April 3, 2007

The Mic Is On: We’re Food Crazy . . .

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm

It’s Like Open Mic Only Different

Here’s how it works.

It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.

There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.

We’re Talking About Candy, Cakes and Corn Flakes!

We might talk about

  • weird food stories
  • big holiday dinners
  • weird dinner dates
  • romantic food adventures
  • dinner for 2, 4 or 50
  • how food has played a part in our lives
  • what we wanted to eat when we grew up
Food Crazy



And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey.

Oh, and bring a link, if you have one to share.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?


Filed under Comments, Community, Links, Marketing, Outside the Box, SOB Business, Successful Blog |



C'mon. Let's talk!

237 Comments to “The Mic Is On: We’re Food Crazy . . .”

  1. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:00 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Hi, Liz

  2. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:01 pm
    Michael A. Stelzner said

    Hey Liz - Just got back from eating a churro from Costco. It was a yummy snack to break up the afternoon! - Mike

  3. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:02 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Hi, Mike

  4. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:02 pm
    Michael A. Stelzner said

    Hi Tariq

  5. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:03 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Tariq! Welcome have a snack!

    Hi Mike!
    What’s that? You eat somewhere else besides where I always hear you on the the telephone?

  6. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:04 pm
    Michael A. Stelzner said

    Yes, other than Carl Jr’s, I sometimes go to Costco. They feed me as I walk down the isles with snacks. I needed a mental break!

  7. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:04 pm
    Michael A. Stelzner said

    How is SOBcon coming along Liz?

  8. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Hi Liz, Tariq, Mike — everyone :)

  9. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Sure, Liz. What do you recommend?

  10. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
    ME Strauss said

    I hear that walking and eating is one way to stay thin.

  11. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Hi, Gayla

  12. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:06 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Yeah, and then there’s walking, eating, and talking.

  13. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:07 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Howdy, Y’all!

    Hey, Liz, that’s not a bad question! What will the food be like at SOBCon?

  14. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:07 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Gayla!
    Welcome! As always there’s beverages and snacks in the sidebar. Hmmmmm One of these days I’m going to have to get John, the bartender, to show up here. :)

  15. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:07 pm
    Michael A. Stelzner said

    I drive to my mailbox…

  16. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:07 pm
    Trisha said

    I can’t believe I missed the week about time! I could have talked about time lords the whole time!

    Food - I’ve been trying to avoid eating junk food lately, and I’ve written a few posts lately about why people don’t eat right.

  17. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:08 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Robert!
    Have a cold one?

  18. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:10 pm
    Char said

    Good evening everyone! Just finished making/eating BLTs for dinner tonight - it’s too hot to fire up the oven.

  19. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:11 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    How about this one? I had an incredibly terrific meal on a Continental flight one December in 2000, while flying from Houston to Tokyo in Business class. It was absolutely incredible! And, to top it off, there was Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream for dessert, which I ate while were flying over Alaska. Ironic, huh?

  20. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:13 pm
    Trisha said

    Does weird include gross?

  21. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:13 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Liz,
    Hey All,
    Sorry I’m late. I’m up to my neck in Estate paperwork.
    And I’m trying to finish the Wendy Piersall interview for tomorrow. I have to do justice to her for being kind enough to talk to me. :-)

  22. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:13 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    Hello everyone. This is Alex - who wants to talk food?

  23. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:14 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Trisha!
    Hi Char!

  24. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:14 pm
    Trisha said

    Once, many years ago I bought a box of microwave brownie mix and there was this web like stuff in it that turned out to be some sort of flying insect that had made a cocoon like thing in the mix.

  25. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:15 pm
    Char said

    Joe, call a little louder - maybe we can get Wendy over here tonight.

  26. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:16 pm
    Michael A. Stelzner said

    I am writing a blog post about food actually.

    On a separate note, I would like to share this link:
    http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2007/03/30/10-ways-to-make-your-words-captivate/

    For you bloggers or writers out there, this article will help you write more compelling posts.

  27. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:18 pm
    Joe said

    Char, I’ll try.
    WENDY…
    Maybe I’ll just send her an email. ;-)

  28. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:18 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Hi Char — did you say too hot for the oven? Don’t worry, we’re sending some cold stuff your way. Maybe you’ll get that since you didn’t get those Christmas lawn ornaments I sent you a few months ago :)

  29. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:19 pm
    Char said

    I’ll send her one too.

    And we need Chris with the Klondike bars.

  30. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:20 pm
    Char said

    Thanks Gayla - now you are sending me plastic Easter Eggs to hang off the tree out front, right? It was almost 90 today - in April.

  31. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:21 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Joe,
    I’ll call her!

  32. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:22 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Char, we broke 90. That’s pretty normal for here.

  33. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:23 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    As a matter of fact, we did just hang Easter Eggs on the tree yesterday and we’re expecting storms tonight so you might just end up with some after all. They’re calling for 19 degree low temps IN APRIL can you believe it? I’m ready to move someplace tropical where I can eat coconuts, bananas and drink Cocoa Loco’s.

  34. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:23 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    Hi, Liz! I had to come and join in tonight… and remind you about sugar pie with heavy cream… YUM~!

