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From Serious Eats

Snapshots from the UK: The English Foodstuff Lexicon

I love cheese and pickle toasties!

And thank you for clarifying the pronunciation of the edible "pastie". The other day someone was trying to tell me that the food being referred to was pronounced with a long "a". You've given me vindication that I can...y'know...rub their face in!

From Serious Eats

Seriously Delicious Holiday Giveaway: D'Artagnan Boneless Heritage Ham

Country white bread, peanut butter (yes, a bit lends a smoky hue to the ham), the ham, mayo, lettuce, mustard on the other side of the ham from the PB.

My older sister taught me the PB/Ham combo.

From Serious Eats

Martha, Keith Olbermann, and WKRP in Cincinnati's Infamous Turkey Drop

LOL, glad to see a funny show get recognition, that episode was especially good.

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From Serious Eats

Snapshots from the UK: The English Foodstuff Lexicon

I love cheese and pickle toasties!

And thank you for clarifying the pronunciation of the edible "pastie". The other day someone was trying to tell me that the food being referred to was pronounced with a long "a". You've given me vindication that I can...y'know...rub their face in!

From Serious Eats

Seriously Delicious Holiday Giveaway: D'Artagnan Boneless Heritage Ham

Country white bread, peanut butter (yes, a bit lends a smoky hue to the ham), the ham, mayo, lettuce, mustard on the other side of the ham from the PB.

My older sister taught me the PB/Ham combo.

From Serious Eats

Martha, Keith Olbermann, and WKRP in Cincinnati's Infamous Turkey Drop

LOL, glad to see a funny show get recognition, that episode was especially good.

From Talk

Stuffing Vs. Dressing

I grew up in upstate NY using the term "stuffing", it didn't matter if it was in a casserole or the bird. When I was married to someone from the South, I noticed they used "dressing" instead. For many reasons, I referred to it as "stuffing" all the more as time went on.

From Serious Eats

Turkey Talk: Cook's Illustrated's Chris Kimball

I enjoy Cook's Illustrated, but I more and more find myself reading Kimball's essay and shaking my head over what seems to be a lecture on values in a food magazine. I read that part last.

From A Hamburger Today

In Videos: Megadeath Burger: World's Hottest Hamburger in Australia

Definitely a testosterone thing, meaning it doesn't have to make any sense.

From Serious Eats

Blood For Breakfast? Fear Not!

My first experience with blood pudding was on a flight from Manchester to Edinburgh following a sleepless (because I like to look out the window) transatlantic crossing. I wasn't sure what it was, but my more squeemish companion knew what it was and didn't want it. I loved it! I ate mine and hers too!

From Serious Eats: New York

Michael Pollan for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture?

He'd be good, of course, anyone would be better than the present occupant who is little more than a puppet of industry.

From Serious Eats

Does Your Grocery Store Have You Crying Tears of Joy?

Wegman's is by far my favorite store. It's a bit of a drive though, which became a consideration when the gas prices were sky high. My former spouse actually did a chart to show that Wegman's was the cheapest store around Fairfax County for a list of groceries she had from a recent shop. With gas added in, it came to the same price as the nearby Giant stores.
But Wegman's has all the cool stuff. The butcher shop ribeyes are the best I've ever consumed. They have Fever Tree mixers too (but always seem to be out of the Tonic Water). And, where else can one find Spiedie marinade below the Mason Dixon line?
I too remember Adams Fairacre Farms, but in Kingston, NY, where I grew up.

From Serious Eats

Profile of Chick-fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy

He seems to be a person who has a strong sense of morals, and practices what he preaches. Fine with me that he closes on Sunday. It's great that he (I've heard) serves yummy chicken.

But, the association with Dobson is a dealbreaker for me. Pass.

