I have always considered "no-bake" or "icebox" cookie recipes to be kid stuff, but on a whim I made these chocolate oat bars, which are just incredible. So now I'm wondering what other good no-bake recipes are out there. Do you have a favorite to share?
The recent thread about dinner guests unearthed more of the hostility toward those with restricted diets (especially vegans) that I've noticed frequently on Serious Eats. While some vegans/vegetarians are aggressive or political, most are making a personal choice they don't impose on others. Those of you who deride vegans/vegetarians in your posts-why? Have you had specific negative experiences with veg folks? Vegans/vegetarians - how much do you encounter this in your daily lives?
My boyfriend, who lives with me and shares most of my home-cooked meals, hates broccoli, which I absolutely love. I hate mushrooms, which he adores. But perhaps our biggest difference is that he's a southern boy who drinks sweet tea almost exclusively, while I love coffee so much that sometimes I go to bed early just to make morning come sooner. What are the biggest food differences in your relationships?
I make my own yogurt, which always elicits responses like "oh, you're such a gourmet" and "where do you find the time?" - even after I explain that I only do it to save on plastic containers, and my total time investment in the process is about fifteen minutes (thanks to my Salton automatic yogurt warmer that looks like R2D2). What commonly-bought food items do you make yourself that your non-food-obsessed friends are surprised about?
I have read lots of conflicting information about this - some say just cut out the greenish spot (and I don't mean full-on green, just a faint green tint at the surface of the skin), and some say throw away the whole potato because it's infected with a "deadly toxin." I know I've eaten scores of greenish potatoes in my life, and I don't think I've gotten sick from them once. But since reading the "deadly toxin" thing, I've been seeing green in even perfectly good potatoes...help!
Mexican just reminded me: La Sirenita way up on NE Alberta is excellent, very much "down and dirty," one of the rare good Mexican places in PDX. There's another decent spot downtown, right next to Mary's (the strip joint; I think they share a bathroom even), but La Sirenita is classic.
And Pambiche on 28th and Glisan (also NE) is terrific for slightly upscale Cuban food.
Man, back when I lived in Portland I had way more disposable income for restaurants! I guess that comes from my rent having been 1/6 of what I pay in NYC. Have fun!!
Butter IS NOT HEALTHY if it is made from milk produced by corporate agriculture - cows fed antibiotics and hormones, who are both in pain and diseased. The massive dairy industry spends piles and piles of money trying to convince people that it's fine - don't cry for the dairy industry because nasty soy and corn are after them. Earth Balance is made by a company who uses non-GMO, organic soy - corporate soy is neither of these things. EB isn't perpetrating anti-dairy propaganda.
If you can get butter made from local, grass-fed cows, then its abundant nutritional benefits probably outweigh its saturated fat and cholesterol content. But people have a lot of reasons for cutting down on the amount of even the good kind of dairy - some are sensitive to lactose, some are trying to cut down on the amount of animal products in their diet, and some want to avoid the growth hormones found in all milk (they're there to nourish baby cows).
Butter isn't bad, but there are a lot of definitions of "healthy." The original question wasn't whether butter is healthy, but what can be used to subsitute for it. Everyone should feel free to champion butter, but some of the "pro-butter" posts here have been disappointing in their condescending and reactionary tone.
Saburo in Sellwood is the best sushi! Though there is a huge controversy in that area.
Seconded on Voodoo Donuts, don't miss them - and if you are a coffee lover, go to any of the Stumptown outlets - downtown or SE Hawthorne - their coffee is my favorite in the whole country.
And please go to the magnificent Farm Cafe on SE 7th (just across the river from downtown) - it is all locally-sourced food, and really wonderful. Lovely atmosphere too.
Another second on Papa Haydn for fancy-ish desserts, but unfortunately Music Millennium on NW 23rd closed a few months ago.
And for a really eclectic and great beer selection, The Pub At The End Of The Universe (SE 28th and Gladstone) is the spot. They also have a totally weird jukebox.
This conversation is making me miss Portland! Have a fun trip.
Hi naslin,
When I first got my breadmaker (which I use regularly and love), I had a lot of trouble getting the liquid ratio correct. Because of differences in humidity, temperature, and elevation, liquid amount can vary widely - even in the same house in different seasons. I find that in winter, when it's dryer, I use a few tbsp. more water than in humid summer. Also, the protein content of your flour will affect the amount of water to use. I just baked and baked, varying the amount of water, until my loaf came out right - then I followed that recipe.
There's also a good chance your recipe was misprinted. Look online to find alternative recipes for the bread you want to make, and compare their liquid levels. That has been a big help to me!
Good luck. Breadmakers may irritate purists, but I love mine. They're great tools.
I used Earth Balance because I'm lactose intolerant, and it is awesome. It's organic and non-hydrogenated, so it's trans-fat free, unlike a lot of butter substitutes. I have never had a problem using it for any baked goods, other than pie crusts (because it's softer at room temp than butter or other shortening) - though I have still managed with the pie pastry. You just need to eliminate some salt from the recipe, since it's salted.
