The Ninth Doctor...I mean, Kitchen!

We're over 250, so here's a new thread to play around in.

9 kitchens, I feel like I'm in an over-extravagant celebrity mansion or something.

I am tiptoeing in with Kath . . .

I love this kitchen! I am imagining copper pots hanging from the ceiling and multiple ovens!

Karen O.

...tiptoes in....

...wonders if anyone else has any input on which (inexpensive) laptop she should buy...

:)

The general consensus among several people I know who recently researched and purchased is ACER. They all seem to be happy with their decision. I myself am a macophile....and have a mackbook. Love it.

eta

http://www.google.com/products?q=acer+laptop&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en...

I have an Acer and have mostly been happy with it. It's four years old and I'm wanting to replace it because the hard drive isn't that big and is nearly full.

For reasons I can't explain, for a long time I had problems with it just blanking out--I'd get different colors of blank screens and then would have to restart--but it hasn't done that in quite a while (touching wood). So it's actually working better.

Oh--and it was $600 after rebates four years ago.

Will check out ACER - thanks!!

Definitely a pizza night .... too hot to cook. Plus I'm tired from a crazy game of tennis by car headlights .... the lights around the tennis courts weren't switched on this evening yet and we didn't to stop our game, so we drove our cars as close to the courts as possible and left the engine and lights on for the last half hour of our game. Quite hilarious since there were sections of the court that we just couldn't see, and I couldnt' quite see when the ball was coming over the net, so I was sprinting at the last minute and flailing my racket around like a novice.

Quote for the day from Diary of a Left-Handed Birdwatcher by Leonard Nathan:

"Birdwatching has no bible, but sometimes I open some book at seeming random (or in search of something else) and find exactly what I should have been looking for. . . I kiss the book."

I know exactly what he means!

(posted to my thread too)

I am posting for Carolyn (MusicMom41) who wants everyone to know that she has not forgotten about you, she is just out in the middle of nowhere on a family camping trip and without internet access. I could not find her thread to post this notice on, so this seemed the most likely place to put it.

I found this in a book today. The book is Palace Walk, one that I have owned for a couple of years now and thanks to TIOLI finally getting around to reading. The card says:

"This book belonged to Marilyn Chapman"

"My grandmother was a bibliophile. She loved reading and her books more than almost anything else, probably as much as her grandchildren.

We have chosen to honor her by sharing her favorites with others who would appreciate the books she cherished.

Please take a minute to think of her as you read. Thank you."

What a terrific tribute to a beloved bibliophile grandmother.

I've had my Facebook account, and through it my e-mail account, hacked. Someone has been sending chat messages and e-mails, ostensibly from me, to the effect that I am stranded in London, have been mugged, and need money. ALL UNTRUE. If any of you were spammed with this nonsense in my name, I'm very sorry. I think I have it under control from my end now, but it's the kind of thing that snowballs, so it may go on for a while. I've deactivated my Facebook account, removed all contact information from my e-mail address book, changed passwords, etc.

Stasia, that is a wonderful tribute indeed... thank you for sharing it with us.

Linda.. that is terrible, dreadful, horrible and nasty.. I am so sorry this happened to you.

#14: Apparently you are not the only one this has happened to, Linda. I got the same e-mail, ostensibly from you, also from another Facebook pal.

I am sorry you are going through this mess.

Quote for the day from Work Song by Ivan Doig:

"As we passed through the Reading Room, I could not help but stop for a minute and run my eyes over the mezzanine's ranks of books, silent but eloquent. I was smitten every time by the finest collection west of Chicago, and to have its literary riches almost to myself this way seemed like a scene in a dream. Housed in their volumes, the souls of writers waited in this great room to come into the light of day. I would not have been surprised right then if Joseph Conrad materialized at the railing like a stalwart first mate on the deck watch, or Emily Dickinson came tiptoeing out of the shelves to peer down to the unattainable life below."

I feel the same way when I gaze at the books in my personal library.

(posted to my thread too)

For those of us waiting for packages:

http://www.packagetrackr.com

look it over.. it saves searches, and you can just forward your shipment confirmation emails and it will track them. AND the map shows just where the driver is in real ( sort of ) time.

That's a great link, Kath. Now THAT's something that's really useful.

We had some friends over for the weekend and they used to have 2 delightful little girls, but I think a couple of changelings visited them and stole their kids away because the 2 girls who came with our friends are absolute monsters! They're 3 and 5, throw screaming tantrums whenever they don't get their own way, don't like sharing anything (won't even share a bite of their stick cheese with their own mother!) and are such monsters that they're not even cute anymore. The sad thing is that we really like the parents whom we've known for a number of years, but it's gotten so that I wish I could tell them, please come visit again but please leave your children at home.

Thankfully after they left yesterday afternoon, a friend came over to just hang out, we messaged a few more people and viola .... an impromptu guacamole, lobster, steak, short ribs, potato salad, gelato and cookies party that lasted until midnight.

I made the mistake of reading a good book in between studying for my Law degree final exams that start tomorrow. Now I just want to read and not study. Arrrgh.

You have my deepest sympathy for your failed visit with friends. It is a shame when parents lose control so early on. Glad you like the link.. I am loving it!

lobster ::drool::

Good luck #20!

#18: Thanks for that link, Kath!

#20: The books will wait for you, Hanna. Unfortunately, I do not think the finals will.

#20 : Good luck. And don't worry.. the finals will soon be over and then you'll have all the time you want to read anything and everything except your law books. :-)

>23 cameling:. Law books are not real books. They are doorstops, stepping stools, paperweights and fly swatters, but never books.

I know what you mean .... that's how I felt when I had to study for my Law degree and later Bar exams. There was one particular book that never failed to put me to sleep ... even on the nights when I suffered from insomnia. I still have it too ... I'm not sure why I kept it given that now if I can't sleep I just read something I actually enjoy and then hope I won't be too foggy brained at work the next day.

A lot of my Law books have little square indentations where I've stood on them in my heels so I can see into the mirror.

They've never been opened but at least I've made my mark!

Quote for the day from The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova:

"I should probably say again here that I don't like to resort to the Internet, even now, and was less tolerant of it then - what will we someday do, I always wonder, without the pleasures of turning through books and stumbling on things we never meant to find? That happens during Internet research, of course, but in a more limited way, to my mind. And how could anyone consent to give up that smell of open books, old or new?. . .My wife tells me that this propensity to leaf through a volume instead of doing research efficiently is one of the things that most dates me, but I've noticed that she handles books in the same way sometimes, looking through biographies and museum catalogs with a deep, aimless pleasure."

(Posted to my thread too)

27- Nice!

#28: Glad you liked it, Angela!

LTer Luxx posted this link on her thread...a high-school valedictorian assesses frankly, and scathingly, the education she received...and it's worthwhile reading.

#30: It is worthwhile reading!

wow~

I love that quote, Stas. It's so perfect!

#33: Glad you liked it, Caro!

