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laser/infrared thermometer recommendations
Thought I don't have one yet, (it's on my list too), I have used one. They can come in really handy for tempering chocolate. since you have to stir so much to keep things moving and get the chocolate to very specific temperatures.. a quick hit with the laser is much easier than other methods I have used.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
The one dish that sort of started me on my dessert quest. My room mate and I came up with this: One half of a tube of cookie dough, spread out into a round cake pan. Pour one prepared boxed brownie batter on top. Bake. Allow to cool for at least 10 or 15 minutes. Enjoy. There is just nothing good about this, and yet everything is good.
Are You a Night Baker?
Absolutely. I almost always bake at night. It's like my way to unwind, and spend a few hours making something tasty. I'm also a late night snacker, so it works out well to sample what I've made.
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What lengths do you go through for your favourite?
Posted by jason, August 10, 2009 at 9:39 PM
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Watch It with Us: 'Top Chef Las Vegas,' Ep. 12
Haven't seen the episode yet (we seem to be a week behind in Canada), but I'm rooting for Kevin. Michael can complain all he wants about Kevin's dishes, but the guy is consistently in the top, or winning. It's that simple. He can cook very, very well, and can create dishes that fit the challenge. The fact that he has such a great attitude just makes him look better, and will serve to bolster what will undoubtedly be a long and stellar career.
laser/infrared thermometer recommendations
Thought I don't have one yet, (it's on my list too), I have used one. They can come in really handy for tempering chocolate. since you have to stir so much to keep things moving and get the chocolate to very specific temperatures.. a quick hit with the laser is much easier than other methods I have used.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
The one dish that sort of started me on my dessert quest. My room mate and I came up with this: One half of a tube of cookie dough, spread out into a round cake pan. Pour one prepared boxed brownie batter on top. Bake. Allow to cool for at least 10 or 15 minutes. Enjoy. There is just nothing good about this, and yet everything is good.
Are You a Night Baker?
Absolutely. I almost always bake at night. It's like my way to unwind, and spend a few hours making something tasty. I'm also a late night snacker, so it works out well to sample what I've made.
OK to freeze homemade cookie dough?
I freeze chocolate chip cookie dough every time I make it. I have to keep a lot on hand for friends and family, so I usually make about 12 pounds of dough at a time, and will portion it out into 2 ounce balls, layer in wax paper, and place in freezer bags. I like to age the dough in the fridge for 2 days before I freeze it though. The cookies always turn out perfectly, and I have never had any problems with quality.
Your Fast Food Urge.....just had mine...tasty.
head hung in shame, I had Arby's the other day.. two Beef & Cheddars. Every time I go there (which is not often at all), I can't help but here the twins from the Simpson's... "I'm so hungry I could eat at Arbys!!"
The Best Chocolate Chips for Cookies
Can't agree more about the Ghirardelli 60%. As with anything, it's all about personal preference, but I love the chocolate flavour and the texture of these.. and they are the perfect size. I have tried dozens of different types of chocolate in my cookies, all with varying degrees of success, but go back to the Ghirardelli 60% on a regular basis.
Sneaking food into movies
I usually sneak some food into the movies.. generally I will bake some chocolate chip cookies (I keep several pounds vacuum sealed in the freezer) about an hour before the show. They are still just slightly warm by the time I get in, and perfect to watch a movie with.
My Pizza Oven: Mark Wilkie, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
You sir, are my new hero. That is just simply awesome.
French Onion Soup
I've been using Anthony Bourdan's recipe from his Les Halles Cookbook, and it has been magic every time.
Cook the Book: 'Bite-Size Desserts'
Sea salt caramels.. dark chocolate, of course.
favorite stoned snack
I crave chocolate under these circumstances, though I crave chocolate under normal circumstances too. I love to keep some of my own chocolate chip cookie dough in the freezer, just in case... chips and dip is always a great munchy treat too... got the salty and got the sweet..
What lengths do you go through for your favourite?
@orangemiles: I second that. Sometimes you just can't make it yourself. I know of other people from home who have their particular favourite, and the live in Vancouver. A few times a year, they order a couple up cooked only half way, then frozen, and shipped packed in dry-ice to Vancouver. They finish cooking it off at home. Now that is dedication. And I'm sure they can get some pretty decent pizza somewhere closer to home.. but they just really like the pizza from home.
What lengths do you go through for your favourite?
@Chew on That - I'm originally from Sarnia, Ontario, which is right across from Port Huron, Michigan. I have never had pizza in NYC or Chicago, and am in no way an expert on pizza, but there are a few places there that have been around for decades, and are just far better than any of the chains.