  35. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:25 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Gayla,
    That sounds so cool Easter Eggs on the tree! The tropics does sound so wonderful!

  36. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:25 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    Hi, Liz… Hi everyone! I just had to join in on tonight’s topic… and remind everyone of that wonderful French Canadian dessert called “Sugar Pie” usually served with heavy cream…

    Yum…

  37. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    Trying to join the conversation… Hello?

  38. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Alright, alright, I heard someone shouting my name through the computer screen….

    Hi everyone! :)

  39. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    My kids think I’m totally off my rocker for wanting to still decorate outside and to do the Easter Bunny cake thing. They’re teens and well, that’s just not cool anymore.

    Someone they know might see! *gasp*

  40. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Looky - all my buddies are playing together!

  41. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:28 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Hi everyone. I’ve been trying to post on Liz’s announcement post. Doh!

    In lines with Trish’s brownie story, I once purchased a box of imported Irish steel cut oatmeal that had strange little living bugs inside. I did not open the bag for fear it would break some international commerce laws or something.

  42. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:29 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    Okay… I seem to be able to post! (Technical difficulties at my end somehow…)

    Just had to join the fun and remind the group of that wonderful French Canadian dessert called Sugar Pie (similar to Pecan Pie but without the pecans), usually served with heavy cream.

    Yum…

  43. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:29 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Hi Wendy!!!

  44. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:30 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    LOL Mark - those were probably those moths that somehow get into grain storage containers. We had them once long ago and they were nearly impossible to get rid of.

    But when I found a maggot in my breakfast cereal, I threw out every open box of food we had in the house!

  45. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:30 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Wendy!
    Hi Monique!
    Hi Mark!

    How cool to see you all here!

  46. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:31 pm
    Char said

    Hey Wendy! Glad you made it.

    Hi Monique and Mark, too!

  47. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:31 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    Hi, Robert…. Maybe I should do an insurance blog on dessert and insurance…???

  48. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:31 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Oh Monique . . . Sugar Pie, heavy cream . . . there you go again. :)

  49. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:32 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Ew Wendy!
    I bet you felt like throwing the house out with them. :)

  50. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:32 pm
    A Poem for Liz Strauss | Goodword Editing said

    [...] She’s going Food Crazy at her open mic night. And here’s a poem for that crowd. [...]

  51. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:32 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    Liz — you can’t have a conversation about cakes and cookies and treats of all kinds and forget Sugar Pie!

    ;-)

  52. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:33 pm
    Char said

    How many of your kids will eat cafeteria food? One of mine will (the picky eater, go figure) and one won’t - after opening curdled milk on the same day his pizza was under cooked.

  53. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:33 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Monique,
    Sugar Pie and insurance. :)

  54. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:34 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Gayla!! (((HUGS)))

    Then again I shouldn’t leave anyone out, so:
    (((Liz)))
    (((Char)))
    (((Mark)))
    (((Joe)))
    (((Alex)))

    And I hope the rest of you are hugging types, because when I meet people I think handshakes suck:

    (((Michael)))
    (((Monique)))
    (((Tariq)))
    (((TRisha)))
    (((Robert)))

  55. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:35 pm
    Mike said

    You want weird food? How about Min i Confectioner’s Haggis?

    Hi everybody!

  56. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:35 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    ATTENTION - OPEN MIC NIGHT IS NOW GOING TO BE VEGAN. PLEASE PROCEED WITH VEGAN STORIES ONLY - NO VEGETARIANS!

  57. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:35 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    What was your favorte school cafeteria meal? Mine was frito pie followed by an ice cream sandwich.

  58. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:35 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Bad timing = we’re about to eat.

    BRB :)

  59. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:36 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Wendy,
    You are the very best hugger. I can’t wait until SOBCon just to watch you!!

  60. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:36 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Hi Liz! Hi everyone! I can’t list you all by name–and I don’t know most of you. It’s my first time, but I’m glad to be here. (In and out.)

    I love deserts too, Monique. I just posted a poem about my favorite German desert over at my blog (too long for a comment).

    My host mother used to make this stuff called Donauwellen. It was like a half vanilla, half chocolate brownie with cherries squashed down inside. Then she would spread fresh cream over the top and some kind of strange thick chocolate crust on top of that. Ooooooh.

    Then a nice cup of coffee.

  61. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:36 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    My kids all eat cafeteria food, but we’re kind of lucky here. Our school offers two choices.

    LOL Nice cereal Wendy ICK. So much for cravin’ Rice Krispies

  62. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:36 pm
    Mike said

    Hi Tariq,

    I came from the neolithic period. The sloppy joes were about as good as it got. Ice cream on holidays only, but you had to love those christmas tree shaped ones!

    Mike

  63. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:37 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    I went vegan for two months between august and november. I lost weight and felt great, but I think I didn’t get enough nutrition towards the end. I was taking 7 classes, including labs and independent research, on top of that I was taking martial arts 3 days a week and attending landmark seminars once a week. Eventually I had to stop because I wasn’t getting enough energy from my food and felt drained.

  64. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:37 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Alex, I tried to be vegan for a forty day fast once. I thought I was going to die. Also, it was really expensive.