Quote for the day from Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz:

"Kamal clung to Yasin to garner whatever rare stories he would toss him now and again. . .Kamal wanted to satisfy the yearnings that set his imagination on fire at this time every day. How quickly Yasin would be distracted from him by the conversation or get caught up in his reading. . .Kamal kept looking, sadly and jealously, at his brother when he was busy reading. This skill furnished Yasin with the key to a magical world. Kamal's inability to read the story by himself vexed him. How sad it made him to have the book in his hands, to be able to turn the pages to his heart's content, and not be able to decipher the symbols and thus enter the world of visions and dreams."

(posted to my thread too)

Quote for the day from Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper by Harriet Scott Chessman:

"May knows me well, for within this Cassatt Nation, my own small acre has treasures of books stashed everywhere, in the elbows of trees, beneath berry bushes, on benches by streams. My little house is composed of books: English and French novels, and books of poetry too, gold-edged. I, who am moderate in so much, who bend myself to family life, am most immoderate once I'm in my acre. I read for hours, with passion, ardently wishing the stone wall around me to hold, the little gate to feel the pressure of no hand, the latch to grow rusty."

I can relate to a small acre with treasures of books!

(posted to my thread too)

Love, love, love that quote!
--BJ

#37: Good, good, good!

36- I can relate to the wish not to be disturbed while reading!

#39: Unless it's someone coming to give me a footrub while I'm reading or delivering a new bag of potato chips or (only because I'm craving it now) a couple of slices of hot pepperoni, mushroom & extra cheese pizza.

#40 Or coffee and cake. Coffee and cake are also permitted.

mmmm foot rub

mmmm pizza

mmmm cake

#41: I will take tea and cake, pizza, and any other food stuffs I can get my hands on!

had a little bit of rice for dinner.. I need some food. Anyone looking for a dinner guest?

#44: You can head my way, Kath. We are having homemade pizza for dinner tonight.

now that sounds yummy for sure!

#46: So when can I expect you? :)

I ate half a chicken sandwich for dinner. I do love chicken sandwiches, especially with horseradish spread!

Here's the killer about reading Bury Your Dead. I know that about a zillion people here are going to read this book, and I hate spoilers.

But, boy, would I like to chat about this one!...

Start a dedicated spoiler thread for it, then! I bet it would be popular, and no one will get spoiled without actively seeking it out.

Be sure to let us know where the SPOILER thread is.

Ok, spoiler thread here.

FYI, for those in the mid-Atlantic region of the US, especially Maryland, I started a thread for those who might be interested in meeting up at the Baltimore Book Festival in September.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/97090

TGIF !!! Yaaaay.... and my overseas business visitors all leave by tomorrow too. So i just have one more night to entertain and I'm free tomorrow, free I say! Whhooop whooop!

Quote for the day from Between Silk and Cyanide by Leo Marks:

"I knew all the time that I was going to the only haven which had never failed me in times of distress, where the answers to everything were to be found if one knew where to look for them, and where agnostics like me could safely say their silent prayers . . .

84 Charing Cross Road."

Leo Marks was the son of one of the owners of Marks & Co whose address was 84 Charing Cross Road.

(posted to my thread too)

I posted this in my thread.... but I am posting it here for those who don't visit there. I think it was fun :)

http://whathappenedinmybirthyear.com/

General Notice: I recently complained that an ARC I received, very late, from smaller publisher Chin Music Press, was in poor condition when I got it. I went on to review Home, Away in terms I hope we can all agree were very favorable, because the book is an important corrective to the one-sided presentations of family dramas now available. I liked the book, and I hope many of us here on LT will give it a chance.

What I didn't expect was the response to my mild bleat of dissatisfaction at the condition issue the book sent to me had...a publicist contacted me here, saying how sorry they were that my copy wasn't pristine, and they'd be sending me another copy of the book that *was* pristine for my library.

**!**

I emailed them, suggesting that they keep the book as I wasn't likely to re-read such an emotionally charged book again; the publicist responded IMMEDIATELY that she'd already sent the book out (!!) and should feel free to share it onwards.

This level of attentiveness cannot be overpraised. Please, bookaholics assembled here, go shopping and supoort a press that deserves support for its brave aesthetic choices and its high-caliber people skills.

How great to hear a positive comment about customer service for a change! I'll certainly be checking their lists, although I don't usually buy new books.

57- Wow, what a great experience!

We did it! Our first annual LT gathering in the Denver area was held Sunday, August 22, at the Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch. Great conversation about books, LT, travels, books, school, LT. Well, you get the idea!

Donna(828), Anne(AMQS), Joanne(coppers), and Jenn(nittnut)!

When a group of us attend Richard's birthday bash in September, I'll be sure to post a photo. You will find Stasia trying to hide in the back, but we are NOT going to let her!

It is so nice to put a face to a name. Such lovely ladies.

#61: Stasia does not have to try and hide in the back. I am short so I will be completely unnoticed, lol.

ETA: I do hope you ladies can make it an annual event. It looks like you had a great time judging from those smiles!

Quote for the day from Max the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick:

"About two seconds later she's got her nose in a book called A Wrinkle in Time. You'd think she was in a library instead of hanging around beside a highway. You can tell she's really good at reading no matter where she is or what's happening around her. There's this look on her face like she's not there at all, she's gone wherever the book takes her."

Makes me wonder what look I have on my face while I am reading :)

(Posted to my thread too)

64- My husband says sometimes my tongue starts to peek out while I'm reading! It embarasses me terribly...but he says it's cute. :)

#65: Well, I guess since he is the one that has to look at you, his is the only opinion that matters!

Makes me wonder what look I have on my face while I am reading :)

interesting though.. lol

I found this quote in a book I received today:

"My education was the liberty I had to read indiscriminately and all of the time, with my eyes hanging out." - Dylan Thomas

(posted to my thread too)

Great picture, Donna and it looks like you ladies had a grand time.

#65 : Angela - As long as you're not drooling as well, that's ok.

I have my annual physical this Friday and I'm trying to be good this week and not eat too much junk and more fruit. Plans were going well until this afternoon when I craved pizza and wolfed down 4 slices at lunch. That on top of bacon & eggs this morning for breakfast.... I'm doomed! Maybe I should rethink the roast lamb & coucous I was planning on making for dinner tonight and just have salad. :-(

#69: I hope you pass your physical with flying colors, Caro!

I know there are a lot of people who listen to audio books on here, so I'm going to ask for a general opinion.

I've been quite ill recently so I've struggled to hold physical books. As my dearly beloved claims that the lack of reading is making me cranky, I've wondered about audio books. Do you find that you can 'get into' them like you can with a normal book? Or does it take more effort? And also, do they tend to cut a lot out?

My partner has threatened to read to me if I don't fix the problem soon and he has a thick Yorkshire (Northern British) accent so somebody put me out of my misery soon! :)

71 have you thought about a kindle?? they are pretty light..I think?

I have, but it's more the necessity of holding something upright than the actual weight that hurts me. I don't know, Kindle's just don't appeal. I need to be able to see all my books on a shelf!

#71: I love audiobooks. I do not ever buy the abridged versions. There are plenty of unabridged ones available (I recommend Recorded Books myself), so there is really no need to buy the abridgements. As far as getting into audiobooks, sometimes I get so into them, I forget about what it was I was supposed to be doing (not a good thing when you are driving, to be sure!)