Smart Balance is weird, though.
1. I'm a quick (well, half an hour) subway ride away from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and the Union Square Greenmarket.
2. I buy 99% my produce from the greenmarket, buying organic whenever it's available - but I'm more likely to buy local conventional than non-local organic.
3. n/a
4. The increase in food prices hasn't changed my buying habits significantly; prices of organic and local food have gone up a little, but prices at the market seem mostly stable (e.g. while the price of eggs went up nationally a much ballyhooed 27% or something, the price of the local NY state eggs I buy at the greenmarket didn't change). Also, I don't eat meat, so I haven't been affected by the significant price changes in that area.
5. I live in Brooklyn, east side of Williamsburg.
Good luck with your project!
Chili is my #1, but also macaroni and cheese; on the dessert side of things, definitely my apple pie but also ('round holiday times) ginger cookies.
I've been vegetarian for over half my life - since age 13. My own parents, who you'd think would be used to it, having had fifteen years to adjust, still make comments about my diet every time I come home to visit. So unfortunately, Taylor Clarke's article is still relevant for many people. (And his story reminds me of the Rotary Club scholarship I was up for in my cattle-ranch-heavy rural California hometown, which I never expected and didn't receive - at the scholarship finalists' dinner, the only thing I could eat was the dinner roll and a dreary iceberg-lettuce salad, ordered without the bacon, please).
I don't like mushrooms or cilantro either, Sieseye!
I agree on the risotto - that's probably my favorite way to use them. I also made a lovely frittata using ramps, zucchini, asparagus, and goat cheese last week. They're so wonderful with other spring vegetables!
Most dairy, and anything really sweet. Some friends and I went to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory today, and I had to be the one who got sorbet. I love ice cream, but the way I feel after eating it is enough to keep me away. I can still eat A LOT of food (yes, I am one of those high-metabolism jerks), but just not heavy dairy or lots of sweets without feeling sick.
Luckily there are way more foods I love to eat now that I wouldn't have eaten as a kid - giving up pizza, ice cream, and donuts is a fair trade!
Well now, it will be interesting to see when the second copy of my post shows up now that the first version was allowed... Sorry about the eventual double post of essentially the same info.
Hope you have a good trip. It's a great place to visit.
I did a little write up in my blog last october. We loved it there!!
http://forayintofood.blogspot.com/2007/10/portland-oregon-beer-chocolate-cheese.html
@producestories:
If anyone's tone in this thread is patronizing and arrogant, it's yours. Further, you are the one who seems to have reading comprehension problems. The topic of this thread concerns ORGANIC butter. So you see, YOU are the one comparing apples to oranges.
If you want to compare conventional butter to the product made by Earth Balance, fine, but that's an exercise in the obvious, as we all know the problems in the conventional dairy industry. Even so, conventional butter compared to conventional vegetable spreads is a no brainer, butter wins, despite the fact that most people believe otherwise because they are brainwashed by advertising.
Organic butter compared to organic veg spreads is also a no brainer, in that the butter is clean, and therefore the major health risks involved i.e. hormones and antibiotics are not present, so the qualities of butter in baking far outweigh those of the veg product, no matter how awesome EB is.
The original question makes the assumption that butter is not healthy, when in fact it IS, or at least, healthier than most processed fats designed to substitute butter, and there is nothing wrong with commenters making that point clear. So please, get off your high horse.
Thank you all. Really appreciate your tips. I wont' give up!!! Will keep trying till I get it right. Will keep you informed.
Thanks
All of these suggestions are great.
My number one would be, since you're here on a Saturday: Go to the Farmers' Market! Hopefully it will be a nice day in June, and browsing through all the local produce and sampling to your heart's content is one of my most favorite Portland activities. You can also get an awesome breakfast or lunch at one of several food stands.
You definitely need to check out the local microbrew scene. Deschutes Brewery just opened and they have great food and beer, as does Bridgeport Brewery.
I second the Toro Bravo rec. I've some of the best meals in my life there.
Cha Taqueria has some pretty good Mexican.
Kenny & Zuke's has awesome bagels. Oh, but coming from NY, they might not compare.
I've heard good things about Justa Pasta, and their prices are very reasonable.
The Pearl Bakery has great bread and prepared sandwiches.
For Sunday brunch, I would recommend the Daily Cafe.
Have a great time in Stumptown!
1) Soup - specifically, Arroz Caldo. I get requests even when it's 95 degrees w/ insane humidity outside.
2) Salsa, asian style (I add lime juice, fish sauce and the tiniest bit of sesame oil. Don't knock it till you try it!)
3) Shrimp Salad (I cook whole shrimp in a pot chockful of garlic, green onion, celery, bits of whatever vegies are sitting in my fridge, lots of black peppercorn, and salt. After peeling, I throw the shells/head back into the broth to reduce. The dressing is nothing more than a good mayo, lime juice, sambal olek, green onions, celery and a few tsps of that concentrated shrimp broth.)
