bster18’s Profile
Recent Comments
Anyone use pumpkin (or apple sauce) and oil to replace butter?
Thank you for a timely post. As part of a fast I'm doing with others from church, I'm fasting from dairy (except mayo), so trying to stay away from eggs and butter during this time. I love dessert, so looking to replace eggs and butter with tasty alternatives. Thank you all for contributions.
Eat for Eight Bucks: French Onion Pastina
Hey everyone,
I didn't make the Parmesan crisps.
Eat for Eight Bucks: French Onion Pastina
Good tip on using the mandoline, howlandwolfe.
I substituted shortened strands of whole-grain spaghetti in place of acini di pepe (or other small pasta like orzo), added a bit of water to deglaze and started pouring in beef broth without measuring. I used one onion, whereas the recipe calls for two large for two servings. And I probably threw in too much pasta. Anyway, this is a savory way to use spaghetti away from the tomato-based sauces. The beef stock gives it some heft and Parmesan, well, that just makes many foods better. Slurp the spaghetti, coated in the beef stock, which has a little flour and dried thyme mixed in. If you can find a good-quality beef stock, all the better. It might not be the most visually-stunning, or exciting-sounding dish, but it tastes good and it's a recipe that could feed a group.
See more comments by bster18 »
Recent Posts
Inexpensive eats in Newport, Rhode Island?
Posted by bster18, September 17, 2009 at 12:02 PM
See more posts by bster18 »
Recent Favorites
Meat Lite: Eggs Any Style Shaksouka
Posted by Tara Mataraza Desmond, December 16, 2008 at 11:00 AM
See more favorites by bster18 »
Recent Polls
bster18 hasn't answered any polls yet.
Recent Quizzes
bster18 hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Anyone use pumpkin (or apple sauce) and oil to replace butter?
Thank you for a timely post. As part of a fast I'm doing with others from church, I'm fasting from dairy (except mayo), so trying to stay away from eggs and butter during this time. I love dessert, so looking to replace eggs and butter with tasty alternatives. Thank you all for contributions.
Eat for Eight Bucks: French Onion Pastina
Hey everyone,
I didn't make the Parmesan crisps.
Eat for Eight Bucks: French Onion Pastina
Good tip on using the mandoline, howlandwolfe.
I substituted shortened strands of whole-grain spaghetti in place of acini di pepe (or other small pasta like orzo), added a bit of water to deglaze and started pouring in beef broth without measuring. I used one onion, whereas the recipe calls for two large for two servings. And I probably threw in too much pasta. Anyway, this is a savory way to use spaghetti away from the tomato-based sauces. The beef stock gives it some heft and Parmesan, well, that just makes many foods better. Slurp the spaghetti, coated in the beef stock, which has a little flour and dried thyme mixed in. If you can find a good-quality beef stock, all the better. It might not be the most visually-stunning, or exciting-sounding dish, but it tastes good and it's a recipe that could feed a group.
Hummingbird Cake
Do you have a good hummingbird cake recipe? Thank you.
Cooking grits
These were made from corn grits. The sweet potato roasted in an oven, then was pureed and added to the grits. The grits have honey, butter and chipotle chile liquid (it was watery, maybe from defrosting).
Food Critics and Anonymity: Does It Impact Reviews?
I have reviewed restaurants for a magazine where prior arrangements have been made. I've tasted some good things and was treated well on these visits. One chef even invited me back into the kitchen to watch naan bread cook inside a tandoor oven! I would hope the staff treated me the same way they would any customer. This covers the entire experience, from service and atmosphere to quality and presentation of food. But there is the possibility they tried to ramp up the "pamper" factor in hopes of gaining a favorable review. I have also written about restaurant experiences on my blog. On these occasions, I didn't reveal (at least verbally) to the staff of my food writing intentions, though the camera and notepad did come out. Whether this affected service or quality of food, I don't know. Perhaps I should return to a place again, without arrangements, to compare and contrast experiences.
Headache Help!
