Archive for January 2016
What's your least favorite cooking chore?">What's your least favorite cooking chore?
I really enjoy cooking and most of the chores surrounding the planning, cooking and eating of meals. However, there are a few chores I actively dislike, for not entirely rational reasons. For me, I am easily annoyed chopping herbs (mostly cilantro and parsley). Probably the result of poor technique, this chore...
Read morehelp! Thawing pizza dough forms hard crust on the dough">help! Thawing pizza dough forms hard crust on the dough
Bryan, Do you cover it in an airtight container while thawing on the counter??? Poor instructions on box for a beginner. Reading More May Cause Envy...
Read moremushroom stems">mushroom stems
What type of stem does a mushroom have? Herbaceous, woody, or modified? What is the shape of a mushroom and lobes, tip, and margin? Reading More May Cause Envy...
Read moreCassoulet recipe from NYTIMES">Cassoulet recipe from NYTIMES
Thanks to all the local ethnic markets, I can get all the ingredients needed for this cassoulet recipe from NY Times. Anyone attempted to make this version or any other versions of cassoulet? Is it worth all the trouble and time? I want this to be my...
Read moreFirst time using a dutch oven, what to make?">First time using a dutch oven, what to make?
I received a Le Creuset 3.4L oven dutch oven for Christmas. I will be completely honest, I have no idea what to do with it (hangs head in shame). No clue what the heck to do with this thing! Would appreciate any easy (tried and true) but delicious recipes. I...
Read moreCroissant Trouble Shooting">Croissant Trouble Shooting
This Is My Current Process Day 1 make dough (mix low speed 5 mins add sugar mix 4) wrap up and bulk prove for up to an hour depending on dough temp. Day 2 de-gass dough square dough off to correct lamination size rectangle. chill in freezer till dough super cold/ make butter malleable laminate dough...
Read moreTraditional Smoking Wood in Hawaii">Traditional Smoking Wood in Hawaii
Aloha Kaleo Thanks for such an in-depth overview of Hawaiian history! It explains so much of why the monarchy was deposed. (our tour guide while very well informed missed those key points) Getting back to BBQ, I recently spent some time helping with an UMU. The two woods used were Mango (Komo?)...
Read moreAny hope for freezer-burn meat?">Any hope for freezer-burn meat?
I'm trying to watch my budget so the idea of tossing what remains of the side of beef I have in the freezer kills me. Some of it has been in the deep freeze for a couple years. Mostly briskets, roasts. I don't know that it's freezer-burned,...
Read moreChicken Jalfrezi - Khan's/Bayswater?">Chicken Jalfrezi - Khan's/Bayswater?
I've been trying to find a recipe for the chicken jalfrezi served at Khan's in Bayswater in London. I found one online about two years ago and it was close but now can't even find that one. Khan's chicken jalfrezi is unlike any other I've ever had--it's been...
Read moreHome Cooking Dish of the Month Nominations Thread - February">Home Cooking Dish of the Month Nominations Thread - February
Welcome to the Nominations thread for the February Dish of the Month. This is my inaugural post helping LNightshade and Meatn3 coordinating the DOTM threads. So, please help me look good by nominating interesting dishes for February. The January Dish of the Month has been Stews. You can...
Read moreAbout Me
I love food. Unfortunately, I can't cook worth a damn. I've been known to even burn water.
When I watch chefs and good cooks on tv, I'm so envious of their skills. This blog is the closest I get to cooking, other than the microwave ;)
Try not to drool!
John, New Englander turned Cali dude