Food Thread: A Blast From The Past!

[A dip into the vast archives of AoSHQ...And from the beginning of the Scamdemic no less! It's also fun to see a few call-outs to old commenters...]

One of the many things that strikes me as odd is the proliferation of packaged popcorn. Take a stroll down the snack aisle of your local market and I'll bet you can find several different brands and packaging and flavors of pre-made popcorn.

But....why? It is incredibly simple to make, and the home kitchen version is miles better than the ridiculously expensive store stuff. I don't know how much the raw materials cost, but I wouldn't be surprised if the processing and packaging was many multiples of the cost of the corn.

And to top it off, making popcorn is fun! it sounds great, the house smells really good, and hell, you can flavor it with pretty much anything you want. In no particular order there is butter and Parmesan and black pepper and olive oil and sugar and chocolate and a host of other fun things, not to mention that old reliable...salt! I recall a fad a few years ago of restaurants serving truffled popcorn as a snack. And it was good. Because popcorn is good.

And it is miles better than when we were kids. I will often pop up a batch and discover no unpopped kernals, and that is a far cry from my youth, when the unpopped ones numbered in the dozens.

The horror...the horror.

******

Cauliflower à la Bluebell

One of the ways I and I am sure many others are amusing themselves during this enforced homebody experiment is going spelunking in the freezer and refrigerator and cupboards.

I dug up a two-pound bag of cauliflower and various bits and pieces of cheese. Bechamel, grated cheese, salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg (mostly for tradition) and we are off to the races. Because I am stupid and can't remember a damned thing, I forgot to add sauteed garlic, which I think will complete the dish.

******

Oh man, I love beef ribs. These are commenter "SkinnerVic's" version, and they look great! I am jealous, because it is tough to find good and meaty ones around here. They are usually scraped clean by the butchers who are obviously trimming them off for boneless roasts.

******
Remember the dry-looking brisket from last week? Yeah...this isn't it.

From commenter '"Stacey0311" comes some delectable looking brisket that she quite rudely did not invite me over for!

I've been doing brisket for about 20 years now.
It's always a learning experience.
Have only smoked, never baked, crockpot or other techniques.
Wood is critical to smoking. I used to use straight mesquite but have switched to pecan or post oak with mesquite added for flavor.
Used to do a multi spice rub but have switched to just salt and pepper.
All done in an offset smoker so not sure how it's done in a pellet of Green Egg type smoker.

******
From commenter "ibguy" comes a twitter link to a very strange person cooking some food that seems appropriate to a 3:00am dorm meal...
Behold...Totwaffles!
******
This actually looks pretty good, in a profoundly disturbing way...

From long-time commenter "All Hail Eris" comes the "Bat Flu-zy."
2 oz vodka
1 oz Midori
Juice of one lime
1 can sparkling water (lime flavor)
1 packet Emergency-C
Stir with ice, pour into large glass

On second thought...

******
Judging by the number of emails I got on the subject, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp has occupied the minds of you lunatics for years.

Try this technique;

wrap the bacon in a coil and pierce it with a toothpick.
Spread the coil out along the skewer so some of its outside coils are wider than the shrimps bite diameter. Those shrimp you have waiting in a
nearby colander.
Bacon coil is now tight to loose at outer circumference.
The tighter inner part should cook slower making it easier to remove.
Bake the bacon coils until just shy of desired doneness. Outer edge doneness is the important spot.
Remove from oven and let rest in a closed plastic bag until cool.
Cooling in bag should prevent fat from getting too crispy for next step.
Remove from bag and snip the inside bacon coil making space for the shrimp.
Swear at bacon coil like old drill sergeant telling it to get its act together.
You want to see hospital corners on that shrimp.
Combine shrimp, bacon coil and toothpick in same general hole as before... Pray...cook shrimp and bacon wrap together for couple minutes, gingerly turning wraps.

good luck,

shane

******
Keep it light folks. There is plenty of time and there will be plenty of threads in the weeks to come to talk about Mu Goo Gai Pandemic, so please stick to more pleasant topics....
******
Food and cooking tips, Large-breasted Muscovy ducks, young wild pigs, bartenders who use vermouth in Martinis, crisp bacon (although I am moving toward less crisp), low-temperature-roast chicken, and good tomatoes that aren't square, pale pink and covered with Mestizo E.coli: cbd dot aoshq at gmail dot com. Any advocacy of French Toast with syrup will result in disciplinary action up to and including being nuked from orbit. And yes, shaking a Manhattan is blasphemy...it's in the Bible!

Posted by: CBD at 04:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Movie time

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 04:00 PM (Ia/+0)

2 Reruns? We're doing reruns now?

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:01 PM (79pEw)

3 Oh wait, this is the food thread

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 04:02 PM (Ia/+0)

4 *pours one out for Ibguy*

Posted by: Aetius451AD at January 04, 2026 04:02 PM (bss/y)

5 Not movie thread.

Posted by: Boss Moss at January 04, 2026 04:03 PM (eq9pm)

6 Not gonna lie, Eris's Bat Flu-zy sounds pretty good to me. And supposedly it's a wicked flu season right about now.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:03 PM (79pEw)

7 It was a memorable day when Dad took notice that my technique for popping corn was producing a better yield.

Sunday afternoon/football watching popcorn duty was thus passed from him to me.

Ah memories. Miss you, Dad

Posted by: 2009Refugee at January 04, 2026 04:04 PM (8AONa)

8 You need more nicotine. Load your nicotine receptors with nicotine.

Posted by: Boss Moss at January 04, 2026 04:05 PM (eq9pm)

9 ibguy. RiP. I only lurked then, but he seemed like a nice man.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 04:05 PM (Cw/ar)

10 Mmmmm chow.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at January 04, 2026 04:05 PM (Kt19C)

11 What do you suppose the little spikes are made of, in that kiwi replica of the WuWu virus?

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:05 PM (79pEw)

12 I'll have an order of those twatwafffles please.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at January 04, 2026 04:06 PM (8DR9B)

13 I learned that when making homemade popcorn, the trick was to occasionally crack the lid open during the popping process to allow water vapor to escape. That was a 'duh' moment for me.

Posted by: mrp at January 04, 2026 04:07 PM (rj6Yv)

14 The spikes look like broken off toothpicks. But I am often wrong.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 04:07 PM (Cw/ar)

15 FWP Cooking Problem:
I made my first Key Lime pie yesterday, graham cracker crust, meringue.
The pie filling never set. Is the setting caused by the heating of ingredients on the stovetop, or by the baking in the oven?

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:07 PM (LMRVO)

16 The main reason (for me) for pre-packaged popcorn is so I can buy it when I'm away from the house and eat it right then. Better than getting potato chips for a snack.

And popcorn from a dedicated shop offers flavors and varieties I won't make at home, like cheese popcorn. It's pretty hard to get that right. When I feel like spending the money, Palo Popcorn from Wisconsin (?) cheddar variety is the absolute best.

At home, I use a silicone bowl to pop in the microwave, with natural butter flavored coconut oil. It's quick and easy and good.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 04:08 PM (h7ZuX)

17 Finally, some good winter driving advice.

https://is.gd/yMbZP5

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 04, 2026 04:08 PM (L/fGl)

18 2 Reruns? We're doing reruns now?
Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026

I had the same thought! In my head I said, oh look! A rerun!

You might be a little scared and I understand it!

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:08 PM (p4NUW)

19 What do you suppose the little spikes are made of, in that kiwi replica of the WuWu virus?

It looks more like a sea mine.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 04, 2026 04:08 PM (Riz8t)

20 And I forgot to say:

“Tastes great, loose filling,”

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:09 PM (LMRVO)

21 The spikes look like broken off toothpicks. But I am often wrong.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 04:07 PM (Cw/ar)
-------

I thought that too, but then I wondered if maybe they were jimmies.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:09 PM (79pEw)

22 Today was clean out the cabinets of "forgotten 2025" products.

So, starting with chicken thighs sliced into pieces as the base, I made an apricot preserves dijon mustard marinade/glaze (added olive oil, salt and pepper) and I'll be baking them later (not gonna air fry b/c I think the preserves would burn, even with the low cook time I'll need).

With the thighs is a jalapeno salad bag, a homemade fruit salad with green grapes, blueberries, clementines, and pineapple (aka the Aldi's fruits), and homemade double blueberry muffins.

Gonna kick the rest of the apricot preserves into an almost used up vanilla frosting and make a nice glaze for a bundt cake tomorrow...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:09 PM (tOcjL)

23 Eris's Bat Flu-zy sounds pretty good to me. And supposedly it's a wicked flu season right about now.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:03 PM (79pEw)

It does!

That's the biggest reason I chose this thread!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 04:09 PM (n9ltV)

24 Good afternoon good people.

Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:09 PM (cYBz/)

25 The Hot Butter version of the song "Popcorn" reached #1 in several European countries, but only reached #9 in the USA.

Posted by: Kernel Korn at January 04, 2026 04:09 PM (oftw2)

26 I will admit, I like Lesser Evil popcorn.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:09 PM (pZEOD)

27 Update on my 3 qt. Misen saucier, ordered 11/29/25. It is now somewhere in KS. It will be my first and last Misen purchase.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 04, 2026 04:10 PM (Riz8t)

28 RI Red, you probably didn't cook the filling long enough on the stove before pouring it into the piecrust. I've had that happen with lemon meringue pie filling before until I finally figured it out.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:10 PM (79pEw)

29 There's a name for un-popped kernels which escapes me now. I do know they have costed me quite a few bucks repairing a broken tooth because of them. The ribs and brisket both look amazing. I wish I had the skills to do that. Now I'm hungry. Happy New Year to all!

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at January 04, 2026 04:11 PM (ghUHf)

30 My mom always made homemade popcorn, which was delicious.

It paired really, really well with her even more amazing homemade fudge.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 04, 2026 04:11 PM (ESVrU)

31 Bluebell,
Any Cougar Gold in that?

Posted by: Diogenes at January 04, 2026 04:11 PM (2WIwB)

32 You might be a little scared and I understand it!
Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:08 PM (p4NUW)
-------

Not scared at all - HordeMind is a thing!

Were you also wondering why CBD phoned it in, or was that just me?

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:11 PM (79pEw)

33 Best Christmas present for $15 - the Keurig milk frother.

I've been making $7 Starbucks drinks for about 75 cents to enjoy the holiday...it makes amazing cappucino froth with both whole milk (the kids) and barista blend oat milk (me), and so I've made reverse cappucinos by frothing the warmed milk and then running my espresso k cup on the strong and smallest setting right into the froth...almost no mess that way, and a perfect cup...

I even made a hot chocolate that way - I almost had too much froth and not even "base"...

