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Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Last year, my boyfriend and I were together, alone, for thanksgiving for the first time in 7 years. I made the whole spread... my first roast turkey ever. It was slightly sad that we weren't with family but very sweet that we had time to be with each other.
Minnesota Pizza
I have noticed that thin crust pizzas in MN are very thin and cut into squares. When I asked my boyfriend (who has lived in the twin cities all his life) about it, he kinda looked at me like I was crazy. So probably a regional thing, but if you order a regular hand tossed pizza it should be okay, most places have the two options. With regards to the excessive amounts of cheese, yeah, that's a Midwest thing for sure I mean, it is right next to Wisconsin. However, I would say that toppings under the cheese is totally common in other states and in Canada.
If you are closer to St. Paul, one of my favorite places is Paisanos http://www.pizza651.com/ There are also a few Homemade Pizza Co.s in the area which are relatively pricey but the crust is great http://www.homemadepizza.com/ We also end up eating at Divanni's often http://www.davannis.com/
Good Luck!
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
My family did roast chicken dinners every Sunday when I was growing up. Can't beat grandma's cooking!
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My family bought wet scallops and wants me to prepare them.
Posted by jlweber, April 28, 2008 at 3:36 PM
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What Weird Family Foods Did You Grow Up Thinking Were Normal?
Posted by Carey Jones, June 30, 2009 at 8:00 PM
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Cranberry sauce can be good? Really? Show me how, please!
Not from personal experience but a friend of mine said that he couldn't stand any cranberry sauce until he started making his own, and was able to remove the orange juice/zest that is always included. He said it changes the flavors some but finally made it enjoyable for him.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Last year, my boyfriend and I were together, alone, for thanksgiving for the first time in 7 years. I made the whole spread... my first roast turkey ever. It was slightly sad that we weren't with family but very sweet that we had time to be with each other.
Minnesota Pizza
I have noticed that thin crust pizzas in MN are very thin and cut into squares. When I asked my boyfriend (who has lived in the twin cities all his life) about it, he kinda looked at me like I was crazy. So probably a regional thing, but if you order a regular hand tossed pizza it should be okay, most places have the two options. With regards to the excessive amounts of cheese, yeah, that's a Midwest thing for sure I mean, it is right next to Wisconsin. However, I would say that toppings under the cheese is totally common in other states and in Canada.
If you are closer to St. Paul, one of my favorite places is Paisanos http://www.pizza651.com/ There are also a few Homemade Pizza Co.s in the area which are relatively pricey but the crust is great http://www.homemadepizza.com/ We also end up eating at Divanni's often http://www.davannis.com/
Good Luck!
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
My family did roast chicken dinners every Sunday when I was growing up. Can't beat grandma's cooking!
Can You Cook What You've Never Eaten?
I had seen gnocchi made lots of times, on tv or the internet and it always looked good. So I thought I would try to make it myself. With a basic recipe I rip apart my kitchen attempting to make it, the end result was alright. But I really had nothing to compare it to... did I do it wrong or did I just not like gnocchi? I've since then made a point of ordering it in a restaurant and it turns out my creation was not totally off base but I could have made some improvements.
Maybe technique is harder than following a recipe? For instance, I've also never had a 'good risotto'.. so I'm worried that if I try to make it on my own what it might turn out to be. Let's say I make one that is edible and flavorful but totally way off on technique, then I serve it to someone who 'knows' what it should be ... I don't know that would be frustrating to me.
Best Party Dessert on a Budget?
Oreo Truffles...
They are the easiest thing in the world and people are usually super impressed by them. All you need is your pack of Oreos, a pack of cream cheese and chocolate to roll them in.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-OREO-Truffles/Detail.aspx
I think the original recipe was like a promotional deal but regardless they turn out tasty.
Video: 'Don't You Put It In Your Mouth' PSA
haha! I also remember this as a kid and started humming the song in my head before even watching the video. They played it all the time! Going to be stuck in my head for days now. Thanks!
Do You Eat or Email First?
I always check email and my rss feeds before breakfast. Mostly because I don't like to eat as soon as I wake up. But at the moment I live alone so it's not cutting into my family time or anything.
Restaurants in Half Moon Bay, CA
When I was at Half Moon Bay we ate at Barbara's Fish trap... And it was great. Frustrating that they only take cash but if you are prepared for that the food is super tasty.
Wedding gift ideas-Foodie up to 100 bucks
My friends are getting married next year and a little older but I can see them asking for the same stuff they will never use. I decided since they stir fry almost ever other night I was going to get them a really nice wok and all the accessories for their wedding present. To replace the $10 wok with the Teflon on it they got a few years ago.
