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Underground Eats
Both of my surviving sons and spouses live in Portland, OR., and each has attended an "underground supper club" (different ones). They both raved about their experiences! Wine and other diners were great at each; as far as the food experience, each totally different. One had a very, very good "upscale" menu, while the other had a great "everyday, cook at home style dinner", with step by step instruction on how to prepare at home for company. All four are anxious to try again, there seems to be several plus of these "clubs" in the Portland area. Will try to find out how to locate them, and report back.
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
I agree that her mannerisms and growling can get annoying, but no more than other chef's particularities. I like the fact that she teaches as she cooks, and gives reasons behind some of her prep techniques. Her love of all things food is obvious, and contagious!!
Need help with a personal, touchy dilemma.
Thanks for the comments so far. I should update original post - I figured I could be the out of date items by going through cabinets while she is sleeping and "toss". BTW, she has stuff with expiration dates from 1993!! She says that expiration dates are a conspiracy from food manufacturers to by new products, and that she has never gotten sick because of it!!! I will be doing all of the shopping. Regarding the suggestions to show enthusiasm for cooking and convincing her to let me pamper her by doing all of the cooking - won't work!! She really wants to cook for us!! Thanks, again, for the ideas, and keep them coming, especially the ones regarding sanitation and what needs to be refrigerated, etc.
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Recent Posts
Need help with a personal, touchy dilemma.
Posted by Karencooks, March 29, 2009 at 11:48 AM
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Recent Favorites
Dinner Tonight: Lentil and Bacon Soup
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 6, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Dinner Tonight: Cannellini Beans with Wilted Greens
Posted by Blake Royer, January 8, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Carmine's Beef Cutlet Milanese with Caper, Roasted Pepper, and Tomato Butter Sauce
Posted by Kerry Saretsky, January 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Copycat recipes...any luck??
Thanks for all the input. @bubbamom, KFC coleslaw is actually one of the two recipes I was curious about, could you post yours? The second recipe I am craving is The Pasta House Co.'s Flamingo Chicken. Anyone seen or tried that??
Underground Eats
Both of my surviving sons and spouses live in Portland, OR., and each has attended an "underground supper club" (different ones). They both raved about their experiences! Wine and other diners were great at each; as far as the food experience, each totally different. One had a very, very good "upscale" menu, while the other had a great "everyday, cook at home style dinner", with step by step instruction on how to prepare at home for company. All four are anxious to try again, there seems to be several plus of these "clubs" in the Portland area. Will try to find out how to locate them, and report back.
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
I agree that her mannerisms and growling can get annoying, but no more than other chef's particularities. I like the fact that she teaches as she cooks, and gives reasons behind some of her prep techniques. Her love of all things food is obvious, and contagious!!
Need help with a personal, touchy dilemma.
Thanks for the comments so far. I should update original post - I figured I could be the out of date items by going through cabinets while she is sleeping and "toss". BTW, she has stuff with expiration dates from 1993!! She says that expiration dates are a conspiracy from food manufacturers to by new products, and that she has never gotten sick because of it!!! I will be doing all of the shopping. Regarding the suggestions to show enthusiasm for cooking and convincing her to let me pamper her by doing all of the cooking - won't work!! She really wants to cook for us!! Thanks, again, for the ideas, and keep them coming, especially the ones regarding sanitation and what needs to be refrigerated, etc.
News Report: First Organic Vegetable Garden at the White House!
@Pooch, right on!! You took the words right out of my mouth...good thing it wasn't food!!
News Report: First Organic Vegetable Garden at the White House!
I shouldn't comment when I'm up in the middle of the night with insomnia - I meant "Michelle has it GOING on"!!! See 1st comment.
Dried beans
Third the cooking recommendation! I agree with Pooch regarding leaving them in water, not only would they get funky, but I think the texture would change. Let us know!
News Report: First Organic Vegetable Garden at the White House!
Love it, love it, love it! And what a great example for the rest of the country. I'm sure this was discussed, and probably even planned long before Alice Waters brought up the subject. Sounds like Michelle's got it gonna on!!
Pay what is fair: One cafe's no price policy experiment.
Personally, I don't mind at all paying a more than fair price for good food prepared properly. As a caterer, I know what goes into a dish is always more than meets the eye. I would just fear that some people would take advantage of the situation, and too many customers like that could close a place quickly. It would be nice if you could "ban" those customers after a 2nd time or so, but don't have any solutions for that idea. I read about a cafe in Berkeley, I believe, that did this, and it turned into a flying success. Ingeniously, the owner also allowed customers to "work" their meal off if they couldn't afford it...cleaning floors, doing dishes, bussing tables. It turned into a wonderful thing for the community.