I hope you give them a shot, Hanna.

Please do, Hanna, give audio a shot. Some are very good, some are *dreadful*, but it's not necessarily all bad...try audible.com as well as Recorded Books, they have some lovely sales.

Sending much healing energy your way. Up on your feet and feeling fit soonest!

I find that some books which seem too difficult or intimidating to read, actually work better for me as audiobooks. The difficult names and places are pronounced, and the pace is a bit slower than I read, so it forces me to slow down and pay more attention.
Try it, and let us know what you think! Take care of yourself. :)

>71 generalkala: I would like to chime in and say that I also love audiobooks. I listen to them when driving, doing chores, doing needlework, and any other time that holding a "real" book is inconvenient. There are far many more really good ones than bad ones because most publishers are careful about selecting their readers. Everything that the others said is true, too. Add Blackstone Audio to your list of suppliers. They have some awesome sales, especially on closeout books. Sometimes only $10 apiece.
Hoping that you get well soon. Hugs.

Another audio book lover here. I find they are quite easy to get into. No one ever thinks twice about a parent reading a story out loud to a child, well I look as these as a someone reading a story to me :) Never ever get the abridged versions, also I get all of my audios from the library. I take the CD rip them to my itunes and then onto my ipod and voila, a book is with me everywhere I go. That way I never panic about not having a book with me.

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful. I think I will give them a go, what can it hurt? And if I like them, it makes life a lot easier.

>78 sydamy:. Hmm. I hadn't thought about ripping them to my iPod. Then I don't have to get up to change the CD or whatever. Thanks for that :)

Hanna,

You might also check your library system and see if they have books on Overdrive. They are audio books that you just download to you computer than to your iPod.

I've tried audio books and I haven't found one yet that has managed to either not put me to sleep or one where my attention isn't wandering off on its own. I think I just don't like listening to a voice for long periods of time.

I've been reviewing all the books I've sent out via Operation Paperback in my Books off the Shelf thread. Inching up there! Come by and read a few.

I've just finished and reviewed Flights of Fancy, which the Turkish Delight got for me at a library sale we went to together...best seventy-five cents he's ever spent, I loved the book! My review is in my thread...post #14.

My son's middle school is doing world geography and they are trying to get postcards from everywhere. I thought it would be kind of cool if he got the most, and I thought of all of you here at LT. Here's the blurb.

Please help North Star Academy Middle School students with our "Postcard Project". All you need to do is send one (or more) postcards from where you live to this address: North Star Academy 16700 Keystone Blvd. Parker, Colorado 80134
Join our facebook Group "2010 NSA Postcard Project" to keep up with all our news! Encourage your friends to also post as their facebook status for at least 24 hours. This could be amazing!!
If you want to be specific, my son's name is Jonah.
THANK YOU!
Jenn

One from Idaho will be on its way soon!

Texas too will be represented!

Thank you so much! He will appreciate it.

84 Do you know about http://www.postcrossing.com/ ?

They should have a good response there..
I will try to help too.. ( memory bleh )
but i know someone who signed up for postcrossing and got a lot of cards pretty quickly...

I have to chime in on audio books. I love them, but I can only use them when I'm doing something else. Probably that's why I love them... I spend a lot of time in the car because my kids go to school 20 minutes from home. This way, I can listen to a book and knit (not while I'm driving, I promise) which makes me so happy. I also listen when I'm working in my studio. If I were just sitting and listening, I'd probably go to sleep.

ETA: thanks Kathleen! I'll check it out.

#84 PA is on the way!

#84 - cool idea. we will send one from London.

One coming from Indiana.

One's coming in from Massachusetts.

You are all so nice!

Jonah says "Thanks!" as he counts up the coming postcards over my shoulder.

I reviewed a library sale find, Hons and Rebels, in my thread... post #96.

Very, very good stuff!

Long Island, too, Jonah!

I've reviewed So Brave, Young, and Handsome in my thread...post #56.

An excellent book, one that I started out disliking and ended up very thoroughly enjoying.

I had a yummy brunch today with a deliciously refreshing gazpacho and twin lobster eggs benedict. I did work it off by canoeing down the Concord River for 2 hours though before just sitting by the river, dipping our feet into the cool water and eating an oreo cookie ice cream with peanut butter sauce.

I'm going to make some artichokes to go with the garlic mayonnaise I made earlier this morning and that will accompany a ratatouille and seared tenderloin that I'll drizzle with basil, garlic and lemon for dinner. I think a white sangria will be the drink of the evening since it's pretty hot today.

meatloaf

I hate meatloaf.

Dan loves it.

blech

Thank you Richard!

We are about to sit down to blueberry pancakes, bacon and fruit. My favorite thing about Sunday. Breakfast for late lunch. Here's the pancake recipe, since we're in the kitchen:

Fly Off the Plate Pancakes
In a small bowl mix
1 cup flour
1 Tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

In another bowl
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 1/2 Tbsp sour cream
2 Tbsp melted butter

Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix. There will be some lumps. Cook the way you cook pancakes. Yum.

Kath: Mmmm...meat loaf. How can you not like meat loaf? There's like a million ways to make it. It's like not liking...uhhh...MEAT! *shrug*

Oh wait, lots of people don't like meat. Well, clearly there is something wrong with those people... =P

*ducks*

I'm just damn good and sick of meatloaf, but Auntie will always eat it and ask for more, so I've made some. *blech*

Scary moment, though, when I opened the freezer and there was no ground pork. Damn, I though, trip to the grocery store in 90-degree heat. Opened the fridge to see what else I need, and there was the ground pork...IN THE DOOR. Next to the wine bottle. Thawed.

Clearly, I am losing touch with reality.

Not a fan of meat... REALLY not a fan of meatloaf

LOVE meatloaf. At least, I love the meatloaf I make. Sour cream, herbs and fresh bread crumbs mixed with the meat (beef, pork and veal combined) and the pan lined with brown sugar and cranberries, so it makes a glaze when you turn it out. Yummmmm. Well accompanied by hand-mashed potatoes cooked with garlic and seasoned with rosemary. And anyone who dares dream of using ketchup on it will be summarily banished to Siberia.

Holy cow! I want your recipe Linda. That sounds unbelievable.

>103 laytonwoman3rd: Linda3rd, that sounds *sinful*! I just use pork and 75/25 beef. Plus tomato-basil soup, 1/4 cup dried basil, Italian bread crumbs, 1 egg per lb of meat plus one for G.P.s, 3/4 cup of Worcestershire, onion and garlic powders, and Tabasco.

There! Now, how do we make yours?

Yours sounds excellent too, Richard. Here's my recipe

2 Tblsp light brown sugar
1 cup whole cranberry sauce

1 1/2 pound ground meat (use your favorite mixture; I like 1 pound 80/20 beef; 1/4 each ground pork and veal)
1 medium onion chopped very fine
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp oregano
2-3 Tblsp sour cream

Spread brown sugar in bottom of loaf pan. Spread cranberry sauce over this. Combine meat and remaining ingredients; mix well and form into loaf. Place in pan (meat should not touch the sides). Bake at 375 for 1 1/2 hours. Turn out of pan upside down. Do not plan on leftovers.