The thing has a latte function, but where's the fun in lattes? I was always a cappucino drinker b/c me and frothy bubbles were a match made in heaven...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:12 PM (tOcjL)

34 We finally got to finish Christmas with the gkids. People have been getting sick right and left, but there was a window today when all the wee ones were healthy, so they all came over to open presents and eat all our food. What a good day.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 04, 2026 04:12 PM (Riz8t)

35 Doof is a gour-met popcorn guy, he apparently does a kettle corn that even I, a person who does not like kettle corn, would eat. I am looking forward to a sample at a MoMe.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:12 PM (pZEOD)

36 Kiwi was genetically modified to express spike proteins on it's surface.

Posted by: Wuhan Fruit and Sundries Market at January 04, 2026 04:12 PM (DsA2n)

37 Possibly around pandemic time I learned a new method for popping corn that works perfectly. It makes precisely enough for two of us, but I don't know how it would scale.

Cover the bottom of a large fry pan with a high-smoke-point oil and heat until shimmering. (I use avocado oil.) Add 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels and REMOVE FROM HEAT for 1 minute. Cover and return to heat until you hear the popping stop. Season with your preferred seasoning.

I have done this many time with various kinds of kernels and virtually all of them pop every time.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at January 04, 2026 04:12 PM (FEVMW)

38 Fred Berry (Rerun) died at age 52 after a stroke. He could move pretty good for a fat guy. Until he couldn't.

Posted by: What's Happenin' Now!! at January 04, 2026 04:12 PM (oftw2)

39 I didn't realize this was a true blast from the past until I saw the recommendation from ibguy.

*raises glass in remembrance

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 04:12 PM (h7ZuX)

40 Bluebell,
Any Cougar Gold in that?
Posted by: Diogenes at January 04, 2026 04:11 PM (2WIwB)
------

The thought of wasting even one bit of Cougar Gold on an atrocity like that makes me weep.

Also makes me weep to think of Cougar Gold because I haven't had any in years. Think I must order some.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:13 PM (79pEw)

41 Bacon Grease popcorn is Mr Scary's speciality. The only thing he cooks. Popcorn cooked on stovetop in bacon grease instead of oil. He shakes in a paper bag to soak up excess grease , and seasons with Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning. It's pretty good, actually.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 04:13 PM (Cw/ar)

42 Can you make caramel popcorn at home without a mess?

Local hi end greek taverna does cauliflower puree. It's really good.

Posted by: DaveA at January 04, 2026 04:13 PM (FhXTo)

43 15 FWP Cooking Problem:
I made my first Key Lime pie yesterday, graham cracker crust, meringue.
The pie filling never set. Is the setting caused by the heating of ingredients on the stovetop, or by the baking in the oven?
Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:07 PM (LMRVO)

How'd you make the custard part? What was in it?

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (tOcjL)

44 I'm fasting today so I probably shouldn't read this thread.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (jc0TO)

45 Thanks, bluebell. I thought I was following the directions to a T.
Of course, this was after I cleaned out and reorganized the pantry.
The key lime packet expired in 23 and the graham crackers in 24.

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (LMRVO)

46 Update on my 3 qt. Misen saucier, ordered 11/29/25. It is now somewhere in KS. It will be my first and last Misen purchase.
Posted by: Archimedes at January 04, 2026 04:10 PM (Riz8t)
-------

You should have chosen the Pony Express shipping option. It would have gotten here much sooner.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (79pEw)

47 The key lime packet expired in 23 and the graham crackers in 24.
Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (LMRVO)
-------

*waves hands airily*

Those dates are mere suggestions.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:16 PM (79pEw)

48 I didn't realize this was a true blast from the past until I saw the recommendation from ibguy.

*raises glass in remembrance
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!

Sal lute!!

He was a heck of a guy.

Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:16 PM (cYBz/)

49 45 Thanks, bluebell. I thought I was following the directions to a T.
Of course, this was after I cleaned out and reorganized the pantry.
The key lime packet expired in 23 and the graham crackers in 24.
Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (LMRVO)

I see we were on the same wavelength to start the year...pantry cleanout!

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:17 PM (tOcjL)

50 Update on my 3 qt. Misen saucier, ordered 11/29/25. It is now somewhere in KS. It will be my first and last Misen purchase.
Posted by: Archimedes at January 04, 2026 04:10 PM (Riz8t)
-------

You should have chosen the Pony Express shipping option. It would have gotten here much sooner.

It was too pricey, so I opted for "oxcart".

Posted by: Archimedes at January 04, 2026 04:17 PM (Riz8t)

51 29 There's a name for un-popped kernels which escapes me now.
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at January 04, 2026 04:11 PM (ghUHf)

Old maids.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 04:17 PM (h7ZuX)

52 I can only hope Piper isn't re-running used frocks tonight.

Posted by: From Goodwill at January 04, 2026 04:17 PM (oftw2)

53 51 29 There's a name for un-popped kernels which escapes me now.
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at January 04, 2026 04:11 PM (ghUHf)

Old maids.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 04:17 PM (h7ZuX)

Inedible.

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:17 PM (tOcjL)

54 damn, now I really want BBQ ribs...

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo, food, water at January 04, 2026 04:18 PM (xcxpd)

55 Also makes me weep to think of Cougar Gold because I haven't had any in years. Think I must order some.
Posted by: bluebell

I am NOT looking that up on the Urban Dictionary. Nope.Nope.Nope.

Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:18 PM (cYBz/)

56
How'd you make the custard part? What was in it?
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (tOcjL)

Beaten egg yolks, key lime powder packet, sugar, cold water, then boiling water before putting on stove.

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:18 PM (LMRVO)

57 Tonypete, it's cheese made by students at the WSU Creamery. Comes in a can which sounds crazy but it is wildly delicious.

And yes, it also made me sad to see ibguy's name. RIP, friend.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:19 PM (79pEw)

58 Also makes me weep to think of Cougar Gold because I haven't had any in years. Think I must order some.
Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 04:13 PM (79pEw)

Just finished a last piece along with some cold cuts and crackers.
Mmmmmm!!!!!
Now I have to order some but dang, getting expensive.

Posted by: Diogenes at January 04, 2026 04:20 PM (2WIwB)

59 He was a heck of a guy.

Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:16 PM (cYBz/)

He was.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 04:20 PM (n9ltV)

60 I will buy popcorn while traveling. Got some really nice hatch pepper caramel corn at a gas station in New Mexico last year on the way to San Diego.

But even the best doesn’t match homemade on the stovetop.

Wally’s in Missouri outside of St. Louis occasionally has a jalapeño-white cheddar popcorn that is worth raving about. Of course, they make it right there.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at January 04, 2026 04:20 PM (EXyHK)

61 56
How'd you make the custard part? What was in it?
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (tOcjL)

Beaten egg yolks, key lime powder packet, sugar, cold water, then boiling water before putting on stove.
Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:18 PM (LMRVO)

In that case, if the cooking was stove top (and not one of those condensed milk versions of key lime), yeah, you probably didn't cook the custard long enough - either that, or whatever was in your packet was just less effective 2 years later (although normally, old packets are more "rise losing" vs "thickening losing"...not sure cornstarch stops thickening just b/c it gets old...although I never have that problem b/c my youngest will play with it and water when he gets bored, so I go through a box per month)...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:21 PM (tOcjL)

62 It was too pricey, so I opted for "oxcart".
Posted by: Archimedes

I ordered a miniblind on Amazon. It arrived the other day. Only took six weeks.
But I made popcorn last night, so I'm on topic.

Posted by: Orville Redenbacher at January 04, 2026 04:21 PM (oftw2)

63 Tried cooking hashbrowns on the griddle for the first time today. I need a lot more tries.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at January 04, 2026 04:21 PM (9MJNg)

64 RI Red, you probably didn't cook the filling long enough on the stove before pouring it into the piecrust. I've had that happen with lemon meringue pie filling before until I finally figured it out.
Posted by: bluebell

The easy key lime recipe on the kate&nellies? bottle bakes in the crust. 3 yolks, 1 can sweetened condensed, lime juice, beat, pour, bake til set to your liking.

Posted by: DaveA at January 04, 2026 04:21 PM (FhXTo)

65 Thanks, bbell and nova!
Now, afternoon nap time until dinner and GT.

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:22 PM (LMRVO)

66 While I'm in a popcorn vein, I'd highly recommend Amish Country Popcorn seasonings. I use the Ball Park Style Butter Salt and it's great. Pro tip--a little goes a long way.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at January 04, 2026 04:22 PM (FEVMW)

67 I've been experimenting with popcorn on the stovetop (no special twirly pan). My bacon drippings container is too full, so last time I popped in bacon grease. Worked pretty darn well.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 04:23 PM (FMtrg)

68 64 RI Red, you probably didn't cook the filling long enough on the stove before pouring it into the piecrust. I've had that happen with lemon meringue pie filling before until I finally figured it out.
Posted by: bluebell

The easy key lime recipe on the kate&nellies? bottle bakes in the crust. 3 yolks, 1 can sweetened condensed, lime juice, beat, pour, bake til set to your liking.
Posted by: DaveA at January 04, 2026 04:21 PM (FhXTo)

That's why I asked the recipe - condensed milk is the cheater's guide to keylime custard b/c it's already so cooked down, it will be thick and set almost no matter what...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:23 PM (tOcjL)

69 Blast from the repast!

I can't remember what the COVID bolus was...melon ball with toothpick pieces? It's been too long. But yes, it was a tasty and healthful drink.

Sta-a-a-ay Sa-a-afe!!!!!!

Wear the ma-a-a-ask!!!!!!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 04:23 PM (kpS4V)

70 Also makes me weep to think of Cougar Gold because I haven't had any in years. Think I must order some.
Posted by: bluebell

I am NOT looking that up on the Urban Dictionary. Nope.Nope.Nope.
Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:18 PM (cYBz/)

Tonyoete,
Cougar Gold is cheese made exclusively on campus at Washington State University. It takes cheese to a whole new level.

Posted by: Diogenes at January 04, 2026 04:23 PM (2WIwB)

71 Yummy food thread! Thank you CBD!

We spend an inordinate amount of money on 'takee-outie' even though it's just the two of us (mostly) and now neither of us works so you'd think we'd be cooking every day in our new kitchen.

You'd be wrong.

Before you know it summer will be here - maybe a future thread on meals for Camper/RV? Or a refresh if it's been done before? (Hopefully not last week or last month)

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:24 PM (QGaXH)

72 My bacon drippings container is too full. . .
Posted by: Emmie

Emmie, how do you keep your bacon grease free of those little crumbly pieces of bacon? Do you strain it or do some sort of other separation method?

Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:24 PM (cYBz/)

73 1 Movie time
Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 04:00 PM (Ia/+0)

You scared me! I thought I posted on the wrong thread!

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:25 PM (QGaXH)

74 Obviously, CBD was locked out of his house this week and couldn't get to the kitchen. Hence, the stale thread.

Posted by: Bailed Out By Baldwin at January 04, 2026 04:26 PM (oftw2)

75 Not scared at all - HordeMind is a thing!

Were you also wondering why CBD phoned it in, or was that just me?
Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026

Hahaha! No, I was over here thinking he was being nostalgic and wanted to share that feeling with us! I am such a Polly Anna, I swear.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:26 PM (Wmg4n)

76 I know it's a food thread, but if you want healthy popcorn your kids can make without destroying the kitchen and house...get a microwave bpa free silicon popcorn maker...you'll never buy prepopped popcorn again b/c it's so easy, your kids can make it and clean it up...