Sorry for the "Canadianisms"... I have tonnes of them, and they may not be the favourite of everyone or much to their humour, but it's just the way I write...
Dinner Party Help!
To the Serious Eaters who offered some advice, we went with the Pulled Pork, and it was a hit. Some baked beans, some slaw and salad, and ice-cream for dessert. Awesome meal, and even the kids loved it. Lot's of left-overs, so we can have the in-laws over for lunch tomorrow.. thanks to all for the tips... that's why this is always my first stop for all things food related.
Dinner Party Help!
As always, the Serious Eaters come through.. thanks a bunch for the suggestions... so far, it looks like Pulled Pork is winning, one of the other couples did the make your own pizza thing a few months ago, so unfortunately, that one is out of the running...
All great suggestions, and I will let you know how it works out..
Thanks!!!
Cook the Book: 'Burger Bar'
pancetta, brie, wild mushrooms, and some caramelized onion. awesome.
My (Sort Of) First Taste of White Castle's Burgers
I made a special trip last summer to the U.S. just to go to White Castle. I was really looking forward to it, after seeing them on TV for so long. All I could handle was one bite, and even that was tough to get down. It very much tasted like ass, and I was so disappointed. Now, this was a little drive-thru only place in Port Huron, Michigan, so maybe I need to visit a place with seats and everything, and maybe the quality is a little better than those made in a phone booth.
Cheese in your Eggs Benedict: Yea or Nay!
There is a greasy spoon I like that does put a slice of cheddar with it, but for some reason they call it "Chicago Style Eggs Benedict", which is odd, because this is in Canada, but whatever. Normally, I say no to the cheese, but for some reason, I love it at this place.
What Weird Family Foods Did You Grow Up Thinking Were Normal?
We always put hot dogs on our pizza... we never had pepperoni, but always had wieners in freezer, so on the pizza they went. And we loved it. now my kids love it too, and think it's totally normal.
Cook the Book: 'Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries & Shakes'
I ground up 2 rib eye steaks and a small top sirloin roast one day. Cooked medium rare on the grill, and topped with pancetta, brie, some caramelized onion, and some mushrooms.... on a soft roll from a bakery just down the street... fantastic. With some home made fries and an ice cold beer. perfect.
Your Favorite Food Websites?
@arm1970 - me too. I have about 6 food related folders in my bookmarks; blogs, recipe sites, recipes, information (measurement conversion, cast iron care, etc), chefs I like, and Food Products. It seems that most of my for-fun surfing are all food related.
Your Favorite Food Websites?
I've been going to Eat Me Daily just for kicks, and I seem to head to The Kitchn on a more regular basis. Epicurious is always pretty reliable for recipes, and Chow (I mostly use Chowhound) is pretty good too.
Of course, these come second do Serious Eats.
New home, new kitchen = where to begin
Thanks to everyone for the great tips.. we are definitely going to be taking our time. I've got a notepad on the counter now, so we can make some notes as we start to cook and live like normal people again. I fully expect to be changing things around several times over the coming months, but I suppose the kitchen is always some sort of work in progress, as tastes and styles of cooking change all the time. Our oven is getting delivered shortly, so I'll post a photo when it's all set up.
Watch It with Us: 'Top Chef Las Vegas,' Ep. 12
Michael, aka the douchey, backwards behatted bro, just doesn't get it. He's got a lot of chops but his ideas are masturbatory in their complexity. Simpler, well-executed & flavorful food always wins over a plate full of 40 different flavors of nouvelle late 80's 'America-in-its-fine-food-infancy' style cooking. He's like a kid with his or her first giant box of crayons - bizarre rainbows everywhere, well-drawn rainbows perhaps, but those colors don't work together. His ego is the one who does the cooking, not him.
Watch It with Us: 'Top Chef Las Vegas,' Ep. 12
I heart Kevin, or as he's known in my house, "Teddy Ruxpin." Food doesn't have to be overcomplicated to be special. He knows that. Everything he's made this season has made me drool.
Watch It with Us: 'Top Chef Las Vegas,' Ep. 12
@Big Guy : gotta love The Gilded Truffle.
Watch It with Us: 'Top Chef Las Vegas,' Ep. 12
Moe: “Bring us your finest food stuffed with the second finest.” Waiter: “Excellent, sir. Lobsters stuffed with tacos."