106 With all due respect, dear

Blech!!!! ew

sugar and meat and cranberries ???

Well, as for the meat and cranberries thing, talk to the Native Americans...they'll explain it to you.

I am a firm believer in Native American wisdom and spirituality..
natural healing, and respect for mother earth.... I think, however.. that if meatloaf is a Native American dish, they are misguided in adding cranberries and sugar.. :P

although cranberries in other foods and on their own are very nice.

>108 laytonwoman3rd:: LOL! Sounds great for fall. I'm excited to get two new meatloaf recipes to try on my husband who doesn't like meat loaf. Let's see, what other name can I come up with?

meat cake?

How about boeuf farce'? Or the Olde Englishe versione, "forcemeat"?

Shepherd's pie! Make it low and flattish, and spread mashed potatoes on top.

I like meatloaf -- it's comfort food for me. But Linda, you take it to a whole new level. Richard, your version sounds good, too.

>105 richardderus: Not to be too critical Richard... but did you really mean 3/4 cup Worchestershire????

>106 laytonwoman3rd: I might try that cranberry meat loaf sometime... if it ever gets cool enough again. I put cranberries in lots of things. How do you think it would be w/o the sugar? Well, it's only 2 Tbsp.
Thanks for the recipe.

I guess it would be OK without the sugar...not the same, but OK. And I didn't mean that the Native Americans made meatloaf, just that they combined meat with cranberries. Pemmican, you know?

did not know....
thought it was just dried meat...

>114 -Cee-: Yeah, Claudia...it's for 3lb of meat, or didn't I say?

#116 That would be jerky. Sold under the brand name "Pemmican" these days in many places. Real pemmican is much more complicated to make than jerky, which is just strips of dried meat.

Thanks for the recipe. It sounds fabulous. I'm making it as soon as it cools off. I love, love, love cranberries with meat. They are yummy with turkey (Thanksgiving anyone?) and pork too.

THANK YOU! SOME people around here find it "EW".

Oh, and I also have a lovely recipe for a pork tenderloin cooked with cranberries. Thanks for reminding me of that.

Turkey = bllleeeaaarrrgggh!

Dried cranberries reconstituted in sweet white vermouth and slow-roasted with pork tenderloin, sliced fennel, and caramelized shallots is pretty nummers.

Is there a recipe for that, Richard, or do you just toss it all together? 'Cause I have to try that variation. Fennel and shallots FTW.

Richard,
Your meatloaf sounds simply volcanic! I will try anythng once, alas my family will not. Breaks my heart *teary sob* but I'll have to forego this one.

It all sounds yummy to me. I make Paula Deen's meatloaf; the meatloaf is pretty standard but you pour a barbecue sauce over it all before baking, and that is darned good.

I'm wondering about leaving the sugar out of the meatloaf and cranberries version--mostly because I suspect cranberry sauce often has lots of sugar in it, too.

Cranberry sauce definitely has a lot of sugar in it. But not BROWN sugar. And remember, you'll be eating a very small amount of the glaze in a serving of meatloaf. It helps to brown the bottom (which becomes the top), and most of it remains in the pan with the juices, so you can pour it out, skim off the grease, and drizzle it over the meat or not, as you like.

>122 laytonwoman3rd:

1pkg (8oz? 6oz? not the little one, anyway) unsweetened dried cranberries
1c sweet white vermouth (NOT MARTINI VERMOUTH! Lillet, or something similar)
-dump one into the other. Soak while you're prepping everything else. Overnight if you want, doesn't matter.

2lb pork tenderloin
-unpackage, wash, separate into the two pieces; put both in a shallow roasting pan lined generously with foil; rub both pieces with ~1/2c olive oil. DO NOT USE corn oil, safflower oil, or any "healthy" choices, they taste like wet dust and don't do a *thing* for the meat. Why spend this much moey for something yummy, then turn it into "healthy" flavorless could-be-anything pap?

2 bulbs fresh fennel (1lb? 1-1/2? Whatever, this ain't cancer curing.)
-Got a mandoline? This is easy if you do...wash the fennel bulbs, cut the raggedy top bits off (save them) and mandoline the bulbs into very thin slices. If all you got's a knife, cut them as thinly as you can without needing to go to the ER for stitches. If they're pretty thick after that, cut the thick pieces into thirds across the widest part. If they decide to separate themselves into layers, that's okay. I usually pitch the slices into a big big bowl of cold water on GPs.

1T butter (do I need to say it?)
1T olive oil (now really.)
8oz shallots, peeled, sliced thinly for pretties or just chopped if you don't care
-Pour olive oil over shallots, tossing to cover them all; melt butter in smallish saucepan to bubbling stage, chuck shallots and oil in, stir frequently and wait until shallots are very, very lightly golden; turn off heat but leave pan on burner, still stirring, until browny-goldy steaming gorgeousness happens. Set aside to cool a little.

Fold the sides of the foil you've put the tenderloins in up as high as they'll go. Places pieces of fennel under the tenderloins, around them, on top of them; pour cooled shallots over that; pour cranbberries and soaking liquid on top of that; please don't salt the meat. Serve with salt shakers. This is a delicate taste and each person should decide how salty they want it. Now! Fold the foil into a tent, sealing it as best you can, so as little steam escapes as you can manage. Put about a cup of water in the pan if your oven runs hot; the shallow roasting pan should be in a 325 oven for ~1hr for rare-ish (slightly pink and juicy) meat, longer for each degree more shoe-leathery you "like" your dinner.

PORK IS NOT UNSAFE. THIS IS ANCIENT INFORMATION and doesn't apply to modern animals, Trichinosis hasn't even made the food-scarers pitch a fit in *years*. Get over the Center for Science in the Public Interest "don't eat anything! It could kill you!" scare tactics! They're vegan proselytizers.

Meatloaf? Good Lord, I thought that was some crazy American myth! :p

I think I'll huddle in the safety of England, far, far away from you crazy meat-and-sugar eaters.

>127 generalkala:: Ummm...Bubble and Squeak?...Toad in the Hole?...

:-D

Yeah - or spotted dick? Black pudding? Urgh.

Safety of England???

BTW - thank you Richard. I am drooling over this recipe.

Meat and fruit or sugar...

sorry can not do

Thank you, Richard. It sounds divine. And I'm behind you on the safe pig meat issue. Of course, I eat dippy eggs and raw oysters, too, so maybe I'm not to be trusted about such things.

#130 So, no minced meat pie for you, either, eh? No mandarin orange chicken, or duck a l'orange? No roasted apples with your pork and sauerkraut? No tomatoes on your hamburgers or meatballs in your tomato sauce? Pineapple glazed ham?

All bets are off with tomatoes. I love them and eat them with everything.
As for the rest... right. No fruit and meat.

I put beer on ham ( don't like ham much)

Hubby loves ham & pineapple on his pizza. To me, that just seems wrong. Or mandarin oranges on my salad. I will however, eat the fruit first, pause, and then eat the rest!

I do like those mandarin oranges and blueberries in my salad. NOT strawberries..

