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The Ten Most Recent Comments By hmneilson

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

Well I have to admit my original culinary mentor was Jeff Smith, the Frugal Gourmet.... I will not even pretend to understand the controversy that ended his career, or to guess at his guilt or innocence.... but man, the guy LOVED food!

He really opened my horizons as far as ethnic and local food traditions, and he really understood the role food plays in our cultures. He made everything sound appetizing and accessible. It was because of him that I was making things like Pork Bao, Greek Feta Shrimp, Egg Rolls, Baklava, Pakoras and Halushki in my very early 20's - he made me think that I could...

I guess his "mentor" spot has somewhat since been filled by Alton Brown - I learn a lot of technical detail from Alton... but I still refer to my Frugal Gourmet books often... and definitely anytime I want a really special dish.

hmneilson at 4:11PM on 07/21/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'The Food Life'

Corti Brothers in Sacramento! Owned and operated by the same family since 1947... this place is still fantastic! Long before the gourmet/foodie/epicurean thing became a movement for the masses.... there was Corti Brothers, stocking high quality gourmet and ethnic goodies and providing superior and fantastic customer service. I learned more about cooking meat and planning for groups from their butchers than I ever did from a book. And the ladies at the deli counter have introduced me to a delightful variety of cheeses from around the world. And then of course, there is Darrell Corti's wine department - amazing! And he or his well trained staff are always around to help guide you to the perfect wine for any occasion. (He's recently been inducted in to the Vintner's Hall of Fame)

I love Nugget Market, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Mollie Stone's, Berkeley Bowl and Monterey Market.... but nothing will ever take the place of Corti Brothers for me...

hmneilson at 7:09PM on 07/14/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: Serves One

Buttered noodles with parmesan and a little fresh parsley....

hmneilson at 9:33PM on 07/09/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: Grill Every Day

Macaroni and Potato salads....

hmneilson at 2:30PM on 06/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Screen Doors and Sweet Tea'

Definitely sangria - I make both red and white varieties and they are delicious....

On the nonalcoholic side - fresh squeezed lime-ade....

hmneilson at 3:36PM on 06/17/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: New South Grilling

SOS.... otherwise known as.... well.... "stuff" on a shingle....

ie, creamed chipped beef on toast..... He'd aqcuired a taste for it in the Navy...it was one of the first things he taught me how to make as a little kid....

hmneilson at 5:17PM on 06/11/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper

Jamie Deen: Why oh why did you run off and get married before meeting me??

Paula Deen: Are you hiding any more like him at home?? Is it too late to make another one??

James Beard: Do you think the foodie cultural revolution you helped start has gone too far??

Alton Brown: When is the next book coming out?

hmneilson at 5:03PM on 06/04/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Mario Batali Italian Grill'

Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce!

hmneilson at 7:47PM on 05/20/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: Wine Bar Food

Very traditional on this one I guess.... juicy fresh berries or a sweet luscious peach....

hmneilson at 8:41PM on 05/13/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: Cowgirl Cuisine

Well like a lot of people on this board - my mother was not the greatest cook in the world... but she was the one who managed to put a meal on the table after working all day, coaching our soccer team, taking us to judo, Camp Fire girls, swim team, softball, chess team, school events, etc etc etc.... Maybe not an inspired foodie, but always there and always taking care of us...

Amidst overcooked mushy vegetables, creepy dry fish and rubbery seafood, Kraft macaroni & cheese, chicken Ala king boiling bags and frozen turkey pot pies one thing stands out... Chicken and Dumplings.... Made completely from scratch, thick golden broth, buttery egg noodles, huge fluffy buttermilk dumplings... just a warm steamy delicious bowl of comfort.... It's a part of my regular repetoire of dishes and it takes me back home every time ...

hmneilson at 8:06PM on 05/06/08

Responses to Comments by hmneilson

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

Rick Bayless

rockymountainmarta at 6:19PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

Strangely enough, it's my son. I've always only followed recipes, but he has taught me to just get in the kitchen and experiment. Sad, but tru

LBSGONE at 5:29PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

mom

foodinmouth at 5:01PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

Jacques Pepin -- he is IT is far as I'm concerned.

wisekaren at 4:53PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

the chef at the first restaurant I cooked at. she was awesome, taught me an enormous amount about food sourcing and cooking.

intheyearofthepig at 4:32PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

Alice Waters!

shannasanders at 3:53PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

For me, it's my husband. He's a whiz in the kitchen and I have learned so much from him. Best of all, he's a mentor that's readily available!

blueviolet at 2:43PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

....my mother

pjlein at 1:15PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My mom at first. She would let me make mini pies in pyrex cups when she made full pies so I could make and eat my own.

saraann at 1:05PM on 07/24/08

From Required Eating

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My mentors were first, my Mother, and recently, Bobby Flay. He gives a good example of tweaking a recipe every Throwdown!

abeaudet at 12:23PM on 07/24/08