Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I'm a devotee to peaty scotch whiskeys: Compass Box Flaming Heart and Ardbeg's Airigh Nam Beist (only have had a glass of it, but that baby's on my X-mas list) are my favorites.

Because I usually drink scotch at get togethers, a lot of women will join in with me. I've also found that women of my grandmother's generation (in their 60's, 70's, 80's) are more likely to be scotch drinkers. My own nana, actually, almost had a run-in with my brother in law a few weeks ago, over his putting ice in his scotch. "Ruins the flavor." (I totally agree.)

That's pretty awesome and disgusting both at the same time.

They're from the same species of plant. Black are made from unripe berries, while white is made from the seed of ripened berries. The lack of the fruit layer is the major contributor in differences in taste between the two.

Personally, the difference in taste is more significant between freshly cracked vs pre-ground pepper, than between the varieties.

However, I do prefer coarsely ground black on my steak, but if it's going into a marinade or multi-spice season I have a hard time telling the difference, so when I can I stock up on white peppercorns. If you're local store doesn't carry it, you should be able to find them in an Asian grocery store, though not necessarily whole.

BTW, most Asians I know tend to use white pepper since that what they've grown up using and don't bother with black unless they can't get white.

Call me a pedant, but isn't the term "serious eater" just something that www.seriouseats.com just made up as a marketing slogan? It doesn't have any intrinsic meaning to it, if you catch my drift. By saying you have an interest in food you say pretty much the same thing. Far be it for me to harsh everyone's mellow, of course...

"I don't know any capable younger chefs who would even touch the stuff"

You should get out more. White pepper is awesome.

@_greenbean... you can either split the top and add ingredients, fill them before rolling or place on top of the omelet. If you were making an omelet basque you would add the ingredients to the eggs and cook them similar to a frittata or an american style "western".

@jack - who cares how they look at you? As long as they enjoy food with you and celebrate your ability to prepare it. Some of my friends don't understand my obsession with food - but they're all happy I have it. (PS Fellow Italian here!)

Julia Child and JAcques Pepin argues about black vs white pepper in on of the episodes of their show- pretty darn amusing. I like good white pepper, but as with black, there's a lot of crap out there, especially what's sold in grocery stores. If you've never had or liked white pepper and you live near a Penzey's store, I highly recommend checking out their white pepper.

I come from an Italian family where every aspect of life revolves around food. When I went to college, money was tight, so I started really getting into making everything from scratch which ended up being cheaper and much better than typical college cuisine. My roommates loved me for it. I enjoy being able to make food for myself and others, there is something very personal about making a meal for someone. I also find being in the kitchen a total stress reliever, and I always find myself talking about food to people (most of whom look at me like I have seven heads).

Lots of good thoughts here. It is great to be able to see what others ideas are.

My thoughts- In normal situations one is going to eat every day and several times a day. In many cases this is done w other family members. This being the case I feel that it is to our benefit to seek out the best quality we can afford and prepare the meals we feel those around us will enjoy the most. Look on the whole process as an act of giving to others be they family or friends and enjoy the ride. Put some fun in your life. Try something new. A meal and family time should be enoyed, not something to just be done with and move on to something else.

The food itself is important, but what we put into it and why is what really matters

I love working my way through a bottle of scotch over several months, but currently loving my Rye Whiskey. So complex and so inexpensive. Drink it straight or with homemade bitters. Or in an old-fashioned.

As for scotches, past splurges have included Glenmorangie and Coal Isla, but Jon, Mark and Robbo make nice inexpensive blends that I find quite satisfying. Too bad I haven't been able to find any around here lately...

What a good trend, though!

Cutty Sark!

I am a girl and I love whiskey. I have for a long time. In fact - it's the first thing I ever drank (at family gatherings with my dad and brother). I agree that it seems like a "guy thing" and whenever I'm around guys drinking whiskey, they're shocked but I think a lot of stereotypes of guy vs. girl consumption are wrong. I love steak and burgers and whiskey and beer. Am I a guy? No.