From Serious Eats

Martha Tries Philly Cheesesteak for First Time, Prefers Geno's to Pat's

I have yet to try Geno's, but last time at Pat's, it was bland compared to previous respites from I-95

From Serious Eats

Expensive Wine, So Five Minutes Ago

I'm all for this trend. Anyone can spend a bundle on a bottle, the fun is discovering something that's decent for a value.

From Serious Eats

Blogwatch: Jumbo Empanadas's Shrimp-Topped Deviled Eggs

That looks a bit creepy, in an Alien kind of way. I'd be uncomfortable just sitting near them.

From A Hamburger Today

Dear AHT: How to Make Glazed Doughnut Bacon Egg Cheeseburgers

schwartz, that sounds like a variation on a scotch egg, you need a name for this now.

From Recipes

Store-Bought Stuffing Mix Showdown

I always loved smelling the stuffing being made...the sage and celery, etc.

But! No fish in my stuffing!

From Serious Eats: New York

Grant Achatz and Nathan Myhrvold Talk Food and Technology

I just love it when chefs have a problem with nonmenclature that the public uses about their food. Would you like it better if we said "Oh, snap, I want to go to that restaurant, but I'm afraid my friends won't think I'm cool if I call it MG. What do they call it now...? Oh heck, I'll suggest we go for sushi instead!"

Be happy we show up, especially in this economy.

Jose Andres (Minibar here in DC) has a similar attitude, and while I respect him, it's a great way to alienate your customers when you start wanting to control to that extent.

From Talk

Sriracha question

Since it's got some acids (citric, etc) as ingredients, I think it will last as long as it takes you to finish it.

From Recipes

Cooking From the Glossies: Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin with Pine Nut-Bread Crumb Topping

The last paragraph states that if you make this dish again, it will be; "( with cream next time, not cheese)". You meant to say milk instead of cheese, right? You're not going to leave the cheese out are you?

From Serious Eats

Baconnaise, for the Ultimate Bacon-Flavored Spread

Montana Eats, it exists, but maybe not in your area, since I believe it's a Southern thang. It's known as "Durkee's Sandwich Spread"

From Serious Eats

Photo of the Day: Rice Krispie Treat Costumed Kitty

LOL, oh, if looks could kill, we'd all leave the room in a basket. Cutie kitty!

From Serious Eats

LOLcat Moments: Reservations Required

Oh yeah, I've had to slip this guy a twenty in a couple places.....

beeeee....I loved that scene, thanks for reminding!

From Serious Eats

Apples: Take 'Em or Leave 'Em?

I managed to extricate myself from my Saturday morning coma and brought home a delicious honeycrisp from the farmers market. Yum! The apple has to be worth eating. Mealy apples can turn me off of apples for weeks.

From Recipes

Dinner Tonight: Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo

I made these for dinner last night and they were delicious!

From Recipes

Store-Bought Stuffing Mix Showdown

to turn a store bought stuffing into gourmet (best with pepperidge farms)
saute some sausage pieces till brown
add onion till soft or light brown
then add celery and thyme
add butter if necessary
add to store-bought mix as directed on the package.
use home-made turkey stock for best results.
if you prefer bacon to sausage that's fine.
you can also add walnuts and/or raisins.
happy thanksgiving.

From Recipes

Cooking From the Glossies: Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin with Pine Nut-Bread Crumb Topping

I would like to try this Cauliflower and BS Gratin. Pine nuts on anything make it even cooler!

From Recipes

Store-Bought Stuffing Mix Showdown

My stuffing changes from time to time, but at Thanksgiving family demands particular one. It involves Pepperridge farm or similar dried bread crumbs, saute'd celery, onion, carrot and lot and lots of mushrooms, finely chopped. Some sage sausage, finely chopped apple and additional sage or poultry seasoning. A couple of eggs and turkey broth to moisten. Do not over moisten or over mix. Then cover and bake. (Or refrigerate until tomorrow- Thanksgiving). Remove foil in the last few minutes so the top gets light golden.

