tortilla Espanola

I've been looking for a good tortilla española recipe since I came back from my study abroad in Sevilla eight years ago - I have so many fond memories of my Spanish mom cooking this for me. I think I have finally found my recipe, because this is definitely how she used to make it. Thanks for helping me toward recreating a happy food memory, Nick, and I can't wait to try it!

Recent Posts

From Talk

Scales and Stones - Should I stop going?

From Talk

Cheap, nonperishable, healthy snack recipes?

From Talk

What to do with Langa Rocchetta?

From Talk

Avocado Recipes

Recent Favorites

From Serious Eats

11 Cool Coffee Mugs and Tea Cups

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About Jikuu

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Location: Winter Park, FL

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Favorite foods: Avocado, sashimi, kombucha

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