Honestly, the only things I don't like, that I can think of, are green olives, mayonnaise, and that bean salad with all the different beans and the vinegar dressing. I like beans, just please, not that salad.

I won't eat corn on the cob. Other than that, there are things I don't much like, but will eat if I have to, like *shudder* chocolate. But only small amounts, and only to be polite.

Good point - I can eat anything if I have to - with the possible exception of the green olives. I have eaten one, once, and as Richard so gently puts it, nearly un swallowed.

136 I like all of those... LOVE olives.

>128 TadAD: and 129.

Fair point, British food does have it's grossness. Yorkshire puddings are the saving grace of traditional English food though.

I'll give you Yorkshire pudding, and fish and chips too. Yum.

>141 nittnut:. Ah fish and chips. How could I forget?

Wow I'm sorry I missed this conversation yesterday. I love cranberries with just about any meat. We make a cranberry glaze for pork that is to die for; use it on grilled chicken too. Thanks Linda for the meatloaf recipe. I'm going to try that and Richard's pork tenderloin too.

#126 Richard
I saw dried cranberries and vermouth I was expecting a martini of sorts but saw no vodka or gin ;-) Then I read farther, oh a recipe for meatloaf. It does sound good.

Scones and jam and clotted cream, with a cup of tea, is all I need to say about British food and heaven. (Though I do really like bangers and mash, too.)

There are a number of things I won't eat, including mushrooms. That aversion completely kills any pretensions I might have as a gourmet. Also, sadly, can't eat shellfish--allergic. Didn't used to be, so I weep for lobster and shrimp. Coconut shrimp, speaking of fruit with protein.

>140 generalkala:: Yorkshire Pudding is, indeed, a good thing.

I also had a pretty fair beef pie in England last time I was there. I can't remember what they called it, but beef, onions, vegetables, some gravy based upon a stout, nice flaky crust...it was well done.

>145 ejj1955:: I don't eat mushrooms either... can't bring myself to eat something that grows as a fungus. *shudder* In fact, no one in my immediate family will eat mushrooms... we tend to see them and run away, flailing wildly and shouting random nonsense. (Then again, that tends to happen anyway, regardless of mushroom presence or not...)

flailing wildly and shouting random nonsense. Funny, I've heard that's what happens to some people when they DO eat mushrooms...

People are so sure mushrooms are nasty, and they're *delicious*; yet no one ever questions the Horst Wessel chants of "corn on the cob is goooood" when it's actually silage meant for pigs.

Nonsense... you aren't supposed to EAT the cob, Richard. I had some corn this weekend, fresh from the farm, and it was to die for.

We actually live very close to a farmer whose motto for corn is: from field to pot in less than an hour. Pick up the corn on the way home from work, get it cooked in the allotted time and oh, god, excuse me ..............I'm drooling all over my keyboard!!

>150 laytonwoman3rd: YUK That's just *nasty* to eat those sugarbags wrapped in some weird, stinky unnatural opaque-ish membrane, like something meant to keep bug's guts inside them, that always gts between your teeth and reminds you of the snappy, too-sweet globules you've just masticated into slippery, slimy pulp.

*shudder* Corn is silage, fit for pigs.

None of that bears any relationship whatsoever to the corn I ate this weekend. You're just being difficult. Too much fungus in your diet, probably.

>153 laytonwoman3rd: LOLOL

I've accepted that I'm fungiphobic--euww, it's the texture, as much as anything else.

I like corn on the cob and have had it delivered to me by the farmer who grew it within minutes of its having been picked--but recently I realized it is not a good choice for a diabetic trying to limit carbs. In fact, it's a very, very bad choice.

Being diabetic sucks, I am discovering more and more as time goes by. Not fun in any way.

Damn... one day, just one day away and look at all the food discussions I missed.

For anyone who likes their beef rare (it has to be good tenderloin), this is what I made today for lunch and it was just perfect for a hot day. Get a rolled beef tenderloin, sear it on all sides (how long you sear depends on how pink you like your meat, although for this, the pinker the better since the meat's more tender and juicy). Let the meat rest for about 10 mins. Then slice into thin slices.

Mix together zest of lemon, lemon juice, chop a fistful of fresh basil, chop a couple of cloves of garlic, add a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil.

Pour the dressing all over the meat and toss well. Put it in the fridge for about a half hour at least.
Serve chilled over a bed of arugula and shaved parmesan cheese. Oh a hot crusty baguette.

Boy your lunches and mine do not resemble each other in any way Caroline. Does anyone else have to suffer through either

A) a school lunch (yikes);

B) a ham sandwich on bread that's almost to the point that you're wondering if you should eat it or toss it; or

C) a hastily thrown together salad with whatever happens to be in the fridge? Those are usually my choices.

I don't put a high priority on having materials on hand that make for a lunch that comes close to what Caroline manages to put together. And of course I'm the one who suffers:(

The one good thing about having ME is that I don't have to eat meals. I can't remember the last time I cooked properly.

I just 'graze' throughout the day on whatever happens to be handy. I'm supposed to snack little and often so I survive on cereal and fruit mostly. It does mean the inside of my kitchen cupboards look like a child's lunchbox though!

Someday when I don't have kids at home I will eat lunch like Caroline.
Today I had a hot dog, because that's what my 4 yr old was eating. I do not like hot dogs (but can eat them if I have to and if they are Hebrew Int'l.) I also had a handful of pretzels and some leftover cantaloupe from breakfast. I managed 3 food groups, but it was not delicious. It was an improvement over yesterdays pb and honey crusts leftover from making butterfly sandwiches for my daughter's lunch...

Lunch? What's that? I rarely eat that particular meal.

I have to eat 5 times a day or I grow faint .... seriously. But I graze on fruit in between the 3 majors (brekkies, lunch & dinner). Today I was on my own, but I do like spending a bit of time (if I can afford it) to put something simple by delicious together - it's my decompression time, and I find it very therapeutic. Plus I always feel more cheerful after a nice meal.

I love hot dogs, Jenn - have you tried Pearl Kountry Klub hotdogs? They're really delish - much better, has a bit more crunch to it and has less sodium compared to Hebrew Int'l.

Husbster is going down to New York to his parents tomorrow morning to be with his dad for an outpatient operation. He'll probably stay down there for a few days, so I'm going to make a braised chicken with tomatoes & chickpeas, a spicy beef stew, roast potatoes with rosemary, a fig salad and brownies for him to take down with him. That should last them a few days.

#161: That should last them a few days.

I should think so!

Caroline, you get the Priceless Daughter-in-Law award. Wow.

Caro... I like my meat a bit more cooked than that, if I am eating meat..

Bonnie.. I am with you on the lunches. I rarely think ahead for myself. Dan always gets good ones though.. and school lunches = yikes..

And rd.. you are very simply wrong about corn..