New Orleans, when to go, what to eat
I really enjoyed K-Paul's while visiting this wonderful city. Last time I was there, the wait was around the corner, but well worth it! Have a great trip, and a stroll around Jackson Square to walk off all the good eats!!
Slow going on Food Network website
Ditto dbcurrie! The frustation is usually not worth it anymore for me.
Spousal Cooking: Am I a bad person?
IMHO, it sounds like their problems stretched way beyond the kitchen.
My situation is like PumpkimBear's, I cook indoors, and he cooks outdoors, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love it, he loves it, so it works well for us. I kid him a lot that if he "brings home the bacon, I'll fry it up in the pan"! I do work from home part time, catering, which also kills two birds with one stone on those days. On days that I want him to cook out, I make sure I have everything ready for him...meat marinated, veggies prepped, etc. Works for me, and him!!
Food Careers
@bareneed, oh, thank you so much...I have such wonderful memories of Adam. I tried to refrain from mentioning this part, as it's off-subject, but I also counsel Mothers who have just lost a child, and no matter how old the child is, it is still your child. I have posted my main (not the catering one) email address on here for other reasons, but if you know someone that has experienced the same situation, please feel free to share it, and again, thank you sooo much for your comments and recognition. L,K
karen_ourth@yahoo.com
Food Careers
Hi Juman23, I am a caterer, and kind of "fell" into it. After losing my 17 yr. old son about 15 years ago, I used cooking as my therapy and escape. I was an okay cook at the time, not bad, just average. Cooking then became my "valium" so to speak, and I started raising the bar, experimenting with more difficult recipes and different cuisines, and found that I REALLY enjoyed it. Since I don't know how to cook for just a few, I organized a "Meals Ministry" at our church, and began giving/preparing food for sick and elderly folks, neighbors, friends and family. They started to share the food, and before I knew it, I was getting calls to do b'day parties, funerals, weddings etc., hence - karencooks (a small thyme catering company) began. Since then, I have attended or taken many advanced classes, but still think my self-taught education has been the backbone. Often now, when preparing food, I think of Adam (my son) with wonderful memories, and the final gift he gave to me. What joy!!!
Rusty Cast Iron-- Help!
Throwing cast iron pans into an outdoor fire is an old tried and true method! I got that advice from Lodge customer service department. After I explained that we have a burn ordinance here and couldn't do that, she also suggested the "clean" cycle on the oven. We have such smart people on these SE threads, don't we?? (I'm being serious, not facetious)
homemade ravioli- too ambitious for this amateur?
I've done it many, many times with the fresh pasta sheets, and used a pizza cutter to cut them. Unfortunately, I now live 200 miles away from the closest shop that sells them, in St. Louis. Anybody have any ideas on how/where/what I could use in place of it? I'm curious, too, on how won-ton wrappers affect the taste. Has anyone tried them for ravs?
What's your favorite kitchen gadget?
Hard to choose, but probably my WS whisk, or my probe thermometer, it sounds like the one Perky has. Has saved many a burnt offerings when I get involved in something else, and forget the time.
What's your favorite kitchen gadget?
pksmash, how do you make your sausage? I've just started experimenting, and am looking for good recipes, if you don't mind sharing. You can email me at karen_ourth@yahoo.com to keep this thread on subject. Thanks. Would like to hear more about your stuffer, also.
LOL...new drink!
Oh chisai, I totally agree...what a great "toast" drink!
Disturbed by near-slavery in Florida's tomato industry
I lived many years in the Bay Area, specifically Palo Alto, then moved to Monterey for many years. Salinas, nicknamed the "salad bowl" of America is situated between the two cities, along with Gilroy, the "garlic capitol of the world", Prunedale, and other smaller communities, that produce huge amounts of artichokes, strawberries, avocados, etc. It was so sad to drive Highway 1, or the 101, and see so many farm workers out slaving in the fields in dangerously high temps. That made me want to support the local farm stands along those routes even more, and sharing my concerns with the farm owners. Hope they had their hearing ears on, and not just acted like they did. Also, best produce ever, anywhere!
Dates for Fine Food
NOOOO...granted, the last person I dated was my husband 20 years ago, but I can fix a nice meal myself, or don't mind dining out alone. The pay off isn't great enough for me to do that.
Say That You Had a Year...
Hands down - Italy, especially around the Tuscon region.
Help -- Meat(not so much)balls.