I visited the doctor last year after I suffered from two or three straight nights of powerful-pounding headaches. He thinks they are migraines, so he prescribed Imitrex. You're supposed to take it at the onset of a headache so it can work. I took one the other night before bed. Woke up the next morning and the headache was gone.
Excedrin has worked in the past, but I hesitate to take it if I want to sleep.
I hope you feel better soon. Bad headaches are horrible.
How blessed (or lucky, depending on how you view it) are we?
Thank you for this post! We are truly lucky to have options of what to eat for every meal. Open up the refrigerator or pantry and "Wala" (if that's how you spell that) the choices are there. Knowing that we have clean water, as well, is such a blessing. I love fresh fruits, going to the farmers' market and browsing around. Honey is amazing - use it in green tea, on oatmeal, on PB and banana sandwiches - YUM!!. We are blessed!!
Sack Lunch: Beluga Lentils and Broccoli Rabe
Hi Ms. Bellinger,
I enjoyed a great dish of lentils and leeks with a mustard-herb butter that appeared in Gourmet magazine. I used thyme and parsley for the herbs.
Have you been to Lucques in West Hollywood?
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
Duck fat cooked the 'pork schnitzel' I dined on at the Crow Bar and Kitchen in Corona del Mar, Calif. The place has a very fun, creative menu.
Types of Onions in Cooking
I use yellow onions as an all purpose onion. Red onion is good for color as in, say a mango salsa with jalapenos, cilantro and mint.
Caramelizing onions are fantastic! They get sweet and can dress up anything from quiche to grilled sausages, burgers, you name it. Might have to try with red and/or maui or sweet onions.
Have higher food prices affected food bloggers?
Yeah, maybe this is a call to blog about affordable, budget-friendly recipes during these times to help others.
Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Serious Eats Special Report
Crunchy PB (preferably all-natural with no hydrogenated oils), sliced banana and honey between slices of seven-grain or whole wheat bread.
Has anyone ever tried/made/know where to purchase peanut butter-banana ice cream?
All These Articles About Rising Food Prices are Making Me Depressed, Hungry
I am with K. Resta. We should be thankful for what we have. There are people in worse situations.
All These Articles About Rising Food Prices are Making Me Depressed, Hungry
Yeah, this news is humbling. All the more reason to shop at farmers' markets and/or grow your own fruits and vegetables.
Dinner Tonight: Tube-Shaped Pasta with Wild Mushrooms
Emmab,
Which caponata recipe was it and how are you using it??
Dinner Tonight: Tube-Shaped Pasta with Wild Mushrooms
Judging by the chicken and dumplings from Saveur, might have to start including more recipes from the magazine into the cooking lineup. That dish rocked!! 10 stars!!
Cook the Book: The River Cottage Cookbook
I live with my folks in a house in Southern California and are growing: strawberries, Meyer lemons, apricots, limes, herbs, white peaches, Anaheim peppers and, eventually tomatoes.
Serious Sandwiches: Thuet's Smoked Pork Loin and French Toast
Thank you for a fun post!! Breakfast sandwiches find their way into dinner where I live on occasion. Using inspiration from McDonald's, my mom prepared "egg McMuffins" using thick English muffins, Canadian bacon, fried egg and a slice of American cheese. It's simple, good and makes for a quick dinner.
Eat for Eight Bucks: French Onion Pastina
I make parmesan crisp "bowls". Yummy and impressive looking. Simply increase the diameter of cheese spread in the pan. It should be less dense as well- when finished they almost look like lace. Invert melted cheese over a small bowl and voila! (I use rounded metal bowls and put them in the 'fridge to expedite the process.) It makes a lovely (individual) salad bowl -- will use next time I do (French onion) soup and salad.
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
I live in Portland, ME and I've been to Duckfat many a time and the poutine they make with the fries, cheese and duck gravy is a mouth-gasm.
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
In Pittsburgh, Point Brugge, a Belgian cafe. Their mussels are very good too.
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
Ray Kelly's Pub, in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport CT, expects to serve duck-fat fries in the very near future!