LOL ... not really, Linda ... I am just concerned hubster has food to eat when he's down there. His mom doesn't cook well, and everything is always pretty bland and overcooked, or it's all processed foods. Since I have time this evening, like cooking anyway, and hubster is going to the grocery store with me, I don't mind doing it.

she is right caro.. you do get that award

Today was too hot to make or eat anything for lunch... so I had iced tea and a date square. I'll be more excited about these great food ideas when the thermometer gets down to 60ish. I think I'm melting!

glitter-graphics.com

Ach! So many posts so fast! Mushrooms are yummy. So is corn. My school always had nice lunches actually. Rare (aka raw) meat = BLECH!

Caroline - you wouldn't perhaps consider moving to Denver area and cooking for a frazzled mom? I would provide lots of books...

I got a copy of Larry Rosen's book Rewired: Understanding the iGeneration and the Way They Learn, which was informative, well-built, and chillingly life-sappingly depressing.

I reviewed it in my thread... post #91.

I'm trying to read too early and without coffee. I saw
"I reviewed it in my head", and thought "Oh, nice for you."

Linda3rd: Ha! i like that one.

OKAY EVERYONE COMING TO THE PARTY ON 9/11:

Driving directions vary. PM me again if you need them.

Train directions are simple: Be on the train that leaves Penn Station headed for BABYLON at 1:10p on Saturday afternoon. Get off at ROCKVILLE CENTRE. Look for a tall old man with a gray beard dressed in orange cargo shorts and a small, buff woman, who will no doubt be impeccably turned out. The cars will be at the little brick station-house looking thing. Head for that and, if you don't see one of us right away, look forlorn and wobble your chin a little. We'll find you more easily that way.

he does that too, sometimes...

#169 : Jenn ... I almost did move to Denver about 9 years ago ... I might have been your neighbor if things hadn't changed. ;-)

Too hot today to do much cooking, so we're just going to grill ... I love cookouts. 5 colleagues decided not to fight traffic this evening and are coming to my house bearing corn and hotdogs. I'm going to grill swordfish that I've marinated with paprika, celery seeds and sesame oil, some lambchops I've had marinating overnight with rosemary, garlic, vodka and olive oil. I've made some triple chocolate brownies and will toss a Greek salad in a few minutes. Oh and I'm currently experimenting with a white wine sangria that I've added peaches and green apples to.

Ricardo - sent you a PM re your party

So on flying back to Maryland from Los Angeles today, I managed to snag a first class upgrade. To my surprise, I got assigned a seat next to Kristie Swanson, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the movie, not the series) and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. We had an interesting conversation. She seemed fun, a bit boisterous. So now I have a brush-with-fame story to tell!

That is very cool... I am so happy that you had a fun trip.. as if the upgrade itself were not the best, you met a celebrity :) yay !!!

>175 drneutron: So on flying back to Maryland from Los Angeles today, I managed to snag a first class upgrade.

Explain how that happens Jim. What, they ran out of seats in coach and forced you to fly first class?? I've never heard` of that happening but I wish it would ...to me. ;-)

Happened once to me, unfortunately only for the short leg of the trip--San Francisco to Denver. I think it might have had something to do with arriving late at the gate, but I wouldn't recommend that as a way to go!

I have quite a few frequent flier miles built up, so cashed some in. For some reason nobody at a higher level of miles trumped me...doesn't happen often, but eveey now and then I get lucky!

Hi all,
Here's something I found to keep in mind for Sunday:
September 5th: It's the official "Be Late For Something Day"
Cheers!

Hey folks ... several members of this group have snagged Rose Tremain's Trespass via the ER program, and there's at least a few of us interested in a group read thread. So, there will be such a thread, but I thought it made sense to wait until at least one person has actually received their book. Just wanted to let y'all know ... will post again here when the thread is up.

#180: It is also my husband's birthday. I wonder if he was late?

#181 Good idea, Laura. I'll try to participate.

#180 - Shouldn't be a problem for us. We are chronically late for church...

#180 : That's my husband's motto ... he's always late.

Rain's here, compliments of Hurricane Earl. Hope the folks along the coast are doing ok. What is it about rainy days and the smell of wet grass that always makes me crave garlicky pasta? I've decided to make a simple linguini with little neck clams, lobster and a whole heap of garlic for dinner tonight.

I will have to try to be late.. I am an early person though so no promises.. lol

Caroline... LOL.....I love reading your comments. You always surprise me and tickle my funny bone. I have no idea why rain/wet grass makes you crave garlicky pasta! Too funny! I do know your food ideas make my cravings perk up. You must be a hell of a cook! I figure you must live close to a great food store(s) to get all the fresh ingredients. yummmm

Kath, I will have a hard time with being late for something, too. All I can think of is being late for bed - which will work with a good book!

Good thinking, Claudia! This weekend is a perfect time for that! :)

Claudia : If Hurricane Earl doesn't blow Dracula away, my garlic breath alone will keep him at a good 3 state distance. I'm feeling extremely contented at this point. Had an early dinner and the pasta hit just the right spot ... my eager stomach. :-)
I do live within a 3 min drive to a larger supermarket and an organic supermarket and about 10 mins from a large Asian supermarket and a absolutely wonderful farm. So yes, I am quite spoiled because I have access to good produce.

I also managed to get some beautiful beets today and will make a beet salad and borscht tomorrow.

Ah! Caroline, you're killing me!
I drove 45 min (one way) to a CSA farm all last year to get my veggies. It was an adventure... but the ride got tiring - especially after working all day.

This is one disadvantage to living where I do. Can't grow our own as we have very little sun (too many trees) and no dirt (on a granite ledge). Ah well... I'll keep drooling over your craving-induced meals. :)

Claudia : When we were looking to buy a house, the 2 main criteria in our search were that the house has to have at least 2 full bathrooms and that it be close to good quality and diverse food sources. Even I can't live on Cheetos and pb&j sandwiches for every meal. ;-)

But your advantage is you have all that great fresh air, scenery and quiet.

There's always give and take. Or tradeoffs. The grass is always greener. Etc.

General note: Two of our 75er friends, Lidbud and joannasephine, live in CHristchurch, NZ. This is the center of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit a few hours ago.

Jillian/Lidbud reports she's fine; I haven't seen any news of joannasephine, but just after a quake, one can expect power outages etc etc.

Let's all focus our most positive energies on New Zealand's South Island and its many jolted and scared people!

Anyone take notice that when we aren't talking about books, we are talking about food?

I love it!

We are in a kitchen, right?

Right Jen!

By the way, I note you recently read Jacob I Have Loved..thumbs up on your great review!

Thanks! I really enjoyed reading it again.

I'm slowly trying to read all the Newbery award winners and thus this is how I discovered Jacob I Have Loved.

Me too! I am really enjoying the Newbery award books. I had read many of them as a child, but have not read as many the last 20 years or so. I am reading some with my son, and that is fun too.

Jen

I highly recommend Kira, Kira!

Quote for the day from The Anatomy of Melancholy by Robert Burton:

"Our writings are as so many dishes, our readers guests, our books like beauty, that which one admires, another rejects; so are we approved as mens fancies are inclined."

Like I always say - 'Not every book is for every body' :)

(posted to my thread too)

I hope joannasephine is ok!

194... just found out about this....
terrible thing..... and I agree, much positive energy needed.

Megan (IreadthereforeIam) is also in Christchurch. She is OK, although obviously shaken up by the earthquake and aftershocks.