  65. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:37 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Hi, Wendy. (((Wendy))).

    Someone should do a post on hugs. They are so underutilized in our PC world.

  66. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:37 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    ooops… gotta run for a phone calll …. hopefully back later…

  67. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:38 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    … and I’ll take a hug any day!

  68. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:39 pm
    Monique Attinger said

    sugar pie and insurance…. oops — really gotta run!

  69. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:39 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    And I have sudden read books to the kids before bed duties. I’ll be back in a bit.

  70. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:39 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Mike,
    I think you and I had the same school cafeteria. No wonder we have the same sense of humor. :)

  71. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:40 pm
    Char said

    Alex - I was pretty much a vegan in my early twenties. If I was single and living alone, I would probably gravitate back to that again. My family likes meat, so I can’t really avoid it all together.

    Mark - welcome! Glad you could join us this evening.

  72. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:41 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Wendy,
    Thanks for doing the Interview. I’ll send you a copy before I hit publish, just in case.

    BTW is ADD A.D.D.? I had to read it twice to get the idea. :-) Maybe I have A.D.D. ;-)

  73. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:41 pm
    Renée said

    Hello everyone! My moooooost favorite topic, food! I can talk all day and night about food from eating to cooking.

    Speaking of cooking, I actually feel so tranquil during the process. And when someone (human or dogs) finishes all those food and ask for seconds…my mission is accomplished, almost! :)

  74. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:41 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    Char, I am completely sure that you can avoid meat if you wanted to. I will be your personal support group, I believe in you!

  75. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:41 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    I would become vegan but I like grilled hamburgers WAY too much. I think that’s the one thing I would always backslide with. Everything else I could do without.

  76. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:43 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    Mark, the trick is to get a wide variety of micro nutrients, and get plenty of sources of protein. Than you can stay energized for much longer without that gradual deteriation of energy. I am going to start another vegan trial.

  77. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:43 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Mark Goodyear
    This is wonderful!
    http://www.goodwordediting.com/?p=76#comment-693

  78. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    Liz Strauss

  79. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
    Char said

    Alex - some nights I eat it and other nights I don’t - it just depends on my mood. I don’t make a real conscious effort to avoid it, I just don’t really like it, so I don’t eat as much of it.

    Gayla - how is spring break going?

  80. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Yes Alex?

  81. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
    Carolyn Manning said

    Hi everyone. Took a late nap that lasted longer than anticipated. If we’re still on food, I’m heating the chicken fajita wrap from Sunday’s lunch.

  82. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:45 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Char, down here in Texas we do like the occasional steak or two.

    However, one of my favorite meals of all was at a vegan Indian restaurant. That’s unremarkable except that I do like — and prefer meat — but it was absolutely delicious.

  83. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:45 pm
    Char said

    Carolyn - naps are good!!!

  84. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:45 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Renée!
    Welcome! Snacks are everywhere!

  85. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:46 pm
    Mike said

    Gayla is obviously not from Wisconsin. The bratwurst is the one indispensable meat product.

    And pepperoni.

    And grilled hamburger.

    Oh, who am I kidding?

  86. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:46 pm
    Jason Alba said

    Yo - food lover and SOB here (skipping dinner to participate)…

    Jason Alba
    CEO - JibberJobber.com

  87. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:46 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    Char, I’m just saying, don’t make a decision based on them.

    Liz, I meant to draw a heart, it didn’t come out. I heart Liz Strauss.

    Carolyn, Welcome

  88. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:46 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    Guys, don’t be so hard on yourselves.. half of you think you’re SOBs but I think you’re well.

  89. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
    ME Strauss said

    I [heart] Alex.

  90. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    So far so good Char. Today was kind of funny. Apparently and according to my husband, I’m a great listener and a person that’s very easy to talk to. Seems all the kids had their own ideas for conversation today. I didn’t get much done so that’s why I have *permission* (and I DO use that term with tongue in cheek) to be online tonight ;-)

    shhhh ’sar secret

  91. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
    Jason Alba said

    My dream (when I’m rich) is to live on burritos/tacos, pizza and donuts. That’s about it - I’d be happy with that.

    And I won’t have to worry about getting old and lonely (cuz that diet won’t let me get old :p)

    Jason Alba

  92. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Jason! Great to see you!
    Have a cold one and some snacks.

    Tariq, anyone, something else?

  93. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:48 pm
    Alex Shalman said

    Jason, that diet won’t let you see your feet either!

  94. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:49 pm
    Tariq Khan said

    Thanks, Liz.

  95. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:50 pm
    Carolyn Manning said

    Yep, naps are part of life. Thanks for the welcomes. Let me get up to spead.

  96. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:50 pm
    Jason Alba said

    Hi Liz, good to see you too!

    @Alex… whuh? I have feet???

    :p

  97. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:51 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Carolyn,
    The thing I like best about naps is that, if you time them right, you end up with 2 days instead of 1.

  98. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:52 pm
    Char said

    Gayla - I didn’t get much done today - had to make a trip to Target - otherwise there will be no Easter Bunny on Sunday.