But really if the couple doesn't have a good knife set I would start there.
"101 Salads for the Season"
I thought it was an interesting read.
I think my favorite was 49. Toss greens with walnuts, blue cheese and raspberries; drizzle with a simple vinaigrette. Sell for $14 a serving.
Why I Hate 'Hell's Kitchen'
I have to say that normally I watch the show and find it fairly entertaining in the train wreck kinda way. However, last night episodes were actually hard to watch and bordering on absurd. I don't know how they pick these people, like the diner cook... did he really think he was suitable for fine dining?
college
Chili.
Learn and experiment with Chili. Leftovers freeze well and there is lots of room to play. They make decent take to school leftover and will probably cheaper than school cafeteria.
If you get a small slow cooker you'll be able to experiment more often. I got a decent "apartment sized" slow cooker for $10.
What Weird Family Foods Did You Grow Up Thinking Were Normal?
In my college years I was informed that most people don't eat grilled tuna sandwiches. Basically a grilled cheese but sub tuna salad for the cheese. That was a staple of my childhood.
I'm also not sure if its actually weird or not (cause it seems so normal to me) but Cheddar cheese and honey is the best snack ever! My family also likes cheese with their apple pie.
Threadless T-Shirt Giveaway: Pancake Mountain
I make some pretty awesome Chocolate chip banana pancakes. Even add whole wheat to make them seem healthy.
What is your opinion on Pampered Chef products?
I have a few of their things and my Mom has a whole bunch. Really we've never had a problem with them. The clay bakers are nice and their pizza stone has been great. I guess they are a little pricey but the lifetime warranty has been nice too. My mom just sent back one of the knifes that got damaged with no questioned asked.
Serious Green: Planting a Container Garden
I just started my first potted garden less than a week ago. My apartment get a lot of sun and I love love fresh herbs so I thought I would give it a go. I currently have two types of tomatoes, two types of basil, parsley and thyme... Only thing that isn't looking great at the moment is the parsley. I just thought it would be a fun experiment.
Vegetarian cookbook recommendations?
Awesome advice thank you so much everyone! I've order one or two and added a whole bunch to my wish list. I think the mindset is going to be the biggest change but I love cooking and experimenting so hopefully that helps.
Pork Tenderloin On Sale!
I dunno if anyone ever comes back to these topics but I thought I would post and update. Thanks for all the suggestions! I ended up making one pork tenderloin stuffed with cranberries and goat cheese with a maple glaze. And another pork tenderloin into pulled pork (of sorts) sandwich with the above suggestion.
Thanks! this site rocks.
Coffee Top Caddy: Yea or Nay?
Definitely a solution looking for a problem. Seems more like a waste of time. It would make more sense to have a collective caddy in the carrying dish. Then you aren't excluding the people that like triple shots of cream in their extra large coffees.
Noshing in Bermuda
The Harbourfront is the place for Sushi.
The Pickled Onion is a great place for any type of dinner.
Hog Penny Restaurant & Pub is great for drinks and music.
And Paradiso Cafe is great for light breakfast or lunch.
But there is no such thing as cheap eats in Bermuda.
Sushi lovers: Why is Sushi so addicting?
@bareneed I'd start off with some cooked rolls, like smoked salmon or a philly roll. Also tempura or shrimp rolls are good for beginners. And I always found it was much easier to have the rolls "inside out" with the rice on the outside, I've been told this is a North American thing. You'll have to work your way up to sashimi.
Sushi lovers: Why is Sushi so addicting?
I love sushi so much and crave it all the time. I think part of the reason why is because when I eat it, I really slow down and enjoy each piece. I sit and think about each of the flavours and how they work together. It such a special treat for me that I really try to savor it. Could just be a cultural thing too tho.
Cook the Book: 'Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating'
I haven't read the book yet, but I really want to. I think he would help me make filling whole meals of veggies and make me not miss the meat.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
We've had a lot of great meals over the years, which usually go off without a hitch, relatively speaking.....although one year I tried stuffed turkey breast, which I think disappointed at least a few people--no drumsticks. After over 25 years of marriage and holidays with my family and the inlaws, I've learned to not vary too much on the basic formula and just add one or two unusual dishes at most. This year my sister-in-law hosted and tried to leave mashed potatoes off the menu. She was overruled!
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
I have lots of favorite memories, with both sides of my family and all, but my favorite year was the one recently when I ordered a pre-fab turkey meal (I do add homemade sides, I can't fight with a turkey), we won a turkey in some contest and my mom's cousin smoked one for us. Yum! I'm a carnivore and it was good!
