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"As for me and my house, we serve the Lord". Whenever we host a dinner party, grace is said and that's it. Anyone who is invited to our home is well aware of our devotion. When we are invited out to someone else's home if grace is not said, we say it quietly over our food, no reason to disrupt others.

Yes, I feel the need to give thanks at a time when unemployment is rampant and we are all living pretty much paycheck to paycheck(whether we wish to admit it or not) and food banks are running on empty. I am thankful for the food laid before me, the shelter over my head. I most certainly believe in the grace of God. As for others being uncomfortable, I am truly sorry but I am more interested in thanking God, than offending someone. If you are in my home, you are aware of my feelings. If it poses a problem for you, there is a McDonalds 2 blocks away.

One of the things that I amke often Fall through Winter is Okra, Tomato, and Corn. It is flavored with a bit of bacon (I use 4 slices, but it is according to taste) a pinch of cushed red pepper and garlic to taste. it is great as a side dish, but you can definately eat as a main course over rice. This dish tastes great the next day as well, and can be frozen if you find you've made more than you can eat in two days.

I also recomment chicken legs and thighs. They are less expensive than the favored wings and breasts and cook up more moist than white meat. I use them for curries, soups and stews. You can also pair them with the above mentioned dish.

Pasta with pesto and broccoli is great, and makes enough for dinner and a next day lunch if you like.

Hope you find this helpful.

Kenji,

Sincerely sorry for your loss. Dumpling is a cutie pie, and I take comfort in knowing that he passed from this life into the next while cradled in your arms. My condolences to you and your wife.

Many, many moons ago whenI was in HS, I worked at a White Castle. We used to take a double order of fried clams and pile it on two fish sandwiches covered in hot and tarter sauces.( this was before there were only sauce pakets available. OMG, the best things evah!!!!!, add a side of fries and it practically food porn. Back then my metabolism could handle anything, it was the disco era after all......... Oh yeah, forgot to mention the black and white shakes.

Several years ago, the company that makes Werthers made a candy called Milkfuls. They were the bomb. I guess the company discontinued them,mbecause from my perspective, they were seriously addictive, I know I was addicted.

I don't get the Little Debbie thing. I grew up on Ring Dings, Funneybones and Yodels. Let's get a shout out for Drakes. On the other hand, my husband has a serious "Jones" for these things. I mean a full blown Nutty Buddy monkey on his back. I just don't get it, Little Debbies are way too sweet for me, but just like Drakes cakes, I guess they taste like childhood.

A couple of years ago, I boughtr a basil plant from a local hardware chain in their "nursery" section. I mentioned at the checkout that I was glad to get the plant as I was having a hard time finding fresh basil. The young woman asked what did I do with it, and I explained taht it was an herb and that I cooked with it and often used it in salads. I took a leaf off of my plant and ate it, and I offered that she do the same. The security guard standing nearby cautioned her against it, saying "don't eat that, you don't know what it is, some people will eat any damn thing, it could kill you" My husband and I walked away scratching our heads.

I would skip Ben's Chili Bowl, unless you just want to eat there because it's a landmark. On the other hand, please do visit Bistrot du Coin in the Dupont area, and Granville Moore's for Mussels and frites, oh yeah and great beer.

I like to cook them with sharp cheddar the night before and put them in a shallow dish to cool. For brunch the next day I cut them into squares and use them as a base for ham and poached eggs. Eggs bene-grit, as my husband calls it.

I am a native NYer but I now live in Washington DC and I am sorry, but I can buy a better hot dog and half smoke on the street from a cart than I can get at Ben's. The chili is just so so, but everything in there is overpriced. It irritates me no end to see Ben's mentioned whenever food here in DC is mentioned. There is so much more to us than Ben's Chili Bowl.

1) Prime rib w/ escalloped potatoes and baby peas with pearl onions.

20 Every year for my birthday my garandmother would prepare my favorite meal: fried chicken, collard greens, fried corn, and sliced tomatoes from her garden. for desert, fresh blackberry cobbler. Lord,if I died today, I would want the last bite to be all of the above.

I hate to say it but 'told you so. I commented on the national results though. Way to go Faygo!.

If you can find it, try Faygo Root Beer, ice cold on a Summer day it absolutely cannot be beat.