It's like $10-15...or about 3 bags of popcorn...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:26 PM (tOcjL)

77 I had leftover New Year's Day black eyed peas for supper.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 04:26 PM (kpS4V)

78 56
How'd you make the custard part? What was in it?
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:14 PM (tOcjL)

Beaten egg yolks, key lime powder packet, sugar, cold water, then boiling water before putting on stove.
Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 04:18 PM (LMRVO)

Just looked up about ten key lime pie recipes and none of them involve water. Egg yolks, Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk.

Posted by: Never made one. Eaten lots though. at January 04, 2026 04:27 PM (TbWk/)

79 71 Yummy food thread! Thank you CBD!

We spend an inordinate amount of money on 'takee-outie' even though it's just the two of us (mostly) and now neither of us works so you'd think we'd be cooking every day in our new kitchen.

You'd be wrong.

Before you know it summer will be here - maybe a future thread on meals for Camper/RV? Or a refresh if it's been done before? (Hopefully not last week or last month)
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:24 PM (QGaXH)

How big is the RV fridge? Like mini hotel size?

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:27 PM (tOcjL)

80 > The Hot Butter version of the song "Popcorn" reached #1 in several European countries, but only reached #9 in the USA.
Posted by: Kernel Korn
----------
Was this during the infamous 70's "instrumental phase?"
Beethoven's 5th
Star Wars Theme
etc.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at January 04, 2026 04:28 PM (NwnyJ)

81 Hence, the stale thread.
Posted by: Bailed Out By Baldwin at January 04, 2026 04:26 PM (oftw2)
----

CBD just used his Zwieback Machine!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 04:28 PM (kpS4V)

82 It's not a re-run, it's a leftover!

Posted by: Weasel at January 04, 2026 04:29 PM (DJPFk)

83 CBD just used his Zwieback Machine!
Posted by: All Hail Eris

Twice!!

Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:29 PM (cYBz/)

84 Popcorn by Hot Butter was 1972.

Posted by: Kasey Caseum at January 04, 2026 04:30 PM (oftw2)

85 82 It's not a re-run, it's a leftover!
Posted by: Weasel at January 04, 2026

This could not be more perfect.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:31 PM (Wmg4n)

86
Old maids.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs

Do not say this in Canada!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at January 04, 2026 04:31 PM (9MJNg)

87 Martini Farmer, no bachelor(Ette) pad is complete without a pressing of "Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk" on the hi-fi.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 04:31 PM (kpS4V)

88 Hot Butter version originale Popcorn 1972

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uS3_SgILyy8

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 04, 2026 04:31 PM (D7w1V)

89 I taught Little how to make popcorn and he's taken to it like a duck to water. Nice bark on the brisket, BTW...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at January 04, 2026 04:33 PM (FM+by)

90 Emmie, how do you keep your bacon grease free of those little crumbly pieces of bacon? Do you strain it or do some sort of other separation method?
Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:24 PM (cYBz/)

I pour mine through a strainer.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 04:33 PM (h7ZuX)

91 Wear the ma-a-a-ask!!!!!!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 04:23 PM (kpS4V)

I needed a dust mask for something yesterday. I was strangely happy to discover that we don't have any in the house!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 04:34 PM (n9ltV)

92 how do you keep your bacon grease free of those little crumbly pieces of bacon? Do you strain it or do some sort of other separation method?
Posted by: Tonypete

Pour through coffee filter or a folded paper towel.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at January 04, 2026 04:34 PM (9MJNg)

93 Tried cooking hashbrowns on the griddle for the first time today. I need a lot more tries.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron

IIRC, you need to wash them twice, dry them in a colander in the fridge for a few hours, pat dry, nuke in the micro under paper towels, pat dry again, salt the shit out of them, then fry.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 04, 2026 04:35 PM (mlg/3)

94 19 What do you suppose the little spikes are made of, in that kiwi replica of the WuWu virus?

It looks more like a sea mine.
Posted by: Archimedes at January 04, 2026 04:08 PM (Riz8t)

She said 'if you wanna sea mine you gotta show me yours...'

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:36 PM (QGaXH)

95 I found a stash of masks and I felt like Carter opening Tut's tomb. Ancient history!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 04:36 PM (kpS4V)

96 Ah, thank you!

Posted by: Tonypete at January 04, 2026 04:36 PM (cYBz/)

97 I rebuke myself for my comment #94...

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:37 PM (QGaXH)

98 Never apologize, Rogue.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 04:37 PM (kpS4V)

99 Before you know it summer will be here - maybe a future thread on meals for Camper/RV? Or a refresh if it's been done before? (Hopefully not last week or last month)
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:24 PM (QGaXH)

The main thing is what sort of cooking facilities you have.
If you are working off a hot plate and bottled water, it limits what is available.
I like small pressure cookers if you are that constrained.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 04:38 PM (rbvCR)

100 how do you keep your bacon grease free of those little crumbly pieces of bacon?

Since I mainly use it for popcorn or for larding other meats, I don’t. The crumbly bits are flavor.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at January 04, 2026 04:38 PM (EXyHK)

101 get a microwave bpa free silicon popcorn maker...you'll never buy prepopped popcorn again b/c it's so easy, your kids can make it and clean it up...

It's like $10-15...or about 3 bags of popcorn...
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:26 PM (tOcjL)

I did! It's so fast and easy, without the weird chemicals in microwaved popcorn.

I recommend Nutiva coconut oil with butter flavor. I get it from amazon.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 04:38 PM (h7ZuX)

102 Why would you filter your bacon grease? Those little crunchy bits are extra flavor!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 04:39 PM (n9ltV)

103 Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan -

You stand rebuked.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 04, 2026 04:39 PM (D7w1V)

104 Tonypete, I'm lazy about bacon bits in my grease, but this grease catcher does a pretty good job without extra effort from me:

https://www.everythingkitchens.com/
norpro-stainless-steel-grease-catcher.html

I've seen a flimsy replica at Dollar General that might work just as well.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 04:40 PM (FMtrg)

105 Why would you filter your bacon grease? Those little crunchy bits are extra flavor!

I have in the past used bacon grease to make pastry crusts. I can see filtering it for that. Although… a lot of my favorite pies—pecan, chocolate—would benefit from a bit of bacon flavor in the pie shell.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at January 04, 2026 04:40 PM (EXyHK)

106 My late father-in-law used to save the unpopped kernels and put them through the popcorn machine a second time. He was pretty tight with money.

I don't know if he needed to be or it was his personality. He was born during WW 2 but his parents lived through the Great Depression...it made an impact on folks.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo, food, water at January 04, 2026 04:40 PM (xcxpd)

107 Why would you filter your bacon grease? Those little crunchy bits are extra flavor!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo

Esthetics never mind CBD...

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at January 04, 2026 04:40 PM (9MJNg)

108
I don't filter bacon grease. It's not being used in dessert recipes.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 04:41 PM (3ek7K)

109 I grow popcorn every year. If you can grow sweet corn and field corn in your neck of the woods, then you can, also, grow popcorn. It's just as easy to manage, and your only concern is to avoid cross pollination.

Popcorn will dry on the stalk. But, to assure increased popping efficiency, you'll want to husk them and stack them on top of a piece of cardboard after harvesting until they are sufficiently dried out. (easy to test by pulling an ear and removing the kernels and popping to see if you succeeded.

Once it's sufficiently dry, remove the individual kernels and vacuum pack in a mason jar. It will keep all year and then some.

Great gifts for the neighbors and friends. And, it doesn't have the lab created preservative in it that all store bought popcorn has.

Posted by: Orson at January 04, 2026 04:41 PM (dIske)

110 I needed a dust mask for something yesterday. I was strangely happy to discover that we don't have any in the house!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 04:34 PM (n9ltV)

I use a respirator with the hot pink P100 filters when I need a dust mask. I also have a full face mask one, too.
I used to order safety equipment for a welding shop, and the whole "wear a dust mask" thing offended me.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 04:42 PM (rbvCR)

111 Tonight is Chicken Katsu with Kimchi Pickles and Mushroom Couscous

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 04:42 PM (RIvkX)

112 If that package is in Wichita, Lenexa or Olathe, it will be there at least two days before it moves to the next of the three. Eastern KS has big problems with USPS and UPS mail.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at January 04, 2026 04:43 PM (+mUZM)

113 Saw popcorn and thought movie thread

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 04:43 PM (Ia/+0)

114 My best freind gives me a tin of Cougar Gold every year for Christmas.
That is why he is my best freind.

Posted by: Elrond Hubbard at January 04, 2026 04:44 PM (WQDw6)

115 I have had decent luck with microwaving popcorn in a glass bowl with a cover saucer. I don't eat enough pop corn to go much more fancy than that.

I have parched dried corn in the skillet prior to grinding it into meal. Flint corn sometimes pops too, but not enough to be worth trying to pop it special

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 04:44 PM (rbvCR)

116 ibguy z"l

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 04:45 PM (RIvkX)

117 Blackeyed Peas. This year I made Homesick Texan's Blackeyed Peas with Bacon and Jalapeños. Delicious!

https://tinyurl.com/bddep4au

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 04:46 PM (Cw/ar)

118 I really like kimchi and our local grocer carries "live" kimchi in the produce aisle. The problem is I don't really know what to serve it with. We seldom make Asian food at home, and even then I don't know how to incorporate kimchi into the meal.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 04:47 PM (FMtrg)

119 I have in the past used bacon grease to make pastry crusts. I can see filtering it for that. Although… a lot of my favorite pies—pecan, chocolate—would benefit from a bit of bacon flavor in the pie shell.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at January 04, 2026 04:40 PM (EXyHK)

Mom had a story about when she was very young, about 1929 I think, and she was invited to another girl's birthday party. She said the birthday cake tasted like the chicken fat the mom had used instead of butter or shortening.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 04:48 PM (rbvCR)

120 109 I grow popcorn every year. If you can grow sweet corn and field corn in your neck of the woods, then you can, also, grow popcorn. It's just as easy to manage, and your only concern is to avoid cross pollination.

Popcorn will dry on the stalk. But, to assure increased popping efficiency, you'll want to husk them and stack them on top of a piece of cardboard after harvesting until they are sufficiently dried out. (easy to test by pulling an ear and removing the kernels and popping to see if you succeeded.

Once it's sufficiently dry, remove the individual kernels and vacuum pack in a mason jar. It will keep all year and then some.

Great gifts for the neighbors and friends. And, it doesn't have the lab created preservative in it that all store bought popcorn has.
Posted by: Orson at January 04, 2026 04:41 PM (dIske)

So, you're saying Orville Redenbacher lies when it says its popcorn is one ingredient - whole grain popping corn. It does not list any preservative.