The Best Chocolate Chips for Cookies
Chew on that, I'm happy to share with you the site for Jacques Torres's chocolate disks (or feves): http://www.mrchocolate.com/detail.aspx?id=58
Also, here's his recipe for the NY Times chocolate chip cookies: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/dining/091crex.html?_r=1
After reading all these delicious comments, chocolate chunk, chocolate chip, Valrhona, Ghirardelli, Guittard,.... I WANT A WARM CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RIGHT NOW!!!
laser/infrared thermometer recommendations
Thanks so much all. From what I gather (as I half heartedly listen) I guess the thermometer is to monitor the heat inside the grill. Apparently he struggles to keep the charcoal grill the right temperature. All the advice was MUCH appreciated.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
French toast made from doughnuts, filled with ice cream and gingered mangos and topped with hot caramel sauce. Since I do not foresee making this again (blessedly my beau does not have a sweet tooth), no regrets for this one-time splurge.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
A sauce made with sliced breakfast sausages, cream of chicken soup, Hellman's mayonnaise, lemon juice, ground pepper, broccoli, shredded aged cheddar on top and served over pasta or rice. The sauce smells vile but it actually tastes delicious and I would even go so far as call it comfort food. I often find myself craving this sauce during winter.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
Just had this one, recipe follows for all of you seriously in need of upping your cholesterol levels:
Boil or bake a potato and keep hot. Soft boil an egg: The white should just be set and the yolk still runny. Cut a cross in the potato and squeeze to expose inside and create a hollow. Add salt and a generous dollop of butter. Slice the top off the egg and dribble/scoop the yolk into the potato. Top with grated Tusser's or Cheddar cheese and shredded pepper ham. Pig out.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
fried hot dog - melt butter in frying pan, fry a split oscar meyer 100% beef frank until golden brown and crispy. Melt American cheese slice on top. For added goodness, butter and broil hot dog bun in oven. Place hot dog in bun and add your usual toppings. Also, makes me think of similar fried bologna sandwiches. Man, I love processed meat!
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
in compliance with my low-carb diet...
low carb "nachos"
layer deep fried pork rinds in a pan,* sprinkle on some hot sauce, then smother with an assortment of sliced cheeses (pre-shredded will not do!)
place in broiler until cheese is bubbly.
*best when using the ultra large pork rinds found in Mexican groceries
eat immediately. keep a cell phone within reach to dial 911!
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
It has to be the casseroles I make once or twice a year....hashbrown casserole (hashbrowns, butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onions and cheese) or chicken casserole (cooked, shredded chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, ro-tel and crushed doritos...all mixed together and then topped with cheese and baked).
Dessert-wise: Chocolate Guinness Stout Cake...It has 4 sticks of butter in just the cake, that's not even counting the Italian Meringue Buttercream frosting...that has 5 sticks of butter!!
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
@butterfingers -
oh
my
gosh.
my sister used to eat that!
you two are two in a million i would assume LOL
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
Once I made a shortbread recipe that called for 2 sticks of butter...... for 9 cookies.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
@betteirene -- I'm afraid that regional American cooking is going to disappear. Between chain restaurants, cookbooks and magazines, eating and cooking is getting much more homogenized.
I'm a fan of sugar cream pie, I just don't eat it daily -- or even monthly. I had the butter and sugar sandwiches when I was a youngster -- also peanut butter and brown sugar. I'm not sure that a butter/sugar sandwich is any worse than grilled cheese made with processed cheese food.
There's also some evidence that by adding the bacon or bacon grease to greens, for instance, you make them taste better and people eat more of the greens. The fat makes some of the nutrients in the greens more accessible.
@MarvinDog -- I think the French might be surprised to find out that duck confit is unhealthy.
@tacoo -- It's all about moderation. Unfortunately, over the last 30 years or so we've been taught that if a lot of something is bad, then none is best.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
@freakyhair...Word. Love that recipe but holy cow!! The butter content rivals Paula Deen's toxic concoctions. Luckily it's a huge batch.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
It's a tossup among three for me:
As a child I LOVED white bread and mayonnaise sandwiches with my Pepsi... luckily, Grandma wouldn't let me have them - I had to sneak them. ~Shudder~
With holidays/Winter approaching, time to break out the fudge, too. My fave is basically sweetened condensed milk and choccolate chips. Mmmm, sugar, fat and chocolate - what's not to love?
And, I hate to admit that lately I've had a hankering for college food, specifically Chili Casserole: Canned chili (my favorite rhymes with 'Shtennison's Not') layered with oodles of cheddar cheese and corn tortillas and baked. Doesn't seem that bad until you read the ingredients on the can (what IS 'textured protein'?!) and realise the cheese is basically about a pound of hydrolised fat... The only healthy thing in it is the 6 corn tortillas.
But then, nowadays opening a can of anything but organic tomatoes feels sinful, so who am I to judge?