As my mom says-- Oh my. This is amazing. (Which means she likes mine even more than her signature and also very delicious stuffing.)

From Serious Eats

Top Ten Worst Halloween 'Candies'

I disagree about a lot of the candy items mentioned here.
I, for one, LOVE the fun-sized (or mini, if you prefer) candies. It's a tiny bit of something insanely tasty, enough to give pleasure without causing tummy pains. When I was a young'un and I went trick-or-treating, one house gave out mini Clark bars. Yum-o-delish! I polished those off first.
I think the chewy peanut butter kisses taste absolutely divine.
Candy corn, I think is plenty of tasty, as are the candy pumpkins made of candy-corn base. Think little dollops of hardened cake-frosting.
As for apples and raisins, those I didn't mind in the least.

However, some items, I do agree about.
Toothbrushes -- a boring reminder
Religious pamphlets -- disappointing and WEIRD to boot.
Packages of "normal" food -- oh, for crying in Manhattan, what kid wants to receive a can of baked beans or a box of oat bran in his little plastic jack-o-lantern.
One time I received cough drops -- and not the Ludens or Pine Bros or Smith Bros or F&Fs, which are tasty and could pass as hard candy (as can the Ricolas). These were nasty little green pellets that were -- and tasted like -- MEDICATION. Like I said, for crying in Manhattan! For crying in Manhattan, Chicago, and San Francisco

Oh well. At least I didn't get a ROCK

From Serious Eats

Top Ten Worst Halloween 'Candies'

If I didn't live in an apartment building with no kids in it I'd be giving out and full sized candy bar AND a red bull to every kid. HAHAHA!!! HALLOWEEN IS FOR KIDS! SUCK IT PARENTS!

From A Hamburger Today

The Hamburger Fatty Melt, a Burger with Two Grilled Cheese Sandwiches as Its Bun

Lettuce? Whaddya, crazy? Why? It adds nothing. Maybe some arugula (strong flavor) under the burger if you need a built-in salad, but plain old lettuce would just disappear.

But tomato in the grilled cheeses sounds good. Gotta have tomato on a cheeseburger.

I'm thinking maybe blue and swiss/Gruyère/Comté for the cheeses (one each), if not all extra-sharp cheddar. If using jalapeño cheddar (or better yet, habanero cheddar), only in one sammy, plain cheddar on the other. Otherwise the chiles will overwhelm everything else.

Bacon only if using cheddar. And not too much. Still have to taste the burger. Balance is important.

From Serious Eats

Reverse Trick-Or-Treating with Fair Trade Chocolate Politicizes Halloween

Thanks for these listings! This give my teenage twin daughters a way to revitalize one of our favorite holidays. They have a "Fair Trade and Forgotten Children" Club at their high school and are starting to realize that what they choose to buy can make a difference in someone else's life.


From Talk

Pickle Juice

Pickle juice is great if you have high sugar levels due to diabetes to help lower them. Dallas Cowboys have been using it for years as an secret boost of energy rather than chocolate milk, candy, or energy bars that can bring them down due to the sugar. Athletes with diabetes use Pickle juice mixed with water for boost drinks. I it frozen on a stick.

From Talk

Pickle Juice

I poach chicken and fish in it, it also works well as a marinade for cheaper cuts of beef and pork...it tenderizes them like crazy. For the cheaper dill pickle juices, the ones with a lot of yellow color to them, I mix the juice 50/50 with water to use it or it yellows the meat. It's been a staple for my cooking for several years now.I wish they sold it without the pickles in it. BTW, it's also great for steaming veggies...

From A Hamburger Today

In Videos: The Making of a Venezuelan Street Vendor Burger

They claim it's Roquefort cheese, but Roquefort is a French blue crumbly cheese, not what appears in the video, and would add at least $5+ to the cost of the burger in the quantity shown. And even Rochefort cheese is still too creamy but a more likely possibility. To be honest it looks like Monterey Jack...