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:48 PM (tOcjL)

121 Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 04:46 PM (Cw/ar)

Homesick Texan is great.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 04:49 PM (n9ltV)

122 You use kimchi like pickles. It's a side dish to provide a bit of heat, usually.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at January 04, 2026 04:50 PM (+mUZM)

123 79 How big is the RV fridge? Like mini hotel size?
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:27 PM (tOcjL)

I think about 6 cubic feet

I hesitate to post a link but if you google Sundance 242RK and scroll down to the video with the nice young lady you'll see it at about the 30 second mark.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:51 PM (QGaXH)

124
111 Tonight is Chicken Katsu with Kimchi Pickles and Mushroom Couscous
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 04:42 PM (RIvkX)

This sounds great! We are doing a chickpea and farro bowl with cucumbers, green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, some feta and a vinaigrette with tahini.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:51 PM (Wmg4n)

125 118 I really like kimchi and our local grocer carries "live" kimchi in the produce aisle. The problem is I don't really know what to serve it with. We seldom make Asian food at home, and even then I don't know how to incorporate kimchi into the meal.
Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 04:47 PM (FMtrg)

Kimchi fried rice is an easy play...you can almost make your normal fried rice (including the sesame oil) and just sub in kimchi for the veg and some of the juice for the soy sauce.

Spouse eats it as a sandwich side instead of a pickle...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:51 PM (tOcjL)

126 I really like kimchi and our local grocer carries "live" kimchi in the produce aisle. The problem is I don't really know what to serve it with. We seldom make Asian food at home, and even then I don't know how to incorporate kimchi into the meal.
Posted by: Emmie

BUTA KIMCHI ~! It's one of my favorite japanese dishes.
norecipes.com/buta-kimuchi-pork-kimchi-stir-fry-recipe/

Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 04, 2026 04:51 PM (mlg/3)

127 Emmie

You can use kimchi in lieu of any pickled vegetables or just as a veg to accompany a meal. I like it a lot.

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 04:52 PM (foxG0)

128 Those ribs and brisket look ridic. I’m a bigger fan of pork ribs, but I would tear those apart like a cannibal caveman.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at January 04, 2026 04:52 PM (UUWJm)

129
There's a name for un-popped kernels which escapes me now.
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at January 04, 2026 04:11 PM (ghUHf)

Old maids.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 04:17 PM (h7ZuX)

Inedible.
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:17 PM (tOcjL)

Means by which you can help pay for your dentist's children's college tuition.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 04, 2026 04:52 PM (iJfKG)

130 So, you're saying Orville Redenbacher lies when it says its popcorn is one ingredient - whole grain popping corn. It does not list any preservative.
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:48 PM (tOcjL)
________________________

Redenbacher (owed by Conagra) got nailed with a massive lawsuit for false advertising with its "All Natural" brand. There was a healthy does of tocopherols....which ain't natural.

Posted by: Orson at January 04, 2026 04:54 PM (dIske)

131 123 79 How big is the RV fridge? Like mini hotel size?
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:27 PM (tOcjL)

I think about 6 cubic feet

I hesitate to post a link but if you google Sundance 242RK and scroll down to the video with the nice young lady you'll see it at about the 30 second mark.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:51 PM (QGaXH)

Just figuring out how much cold space you'd have to work with...like my favorite made in a hotel meal is a smoked salmon BLTA with a lemon mayo on a bagel. Almost all shelf-stable to start except the lettuce and salmon (of course, leftovers need a fridge)...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:54 PM (tOcjL)

132 I bought a WhirlyPop stovetop popper and a big jar of coconut oil. Never going back.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at January 04, 2026 04:55 PM (0U5gm)

133 130 So, you're saying Orville Redenbacher lies when it says its popcorn is one ingredient - whole grain popping corn. It does not list any preservative.
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:48 PM (tOcjL)
________________________

Redenbacher (owed by Conagra) got nailed with a massive lawsuit for false advertising with its "All Natural" brand. There was a healthy does of tocopherols....which ain't natural.
Posted by: Orson at January 04, 2026 04:54 PM (dIske)

But is there still after the lawsuit? B/c the label in 2026 says the same...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 04:55 PM (tOcjL)

134 Kimchi norimaki makes for a horde* overs for those that aren't shy. Just need the nori sheets, short grain rice, mirin, and one of those bamboo rolling mats ... tho I suppose you could use a sil-pat mat.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 04, 2026 04:56 PM (mlg/3)

135
The lively and exotic Mrs naturalfake is cooking mapodofu tonight for dinner.

Which is great. I love it. However-

Mapodofu is essentially Japanese chili (No carrots, please!)

And I was planning on making Texas chili tomorrow, so I'll have to delay the cooking of that delicacy for a few days...dagnabbit!

Posted by: naturalfake at January 04, 2026 04:56 PM (iJfKG)

136 People don’t pop their own corn because they’re lazy unmotivated slothy dumbies who would carry a toilet strapped to their ass if they could.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at January 04, 2026 04:56 PM (UUWJm)

137 I really like kimchi and our local grocer carries "live" kimchi in the produce aisle. The problem is I don't really know what to serve it with. We seldom make Asian food at home, and even then I don't know how to incorporate kimchi into the meal.
Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 04:47 PM (FMtrg)

My wife makes kimchi about once a month, usually from Napa cabbage. I will eat it as a side for noodles, or rice and beans. I also will use it in burritos for the crunch.
My wife, of course will eat it for breakfast, or dinner, and when it is soft she will make soup.
Which she also likes for breakfast.
It goes with anything you think it should go with, even by itself.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 04:57 PM (rbvCR)

138 99 The main thing is what sort of cooking facilities you have.
If you are working off a hot plate and bottled water, it limits what is available.
I like small pressure cookers if you are that constrained.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 04:38 PM (rbvCR)

We pretty much have a full kitchen - 3 burner stove/oven, microwave, 6 cu ft refrigerator.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:57 PM (QGaXH)

139 Weft, that sounds tasty!

Notsothoreau and Nova Local, it's good to hear that kimchi is basically a side item like a pickle. That's how I usually use it. I want the probiotic benefits.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 04:57 PM (FMtrg)

140 naturalflake also Animal feed

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 04:57 PM (Ia/+0)

141 Homesick Texan is great.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 04:49 PM (n9ltV)

She has a Turkey Gumbo I plan to make. Have leftover Thanksgiving turkey and broth. Just need okra.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 04:58 PM (Cw/ar)

142 There was a healthy does of tocopherols....which ain't natural.
Posted by: Orson at January

Tocopherols are a natural preservative, a form of Vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient. It’s an antioxidant.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:58 PM (Wmg4n)

143 132 I bought a WhirlyPop stovetop popper and a big jar of coconut oil. Never going back.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at January 04, 2026 04:55 PM (0U5gm)
____________________________

Years ago I used to love Movie theater popcorn. It turns out it had a lot to do with the coconut oil they used at the time. Then the health Nazis pressured them to remove that type oil for "health reasons." The popcorn, after that, tasted flat.

And, then further testing revealed that coconut oil was just as healthy (if not more healthy) than any other cooking oil. But, they never returned to it.

Posted by: Orson at January 04, 2026 04:59 PM (dIske)

144 Popcorn on an old woodstove, using lard in a cast iron pot:
https://youtu.be/vp1JjTMHc_I

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 04, 2026 04:59 PM (ULPxl)

145 When I feel like spending the money, Palo Popcorn from Wisconsin (?) cheddar variety is the absolute best.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 04:08 PM

Palo Popcorn is indeed the best purchased popcorn. Made in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. All their flavors are delicious.

Posted by: Mental Block at January 04, 2026 04:59 PM (2LgD3)

146 Means by which you can help pay for your dentist's children's college tuition.
Posted by: naturalfake

Lamborghinis don't pay for themselves!

Posted by: Dr. I.B. Yankem, DDS at January 04, 2026 04:59 PM (oftw2)

147 >>>@129:Means by which you can help pay for your dentist's children's college tuition.
Posted by: naturalfake at January 04, 2026 04:52 PM (iJfKG)
******
Ture, and he didn't even invite me to their graduation. I was invested!!!

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at January 04, 2026 05:00 PM (ghUHf)

148 Tocopherols are a natural preservative, a form of Vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient. It’s an antioxidant.
Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:58 PM (Wmg4n)

___________________________

These were synthetic. They weren't plant extracts. They were manufactured in a lab from petrochemicals.

Posted by: Orson at January 04, 2026 05:01 PM (dIske)

149 I needed a dust mask for something yesterday. I was strangely happy to discover that we don't have any in the house!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 04:34 PM (n9ltV)
----------

I thought some kind soul made you some fabric ones. Surely you wouldn't have gotten rid of those.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 05:02 PM (79pEw)

150 These were synthetic. They weren't plant extracts. They were manufactured in a lab from petrochemicals.
Posted by: Orson

Better to have petrochemicals on your corn than on your windshield in Delaware, Fat!

Posted by: Senile President Emeritus at January 04, 2026 05:04 PM (oftw2)

151 We pretty much have a full kitchen - 3 burner stove/oven, microwave, 6 cu ft refrigerator.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:57 PM (QGaXH)

I have lived in apartments that have offered less.

I have a couple of books on "cooking on a single gas ring" from England called "Bedsitter's Cookbook" and a couple on single pot meals, but your probably could use more elaborate recipes.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 05:04 PM (rbvCR)

152 Palo Popcorn is indeed the best purchased popcorn. Made in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. All their flavors are delicious.
Posted by: Mental Block at January 04, 2026 04:59 PM (2LgD3)

I can't get it locally. Kroger carried it for a while, elsewise I'd never have heard of it. Now they don't, and I have to get it from Amazon, so I treat myself to a case of it about once a year.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 05:05 PM (h7ZuX)

153 Hahaha! No, I was over here thinking he was being nostalgic and wanted to share that feeling with us! I am such a Polly Anna, I swear.
Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:26 PM (Wmg4n)
---------

I am too, but where CBD is concerned I have learned to become a cynic.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 05:05 PM (79pEw)

154 It's interesting that y'all say kimchi is a stand-alone side, since that's how I eat it. I thought I was being unimaginative. Plus, it tastes like it would be good in something, but I don't know what. And I don't want to cook the probiotics out of it.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 05:05 PM (FMtrg)

155 Surely you wouldn't have gotten rid of those.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 05:02 PM (79pEw)

Never! In fact, my phone's photo of my wife is her wearing it.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:05 PM (n9ltV)

156 Never! In fact, my phone's photo of my wife is her wearing it.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:05 PM (n9ltV)
---------

There are no words.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 05:06 PM (79pEw)

157 One is called Cooking in a Bedsitter rather.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 05:07 PM (rbvCR)

158 135
The lively and exotic Mrs naturalfake is cooking mapodofu tonight for dinner.
----

Is she using those astringent Sichuan peppercorns that make your mouth go numb?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 05:07 PM (kpS4V)

159 151 We pretty much have a full kitchen - 3 burner stove/oven, microwave, 6 cu ft refrigerator.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:57 PM (QGaXH)

I have lived in apartments that have offered less.

I have a couple of books on "cooking on a single gas ring" from England called "Bedsitter's Cookbook" and a couple on single pot meals, but your probably could use more elaborate recipes.