    Okay Alex - I’m pretty sure I can be meat free without too much trouble - check back in with me next week and I’ll let you know how I do.

    Hey Jason!

  99. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:53 pm
    Tariq Khan said
  100. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:53 pm
    Carolyn Manning said

    You’re right, Liz. And for those of us who try to fill our days with too much, 2 in 1 is a fine thing.

  101. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:53 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Tariq,
    You are too NICE. :)

  102. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:55 pm
    Mike said

    Liz,

    How about a little Uno’s?

    Mike

  103. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:55 pm
    ME Strauss said

    You got it, Mike!
    What do you want on your pizza?

  104. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:56 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    What’s the ONE food item that you could live on — especially if you didn’t have to worry about sugar, sodium or fat content?

  105. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:56 pm
    Mike said

    Any one of the stuffed ones, but the more ingredients the better!

  106. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:56 pm
    Char said

    Does coffee count?

  107. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:58 pm
    Easton Ellsworth said

    Pizza.

  108. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:59 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Easton!!
    What do you want on your Pizzz?

  109. April 3rd, 2007 at 7:59 pm
    Carolyn Manning said

    I’ve been doing a bit of gazing about. Are Joe or Rick here yet?

    No, Char, coffee isn’t food. (Although there are days when it should be).

    Gayla, pasta.

  110. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:00 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Well, coffee is a drink - You can have anything to drink you want, but what FOOD would you want?

    See, I can’t go without my coffee or my iced tea or Tang, so I didn’t include drinks LOL

  111. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:01 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    K - back for a bit - Just ate a really healthy and energizing meal:

    Hamburger Helper

    :P

  112. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:01 pm
    Easton Ellsworth said

    my wife and I are both pizza fanatics. We both really like banana peppers and I will eat anything short of anchovies.

  113. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:02 pm
    Char said

    Okay, if coffee doesn’t count - then pasta it is.

    Here is my all time favorite, super quick, can’t be beat pasta recipe.

    Greek Spaghetti
    Prepare angel hair pasta per package directions.
    Saute minced garlic in olive oil until brown, add cooked pasta to pan and saute.
    Toss in crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and chopped kalamata olives.

    YUMMY!

  114. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:02 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Carolyn,
    Joe is here, but I’ve not seen Rick for a while.

  115. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:03 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Isn’t Hamburger Helper the best? There’s practically a different flavor for every night of the month!

  116. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:03 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Oh, and Joe - yes, ADD is Attention Deficit Disorder, of which I am NOT deficit!

  117. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:04 pm
    Carolyn Manning said

    Hi Easton,

    Even though I’ve not posted YET, here’s my link for this week
    hppt://productivitygoal.com

    I’m proud as a peacock (who says that anymore) to be part of Know More Media.

  118. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:04 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    And here I thought I would have missed this entire conversation 2 hours after it started.

  119. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:05 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Gayla - YES! With their Chicken helper and Slow Cooker helpers, I’m content working away at my computer and letting Betty Crocker feed my kids (I bet their ad agency is loving the fact that we’re naming all of these brands. HA!)

  120. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:05 pm
    Easton Ellsworth said

    gotta go eat some pizza now…be very jealous. Enjoy talking! Nice to see everyone.

  121. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:06 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Sound Yummy Char!

    I think for me it would have to be pepperoni with banana pepper pizza. I am quite sure I could live on that and well, I’m honestly willing to give it a try!

    The family would probably protest, but hey, I’d be doing it for research! :)

  122. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:06 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Easton, I speak from experience. I’ve lived in Arizona and I’ve lived in Chicago.

    YOU, my friend, don’t eat pizza. You eat dough and sauce with decorations on top.

    ;)

  123. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:06 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Ashley!
    Are you kidding? Bloggers can talk! Snacks and beverages are in the sidebar. We’re ordering pizza from Unos. Talk about anything!

  124. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:07 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    Pizza and hamburger helper, I can’t remember the last time I had anything like that

  125. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Through the magic of Blogging

    Pizza from Unos any kind you like!!

  126. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Ashley - I consider you my hero. :)

  127. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    I want to go back to the pizza thread. The best pizza I ever had was in Rothenburg Germany. Thin crust seafood pizza with calamari, scallops, prawns, and sea bass.

    It was incredible.

    And pizza demands good beer.

    Coffee on the other hand (not a food?) demans good donuts. Or scones.

  128. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    I can just see their new ad campaigns based off this very conversation - Hamburger Helper the Meal of WAHM’s

  129. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:10 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    I guess if you’re a real heath nut, this is the way to live vicariously!

  130. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:10 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Ewww I’m NOT a fan of seafood.

    Everything tastes the same - like the Goldfish bowl smelled when I was a kid.

    Ick

  131. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:10 pm
    Char said

    I’ve never tried Hamburger Helper. I wonder if my kids would eat it?

    Here’s my Survival tool:
    Menu Plan Monday

  132. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:11 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Wendy,
    Have you been to Ashley’s blog? She’s a painter. She’s coming to SOBCon.

    Ashley,
    Wendy’s speaking at SOBCon. :)

  133. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:12 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    well thanks Liz. I’ll check out your link to Wendy, let me find it…

  134. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:12 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    No, Gayla, you mean you are not a fan of bad seafood. The good stuff doesn’t taste fishy. (Well, some of it does.)