@Perky, this is kind of off subject. I posted a request 3 weeks or so for a good italian sausage recipe...tried three different ones, and the winner with hubby was with McCormick's grill seasonings (for steak) only. Did turn out great, so many more uses than just for steak seasoning.
Menu help!
All of the above are great, but for simplicity, color, texture and taste, why not roast some asparagus?? Love it that way, just a little olive oil, S&P, and a splash of either balsamic or lemon juice...mmmmm!
The 20 Dishes you need to know
My personal Top 20:
1. Bacon and Potato Omelette (I'm from germany and can't live without my "Bauernfrüstück")
2. Pasta with a garlic sauce
3. Spaghetti with meatballs
4. Roasted Chicken
5. Kao Pad (I'm also half Thai, and grew up with this dish)
6. Pancakes
7. Steak
8. Pizza
9. Potato Soup
10. A good Sandwich
11. Satay Sticks
12. Mashed Potaoes
13. Meatloaf
14. Gravy
15. Thai Sausages
16. Green Cabbage and Smoked Pork Chop
17. Spareribs
18. Quesadillas
19. Burger with some Fries and Fried Onions
20. Double Mud Chocolate Cake
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
I've loved Anne since day one...but where are the NEW shows? Lately they've just been re-runs.
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
I find her to be utterly grating. I change the channel when I see her, even if it's just a commercial.
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
I really love her. I am nervous for her...yes she should take it down a notch with her grunts and all....but I really love to watch her. She is refreshing and makes simple food.....
What are your favorite products from Trader Joe's?
Is the Pomegranate Glaze really discontinued? My mom tried to buy it in Atlanta but they didn't have it. Can it be found elsewhere???
Copycat recipes...any luck??
I just this weekend made the KFC coleslaw recipe and found it to be very similar...a bit sweet but tasty nonetheless.
Copycat recipes...any luck??
@sadiepix - you're very welcome.
Copycat recipes...any luck??
Some how I signed myself up to this email that sends me copy cat recipes for all sorts of things which I saved. Things from Wendy's chilli recipe, to some stuff to Olive Garden, I get sent these things all the time. If you want me to send you some recipes that I have saved, let me know. I will forward them to you.
Copycat recipes...any luck??
I love kopycat.com. To date, my favorite recipe from the site is Cinnabons. The recipe makes a huge batch of the closest thing to Cinnabons I've ever had. Use this recipe for a breakfast party unless you have a family the size of the Waltons.
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
I think she's great - and I have made many of her recipes - the food is terrific.
Rusty Cast Iron-- Help!
try heating white vinegar, dump it out, when the cast is dry, scrub with lots of salt. Re-season the in the oven.
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
I love Anne Burrell! She definitely knows what she's doing and I find her energy exciting! Everything she makes inspires me! When I first saw her on tv, I said to myself, "Who is this character?" I thought she was a bit too demonstrative and loud. But after watching her, I realized that it is her passion and know-how that makes her fun to watch and learn from! Keep on cookin' Anne!
What are your favorite products from Trader Joe's?
My top 5:
Chicken egg rolls
Frozen Naan
All of the curry sauces are amazing
Peanut butter pretzels
Booze, especially the Hofbrau
After reading this, I need to try that pumpkin butter.
What are your favorite products from Trader Joe's?
To the Columbia Mo crowd, I am the one who drove 100 miles to St. Louis to get the Blackberry Tea! Columbia is now so large, we could support a TJs if they would put one there!
What are your favorite products from Trader Joe's?
I drove 100 miles to the closest Trader Joes to me just to purchase their Blackberry Infusion tea and they NO LONGER CARRY IT!!!!!!!!!!! I could have cried. I am in love with that tea. They told me to try World Market and I found some Blackberry Sage green tea (for 3x the cost of Trader Joes teas) and it was weak and not comparable at all Could someone please tell me where I can find that luscious tea???? Many thanks!
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
When I first viewed Anne Burrell's show, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef", I thought it was a rather interesting concept. Admittedly, she was a bit "out there", but i tried to get past some of the quirks. To be honest, she's not more annoying than the EVOO diva, or the Pepsodent pin-up, to name a couple. One of my biggest pet peeves with her, is her habit of double-dipping with the same spoon when she tastes the food (maybe it's just me).
Although I think that there's way too much emphasis on physical appearance, I would just like to add that maybe she'd do well not to wear some of those figure-hugging tops. Our girl looks like she can chow down, so having said that, those tops are not the most flattering.
I must say that I always learn a lot from her show and I respect her as a real, working chef. The FoodNetwork is much richer for having chefs of her knowledge and caliber.