I was looking for simple meals we could either warm in the microwave or throw together after a long day on the road. As opposed to walking to the nearby Dairy Queen Grill which we did one night on the Iowa/Nebraska border..LOL!

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 05:07 PM (QGaXH)

160 There are no words.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 05:06 PM (79pEw)

Lighten up Alice!

It was a funny picture!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:07 PM (n9ltV)

161 Alice?

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 05:08 PM (79pEw)

162 We pretty much have a full kitchen - 3 burner stove/oven, microwave, 6 cu ft refrigerator.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 04:57 PM (QGaXH)

Keeping with the popcorn theme. We love old school Jiffy Pop for tent camping and backpacking, cooking over a campfire or gas stove, depending. It may not have the same sense of fun with an RV.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:08 PM (Cw/ar)

163 One of the best bacon-wrapped shrimp was at the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson, NJ. I had many a great dinner there over the years. Sadly I heard it’s closing soon.

It’s reportedly Bruce Springsteen’s fav restaurant. We saw him there once.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at January 04, 2026 05:08 PM (UUWJm)

164 154 It's interesting that y'all say kimchi is a stand-alone side, since that's how I eat it. I thought I was being unimaginative. Plus, it tastes like it would be good in something, but I don't know what. And I don't want to cook the probiotics out of it.
Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 05:05 PM (FMtrg)

It's how it's served at Korean restaurants.

Another thought it to serve it as an egg topping. When you get the little dishes at the restaurant, I always found the egg dish went great with the kimchi (both red and white) dishes.

Makes it breakfasty...even as a burrito...egg/kimchi in a tortilla...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 05:08 PM (tOcjL)

165 Made a discovery this week and it only took me most of a century to learn: champagne is delicious! Tried it with the pork roast for New Year. Great! With fresh fruit and brie. Fantastic! Sipping a glass by itself. Yup. It was Andre brut sparkling wine from California. Less expensive than most chardonnay and at least as refreshing.

I should learn to make mimosas.

Posted by: JTB at January 04, 2026 05:08 PM (yTvNw)

166 154 in fact, I thought I was wasting a culinary opportunity

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 05:08 PM (FMtrg)

167 The lively and exotic Mrs naturalfake is cooking mapodofu tonight for dinner.
----

Is she using those astringent Sichuan peppercorns that make your mouth go numb?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 05:07 PM (kpS4V)

In a way...she likes to use a Chinese paste she gets from H Mart, I think, that that has those in it.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 04, 2026 05:09 PM (iJfKG)

168 Emmie, there are a lot of kimchi based recipes, a lot of beef, pork and noodle types.

One of the sites my wife likes for the recipes is Maangchi's, it gives nice recipes. Type Kimchi into the search field and it will give you a bunch.

https://www.maangchi.com/

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 05:10 PM (rbvCR)

169 I should learn to make mimosas.

Posted by: JTB at January 04, 2026 05:08 PM (yTvNw)

Mix champagne and OJ 1:1. Enjoy!

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:11 PM (Cw/ar)

170 To stay on subject...we are lucky to have and independent grocery nearby run by a butcher who knows his meat, so to speak. Our NYE meat was boneless prime rib we got on sale for 20.99. Delish.
On another note...anyone heard of 10 C-17 transports leaving the US, from Ft. Campbell and other places for the UK? Saw at least one already went on to Germany.

Are they to support the UK and France in Syria operations or something related to the rebellion in Iran? And why is the MSM not covering Iran? They are in revolt and Khamanei hasn't been seen in days. The national bank admitted they are out of money, you simply can't get any, inflation is over 72% this year, etc.

Posted by: Farmer at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM (55Qr6)

171 Microwave popcorn is just a offensive as pre-popped.

A simple brown paper sandwich bag and some kernels gets you the same.
Without the who knows what chemicals.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM (KcL8G)

172 RedMindBlueState makes his own kimchi.

Anyone else?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM (n9ltV)

173 JTB, we have a Christmas party each year and this year for the "lighter " drinkers we had a champagne punch. 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail, 1 cup orange juice, 1 750 ml bottle of Champagne. Doesn't have to be fancy. People love it. Would be great for fall/winter brunches too.

Posted by: bluebell at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM (79pEw)

174 172 RedMindBlueState makes his own kimchi.

Anyone else?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM (n9ltV)

I have a sno-bird friend who was born in Korea who makes her own kimchi and sells it in a roadside farmers market.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 05:14 PM (QGaXH)

175 This week we tried out a place that sells frozen dinners made with real ingredients. They specialize in smoked meats. I've gotten to the point where I can no longer choke down a Lean Cuisine or Stouffer's, except maybe a lasagna.

Anyway, the meals were pretty good, except it's a sin to microwave beef brisket. The smoked chicken suffered less from the microwave.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 05:14 PM (FMtrg)

176 I really like kimchi and our local grocer carries "live" kimchi in the produce aisle. The problem is I don't really know what to serve it with. We seldom make Asian food at home, and even then I don't know how to incorporate kimchi into the meal.
Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 04:47 PM (FMtrg)

At the one or two Korean restaurants where I have eaten, the kimchi is placed on the tabe first, like an appetizers, same as chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 04, 2026 05:15 PM (8zz6B)

177 as a starter, Emmie, I am going to make something similar to this for my wife

kare-bokkeumbap

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 05:15 PM (rbvCR)

178 148 Tocopherols are a natural preservative, a form of Vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient. It’s an antioxidant.
Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:58 PM (Wmg4n)

___________________________

These were synthetic. They weren't plant extracts. They were manufactured in a lab from petrochemicals.
Posted by: Orson at January 04
Not petro chemicals, here is a link to the lawsuit:

https://tinyurl.com/bdejanwz

Looks like this is going to court - will be interesting to see how it plays out as the word chemical seems scary but can apply to natural ingredients also. In this case, there seems to be a little stretching going on with natural and being technically an artificial use. Will be interesting to watch, like I said.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 05:16 PM (OoFl2)

179 Mostly, CBD, pre-packaged popcorn is superior because you're not at home to pop it.

Now, you come up with a "pull the strip and pop your popcorn" bag, and you might have something. (Also there are people who can't make cranberry sauce; they sure as heck can't safely heat oil to pop corn.)

Posted by: GWB at January 04, 2026 05:16 PM (hmIdc)

180 JTB, if you are okay with cranberry juice, poinsettias is a delightful cocktail with champagne.

https://tinyurl.com/7mr54bmk

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:17 PM (Cw/ar)

181 the kimchi is placed on the table first...

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 04, 2026 05:15 PM (8zz6B)

I have eaten in a bunch of Korean restaurants in The Bay Area and also NYC. they do the same.

Kimchi really is a fun dish.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:17 PM (n9ltV)

182 RedMindBlueState makes his own kimchi.

Anyone else?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM (n9ltV)

One of the kiddos took up making kimchi and sauerkraut and some other pickled items.

But, just got tired of it after a while. Plus it was kind of a pain since, kimchi in particular was cheap to buy at local markets.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 04, 2026 05:18 PM (iJfKG)

183 148 Tocopherols are a natural preservative, a form of Vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient. It’s an antioxidant.
Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 04:58 PM (Wmg4n)

___________________________

These were synthetic. They weren't plant extracts. They were manufactured in a lab from petrochemicals.
Posted by: Orson at January 04
Not petro chemicals, here is a link to the lawsuit:

https://tinyurl.com/bdejanwz

Looks like this is going to court - will be interesting to see how it plays out as the word chemical seems scary but can apply to natural ingredients also. In this case, there seems to be a little stretching going on with natural and being technically an artificial use. Will be interesting to watch, like I said.
Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 05:16 PM (OoFl2)
——

That looks like a lawyer-generated strike suit to gin up legal fees.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at January 04, 2026 05:19 PM (UUWJm)

184 RedMindBlueState makes his own kimchi.

Anyone else?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM (n9ltV)

My wife comes bubbling in carrying three or four napa cabbages and carrots, or a bag of daikon radishes complaining that they are a bit old, and I know she is going to be cutting stuff up, sweating it down with salt in the big stainless bowls, and spend time mixing in the garlic, pepper flakes and anchovy powder.
She packs it into gallon jars, and generally eats it within a week. She doesn't like it overly aged.

I can dig the recipe from her if you want it. Mabye.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 05:20 PM (rbvCR)

185 Posted by: JTB at January 04, 2026 05:08

Glad to hear you discovered champagne and enjoyed it. You've already got a recipe for mimosas here so I'lll just recommend Cook's brut, a step above Andre but very reasonable and tasty.

Posted by: Farmer at January 04, 2026 05:21 PM (55Qr6)

186 These were synthetic. They weren't plant extracts. They were manufactured in a lab from petrochemicals.
Posted by: Orson at January 04, 2026 05:01 PM (dIske)

OK, you put ricin on your popcorn, and I will put 10W30 on mine. See who lives longer.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 04, 2026 05:21 PM (8zz6B)

187 RedMindBlueState makes his own kimchi.

Anyone else?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM

Three fresh quarts of it in the fridge as we speak. Made entirely with Korean chili paste this time. Very tasty.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at January 04, 2026 05:22 PM (Wnv9h)

188 There's a name for un-popped kernels which escapes me now.
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly

Old maids.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!

In case no one else has mentioned it:
"Grannies" was what I grew up with. Don't know why the term was used.

This post was a re-run? I seem to recall commenting on this. When was it?

Posted by: mindful webworker - not that I like looking at dumb things I've said in the past... at January 04, 2026 05:22 PM (dESj/)

189 The dark char outside and fatty moist inside of that brisket borders on food porn. That's a thing of beauty, but not classy beauty like Audrey Hepburn -- it's more of a Brigitte Bardot brisket.

Posted by: Pastafarian at January 04, 2026 05:23 PM (sifs3)

190 Jiffy pop over a campfire is bomb.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 05:23 PM (IhIKR)

191 https://www.maangchi.com/
Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 05:10 PM (rbvCR)

Kimchi Stew sounds tasty and accessible for us roundeyes.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 05:24 PM (FMtrg)

192 I can dig the recipe from her if you want it. Mabye.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 04, 2026 05:20 PM (rbvCR)

Hah!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:24 PM (n9ltV)

193 the kimchi is placed on the table first...

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 04, 2026 05:15 PM (8zz6B)

I have eaten in a bunch of Korean restaurants in The Bay Area and also NYC. they do the same.

Kimchi really is a fun dish.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:17 PM (n9ltV)

If it's a good Korean restaurant, they should place several bowls of "bonchon", which various kimchis and vegetable salads and such around the grill... assuming that you're having Korean BBQ. Along with a kimchi soup and a fluffy egg soup dealio.

Don't forget the soju!!!

Posted by: naturalfake at January 04, 2026 05:24 PM (iJfKG)

194 Had Ms. King known the “No Artificial Preservatives, Flavors or Dyes” representation was false and misleading, she would not have purchased the Product, or, at the
very least, would have only been willing to purchase the Product at a lesser price."

LOL.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 05:24 PM (h7ZuX)

195 187 RedMindBlueState makes his own kimchi.