Steady on, there, Mother Earth. Your children DO love you, indications to the contrary notwithstanding.

I couldn't remember who was in NZ when I heard the news last night, but I knew there were a couple LT friends. Thanks for the updates. After reading my earthquake books, the comments of those who experienced the quake was much more vivid and understandable to me. Scary.
>206 laytonwoman3rd: Nice sentiment. Mothers do need reassuring once in awhile!

*sending positive thoughts * to all in NZ .... I hope injuries are kept to a minimum.

206 ... nice indeed!

Bekka needs our support right now, at

http://www.librarything.com/topic/97554

Wishing everyone in the US a happy Labor Day.

Happy Labor Day to you, Caroline.

Hey, kitchenmates, have I mentioned lately how wonderful you all are? Cause if I haven't...

A casualty of the earthquake in Christchurch is their biennial Writers Festival which was due to happen later this week - guest speakers included Simon Winchester, Barbara Trapido, Neil Cross. It was decided to go ahead with the festival last night, but with the strong aftershocks through the night they cancelled the event this morning.
#203 - joannasephine reported losing a chimney and being terrified through the entire episode.

3 out of 5 homes in the region are needing attention from minor repairs to complete rebuilding.

And I see in breaking news as I type this that we've had a smaller 5.2 earthquake just now in Hawkes Bay (which is in the North Island).

:( I hope that the aftershocks stop soon and that no one else suffers any more damage or harm. ..

Quote for the day from The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall:

"Jane settled down on the bench and prepared herself for a long wait. She had brought along a box of tissues for her lingering sniffles plus two books. One was Magic by the Lake. She'd just gotten to the part where Katharine was stuck in the oil jar in Ali Baba's cave, and although this was the fourth time Jane had read the book, she was excited to read what came next. This is what made a book great, she thought, that you could read it over and over and never get tired of it."

(posted to my thread too)

We are all glad to hear from our LT friends in NZ. I'm glad that none of you were hurt. I was watching the news and I was really surprised to learn that NZ gets more than 100 earthquakes a year!

I had lunch at a small Thai cafe that serves up really spicy food and I think there's a small volcano in my stomach bubbling away.

Hope you are feeling better now?

:-) Feeling absolutely better, Kath. I made a simple dinner .... grilled mackerel with a parsley mustard lemon sauce and a roasted figs and goat cheese salad. Settled all volcanic rumblings nicely and the last sizzle was put out when I slide a slice of pear tart with cream for dessert into my happy tummy.

I've reviewed and recommended the grim, cold, exciting follow-up to "Child 44"...The Secret Speech is a terrible (in the original sense) thrill ride!

#215 Nice quote!

Mmmm... pear tart with cream. Yum.

#220: Glad you liked it, Caty!

I've been completely un-hungry for almost a week with this medication-induced dire rear. This morning I woke up craving greens and rice! I know what I'm making for dinner tonight.

First you will come over here right now and clean the tea off my computer monitor, where I spurfled it after reading 222. Even though I have a couple friends who always use the term "dire rear", it gets me every time. I do hope you won't be sorry after dinner.

Here's a helping hand, Linda

Hmmm... pray tell, Ricardo ... what kind of greens and rice? I love a good Jambalaya or Vegetable Briyani, both of which I haven't had in a really long time. I need to replenish my spice cupboard though so I think a trip to the Indian grocery store has to be part of my Sunday plans after I drop hubster off at the airport.

I use canned seasoned mixed greens from the grocery store, drain the liquid into the pot and bring it to a boil, then cook the rice with the greens in it, with some bouillon cubes. Then, when the rice is almost totally unwatered, I stir in cream cheese. It's the cheater's version of real greens and rice. Collards work well, too! HAVE to be canned, though, or else actual fresh greens pot-cooked for hours. Frozen, blech; fresh sauteed greens, ewww.

I think of it as "Southern Boy Saag Paneer."

Hmm.... cream cheese and rice .....that has sort of raised my gag reflex a little ... not quite sure why because I love creamy risotto with lots of parmesan.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrross! Gag me! Yuck!

*one hand on stomach, one hand over mouth - runs for the bathroom *

Literary and food related post here - to celebrate Agatha Christie's 120th birthday the recipe for 'Delicious Death' chocolate cake is up on the Agatha Christie website. It looks pretty good too.

Richard - your greens 'n rice with cream cheese doesn't do it for me either.

Goody good! More for me! *slurps up more greens and rice*

"real greens and rice" --from what culinary culture cometh thith? I have never heard of such a concoction before. And seriously, canned mixed greens? Are you playin' foolies with us, Rico?

Linda3rd, it's a Southern thang, largely practiced by the poorest of the poor. Hours and hours and hours of slow simmering in a pot of seasoned water, all sorts of root-veggie tops like beet greens and turnip greens and collards and kale and stuff rich folks didn't have time to eat. It's *divine*!

Canned versions are easier, and the canning process closely mimics the long, slow cooking process, only speeded up and industrial scale. It's one of the few things, apart from beans, that I buy canned on a voluntary basis.

feeling not so great today...
nothing specific, but... yuck

rd, your rice dish just does not appeal this morning..

pls send visit yr brother for an extended time energy to you know who....
kthnks

Hmmm... Well, I knew about the pot of greens, and I'm rather fond of them. I also like rice, and I learned to enjoy red beans and rice in our Louisiana days. But I never encountered greens and rice together. I guess it's a similar notion to the green beans and potatoes combination that can be either soggy and disgusting or utterly delightful, depending on the cook. That seems to be available in a can too. I make the sign of the cross whenever I pass it in the supermarket, and I'm not even Catholic.

Southern Boy Saag Paneer I'll pass and go for the real deal, thanks. Canned greens??? Cream cheese?? What next -- Velveeta?

If you enjoy the quiz stuff going around, another here.

*Bakes another batch of cookies covered in love hearts and pink icing in frilly pink apron*

*Sigh* Don't ask...

Cool quiz, Tad.... I need to think about this before I post my answers.

I'm asking... Stefano .... wtf... ?!!

All that rice discussion has given me a hankering for jambalaya. Stopped at the grocery store and they had some good Andouille sausage so that's definitely what I'll make for dinner with cornmeal encrusted catfish.

Yeah, me too, asking? I'm good with the cookies and love hearts, but the apron?

Jess made me do it. :(

#228 : Kerry, I took a peek at the link and it sounds wonderful (with the exception of the raisins which I hate). I think I'll try it out tomorrow - minus the raisins, petals and gold leaf.

>239 Ape: Did you remember to pull the kitchen curtains shut?

That's what my husband did when we did dishes as newlyweds (41 years ago). Didn't want the neighbors to see him at the sink!

241 LOLOL hey, we were married 38 years before dan ever did a dish...
I would have been happy to have the curtains closed if that is what it took..

241: Haha! Wow...well, like Kath said, at least he did them! :)

I grew up with my brother and father always helping out in the kitchen and around the house, then I shared houses with male friends during my Uni days, and we all shared in the chores, so when I got married, I just automatically assumed Edd would help out .. meaning, do the stuff I don't like to do .. which is cleaning and washing up. He actually doesn't mind and does a good job of it. But it's a fair exchange since I do all the cooking.