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
add another one. Victoria gastro pub in columbia, md (in between Baltimore and DC)
They have a side 'poutine' that has duckfat fries topped with duck confit, gruyere cheese, and duck gravy. it was mighty tasty.
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
The new Orson, on 4th in San Francisco, has duck fat fries, served with a delicious Bearnaise.
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
Sepia in Chicago has duck fat fried potatoes as well. They are, in a word, spectacular.
T
Food Critics and Anonymity: Does It Impact Reviews?
For a year, I worked at a Nursing Home as an Activities Assistant. I was shocked and dismayed that they were informed well in advance of State Inspections. The flurry of activity and improvements was unbelievable. I guess if they had no advance notice, possibly they could have been shut down with nowhere for the residents to go? The standard of service should not have been different because they were going to be inspected and evaluated, but it most definitely was, in every department. I think the same happens in restaurants. No notice, anonymity and get paid by your employer, period.
Food Critics and Anonymity: Does It Impact Reviews?
A food reviewer (critic) should be anonymous and random. There should be no freebies, no pre-arranged meeting, and no chance of special treatment. He or She should get the same product and the same service as Joe Blow who just walked in from the street.
That's the way I see it. And I don't care if your reviewing McDonald's or Momofuku.
Headache Help!
Oh, and on the subject of the Neti pot... I have one too! Well, I have something called Sinurinse: http://www.amazinghealth.co.uk/sinurinse-nasal-flushing.htm
My boyfriend is a pharmacist who is frequently stuffed up and he swears by it. I finally tried it once and at first it feels like you've just accidentally breathed underwater (that sort of burning nose watery eye thing) but afterwards your head feels so clear!
Headache Help!
Sometimes refined sugar can be the source of a headache. I would look up "types of headaches" on Google and find out what kind of headache you're experiencing. That can help you to narrow it down to what will and won't work for you (ie: if it's a tension headache, drinking mountain dew won't help, but if it's a migraine headache then mountain dew might work because of its high caffeine content.)
Headache Help!
I have chronic sinus/allergy issues and was really hoping the Neti Pot would help. I guess my septum is so deviated that it just isn't physically possible. The salt water goes in, but it doesn't come out from where it's supposed to come out. I've tried several times. I really want it to work. It doesn't. So disappointing.
Amazingly, after failing utterly, I still got my husband to try it while I watched. It was the most entertaining thing I've seen in a long time.
Headache Help!
Neti Pot! Neti Pot! Neti Pot! We are the knights who say "Neti Pot!"
:)
I didn't think I could ever do it either but then one desperate week spent with some seriously inflamed sinuses convinced me to finally give it a try and I'm sold. I had a cold recently and before I realized I was sick I thought to myself, "So this is what it is like to die..." and the Neti was very helpful during that week too.
It's use on Oprah (where it is also called a "nose bidet") was demonstrated with an audience member and Doctor Oz (then followed up on another show with some very happy people as it's good not just for sinuses but allergies as well). That was another reason I was finally willing to try it.
It was not anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. I'm not sure what horrors I was expecting but it's not really uncomfortable at all (as long as the water is the correct temp -- cold is not fun); much nicer than squeezing those icky (and nasty tasting) nose sprays, and the relief after is soooo worth it. It feels free and expansive and light. Wish I'd found my courage so much sooner.
I haven't seen your movie and now it seems even more unlikely... I'm not good on watching those forced things (too much empathy). Plus, I guess I'm swearing by the Neti now too. :)
Headache Help!
@srhcb: Yes, you are very right. I read your post and almost took back what I said, almost. It hurt so bad, I just may have tried it-and then visited the restroom thereafter. Maybe holding my nose could help?? Peas are just so awful. I can't explain.
Headache Help!
B'Fly,
Well .... you said you were "willing to try anything"?
(It cures hic-cups too!)
Headache Help!
Thank you everyone for your great ideas. They did help. It's lingering, but nothing like it was yesterday. THANK GOD. Had a rough mid term tonight followed by hours of lecture, so it's coming back a little strong. I am thinking headache is related to stress/tension.