Anyone else?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:12 PM

Three fresh quarts of it in the fridge as we speak. Made entirely with Korean chili paste this time. Very tasty.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState

Kindltot and his Korean wife make several types of kimchee.

I love the stuff. And it’s really good for you.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 05:25 PM (IhIKR)

196 There was this Korean girl … who made kimchi pizza. Surprisingly good, albeit HOT. I woulda preferred less heat but I wanted to impress her and wasn’t gonna be a Tim Walz about it.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at January 04, 2026 05:26 PM (UUWJm)

197 I was looking for simple meals we could either warm in the microwave or throw together after a long day on the road. As opposed to walking to the nearby Dairy Queen Grill which we did one night on the Iowa/Nebraska border..LOL!
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 05:07 PM (QGaXH)

So, like the 5 minute meal concept...kinda comfort, but healthier than DQ.

In that case, I'd suggest planning a sandwich, side, fruit, veg concept for meals.

Premade BBQ containers can be warmed up and out on buns. A pineapple can be sliced up quickly or bought presliced and a coleslaw bag can be tossed together while BBQ is warming. And then plain potato chips or something you all like.

Microwave bacon can be warmed up while you sliced tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, and onion. Find bagels and layer the smoked salmon, bacon, veg, and then a smear of mayo with a squeeze of lemon. Serve with any berry you like (no prep) and a chip.

You can microwave scrambled eggs (in a cup with a little liquid - mix every 30 seconds til you like it). Get a tortilla and add shredded cheese, salsa, canned beans, and any other mexican toppings you like). Serve with tortilla chips...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 05:26 PM (tOcjL)

198 Kimchee fried rice with a couple over easy eggs on top is sublime.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 05:26 PM (IhIKR)

199 Serve with tortilla chips and container guac and sliced apples or mango.

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 05:26 PM (tOcjL)

200 Pickling any kind of vegetables is easy and really adds some zip. I’m doing it more often as a vegetable accompaniment because I’m tired of Brussels sprouts.

Particularly if they are lacking bacon

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 05:26 PM (dLTvU)

201 So we had an exceptionally nice dinner with our son the other night for his birthday - very good French/Thai place that was beautifully decorated for Christmas. He had escargot with garlic butter which he had never had before, and we all shared an appetizer with duck and some vegetables and apples and jicama ( sp?) in a flaky pastry shell. He also had some boar in a spicy sauce and spouse and I shared a potion of sea bass. For dessert I had crème bruleee , spouse had some peach gelato and son had some kind of creamy gelato ice cream and chocolate cake.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 04, 2026 05:27 PM (2sfNr)

202 I made Oaxacan mole sauce for Christmas Eve enchiladas then roast duck on New Year's Eve. I used leftover duck to make mole enchiladas filled with duck carnitas, jack cheese, and onions. Best enchiladas ever!

Posted by: lejroche at January 04, 2026 05:29 PM (StTv7)

203 Speaking of toxic plants, I got the oleander bush I uprooted the other day all rendered down in to small pieces to fit into the wheelie bin, so it can go out to the curb tonight. And hoed a bunch more weeds, and trimmed a couple of shrubs, so I can now park two cars in the extreme east end of the driveway. I moved the "for sale" Jeep out there, and put a "for sale" sign in the windshield, and there is still room for my Mexican neighbor to park an extra truck there. (I encourage this, because it makes the house look lived-in, even if I am not in residence.)

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 04, 2026 05:30 PM (8zz6B)

204 Particularly if they are lacking bacon

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 05:26 PM (dLTvU)

That's an easy fix.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:30 PM (n9ltV)

205 202 I made Oaxacan mole sauce for Christmas Eve enchiladas then roast duck on New Year's Eve. I used leftover duck to make mole enchiladas filled with duck carnitas, jack cheese, and onions. Best enchiladas ever!
Posted by: lejroche

Holy cow! That sounds awesome.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 05:30 PM (IhIKR)

206 194 Had Ms. King known the “No Artificial Preservatives, Flavors or Dyes” representation was false and misleading, she would not have purchased the Product, or, at the
very least, would have only been willing to purchase the Product at a lesser price."

LOL.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January

It says tocopherols on the ingredients, but the FDA calls it artificial not because it isn’t natural, but because it isn’t found naturally in corn. There are some claims of there being some synthetic vit e used in the product, but I couldn’t see where they got that information from, noting I didn’t read every single thing closely. It may be in there.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 05:32 PM (OoFl2)

207 I made Oaxacan mole sauce for Christmas Eve enchiladas then roast duck on New Year's Eve. I used leftover duck to make mole enchiladas filled with duck carnitas, jack cheese, and onions. Best enchiladas ever!
Posted by: lejroche at January 04, 2026 05:29 PM (StTv7)

This sounds delicious. I may need to source a duck.

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 05:32 PM (dLTvU)

208 And Ibguy was a very nice guy. I corresponded with him when I gathered the prayer requests. May his memory have been a blessing to those that loved him and were missing him during the holidays.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 04, 2026 05:32 PM (2sfNr)

209 Posted by: lejroche

Sounds delicious!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 04, 2026 05:33 PM (2sfNr)

210 And holy crapoli some y’all go out to eat a LOT! How can you afford it?

I’ve found most restaurant food these days to be disappointing. Except for a breakfast diner with everyrhing cooked on a flattop.

That stuff is crack.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 05:34 PM (IhIKR)

211 Best enchiladas ever!

Posted by: lejroche at January 04, 2026 05:29 PM (StTv7)

Duck enchiladas? Wow...

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:34 PM (n9ltV)

212 And yes, shaking a Manhattan is blasphemy...it's in the Bible!

*removes filthy left hand from Koran*

What's shakin', Manhattan!

Posted by: Zoltran Mondavi at January 04, 2026 05:34 PM (N8Me9)

213 Thanks to everyone for the mimosa and champagne cocktail suggestions and to Farmer for the Cook's recommendation. The experimenting is going to be fun and delicious.

Posted by: JTB at January 04, 2026 05:35 PM (yTvNw)

214 We get frozen hashbrowns that have one ingredient.
Potatoes.
Wife taught me, heat oil til it's shimmering (high), put in hashbrowns, and turn the burner to medium.
Set alarm for 4 1/2 minutes. Flip, do the same.
If a huge batch may have to turn 2 or 32 times, but for single layer, this works.

Posted by: MkY at January 04, 2026 05:36 PM (q6tQZ)

215 2 or 3, not 32.

Posted by: MkY at January 04, 2026 05:36 PM (q6tQZ)

216 I tried a new burger joint that opened up not that far from me. The $9 bacon cheeseburger was OK, but not fantastic.

The blackened fries were pretty good, though.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 04, 2026 05:37 PM (ESVrU)

217 Duck enchiladas in blue corn tortillas.

Posted by: Ben Had at January 04, 2026 05:38 PM (sDNVV)

218 Oh. I miss ibguy. 😢

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at January 04, 2026 05:39 PM (Vvh2V)

219 The duck enchiladas sound yimmy.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:39 PM (Cw/ar)

220 And today was our monthly church luncheon . I made butternut squash soup, someone else brought a tomato vegetable soup, we had lots of pasta salads, someone else had roasted a turkey and brought the breast. We also had potato pancakes with some kind of sauce and the same woman who made the potato pancakes also brought homemade cookies with coconut and dark and milk chocolate morsels. We had much left over and had some for dinner tonight.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 04, 2026 05:41 PM (2sfNr)

221 It says tocopherols on the ingredients, but the FDA calls it artificial not because it isn’t natural, but because it isn’t found naturally in corn.
Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 05:32 PM (OoFl2)

That. But I laugh, because despite her outrage, she might have bought it at a lower price. Principles, yo.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at January 04, 2026 05:41 PM (h7ZuX)

222 That's an easy fix.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:30 PM (n9ltV)

Dry cure brine, 7 days in the cure, flipping daily , rinse, dry , smoke, partially freeze, slice and package.

Why waste perfectly delicious bacon by mixing with bitter vegetables. No matter how trendy.

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 05:42 PM (dLTvU)

223 The idea of already popped corn from the store is obnoxious. As a child we made popcorn over a fire, dumped it in a grocery bag with butter and salt and shook it up. That's what we ate at home and took to the drive-in theater. Now I use a dedicated pot on the stove: a little corn oil to encourage popping and tossed with copious amounts of butter. Jiffy Pop was amusing but tasted bland. Never tried microwave popcorn.

The one exception to making my own is caramel kettle popcorn at the farmers market. But it must be eaten while warm.

Posted by: JTB at January 04, 2026 05:44 PM (yTvNw)

224 That looks like a lawyer-generated strike suit to gin up legal fees.
Posted by: Elric the Blade at January 04

And hope Conagra settles to avoid the cost of litigation.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 05:45 PM (pZEOD)

225 And I remember as a kid making jiffy pop popcorn with the aluminum foil lid which expanded and which I always found so near!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 04, 2026 05:45 PM (2sfNr)

226 JTB,

Sparkling wines are one of Gods many blessings for us. Good luck in your ongoing discovery.

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 05:46 PM (dLTvU)

227 Fried potatoes, peppers and ham, some leftover with eggs tomorrow

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 05:46 PM (Ia/+0)

228 225- "Neat" not "Near".

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 04, 2026 05:46 PM (2sfNr)

229
My 7 y/o grandson is a bacon eating maniac. He would eat it for every meal if we let him.

For his birthday last year we gave him money and two lbs of bacon, lol.

He was thrilled more about the bacon.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 05:46 PM (3ek7K)

230 Tonight is the last of the New Year's ribs, collards, and blackeyed peas. It was delicious, but I'm ready for something else.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:47 PM (Cw/ar)

231 Suppose I should go chop up the veggies.

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 05:48 PM (Wmg4n)

232 Nap time is over and dinner is …
Roast peanuts, unsalted. With white wine.

Mrs. R. is having the up periscope procedure tomorrow and is not dining.

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 05:48 PM (30Gj0)

233 Lol, fourseasons. Your grandson sounds like a Moron-in-training.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:49 PM (Cw/ar)

234 Sparkling wines are like Ripple or Thunderbird. That ain't wine.

Posted by: Ben Had at January 04, 2026 05:50 PM (sDNVV)

235 Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 05:46 PM (dLTvU)

"I am tasting the stars!"

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:50 PM (n9ltV)

236 A tin of sardines to anyone who gets Mr. Dildo to publish a picture and recipe for a Penguin Flu-zy.

Two tins if you get the bouquet correct!