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
Cinnabon clone buns. so....much...butter....
http://www.thecookingphotographer.com/2009/07/clone-wars-er-i-mean-cinnabon-clones.html
They were good, but not good enough to eat all that butter. I had 1, and gave the rest away.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
A black olive sandwich!
A can of chopped black olives mixed with far too much mayo spread on 2 pieces of white bread slathered with too much mayo, for the ultimate olive/mayo sandwich with a large spoonful of mayo au naturale as the appetizer before the sandwich. The first 3/4 was great and by the end my hunger for it was fullfilled. Not to be eatten again for at least a month or twenty-two.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
I made a bread pudding out of chocolate/orange quick bread and then covered the whole thing with caramel sauce.
Soooo....bread that consisted mostly of chocolate, sugar, processed flour and orange juice baked in a bed of eggy custard slathered with homemade caramel.
Ruined by health concerns? Hardly! I had some, and so did my guests, and we all enjoyed the heck out of it. Would I do it again? Maybe in another year or two. After all, it was amazingly delicious.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
@BobbieAnne I make that with matzoh for Passover every year. I got the recipe from Gourmet - it's called Caramel Matzoh Crunch, and peopel just devour it.
The 'most unhealthy' thing I have made recently was a jelly doughnut bread pudding from the New York Times - 14 jelly doughnuts, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and it disappeared in seconds.
I also make brownies that have granulated sugar, brown sugar and Karo syrup, 6 oz. chocolate, 1/2 # butter and 7 eggs in each batch.
@IndyGal I agree - I don't make this stuff for myself, but I bring it to parties and events where there will be lots of people. So you eat 1 or 2 pieces, once in a while, no problem.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
I noticed the hillbilly theme we got going here and it reminded me of a trip we took from Chicago to visit the kin in Gilbert, W.Va. Instead of following the usual interstates through IN and OH and eating at Shoney's, we took a scenic route over three days and made a pit stop at a Cracker Barrel in TN one day and went to the Loveless Cafe for dinner.
One Sunday after we got back home, I tried to duplicate Cracker Barrel's breakfast menu. I made biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, eggs, grits, fried potatoes (instead of hash brown casserole) and fried apples. Every now and then, we'll get a hankerin' for a meal like this, but it's such a pain to get the timing right that I won't do it unless I've got help. It's disgustingly unhealthy, but man, once in a while we just gotta have it.
Don't you just adore regional American cooking? I just love it when a recipe starts with a stick of butter, or when you take something perfectly healthy, like green beans or spinach, and doctor it up with a a pound of bacon and a couple of spoons full of bacon grease.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
Grilled fresh foie gras (with diced mango, port soaked prunes and sherry wine vinegar) over brioche toasts, with duck fat fried potatoes [and green beans to assuage the guilt some]. Quite delicious.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
I've made many things that weren't healthy at all - from real mac & cheese with 6 kinds of cheese to Guy Fieri's Mac & Cheese that is topped with bacon, and the Sweet Potato Gooey Butter Cake from Paula Deen. I think the thing that was the worst was the Toasted Ravioli which is deep fried ravioli. I've made all kinds of deep fried things. It may be bad for you but it tastes soooo good.
I've eaten worse though - Deep Fried Oreos, Deep Fried Macaroni & Cheese (both at different fairs), Deep Fried Mars Bars, Deep Fried Twinkies - but i've never made any of them. I'd rather eat stuff like that out of the house. If I deep fry in the house, it smells like it for days after.
My favorite thing to make at home (But only for holidays) is Potato Latkes. They are sooo fattening but so good. Also, 3x a year I make my own chopped chicken livers for Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah. Ground up chicken livers with chicken fat - can't get much worse for you.
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
King Ranch chicken casserole, followed by tater tot casserole (traditional recipe) and then by Paula Deen's tomato pie (third in line because it actually has tomatoes in it, as well as two cups of cheese and a cup of mayo, plus whatever goes into the crust). All so good, yet so bad that they only are allowed to be cooked once a year in my house.
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What lengths do you go through for your favourite?
Posted by jason, August 10, 2009 at 9:39 PM
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About jason
Website: http://bittersweetvictory.wordpress.com/
Location: Canada
About: Just a dude that likes food.
Favorite foods: most things chocolate, and lots and lots of other things. Like meat. Meat is good.
Last bite on earth: Fresh baked home made chocolate chip cookie
Haven't seen the episode yet (we seem to be a week behind in Canada), but I'm rooting for Kevin. Michael can complain all he wants about Kevin's dishes, but the guy is consistently in the top, or winning. It's that simple. He can cook very, very well, and can create dishes that fit the challenge. The fact that he has such a great attitude just makes him look better, and will serve to bolster what will undoubtedly be a long and stellar career.