@sieseye: OH NO! You said Neti Pot. I make fun of my bf's mom for using that thing. She SWEARS it works. I am MORE than grossed out about the whole thing. Don't think I can ever try it. It reminds me of a scene I saw in a movie (Iron Jawed Angels) and I do not want to feel that. Granted, I would be doing it on my terms and not being force fed, but...Great movie-but that was hard to watch.
How blessed (or lucky, depending on how you view it) are we?
luswim06, here's a great site, Global Issues (dot org) for finding out about the causes of hunger around the world. I'm still working my way through it. Also, Raj Patel's site, Stuffed & Starved (he has a book by the same name). It's hard to talk about these without mentioning the Wasted Food site which was recently highlighted at the New York Times and on one of their blogs, Well (there's a podcast there to listen to by the author, Jonathan Bloom). They might help you with your research. I'd love to hear more about your project.
As for me, I'm really grateful for salt. I've recently been discovering all the different types and I love them but salt is the thing that makes food snap from the soup to the chocolate chip cookie.
But yeah, water and soil. Soooo important.
Oh and bster18, I just discovered this too (like yesterday) but the spelling for "Wala" is voila. Like the instrument only switch up the first vowels.
Headache Help!
Glad you're feeling better! :)
I tend towards something very hot or very cold, not so much to consume but to hold on the aching parts of my skull. I've held a full coffee cup against my eye more times than I can count.
These days though I really do try to get a session in with the Neti Pot. It's unbelievable how much that helps. Just salt and warm water.
However with a true migraine the only thing that works (though I haven't tried the fancy ones that require a doctor/hospital visit -- how would I even get there with the headache?) is a couple vicodin with a bunch of water and a couple hours of sleep.
Then I like soup for the headache hangover.
It's hard to eat with a headache. I think that's why we end up with one when we eat ice cream too fast. Slows us down, makes it last longer.
Sack Lunch: Beluga Lentils and Broccoli Rabe
I have a solution for the opening wine to use 1/4 cup...did it yesterday after using 1/4 cup Australian cabernet sauvignon in a marinade for London broil.
Make sangria! I used a Food Network recipe but simplified it because I only had oranges (the recipe called for lemons and wax-free apples too).
Poured the rest of the wine into a tall heavy glass pitcher.
Sliced one orange and added to wine.
A generous pour (1-2 cups?) of orange juice.
1/4 cup sugar, stirred in.
Put the whole pitcher in the fridge.
Right before serving dinner, stirred again, added a bunch (8-10?) ice cubes and a little bit of Grand Marnier (one of those mini-bar bottles, a shot glass worth or so).
My family doesn't like red wine and they liked it. =)
Sack Lunch: Beluga Lentils and Broccoli Rabe
I have not been to Lucques but would love to visit. This is a truly outstanding cookbook! I did get to eat a dinner that Suzanne Goin cooked at Prune in New York City when she was publicizing Sunday Suppers at Lucques, and it was wonderful.
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
Just a note that the Denver option is really in Scottsdale. Here is an option for Denver though. (Actually Highlands Ranch, a southern suburb )
Old Blinking Light
9344 Dorchester Street
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
PHONE
303.346.9797
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
We had the duck fat fries at Joseph's Table in Taos , NM years back....wonderful restaurant....a juicy buffalo blue chees burger, DF fries with a great glass of bordeaux...heaven.
Here's the info...
Joseph's Table
108A South Taos Plaza
Taos, New Mexico 87571
Phone 505.751.4512, Fax 505.751.2073
Email info@JosephsTable.com
Where to Find Duck Fat French Fries Across the Country
yup. i've been to salt in baltimore. yummy!!! + they have a great selection of high-end beers.
Recent Posts
Inexpensive eats in Newport, Rhode Island?
Posted by bster18, September 17, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Recent Favorites
Meat Lite: Eggs Any Style Shaksouka
Posted by Tara Mataraza Desmond, December 16, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Polls
bster18 hasn't answered any polls yet.
Quizzes
bster18 hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
Thank you all.