Posted by: Big Penguin at January 04, 2026 05:50 PM (0sNs1)

237
Mary,

He is a character.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 05:51 PM (3ek7K)

238 So is single malt scotch
Glenfiddich

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 05:52 PM (Ia/+0)

239 Posted by: Big Penguin at January 04, 2026 05:50 PM (0sNs1)

Bluebell wouldn't put my recipe for Panda Hash in the Deplorable Gourmet!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:54 PM (n9ltV)

240 Speaking of sardines, another expired pantry offering turned into white spaghetti in expired chicken bullion, mixed with chopped expired sardines sautéed with old garlic in old olive oil.
-chef’s kiss!-

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 05:55 PM (30Gj0)

241 Bluebell wouldn't put my recipe for Panda Hash in the Deplorable Gourmet!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 05:54 PM

Red Sox fan. 'Nuff said.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 04, 2026 05:56 PM (0sNs1)

242 240 Speaking of sardines, another expired pantry offering turned into white spaghetti in expired chicken bullion, mixed with chopped expired sardines sautéed with old garlic in old olive oil.
-chef’s kiss!-
Posted by: RI Red at January 04

Living dangerously!

Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 05:56 PM (OoFl2)

243 Sardines. Yummy. The King Oscar Sardines in Olive Oil with Cracked Pepper. I could almost live off of those.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:56 PM (Cw/ar)

244 The cold weather season means time to make kraut. I like it more tart than most commercial brands so learned to make my own. If I make it this week it should be about right when Lent begins. I can make a nice meal with a baked potato and kraut.

Posted by: JTB at January 04, 2026 05:57 PM (yTvNw)

245 Speaking of sardines, another expired pantry offering turned into white spaghetti in expired chicken bullion, mixed with chopped expired sardines sautéed with old garlic in old olive oil.
-chef’s kiss!-

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 05:55 PM (30Gj0)

Sardine spaghetti is delicious. Lately, I've been on a pasta puttanesca tear. It is so easy to make and good.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:59 PM (Cw/ar)

246 Living dangerously!
Posted by: Piper at January 04, 2026 05:56 PM (OoFl2)

Piper, as bluebell said upthread, those dates are mere suggestions.

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 06:00 PM (30Gj0)

247 I really like kimchi and our local grocer carries "live" kimchi in the produce aisle. The problem is I don't really know what to serve it with. We seldom make Asian food at home, and even then I don't know how to incorporate kimchi into the meal.
Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 04, 2026 04:47 PM (FMtrg)
====

We serve it with falafel, schnitzel, and noodle bowls sometimes chopped on salads.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 06:00 PM (RIvkX)

248 I may have to try this sardine spaghetti. But I'll wait until the rest of the family is out of town.

Posted by: PabloD at January 04, 2026 06:01 PM (cFv0u)

249 Sardine spaghetti is delicious. Lately, I've been on a pasta puttanesca tear. It is so easy to make and good.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 05:59 PM (Cw/ar)

I love pasta puttanesca...I can only make that when the kids and spouse are dairying it up b/c I'm the only one who likes it...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 06:01 PM (tOcjL)

250 The cold weather season means time to make kraut. I like it more tart than most commercial brands so learned to make my own. If I make it this week it should be about right when Lent begins. I can make a nice meal with a baked potato and kraut.
Posted by: JTB at January 04, 2026 05:57 PM

Have you considered adding a soupçon of fermented soybean paste?

Posted by: Miso Hungry at January 04, 2026 06:01 PM (0sNs1)

251

One of my favorite things to eat is tuna salad.

Since I had covid I can't stand it. It tastes off now.

I think a lot of people have taste issues with foods after having covid.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 06:01 PM (3ek7K)

252
I think a lot of people have taste issues with foods after having covid.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 06:01 PM (3ek7K)

My husband lost his sense of smell after the Clot shot...

Posted by: It's me donna at January 04, 2026 06:04 PM (VE6XX)

253 One of my favorite things to eat is tuna salad.

Since I had covid I can't stand it. It tastes off now.

I think a lot of people have taste issues with foods after having covid.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 06:01 PM (3ek7K)

One thing I noticed after getting the wuhan was that grilled onions smelled funny. And my sense of taste was diminished for a few months.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Rock 'n' Roll Martian at January 04, 2026 06:06 PM (0aYVJ)

254 ibguy and his baby sister Joyce are on my list of prayers for the repose of souls. I loved his stories.

Posted by: Mrs. Leggy at January 04, 2026 06:06 PM (dyL4B)

255 Is she using those astringent Sichuan peppercorns that make your mouth go numb?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at January 04, 2026 05:07 PM (kpS4V)
====

A little powdered Sumac works for that too

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 06:06 PM (RIvkX)

256
I wish Trump would drop fauci into Gaza.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 06:06 PM (3ek7K)

257 Those who like kraut less tart, a apple cooked in with it helps

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 06:06 PM (Ia/+0)

258 ibguy and his baby sister Joyce are on my list of prayers for the repose of souls. I loved his stories.

Posted by: Mrs. Leggy at January 04, 2026 06:06 PM (dyL4B)

I recall his posts about Joyce. He loved her so. May they both rest in peace.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 06:08 PM (Cw/ar)

259 Bacon wrapped anything is great. I like to grill bacon wrapped jalapeño’s stuffed won’t cheese. (Cream cheese, cheddar, whatever floats your boat)

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 04, 2026 06:08 PM (bYhL4)

260 Anchovies>>>>sardines

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:08 PM (IhIKR)

261 One of my favorite things to eat is tuna salad.

Since I had covid I can't stand it. It tastes off now.

I think a lot of people have taste issues with foods after having covid.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 06:01 PM (3ek7K)
====
One of my favorites as well. My dad gave his secret recipe to Mrs. F. before he passed.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 06:08 PM (RIvkX)

262 We always called unpopped kernels old maids.

Posted by: Wenda at January 04, 2026 06:10 PM (FRS+s)

263 260 Anchovies price $$ >>>>sardines price $$

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:08 PM (IhIKR)

FIFO

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 06:10 PM (tOcjL)

264 Bacon wrapped anything is great. I like to grill bacon wrapped jalapeño’s stuffed won’t cheese. (Cream cheese, cheddar, whatever floats your boat)

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 04, 2026 06:08 PM (bYhL4)

Jalapeno Poppers! Yum yum!

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 06:10 PM (Cw/ar)

265 For as much as I lkve bacon, don't get it often. Haven't decided best way to cook or fry it

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 06:17 PM (Ia/+0)

266 Jalapeno poppers make dove season worth it.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at January 04, 2026 06:19 PM (bWZYx)

267 197 I was looking for simple meals we could either warm in the microwave or throw together after a long day on the road. As opposed to walking to the nearby Dairy Queen Grill which we did one night on the Iowa/Nebraska border..LOL!
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 05:07 PM (QGaXH)

You can microwave scrambled eggs (in a cup with a little liquid - mix every 30 seconds til you like it). Get a tortilla and add shredded cheese, salsa, canned beans, and any other mexican toppings you like). Serve with tortilla chips...
Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 05:26 PM (tOcjL)

Hi Nova

I had to step away for a bit. Thank you for your ideas. I copied them into a word doc for safekeeping.

I'll peruse the rest of the comments in case anyone else took the time to respond.

All the best to you.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 06:19 PM (QGaXH)

268 Nurse, you are correct. I misremembered. They were expired anchovies, not expired sardines.
And they were damfine!

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 06:20 PM (30Gj0)

269 Anchovies>>>>sardines

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:08 PM

I like to get large frozen sardines, clean and butterfly them, then give them a quick brine and a hot smoking on the grill. Top with a little tzatziki.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at January 04, 2026 06:22 PM (Wnv9h)

270 Went out to dinner with friends on Friday to a place not to far from me.

Appetizer was fried oysters.
They were delish but could not compare to the oysters on the half shell I had in Paris. sigh

Main dish was broiled scallops with vegetables and potato.
A very good meal made even better by the company.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at January 04, 2026 06:24 PM (QdaMw)

271 Jalapeno Poppers! Yum yum!
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary
----------

Yes! WooHoo!

Poppers are so easy. And forgiving! Best I've made (so far) had stuffing mixture of crushed garlic, s & p, cream cheese, dash of pineapple-habanero hot sauce (okay, more like a couple teaspoons) and grated habanero-jack cheese. *Always* bacon-wrapped, of course.

They're not super-fancy or expensive, just tasty.

Posted by: JQ at January 04, 2026 06:24 PM (rdVOm)

272 Mmmmmm....kettle corn.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at January 04, 2026 06:25 PM (bWZYx)

273 Check out Live2Day Wanderland's You Tube channel. They camp in a teardrop (and they winter camp!) and she does a lot of simple meals.

https://tinyurl.com/ykf75m4x

Posted by: Notsothoreau at January 04, 2026 06:26 PM (+mUZM)

274
Skip,

I cook bacon in the oven. It is the easiest way for me.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 06:27 PM (3ek7K)

275 Did someone call Popcorn?

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at January 04, 2026 06:27 PM (ZRzmB)

276 267 I had to step away for a bit.**

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 06:19 PM (QGaXH)

**I wish Cozi TV wouldn't run back to back Columbo episodes - it takes a big chunk our of the day.....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 06:28 PM (QGaXH)

277 Hi Nova

I had to step away for a bit. Thank you for your ideas. I copied them into a word doc for safekeeping.

I'll peruse the rest of the comments in case anyone else took the time to respond.

All the best to you.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 06:19 PM (QGaXH)

No problem - another easy idea on the sandwich, side, fruit plan...

Grilled ham and cheese (make it fancy adding an apple, a fancy cheese like gouda or havarti or something that makes it fun) with canned tomato soup (dilute with Trader Joe's beef bone broth for extra protein and mouthfeel) and sliced apples (if it's not in the sandwich, have it on the side,

If you aren't feeling too hungry, a grilled Elvis (microwave bacon, PB, and banana) sandwich with practically any fruit and a yogurt would also hit the spot.

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 06:28 PM (tOcjL)

278 273 Check out Live2Day Wanderland's You Tube channel. They camp in a teardrop (and they winter camp!) and she does a lot of simple meals.

https://tinyurl.com/ykf75m4x
Posted by: Notsothoreau at January 04, 2026 06:26 PM (+mUZM)

Will do! Thank you!

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at January 04, 2026 06:29 PM (QGaXH)

279 Dinner plans have changed.
DILIT agrees that expired frozen pizza will do just fine.
Heck, it only expired in 25 - almost fresh food!

Posted by: RI Red at January 04, 2026 06:32 PM (30Gj0)

280 If this thread goes past 300 comments, we get dessert.

Posted by: mindful webworker - cake and ice cream at January 04, 2026 06:33 PM (dESj/)

281 Sahara or Gobi?

Posted by: Boss Moss at January 04, 2026 06:34 PM (eq9pm)

282 I like pie
But have Tastykakes

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 06:34 PM (Ia/+0)

283 I cook bacon in the oven. It is the easiest way for me.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 06:27 PM (3ek7K)

Me too.

And I can vary the heat depending on what I want, so it makes it easy to get crispy or rendered but still chewy or whatever...

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 06:35 PM (n9ltV)

284 this thread goes past 300 comments, we get dessert.
Posted by: mindful webworker - cake and ice cream at January 04, 2026 06:33 PM (dESj/)

Please elaborate more on your favorite dessert choices.

Eighteen times.

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 06:35 PM (dLTvU)

285 Did someone call Popcorn?

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at January 04, 2026 06:27 PM (ZRzmB)

Omaha!