    This pizza wasn’t fishy at all. I’ve since tried other seafood pizzas. Much to my regret.

  135. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:13 pm
    Char said

    Gotta put the crew to bed - hope to be back in a few….

  136. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:17 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    I really truly tried “the best seafood” on the Pier in San Francisco. Supposed to have been one of the best places. I tried several things. I just can’t acquire that taste for it.

    My kids LOVE seafood and I just don’t know where they get it lol

  137. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:17 pm
    Carolyn Manning said

    How about that cajun seafood thing? Clams, crawfish, scallops, shrimp . . . over yellow rice . . . totally grand; so grand I forget the name :)

  138. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:18 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    seafood gumbo?

  139. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:19 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Personally, I stay on the kid side of sea food, a little tuna, some salmon, shrimp, crab, not much further for me.

  140. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:19 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    That sounds like jumbalaya to me.

    No one has mentioned Sushi yet either! (Sorry Gayla.) That’s the way I really like fish. Cold and raw. Especially yellow tail tuna. Mmmmm.

  141. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:20 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    I think Ashley’s right. It’s gumbo.

  142. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:21 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    I LOVE sushi! I’m pretty darn good at making it as well.

  143. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:21 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    What about as a child? Is there one memory you have of food that stands out above all others?

    For me, it was each year when Grandma would call with her first batch of fried green tomatoes, cucumbers in vinegar and onion and fried hot cabbage.

  144. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:22 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Wow. Where do you learn how to make Sushi? And where to do get Sushi grade fish?

  145. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:23 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Mark, you’re not allowed anywhere near my fish tank :P

  146. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:23 pm
    Wendy Piersall said

    Sorry, got lost in Ashley’s paintings… it’s a wonder I found my way back!

  147. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:24 pm
    Dave said

    One word: pavlova!

    Hey everyone!

  148. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:24 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Good question, Gayla. I didn’t properly appreciate food as a kid. The highlight for me was purchasing a package of dippin’ sticks at the corner store. I really start to get adventurous as a teenager.

    Now I will eat anything. And I like most of it.

  149. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    wow, thanks! I’m really happy with today’s painting.

  150. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Wow! I was gone for a bit (doing my taxes - yuk) and I’ve missed a million comments! Looks like… pizza, hamburgers, and dessert are still going strong, though. :-)

  151. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:26 pm
    Jason Alba said

    ok so as far as food goes, for me - it’s celebration. I have a special going on my web app right now - through Monday - and on Tuesday night the fam is going to go out to eat to celebrate.

  152. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:26 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Gayla, funny. Have you ever heard of swallowing live goldfish? I have heard it is a strange college thing to do–frat rush week kind of stuff. (I never did, being more dork than frat.)

  153. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:28 pm
    Jason Alba said

    and as far as pity-fooding, I go to the store, buy a chocolate cake mix, and go home, bake and it :) I did this twice in ‘05 (when I was GM of a company and I lost 2 great employees (to other companies)). Choco cake. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm

  154. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:28 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    I learned to make sushi while I was a nanny in Australia after college (I got a little off track), but a fun way to learn is to go to a sushi party! You can find all the ingredients as any large health food store, like Wild Oats, or a Japanese grocery (you’d be surprised how many cities have one).

  155. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    I had a cousin do that when I was little. I only saw the photo. Is that NOT the most sick thing? Ick.

  156. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:30 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    I agree Jason. And pretty much every day gives me something to celebrate. And I love to celebrate with macaroni or pizza or macaroni pizza as much as I love to celebrate with a bratwust sausage plate that includes red kraut and warm german potato salad.

  157. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:31 pm
    Dave said

    Gayla,

    My oldest son ate a raw egg, shell and all to win a CD! I couldn’t believe it.

  158. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:32 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Dave!
    I’m listening and laughing!

  159. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:34 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    Ever since I got back Venezuela a few weeks back, I’ve found I no longer have the stomach of steel. Eating hasn’t been so pleasant lately. Hopefully, my doctor will have some insightful to do/say at my appointment tomorrow.

  160. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:34 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    I’m celebrating that I was able to show up. hey - it’s only been 3 months or so!

  161. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:35 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Susan!
    How cool is that!
    Two artists at one Open Comments. I feel like a celebrity!

  162. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:36 pm
    Carolyn Manning said

    Ashley, no, I think I can’t spell it: Jambaylaa, or something like that?

    Gayla, my Polish grandmother’s pierogies. THE BEST. Although, I’ve since learned to adapt the recipe. Anyone want it?

    Bob, stop doing your taxes at the dinner table.

    Jason, hi. We’ve not talked in a while. How are you?

  163. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:36 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    Ashley, tell us about the painting . . .

  164. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    the latest painting?

  165. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Dave, couldn’t you have just bought him the CD??? LMAO

    The Shell? Are YOU serious? That had to hurt!

  166. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:38 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    Oh yes, recipes are heaven, especially when someone else does the adapting!