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Don't really have a story...just love the opportunity to show off cooking a tasty bird. This year was apple-brined and smoked. Oh. My. Goodness.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
My father bought a smoker when I was in high school. He smoked everything on it: potatoes, chicken, sausage and the like.
Nothing was that great. I was out of town for a couple of weeks, and my family invited my boyfriend over for dinner. I'm not entirely sure why, but nonetheless he accepted. That night, smoked potatoes were on the menu. They developed a rubber-like quality such that when my boyfriend attempted to spear one it shot across the table like a bouncy ball. We are no longer together.
Despite this smoker set-back, come Thanksgiving, my father decided to smoke the turkey. We set the smoker to a low temperature and put a thermometer in the bird itself. Lo and behold one hour later, the turkey read 180 degrees. (Note: I will not allow my bird to be cooked to this temperature now, but I have since gained greater authority in the kitchen.) The skin was nicely darkened. It didn't appear to be burned or overcooked, so we allowed it to rest whilst cooking the rest of the meal.
It was only when cutting into the turkey that the issue appeared. It was like the Griswald family turkey, complete with tufts of smoke. My father went back out to the smoker, befuddled that the bird could be "done" so quickly. He noticed that the temperature was at over 500 degrees. Apparently, he had neglected to open the valve at the top to allow smoke and heat to escape. We quite literally "flash smoked" a turkey.
Please, don't try this at home. It only ends in heartache.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
This year, after cooking for 2 days in preparation for our family feast, my son "the chef"helped me out and made dessert at his restaurant and brought it home on Wednesday eve. He made a red pear tart with shortbread pastry TO DIE FOR, and the most perfect pumpkin pie that I have ever tasted in my life. I knew he was my favorite child, LOL! Our dinner was wonderful and our dessert was divine.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
when i was in japan, my boyfriend and me baked a turkey in a portable oven the size of a microwave
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
I am Canadian.... But as a child I actually faked sick on The Thursday, American Thanksgiving. Don't ask me how I knew, but I knew the cartoons were on that day. I can't believe I am say this but having cartoons on a day that wasn't Saturday was a gift.
Of Course kids can see cartoons day and night but this was special for me.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
I love baking but I failed at making pumpkin pie one time. The pumpkin filling for some reason decided to ooze out of the shell in the oven. Thankfully I had put a baking sheet and a folded sheet of foil underneath! It was really ugly but tasted pretty good anyway!
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
On my first Thanksgiving I over cooked the turkey trying to make sure it was done. Needless to say it was very dry. Then I saw Alton Brown and his brined turkey and tried that, it was great. The next year I did it again but this time it was too salty. This year I found out why. You never brine a Butterball turkey. The self basting of the Butterball turkey is accomplished by injecting it with a salt brine. This year I slow cooked a 14 pounder for four hours at 300 degrees and it was perfect. Live and learn!!!!
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
I cooked an entire dish all by myself for the first time one thanksgiving- green bean casserole with french's fried onions
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Last Thanksgiving was one of my favorites, although I initially expected it to be boring and lonely. I was away at college, and due to a multitude of tests the following week, I decided to forego the trip home in favor of studying. I mentioned this fact to one my coworkers, on whom I happened to have a huge crush. Sure enough, a day later, he called me and invited me to Thanksgiving dinner at his house. All of his friends and family were out of town, so he was also going to be by himself.
I arrived at his house and was greeted with the most delicious aroma you could ever imagine. It turned out that he was an amazing cook. He made a smoked turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, a green bean dish, and pecan pie. All of it was made from scratch - I saw the dirty dishes in the sink to prove it. It was the most delicious Thanksgiving meal I had ever eaten. (My mom's not much of a cook.)
After dinner and a few glasses of wine, we were watching TV, when he pretty much out of nowhere told me that he liked me. We've been going out ever since, and today is our 1-year anniversary. It's been a tough year for the both of us, as he moved 8000 miles away shortly after we started dating. We're both happy that we've made things work.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
My husband and I decided to start dating on Thanksgiving, so it will always be a special day to me.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
My friends and I started the tradition of having an "orphan Thanksgiving" for all of those in our circle who can't be with their families on the day. Everyone brings their own side dish of choice, so you always end up with a wide variety of flavors....everything from squash casserole to spicy rice to grape salad. Yummy!