Posted by: Peyton Manning at January 04, 2026 06:36 PM (n9ltV)

286 I should do that. I have all those Ankor Hocking Lasagna pans.

Posted by: Boss Moss at January 04, 2026 06:36 PM (eq9pm)

287 Random neighbor fireworks show going off at 637 on a Sunday. WTH?

Posted by: A dude in MI at January 04, 2026 06:37 PM (/6GbT)

288 Please elaborate more on your favorite dessert choices.

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 06:35 PM (dLTvU)

Right now it is Lin'duh's spectacular chocolate chip cookies.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 06:37 PM (n9ltV)

289 Please elaborate more on your favorite dessert choices.

Eighteen times.
Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 06:35 PM (dLTvU)

Dessert I miss the most - tiramisu (you can make fake ice cream - you can't make fake tiramisu)...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 06:38 PM (tOcjL)

290 So. After range time yesterday ( crossing the streams here) I took son #1 out to breakfast at a diner. Counter service for us as we didn’t want to wait. Greasy spoon, super busy.

I had a giant pancake, two eggs, three slices bacon. OJ
He had chicken fried steak and eggs. Coffee

With tax and tip $55.

Is this what y’all are paying?

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:40 PM (IhIKR)

291 I don"t eat out any more.

Posted by: Boss Moss at January 04, 2026 06:41 PM (eq9pm)

292 Best dessert I've had in a long time was MiL's chcocolate soufflé last weekend. Each of us got enough to serve 3.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 06:41 PM (RIvkX)

293 I've just been snacking on my homemade Chex mix (or "crack mix").

I only make it for New Year's. Great stuff.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 04, 2026 06:42 PM (ESVrU)

294 Is this what y’all are paying?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:40 PM (IhIKR)

===
Sounds right.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 06:42 PM (RIvkX)

295 With tax and tip $55.

Is this what y’all are paying?

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:40 PM (IhIKR)

Yes. At least in cities and more traveled towns..

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 06:43 PM (n9ltV)

296 I use grape seed oil to make popcorn.i

Posted by: NaCly Dog at January 04, 2026 06:43 PM (u82oZ)

297 this thread goes past 300 comments, we get dessert.
Posted by: mindful webworker - cake and ice cream
=====
Please elaborate more on your favorite dessert choices.
Eighteen times.
Posted by: Pete Bog

A good dark bier.

Posted by: BifBewalski - at January 04, 2026 06:43 PM (QVmho)

298 I don"t eat out any more."

Yeah, cut back on that bigly. Especially since in store prices are down...

Posted by: man at January 04, 2026 06:43 PM (XuXeR)

299 299

Posted by: BifBewalski - at January 04, 2026 06:44 PM (QVmho)

300 Tastykakes are awesome but I can't cope with the feelings of self-loathing that follow,

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 06:44 PM (RIvkX)

301 Rats. Missed the VZ thread. Above may be my first post even on the food thread.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at January 04, 2026 06:45 PM (u82oZ)

302 Yay! We made it past 300 comments!

Desserts all around!

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 04, 2026 06:45 PM (ESVrU)

303 290 So. After range time yesterday ( crossing the streams here) I took son #1 out to breakfast at a diner. Counter service for us as we didn’t want to wait. Greasy spoon, super busy.

I had a giant pancake, two eggs, three slices bacon. OJ
He had chicken fried steak and eggs. Coffee

With tax and tip $55.

Is this what y’all are paying?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:40 PM (IhIKR)

No - we don't order beverages or breakfast.
Both are wildly overpriced.

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 06:45 PM (tOcjL)

304 To cut down sodium, use small crystals popcorn salt. The only downside is no iodine.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at January 04, 2026 06:46 PM (u82oZ)

305 That meal here might run $40.

Posted by: Ben Had at January 04, 2026 06:46 PM (sDNVV)

306 The place we ate at for lunch yesterday adds 6% SF Mandate fee. Tax is 8.625%. Tip 18%.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 04, 2026 06:46 PM (RIvkX)

307 Chocolate Tandykakes it is

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 06:46 PM (Ia/+0)

308 Can't afford to "go out to eat" any more. Sometimes will pick up a couple of tacos or Panda Express bowl to share with hubby, just for a treat. He hates the institutional crap his nursing home serves, and I don't blame him!

Posted by: JQ at January 04, 2026 06:47 PM (rdVOm)

309 That meal here might run $40."

Sounds about right. Two decent breakfasts, coffee, tip...$35 in Tomball...

Posted by: man at January 04, 2026 06:47 PM (XuXeR)

310 *passes out quinoa and kale biscuits*

Didn't say it'd be *good* desserts...

Posted by: mindful webworker - with gravy at January 04, 2026 06:47 PM (dESj/)

311 Did Chinese lunch specials at the local joint this week - $72 before tax and tip for 6 "adults" - ended up at $97. Water for beverage, and younger daughter and I had lunch the next day (the boys and my oldest daughter all cleaned their plates)...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 06:48 PM (tOcjL)

312 I just discovered that there are a couple of beer breweries in the West Bank operated by Christian Palestinians. They seem to be popular locally and are exported to Europe and Japan.

Posted by: pawn at January 04, 2026 06:50 PM (Rmqfl)

313 I'm having warm eggnog.

Posted by: Eromero at January 04, 2026 06:50 PM (LHPAg)

314 Nova,
No need to be a snot about it.

I was just asking.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:50 PM (IhIKR)

315 314 Nova,
No need to be a snot about it.

I was just asking.
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:50 PM (IhIKR)

It's not a snot. But you had said you couldn't believe people can eat out. They can, but they tend to be selective on timing and meal choices.

Breakfasts are known for being ridiculously priced per value of product. Lunches (especially weekday) are known to be the discount meal. And beverages are always wildly priced, no matter the type.

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 06:52 PM (tOcjL)

316 HAM & BEAN SOUP ... Because our New Year's Day group was small this year, we cooked only ham steaks for dinner ... However, I bought a frozen ham bone from the Honey Baked Ham store on Friday and am looking forward to making soup tomorrow ... Our method of soaking all types of beans in distilled water this past year has been working well, so we'll do that again tonight.

Posted by: Kathy at January 04, 2026 06:52 PM (zuKcR)

317 A good trick for popcorn salt is to put some kosher salt in a blender. It will create a powder that adheres well.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at January 04, 2026 06:53 PM (8LdfU)

318 Heck, it's true at even McD. Fries are now ridiculously priced vs the cost of product b/c people will pay it, so they just keep that cost rising, while the other items have been steadier...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 04, 2026 06:53 PM (tOcjL)

319 I was just asking.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:50 PM (IhIKR)

I think diner or greasy spoon breakfasts are a great way to get a sense of the area. I love going out for breakfast when I travel, and I almost never eat breakfast when I am home!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 06:53 PM (n9ltV)

320 I cook bacon in the oven. It is the easiest way for me.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 06:27 PM (3ek7K)

+1

Bacon in the oven is simple and easy. I cook enough on Saturday morning for Mr Scary to have on Sunday. Pan frying baconis a pain.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 06:54 PM (Cw/ar)

321 {{{nurse ratched}}}
My range report goes in tomorrow. NotSoThoreau is a better shot than me.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at January 04, 2026 06:54 PM (u82oZ)

322 A good trick for popcorn salt is to put some kosher salt in a blender. It will create a powder that adheres well.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at January 04, 2026 06:53 PM (8LdfU)

Interesting. But does it spread well enough via shaking the popped corn, or do you have to take care in sprinkling it so it doesn't clump?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 06:55 PM (n9ltV)

323 Maldon salt on popcorn. I use it on almost everything

Posted by: Notsothoreau at January 04, 2026 06:55 PM (+mUZM)

324
I hust finished my two day workshop in metalworking methods for jewelry. Seven students there were, down from eight (illness). This was a really focused and meticulous group and the pieces they created were good to outstanding. It was a nice start for me to this new year.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM} at January 04, 2026 06:57 PM (xG4kz)

325 Did Maduro make bail?

Posted by: Boss Moss at January 04, 2026 06:58 PM (eq9pm)

326 Thanks for reading and commenting folks, even if it was a repeat!

Cheers!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 04, 2026 06:59 PM (n9ltV)

327 Is this what y’all are paying?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 06:40 PM (IhIKR)

Maybe a bit less at our local. Had a delicious breakfast for three this morning with no booze that was $67 so similar.

I’m not in my local neighborhood. Flying home now.

Posted by: Pete Bog at January 04, 2026 06:59 PM (dLTvU)

328 GUN NOOD

Posted by: Skip at January 04, 2026 07:01 PM (Ia/+0)

329 I don’t have the luxury of taking my adult son out to lunch during the week.

So. We went out for breakfast, because it’s a good spot, near the range and we could sit and chat.

When I go out to eat, I don’t cut corners. Get a beverage. Get dessert. Get what fancies you.

Otherwise, why go out?

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 04, 2026 07:01 PM (0c4bd)

330 There is a local Mexican hole in the wall next to the gas station. $6 breakfast special. Huevos rancheros or migas. Nothing fancy. Hubby and I both eat and have coffee for $20. Not a bad deal.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 04, 2026 07:05 PM (Cw/ar)

331 In re Orville Redenbacher popcorn -

Tocopherols is vitamin E. I am not concerned.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 04, 2026 07:05 PM (0Mn7M)

332
nurse,

Some people think everything they do is perfect.

Posted by: fourseasons at January 04, 2026 07:07 PM (3ek7K)

333 >>> 33 Best Christmas present for $15 - the Keurig milk frother. I've been making $7 Starbucks drinks for about 75 cents to enjoy the holiday...it makes amazing cappucino froth with both whole milk

I've invested in sugar free syrup flavorings and a frother so I can make my own "dirty soda" or cold matcha drinks at home. What was a $7 drink is now dirt cheap! And I don't have to spend gas to get my pick-me-up.

Posted by: LizLem at January 04, 2026 07:30 PM (gWBY1)

334 *looks up cost of cougar gold*

Holy frijoles, $33.00 per 30-ounce can (plus shipping). What?! I hope it tastes better than velveeta.

Best as a charcuterie cheese, or melted like in Mac n cheese?

Posted by: LizLem at January 04, 2026 07:33 PM (gWBY1)

335 Remember the monstrosities that were "Air poppers?"

The worst way to pop popcorn.

Posted by: No one at January 04, 2026 07:48 PM (qFwJc)

336 If you don't care about salvaging the bacon grease, microwaving it between sheets of paper towels is very quick.

Posted by: No one at January 04, 2026 07:57 PM (qFwJc)

337 I love freshly popped popcorn. The best way is with lots of melted butter (preferably salted), and a lot of freshly shredded parmisan cheese. That, and something to wash it down - preferably a glass of a cool rosé. Then, spool up a good movie and start munching!

Posted by: Nemo at January 04, 2026 07:57 PM (4RPgu)

338 Trade Canada Minnesota for Alberta

Posted by: Skip at January 07, 2026 03:58 PM (Ia/+0)

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