  167. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:39 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    Liz - before I forget, my condolences on the Hoyas’ loss. Now you can do the ssame for me with the buckeye’s going down in flames to the hated Fla.

  168. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    Ashley - are you working on more than one? I tend to do it.

  169. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:41 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Bummer! gotta go already! Owe big money, have to run and hide!

    See y’all later!

  170. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:42 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    I’m still trying to imagine someone eating a raw egg AND the shell. That sounds dribbly.

    Ashley, I hope your stomach gets better. That’s the worst. Venezuela was probably worth it, though!

  171. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:42 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Thanks, Susan!
    I’m right with you!

  172. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:42 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    oh yes, between the ones I’ve only started in my head and the ones that are nearly finished, I usually have 3 going.

  173. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:43 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    Dave, how old is this son. They sure are full of willingness to do just about anything.

  174. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:43 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    Mark, it was worth it. I got 500+ great pictures that I’ve been painting from (and writing).

  175. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:47 pm
    Gayla McCord said

    Well y’all, it’s been fun! I’m going to call it a night here. Just a few things to wrap up before I call it a night.

    Thanks for the entertainment :)

    Be safe and have a great night!

  176. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:48 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Oooh, Ashley. Writing is one of my great loves. (Though I enjoy all the arts.)

    Of course, my wife is my greatest love. And she and I both love food.

    But not raw eggs or egg shells. I do have standards.

  177. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:49 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    Ashley do the paintings sometimes get nearly finished and then just sit in the studio waiting to communicate just exactly what they want to happen to them next?
    I think mine take on a life of their own and go through sort of cocooning periods. - then POW - all of a sudden they are ready to be finished.

  178. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:51 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    Well, I had a great new experience with eggs today. I mashed up an hard boiled egg with garlic hummus to make a different kind of egg salad. If people only knew the weird stuff I do in my kitchen.

  179. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:54 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    Unfortunately Susan, I find that if a painting doesn’t get done soon after it was started, that it sits in a corner somewhere for maybe years until I decided to paint over it and start over.

    Although, my last “Painting in Progress” post is one that has been sitting around for a while and I’m determined to finish it. Derby season has inspired me.

  180. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:57 pm
    Jason Alba said

    You know what I love about this open mic thing - I see some of my favorite people - Char, Wendy, Carolyn, Liz (of course :p)… hello all :) :)

    I also must mention, the last time I was on this open mic I got a huge blog series out of it… called The Resume Experiment (it was from someone else on the open mic, we took our discussion off-list and it blossomed into something tre-cool!)

    Ah, nice like chocolate cake (can you tell what my fav food is like?)

    @Mike - pizza + mac???

  181. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:58 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    Carolyn, I just went to you blog. I was there months ago and fell in love with your header image. It’s gorgeous!

  182. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:58 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Speaking of eggs, I talked with artist this summer who worked exclusively in egg tempura. That is an insane medium. He said one painting (about 10 feet by 5 feet) would take him three years from concept to final product. I’ve never seen anything like these paintings.

  183. April 3rd, 2007 at 8:59 pm
    Sasha said

    A bunch of blogger friends got together last night for some spaghetti, ice cream and lemon slings. Er, not necessarily in that order. :mrgreen:

  184. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:00 pm
    Sasha said

    Hi, Liz! Hi, everyone! :)

  185. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:00 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    oh wow, I would go crazy. I painted a 12′ x 30′ acrylic mural last year in 50 hours.

  186. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:02 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Sasha!
    Welcome to the food extravagaza!

  187. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:03 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    Hi Sasha. Sounds like a great time was had by all. Pass the pitcher.

  188. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:04 pm
    Sasha said

    Anyone up for eating a local delicacy “Balut” (Duck egg) popularized in Fear Factor? :mrgreen:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balut

  189. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:05 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Jason. I know mac + pizza sounds crazy. But we have a local pizza place that makes it, and my kids love it. It has a distinctly kid friendly taste. Comfort food.

    Hey, what do you all eat for comfort food?

  190. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:07 pm
    Sasha said

    Hi, Susan! (here ‘ya go. glass half-full. we don’t want to lose you just yet ;) ) Yes. Yes. Ice cream was comfort food and the sling is simply for, er, fun. LOL.

  191. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:08 pm
    ME Strauss said

    I had fun once. . . . I think it was 1969. Was it ‘74? No ‘85 — yeah ‘85 that was it. :)

  192. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:09 pm
    Joe said

    Ok, if the link works, here is a preview of the interview with Wendy (sorry, secrets out).
    http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/2007/04/04/interview-wendy-piersall-of-emoms-at-home/
    I have no idea if you can comment, but the preiview should work fine. :-)

  193. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:09 pm
    GP said

    How fortutious.. since it’s Passover. It was always a serious feast each year, but with foods that we loved but dont eat the rest of the year.

    Hmmm… maybe that’s what made them so special:)

    http://fishcreekhouse.blogspot.com/2007/04/almost-time-to-passover.html

    GP in Montana

  194. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:10 pm
    Sheila at Family Travel said

    Hi all. Can only stay for a bit, but will confess to having eaten balut years ago in the PI. The biggest problem is that I detest hardboiled eggs, which is what it tasted like.