But it's a fair exchange since I do all the cooking.

That's the way it ought to be! :)

Unless you cheat and make quick and easy meals that are extra-messy so the cleanup takes forever...bwahaha. :P

nah,.. I'm a very tidy cook. He's actually got it easy because I clean up as I go along, so most of the time he only has to wash the dishes used during the meal itself and maybe the odd pot or so.

It's such a crisp Fall day today ... love this weather. I had the afternoon off and went to the woods for a run. No accidents today, people .. whooppee ..... but I'm now ravenous. Trying to figure what to do about dinner.

I do that too... clean as I go...

Yeah, I hate to see a sink piled high with dirty pots, pans, plates, spoons etc. or lying all over the kitchen counter or table, for that matter.

I made some Spanakopita this afternoon....love the stuff, especially since I make it very buttery.

Spanakopita - yum - because you can't have too much butter.

I'm neurotic about dishes. I can't watch my kids clear the table because everything goes topsy turvy into the sink/dishwasher. I just have to close my eyes and leave the room. Then I have to do interventions with myself to keep from going and re-arranging the dishwasher after they are done.
Today my 11 yr old came home from school ravenous. He made 3 burritos with black and re fried beans, rice and the leftover pulled pork I made earlier this week. Then he ate half a cake (I'm NOT kidding). He left for swim practice and my kitchen looked like it had entertained 12 hungry monsters and a tornado.

Very early in our marriage, my husband and I made the deal for kitchen duty of "I cook, he cleans". When we did this he gave me a wall plaque that still hangs in my kitchen. it says...

Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.

Needless to say, I took it to heart and now whenever I cook, lets just say I'm glad he cleans!

I like to cook, but don't get to very much. The wife hates to cook, but does it all the time. To share the pain, we adopted a "whoever doesn't cook cleans up" rule. Now the son and his roommates at college have the same rule - I've taught him well!

BTW, the wife has a sign on the wall that says "I only have a kitchen because it came with the house".

"I only have a kitchen because it came with the house".

LOL.

One of my friends has a sign that says "Only one of us can look good. It's either me or the house." I like that one too.

Cooking is a chore for me, but my husband enjoys it. He doesn't clean (in the kitchen--he does everywhere else). So he does the majority of the cooking.

Jenn : I like that sign your friend has. Ha! I'll have to use that as an excuse for a messy house when my mom visits.

Very brisk morning today ... love it ... perfect for a hot chocolate and scrambled eggs with pancetta, peppers, mushroom and cheese. Oh and a couple of croissants.

I cook perhaps 3-4 days a week, when I'm in the mood. Otherwise we "wing it" - meaning that husband, daughter, and I are all responsible for his/her/my own meal. Mostly husband does dishes, but I sometimes have to go behind him and re-arrange the dishwasher a bit or re-wash a pan that doesn't meet my standards.

Never Let Me Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kymQcM4ej3w

In theaters September 15 (except not where I live). If anyone sees it, I'd love to know what you think.

>252 nittnut: "One of my friends has a sign that says "Only one of us can look good. It's either me or the house." I like that one too."

My fear would be that people would come in, see that sign, and ask, "so which one is it?"

LOL ....I know if I had that sign in my house, my friends would ask that question of me too, Elizabeth. I already get many raised eyebrows because I make people take their shoes off in the mudroom before the come into the main house ... I will provide house slippers (they're all pretty, from China and Japan) for those who aren't wild about walking around in the socks or bare feet. Well, recently my mother-in-law gave my husband a sign to hang above our vestibule door that reads : "Life is Made of Choices. Remove Your Shoes or Scrub the Floor". I love it!

>257 ejj1955: - I was thinking the same thing!

Not to change the subject, but I wanted to stop by here and mention to any Louise Penny fans that Amazon is currently selling A Rule Against Murder (new hardback) for $1.50.

#257, 259 I was thinking the same thing, too!

I have a sign in my kitchen that says, "Dinner is ready when the smoke alarm goes off . . ." Enough said about my cooking skills!

Ok I don't know what I ate but I've just broken out in hives around my neck, cheeks and around my eyes. Arrgghhh... I haven't eaten anything that I haven't eaten before and as far as I know, I'm not allergic to anything except iguana which I haven't eaten since the first time I tried and had an allergic reaction. I think I ought to go home ... aren't hives contagious? *the appropriate response is 'yes' to my boss who suggested I soak myself in a tub of oatmeal!!!!*

Oh, you definitely need to go home! Pamper yourself. It could be stress-induced. Probably the boss's fault, actually.

I'm sure you're right. I had prepared a whole business case for a marketing investment I thought we should make in Japan to build our brand awareness there, and also to try and help our distributor there expand into new industries ... and when I reminded him of this today and that I needed him to support my budget request when I go into the budget meeting tomorrow, he asked me if I would please send him details of the project, suggested that I put some measurable goals in place and how much it would cost, and that perhaps a small business case for him to review ! I did that 2 weeks ago! I was ready to strangle him.

Thank goodness he and I have a good relationship because all I did was look at him all bug-eyed and he went 'Oops... err... did you already send that to me and I didn't maybe read it yet?' So I told him my plan was sound, I've looked at it from all angels and that all he needs to do is rubber stamp his approval on my plan during the meeting tomorrow ... and if he didn't, I wasn't going to help him with his Blackberry issues anymore.

arrggghh....spots still itching... definitely time to go home .. i think my ear's starting to itch now too. Has anyone noticed that when you think of an itch, or think of someone itching, more itch spots develop on your person?

263: Did you have to say that? Now my arm itches...

Oh, poor Caro--nothing more obnoxious than allergic itches/bumps! Unless it's chicken pox or measles.

wait until the itch starts on your head, Stefano ... then you think you feel little legs too ... which then makes you wonder if maybe you have a case of head lice ... and THEN your whole head will start to itch

I had the measles when I was 7 and chicken pox when I was 20, Roni ..... I did think of that ... *sigh* oh well ... maybe they'll go away if i have a few glasses of wine when I get home

Yikes! Hope you are feeling better now, Caro.......

If it's hives, take Benedryl. I developed an allergy to shellfish as an adult (*sob*).

On the other hand, if you've already tried the wine, skip the Benedryl!

good advice!

Benadryl with wine ish *faaabulooouuusss* doan lissena them ol dullzers Caro an hey whassa ol man godda do ta gedda new thread roun here

as quickly as the hives appeared, they seem to have gone to another party save for one itchy spot on my neck which might be a bug bite. I think i drowned the allergy out with the gallon of green tea and water I've been drinking all day.

It literally took me several minutes to load up this thread on my dial up connection, so I think we are in dire need of a new one. Sooo...I have created one myself. Here you go:

~~~~~The Kitchen (10)~~~~~

*ducks and covers*

#272 You may really have washed the allergens out of your system, Caroline. And if you had an actual bug bite, that could have been the cause of the whole reaction. It sounds like you have a boss very much like mine. Oblivious to what you do, until you don't do it -- or he thinks you didn't do it.