4) Anchovy pasta. Recipe courtesy of the NYTimes. I guess I'm the only one in the family willing to suffer through the smell of anchovies sauteeing.
Funny, I was just reading on another big blog about PDX and Andina's for Peruvian food was mentioned as incredible. Not been there.
For good, inexpensive here are some of my faves there:
I'd have to recommend Ya Hala for Lebanese. Everything there just is better, including the desserts which I'd say get one to go if you can't eat one there (and likely you won't because they are very generous with the food).
Definitely Voo Doo. It's fun and the Memphis Mafia is amazing though there are some more risque. The Magic is in the hole. :)
I personally like McMenamin's especially the Ruby beer but the Kolsch is very refreshing and what Bud would be if it was any good (but I didn't have a beer there I didn't like and I tried them all). I'd send you to the Ringlers location at 14th and Burnside a few blocks up from Powell's Bookstore (great place to recover from) for the happy hour menu which is a limited (but still substantial) selection of the regular menu for $2.50 (or was last time I was there). The tater tots are incredible but the fries are pretty good too. So are the salads. Maybe not gourmet but fun and that's more important often. Plus it's certainly a flavor of Portland. Lots of local ingredients, and their coffee is amazing (roasted there). In fact, full bar and they make several of their own spirits and even wines.
Another inexpensive but fun eat is Hot Lips Pizza. All about the local, seasonal, and sustainable plus the pizza is pretty yummy (my favorite is the Waldorf which is by the slice on Mondays -- nothing quite like it). Get the homemade fruit soda on tap too.
Chinese Food/Pho/Vietnamese (with a touch of Thai even) at My Cahn. The pepper-salted green beans are divine.
If you do the Farmer's Market there's a portable brick oven in one corner that's very popular (the menu depends on what's at the market). I had a sandwich there last fall of chickpeas, arugula, and delicata squash with tahini and chili sauce in a fresh wheat pita they baked that I hope they'll serve again this fall.
At the Saturday Market in Old Town under the Burnside Bridge is a Polish food cart which is pretty good. In fact there's actually quite a few good carts in town. It's about the food there.
Pambiche for Cuban, and it looks as if Super Torta is the place for authentic Mexican.
Higgins for a spendy Northwest treat. Pretty much something there for any diet even gluten-free vegetarian.
Sisters of the Road is a restaurant that helps the homeless and those down on their luck. You can get something to eat yourself for a little change or buy some meal tickets to hand to those who ask for change (rather than give cash).
There's also the regional fast food chain of Burgerville which has Oregon Country beef (never frozen) for their hamburgers. Probably the best burger I've ever had. They too source local, seasonal and sustainable.
There's a bunch of other places (you need to extend your stay) but perhaps check out the independently and locally owned New Seasons markets if you want to grab something quick, inexpensive and healthy (or stock up on hotel goodies). They have an organic deli with a lot of seasonal and local ingredients. This includes a great salad bar, sandwiches made to order, daily soups, pasta of the day, and ready made food. Where else can you get roasted Brussels Sprouts for $4.99 a pound?
Have fun! :)
Mexican just reminded me: La Sirenita way up on NE Alberta is excellent, very much "down and dirty," one of the rare good Mexican places in PDX. There's another decent spot downtown, right next to Mary's (the strip joint; I think they share a bathroom even), but La Sirenita is classic.
And Pambiche on 28th and Glisan (also NE) is terrific for slightly upscale Cuban food.
Man, back when I lived in Portland I had way more disposable income for restaurants! I guess that comes from my rent having been 1/6 of what I pay in NYC. Have fun!!
@pestogal,
You are right, I should have been more specific! I will need at least three breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. My budget is my stimulus check ;) so should be more than enough unless Portland is more expensive than my imagination... I'll be there Thur to Sun, so if there are hard to get reservations, I should try to get them on Thur? Neighborhood is no problem because I will rent a car specifically to get to fooding destinations. =P
@charm city cupcake
Yea, everyone recommends Le Pigeon! Oh, I really have to try to get in there!
@bennettstarnes
Pizza sounds like a great idea!
@producestories
VooDoo donuts is definitely on my list now, thanks! And all your other suggestions sound awesome too!
@Kim Nyland
Wow, what a list! It is going to take me some time to get through that, and I really appreciate all your thought into putting together that list! Thanks! :)
@Beth M
Thanks for the vegan suggestion. I am an omnivore, and vegan sounds good :)
@emily20008
Oh yea, good idea about the Mexican food! I am coming from NY, so maybe I'll give that a shot :) Thanks!
I hate yeast and it hates me. However, I love my bread machine. I make clone of a cinnabon from allrecipes.com all the time. In fact, I did it last night. I stand over mine with a spatula and help the mixing part along a little...looks too crumbly? A little splash of water or milk. Too wet? A sprinkle of flour. I never bake bread in it, I always use the dough cycle and then dump it out, shape, rise and bake.
Just monkey with it. If nothing else, feed the birds and make ALOT of french toast!
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