  195. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:13 pm
    Sasha said

    Funny you mention that, last night was dubbed as a “Pre-easter party”

    Liz, twas that long ago? Egad. Hahaha.

  196. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:14 pm
    Mark Goodyear said

    Gotta run, y’all. This was fun. I look forward to meeting some of you at SOBcon07!

  197. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:14 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    my comfort food is cereal. I know, I know, it’s not glutenous, but if I were stranded on an island and had to pick one food to eat, it would be cereal.

  198. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:16 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Ashley
    I absolutely love honey nut cheerios!

  199. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:18 pm
    bj said

    CHOCOLATE. Any and all forms. Hi all!

    I can’t stick around long but I wanted y’all to read this one. It’s about all of us . . .

    http://www.robinbrande.com/life/sometimes-someone-has-to-call-you-on-your-bull

  200. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:18 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    it’s like my chocolate. my mom used to find me in the pantry eating granola out of the box

  201. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:19 pm
    Sasha said

    Sheila, seriously? That’s so cool! Even some locals stay away from it. I don’t know why. But between you and me (and the rest of you reading this) I think it’s guilt. We all grew up reading “The Ugly Duckling” and watching Disney movies. Donald may be annoying at times but, hey, he’s got that adorable lisp, which makes him cute in my book. :lol:

  202. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:22 pm
    Sheila at Family Travel said

    I would not call balut my comfort food.

    That has to be peanut butter, either with banana or slices of Granny Smith apple.

    And a Dr. Pepper, preferably one bottled at the plant in Dublin, TX with the original formula that uses cane sugar instead of corn syrup.

    Not that I’m picky.

  203. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:22 pm
    Sasha said

    BTW, Ashley… I’m floored. I just checked your site and, gawd, you’re uber-talented! I mean, truly! Am impressed! :D

  204. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:27 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    Thanks Sasha, esp for using “uber.” That’s one of my favorite words!

  205. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:28 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Hi, Liz! *hugz*

    Hi, everyone! Wow food food divine food! :-D

    Shella heard u talking about balut. Wow, you from Manila? I am. ;)

  206. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:29 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    Well, I’ve got to go soak in a hot bath after painfully popping my hip in yoga class tonight while in the triangle pose. I’ll be a bit more cautious next time my instructor says, “stretch a little deeper.”

  207. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:31 pm
    Sasha said

    I love Dr. Pepper. However, Coca-cola is still number one for me, which brings me to think that my comfort food is Grande Soy Latte from Starbuck’s!

  208. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:31 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Hasta la vista, Ashley! :)

  209. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:34 pm
    Joe said

    You want comfort food?
    Oatmeal with butter (no sugar) and a little milk. Nice and thick on a cold winter’s night.
    Real comfort…

  210. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:36 pm
    Ashley Cecil said

    my parting comment: I just looked up balut and my gag reflexes kicked in! yuck!

  211. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:38 pm
    Susan Reynolds said

    You’ve made me hungry folks - must take off for my little bedtime snack and slip into jammies. Have fun the rest of you! It’s nice to be back in the land of the living:^)

  212. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:38 pm
    Sheila at Family Travel said

    Hi Meikah, No, I only visited the Philippines when I was in the Navy. Gorgeous country; I’d love to go back someday.

  213. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:39 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    My comfort food… hmmm… that would have to be pancakes with lots of syrup and butter. Sinful!

  214. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:41 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Meikah!
    Great to see you!

  215. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:43 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Sheila, when you come back, you must tell me. I can show you around. ;)

    Hahaha, Ashley, it’s what you call a delicacy. Yes, it’s not your usual food. I can’t eat it myself. :-D

  216. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:44 pm
    Joe said

    Substitute for Oatmeal(if you’re a kid) Cheerio’s with warm milk and sugar. Ummm.
    I still like that one, with Banana’s

  217. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:48 pm
    Sheila at Family Travel said

    Before I forget, as I’m wont to do these days, I did bring a Tex-Mex foodie link from the new “Perceptive Travel” blog I’m writing for….it’s actually a two-fer because the post includes a link to an article I just had published in “CHOW,” a food magazine.

    The blog post is about the Las Manitas Avenue Cafe here in Austin; it’s titled Eat like a local (before they tear it down) and I hope you folks like it.

  218. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:48 pm
    Sasha said

    Bye Ashley! (sorry about the Balut thingie) With that, I have to go. Need to finish some work before I hit the sack. I haven’t slept since last night’s party, would you believe?

    Thanks for having me, Liz! Open mic is always fun for me. :mrgreen:

    (BTW, Meikah, I’m from Manila! And, yes, I may be biased but I’m still going to say it, my country IS gorgeous! ;) :lol: )

    Bye, Liz! Bye, everyone! :)

  219. April 3rd, 2007 at 9:52 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Hi, there Liz! Thanks, yeah it has been a while, right? I’ve been really busy… still is. :-D

  220. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:00 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Hey Sasha! Manilena here too. Of course, Philippines IS gorgeous. ;) See you next time!

  221. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:02 pm
    ME Strauss said

    I think that everyone is dead busy.