From Serious Eats

FIT Grads Design Funky Food Labels

Geez, it makes some of us alumni with other majors look lame. Merchandising was not that creative. I just had to paste pictures from magazines on boards. You can see why I ended up in pastry school 7 years later...

Thanks for making the school look good, package design people!

From Serious Eats: New York

Molecular Gastronomy at the French Culinary Institute: Meat Glue

French meal generally begins with a soup, main course, salad, cheese, and lastly desert. The French usually have a separate beverage for all types of foodstuff and event be, it a traditional family gatherings, parties or a simple home dining table. The French meal is truly great in restaurant and culinary art schools and cooking schools that have French cooking as their specialty. The main French cuisine include dishes like Mushroom and Truffle Cappuccino, Bittersweet Chocolate Tart, Blue cheese Mashed Potatoes, Festive Smoked Turkey, Veggie Quiche, Bechemel sauce, Ratatouille, Lobster Risotto Milanese and Le Tourin. The French cooking programs includes hand-on classes and vocational tours for all the above mentioned recipes and cuisine. http://www.culinaryschoolsprograms.com/cuisines/French--Culinary-Schools/index.html

From Serious Eats

The Most Disgusting School Lunches

Our school had dominoes pizza every month. Kids were ecstatic for that and that day saw the most fights occur out of every month. True Story.

From A Hamburger Today

The Hamburger Fatty Melt, a Burger with Two Grilled Cheese Sandwiches as Its Bun

Log time reader - first time commenter...

Love the idea -

Much to the shargin of my wife I am going to try this idea out tonight. The biggest challenge to me is to ensure proper timing so that everything is at the proper heat to ensure that the butter, cheese and beef blend together properly and not congeal.

Cheers!

From A Hamburger Today

The Hamburger Fatty Melt, a Burger with Two Grilled Cheese Sandwiches as Its Bun

Gotta love it! I will try it soon using the thin bread squashed down. Here's one that everyone already knows, but as long as we are trying for the ultimate heart attack:

http://www.dennysbeerbarrelpub.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=12

Anyone actually ever been there?

From A Hamburger Today

Big City Slider Station Works Almost As Well as in its Infomercial

Spraying with Pam first helps, but I have found that if you use 93% lean beef, that works best. If you use less than 93%, the grease tends to splatter on the cooking service. If you use 97% lean beef, the patties tend to stick to the cooking surface. Hope this helps. We love ours!

From A Hamburger Today

Big City Slider Station Works Almost As Well as in its Infomercial

i dont know what everyones problem is with this product. I LOVE MY SLIDER. and a forman grill is not the same thing. and as for the grease i flip mine and if there is grease dump it. but i like turkey sliders.

From Serious Eats

PBJ Debate: Jelly-Side Up or Down?

O M G

definitely jelly on top BECAUSE that way the PB doesn't stick to the roof of my mouth. This is from an anti-PBJ/peanutbutter in general person though.

From A Hamburger Today

Big City Slider Station Works Almost As Well as in its Infomercial

I already have a Foreman grill, isn't that almost the same thing if I just throw small scoops of meat on it and close the lid?

From A Hamburger Today

Dear AHT: How to Make Glazed Doughnut Bacon Egg Cheeseburgers

Some so stole this from the Boondocks episode that came out in 2004.

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About Tonecat

Website:

Location: Falls Church, VA

About: research project manager for University in DC. I play electric guitar and make noises on mandolin. Like mid-century modern homes and furniture. Like to drive nice cars, or just bump around in a field in a land rover.

Favorite foods: well marbled steak, well executed hamburgers.
beet and coriander puree
pesto - esp basil and arugula. Mac and Cheese. Good crispy lettuce. A flavorful tomato with a thin skin. Radishes w/ sea salt and butter. Sea salt caramels.

Last bite on earth: Ravioli stuffed with foie gras with truffle sauce.