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
As long as my parents were alive my family went to their house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was always great fun; a full day of cooking, watching the parade on tv, telling great stories, having good wine, sneaking bits of turkey in the kitchen as my father carved it. Such delightful memories. One year my kids (37 and 39 now with families of their own) who were 14 and 16 at the time were seated across the table from each other. I was seated next to my daughter, with my son directly opposite her. There was a big table surrouned by family, filled with wonderful food, loud with sounds of laughter and stories. Suddenly my 14 year old son stops smiling and looks horrified. Only my daughter and I had noticed. His hand goes up to his mouth, where he discretely removes some offending morsel. We quietly looked quizically at him and he reached slowly under the table, as did my daughter. Their hands met and he places the item into her hand. She brings her hand up to her lap and opens it and we look down discretely, only to discover bandaid that had been on my mother's finger earlier in the kitchen as she was making the dressing. To all of our credit, no one screamed. We all quietly stopped eating the dressing.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Going over to my uncles where his wife was trying to cook a turkey for the first time. She put it in the oven still frozen and upside-down - no turkey was to be had that night....
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Well it's not a very exiting story, but my favorite thanksgiving memory is rolling up those crescent rolls from the tube with my mom back when I was little. Those things are so good!
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Back in my very early 20's.... My friend's mother was in the hospital, so she and I were going to cook Thanksgiving dinner for all the family and friends...
We did the dips & apps... the veggie side dishes.... turkey in the oven looking wonderful... things are all coming together at the right time and we are doing a great job!
Then somehow the rolls catch on fire while I am making the gravy... I think I have completely repressed the memory of how that happened??? All I remember is the fear that the curtains would catch next and the kitchen was going to go up.....
So there is this whole slapstick routine with the flaming rolls, the water, the smoke & steam and the floating ash... Finally we get back to business. I whip up some bisquick drop biscuits to fill the gap left by the rolls and we get dinner on the table...
It wasn't really until after everyone had plated up and put the gravy boat to work that we realized the skillet had been uncovered during our little diversion and a lot of ash had floated into the gravy.... mmmm mmmm mmm, creamy ash gravy.... a family favorite to this day....
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
The first year I knew my husband, he was a dedicated vegetarian. As soon as Thanksgiving came along and the possibility of not being able to have turkey occurred to him, he decided poultry was acceptable food.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
One Thanksgiving I did my best mise-en-place thing, loading up my kitchen counter with all the stuff I'd need to make pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, the can of pumpkin got shoved behind my cookbook stand, and the pumpkin never got included in the pie. I thought the mixture seemed a bit light in color, but all those spices cover a multitude of sins. We discovered the problem during clean up.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
In our family, the "cookers" don't have to do the cleaning....so one year my son volunteered to peel the potatoes- and thought that offset the 2 days we spent cooking, thusly no longer having to clean. Ha!
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
my first thanksgiving away from home, i decided the day before to throw together a full feast with my two university roommates (neither of whom can cook). it had all the fixings - a 12lb turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing... everything turned out amazing and the turkey lasted less than 48 hours before we had eaten every last scrap
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Last year I got to spend thanksgiving with my dad. It was his last. Love you dad.
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
Bob Evans once sold my brother the plastic display pie instead of a real pie-and non of us realized it until we tried to cut into it! They were very happy when he called back and returned it for a real pie-apparently the fake pies are very expensive!
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
the year I was in london and ate a turkey sandwich from starbucks for my thanksgiving dinner :(
Cook the Book: 'Good Eats: The Early Years'
the first time that I was allowed to sit at the adults table for thanksgiving with the extended family, I ended up between my great-grandpa, who couldn't hear, and my uncle, who got really loud when he had a drink or two. This ended up with my uncle trying to talk to me, and my great grandpa asking "WHAT" every time I tried to answer. I shut up after about 2 minutes.
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My family bought wet scallops and wants me to prepare them.
Posted by jlweber, April 28, 2008 at 3:36 PM
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What Weird Family Foods Did You Grow Up Thinking Were Normal?
Posted by Carey Jones, June 30, 2009 at 8:00 PM
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About jlweber
Website: http://womancomputerinteraction.blogspot.com
Location: jlweber
About: Recently graduated from Computer Science at the U of Windsor. Now I'm working on my Masters at the University of Waterloo, doing software engineering and human computer interaction. And making great food whenever I can!
Favorite foods: Steak, Sushi, Pasta, Pizza, Stir Frys.... yeah I'm student.
Last bite on earth: Probably Some amazing Sushi roll.
Not from personal experience but a friend of mine said that he couldn't stand any cranberry sauce until he started making his own, and was able to remove the orange juice/zest that is always included. He said it changes the flavors some but finally made it enjoyable for him.