  222. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:03 pm
    Joe said

    Once in a while I seem to be late
    but I never forget the date

    On Tuesdays at 7pm Central Time
    my alarm is set so I get in line

    And if I happen to not be first
    from the sidebar I can quence my thirst

    While waiting for comfort food to eat
    Klondike bars just can’t be beat

    Thanks to all for the food they brought
    now to sneak some bights and not get caught

    Then off to bed I must surely go
    with comfort and friends I begin to sno(re)

    Berma Shave

    Nite Liz
    Nite All

  223. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:04 pm
    Carma Dutra said

    There is an urban legend in my family about the time I ate the last pickle.

    Fifty years later my mother still tells the story of how she caught me red-handed or maybe green-handed and all I could say was “Golly, I ate that pickle”

  224. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:08 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Good Night, Joe!
    Sleepy Swell!

  225. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:13 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Carma!
    I love that story about the pickle story. Golly!

  226. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:13 pm
    Sheila at Family Travel said

    I need to “eat the last pickle” and turn in.

    Sorry I was late getting here; had to sing “Rocky Top” with the Lady Vols and Pat Summitt….even if I am a Florida Gator fan, gotta stick up for the SEC. :)

    ‘Night!

  227. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:14 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Right, Liz. I miss my non-busy days. :-D Good thing we have a long holiday coming up here in the Philippines. It will start Thursday. And you know how it is during holidays, you can think only of FOOD and SLEEP.

  228. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:15 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Good Night, Sheila!
    Thanks for coming.

  229. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:17 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Meikah!
    Food and Sleep and nothing but a good book . . . I think that sounds like heaven!

  230. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:22 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Oh yes, it is Liz! Approaching Nirvana… hahaha I have books on the shelf that I have not read yet. Food is my enemy though. I try to shun away from it as I’m trying to lose weight. LOL.

  231. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:25 pm
    ME Strauss said

    They say that skinny people
    eat slow,
    fidget,
    and put small portions on their plate.

  232. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:34 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Good night everyone!
    Sleep well.

  233. April 3rd, 2007 at 10:36 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    G’nyt Liz! See you around :)

  234. April 3rd, 2007 at 11:40 pm
    daveolson.ca - the developing blog! » Break all the social taboos for better relationships said

    [...] Everyone can talk at once. One of the most intriguing experiences I have had yet is joining in on an open mic night at successful-blog.com. Everyone is talking at the same time and you just jump in where you can. It’s exhilarating and mind-boggling [...]

  235. April 4th, 2007 at 12:37 am
    Samuel John Klein said

    Looks like I just missed a lot of people. Well, in the Open Mic canon, that’s okay, of course…

    Comfort food. When I first heard of this topic I though of something me and my wife have made ourselves whenever we need a little culinary security blanket over the years:

    •1 box of Macaroni and Cheese (better if it’s “store brand” and not that fancy-dandy Kraft)
    •Anywhere from 1/3 lb to one lb of ground beef (brown it really well)
    •Canned stewed or chopped tomatoes–they have some really neat seasoned varieties these days–we suggest the Italian.

    Cook as appropriate. Serve to two weary adults. Heaven!

    What’s more is, there’s usually leftovers. Next day, I take some, microwave ‘em up, add those textured soy “bacon” bits, a liberal dash of hot sauce (Tapatio is what we prefer these days), et voila! Comfort to go.

    When we go for the big fancy meal, we go for as authentic German as you can get. You will pay for it, ja, but you will get ze value for your Deutschemarks.

    There’s a cool place here in Portland, The Berlin Inn, where we go on anniversaries. I adore the authentic Wiener Schnitzel with heavenly spaetzle (a sort of homemade noodle) and rotkohl (sweet pickled red cabbage), and and exquisite dessert (they say the Viennese and the Germans make the most sinful desserts on Earth, and we’ve seen nothing to dissuade us from that–at least try Black Forest Cake before you shuffle off this mortal coil, or you’ll be missing out).

    And, a bit of trivia on one of my favorite things: the German chocolate cake, Sie sind nicht Deutsch! That is, the German chocolate cake isn’t German at all, though in some of its incarnations it seems to resemble the Schwartzwaldkuche (Black Forest cake) without the Kirschen (cherries). The recipe was actually created by an American fellow named Sam German, about a century ago, and was used as a marketing gimmick for Baker’s brand baking chocolate. For a long time it was called German’s chocolate cake.

    It still rocks, of course…

  236. April 4th, 2007 at 12:49 am
    Easton Ellsworth said

    Sometime I ought to give you all my wife’s grandma’s peanut butter pie recipe. You’ll die. It’s too good.

  237. April 4th, 2007 at 9:45 am
    L.L. Barkat said

    Oops. Late to the party. Are all the snacks gone?

    (Not to worry, I’ve got some chocolate chip mandelbrot stashed in my pocket, from a makeshift Passover celebration we had last night. Um… my Christian daughter, nine years old, loves Passover. She and her sister act out the Exodus story. And, oops again, my 7 year old, pretending to be the voice of Pharoah said, “I can’t come out, Moses, I’m getting dressed! Hey, I can’t find my underwear!!”

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

C'mon Let's Talk!