Six things you cannot live without in your kitchen?
1. chef's knife + cutting board
2. wooden spoon
3. mixing bowls of varying sizes
4. electronic scale
5. measuring cups and spoons
6. dutch oven, a good pan, and a baking sheet
This is not to say I don't use my stand mixer just about every day, but I'm totally fine with doing everything by hand if need be.
Underground Eats
If you are interested in these types of dinners, check out the Ghetto Gourmet: http://www.theghet.com/ --it's a pretty organized network now (started with a guy cooking gourmet dinners in his basement), sort of a moveable feast/dinner party where some of the participants contribute cooking skills, clean up, dining space and even entertainment.
Spousal Cooking: Am I a bad person?
Yes brooke29 it is a two way street, see she use to cook, but only what she wanted, spiced the way she wanted, and I had no choice it was eat or starve. SO now that I cook, the ship still floats the same way, except I am cooking, she doesn't complain, she has her junk food she would rather eat than my cooking, thats her choice, not mine, it has nothing to do with control, or being self centered, but both of us being independent for many years. I use to try to cook for her, but it was always the same, I end up throwing it out,because it has to much spice for her and no where enough for me, so rather than waste food, I started cooking stuff I like to cook, she does eat some of it, but the majority she wrinkles her nose up at.So before you judge us, you need to know how we are.
Underground Eats
I've attended one in Portland. The food was decent and fairly ambitious. I believe it was Easter (a year ago), so attendance was pretty sparse because of the holiday. I would love to do it again in a bigger group.
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
Lets face it folks, these shows are not about cooking they are about "personalities." Guy Fieri has about 30 catchphrases and hopes that one of them will catch on like Emeril's stupid BAM. Paula Dean has gotten a lot more "southern" in the last year. Rachel Ray has web sites dedicated to people who want to vent about how annoying she is. And yes Rachel - we know you are married.
Anne has a conflict. She seems to be a down to earth person competing for air time with a bunch of celebrities. She is confused as to how to act. Give her time and the real Anne will win out.
For my money Robin Miller is the show to watch. She does not use any gimmicks and her dishes are not complicated. It is not for the person who likes to have a band in the background, cutaways to audience members nodding in approval and laughing at the hosts attempt at being humorous on Emeril Live. Are you interested in learning about food or watching a "personality." And don't get me started on Bobby Flay.
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
At first she weirded me out. But I gave her another chance and I fell. Kinda like some of the guys in my past. You know?
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
The first episode I saw was her spaghetti bolognese and I loved hearing all her restaurant tips--things I've never heard before. However, I made the bolognese and it took ALL DAY and it was...a plate of spaghetti. I watched a few more episodes and the growling got to me, but at the same time I love hearing all the tips & I admire her passion. So I tivo all the episodes and have a TON of them still to watch. I'm sure I will try more of her recipes. Am I the only one who loves her hair?? It rocks!
Who loves Anne Burrell?!
I must say, I like FN stars early on, then get tired of them as they get over exposed, like RR. But Anne, she really cooks great food, and loves it all the way. I mean, really loves it! Who wouldn't want a job like that?? I'm jealous! Grr, I'm a fan...gimme the t-shirt!
Recent Posts
Need help with a personal, touchy dilemma.
Posted by Karencooks, March 29, 2009 at 11:48 AM
"Sticky" subject ... giving "bites" ... how to handle?
Posted by Karencooks, March 4, 2009 at 10:15 AM
How do you make your egg salad, tuna salad, ham salad...
Posted by Karencooks, February 11, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Blue Cheese steak roll-up stuffing ingredients??
Posted by Karencooks, February 9, 2009 at 9:05 PM
Truth Be Told...Cleaning cast iron cookware
Posted by Karencooks, February 9, 2009 at 7:32 AM
What is your favorite cooking tip or recipe from Grandma?
Posted by Karencooks, February 5, 2009 at 3:16 PM
What is your favorite bottled barbecue sauce?
Posted by Karencooks, February 1, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Recent Favorites
Dinner Tonight: Lentil and Bacon Soup
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 6, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Dinner Tonight: Cannellini Beans with Wilted Greens
Posted by Blake Royer, January 8, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Carmine's Beef Cutlet Milanese with Caper, Roasted Pepper, and Tomato Butter Sauce
Posted by Kerry Saretsky, January 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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Thanks for all the input. @bubbamom, KFC coleslaw is actually one of the two recipes I was curious about, could you post yours? The second recipe I am craving is The Pasta House Co.'s Flamingo Chicken. Anyone seen or tried that??