Food Thread: The Unbearable Heaviness Of A Bad Yorkshire Pudding

Nothing special about that pint, except for its deliciousness and its novelty. I had never seen their cask ale before!

Well, the little Christmas tree in the background is nice, which is why I chose the photo. And I used to drink "Samuel Smith's Pale Ale" in bottles when I was a callow youth. It was expensive, so I could only have one, but as I recall it was quite good!

This one is called "Old Brewery Bitter," which amuses me, because it isn't bitter at all. I guess it's true, we are two people, separated by a common language!

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This a bit of an abbreviated Food Thread. I have a Birthday/Hanukah celebration this afternoon, and apparently I am the only person on earth who knows how to cook!

I'll be in and out, so try to keep the conversation civil, or bawdy, or silly, or....

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"Garden & Gun" is a fun Southern food and society (but in a good way) magazine that isn't too full of itself. Here is their Christmas cookie extravaganza, complete with some weird ones, but enough good, solid choices to be worth a read. "Brown Butter Sandwich Cookies with Chai Spice Buttercream" is not on my baking list, but "Ginger Molasses Cookies" and "Butter Pecan Cookies" certainly are!
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That is pork belly, and it was absolutely delicious! Unfortunately the Yorkshire Pudding was a mediocrity, and perhaps the single best example of the fall of a once great country. I think the restaurant, which has always been solid, made them too early, and they dried out. I get that it can be a challenge for the home cook to make Yorkshire Pudding, but a restaurant kitchen that touts its roasts? Sorry, that's a resounding fail.

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Lamb shoulder chops for the win! Sure, they are a bit sinewy, and can be chewy, but they are delicious and "lamby" and easy to cook. All I did was marinate them in garlic, olive oil, Rosemary, S&P, then grill them on high heat for less than 10 minutes! Delicious!

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[Hat Tip: Weasel]

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A friend graciously gave me some genuine grown-in-the-USA garlic, and I am going to taste one clove and plant the rest, because my pathetic failure last year is an anomaly...right? I hope so, because It's in the ground (actually, a large pot), and it had better work this time!

Send all of your extra antelope to: cbd dot aoshq at gmail dot com.

Rumor has it that the Bourbon Bubble is bursting. I have seen no evidence of decreasing prices, but maybe the bursting started somewhere else! I think the sweet spot is $40-$60 for excellent and interesting bottles, and bumping that to $100 gets you an incremental improvement in quality, but nothing mind-blowing. More than that and I think you are paying for hype and rarity, which may look good in your liquor cabinet, but doesn't translate to more quality in the bottle.

The problem...or the solution...is to buy lots of bourbon, take tasting notes, and eventually arrive at your favorites! It should take forty or fifty years, but it is worth it!

Posted by: CBD at 04:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Food fight

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 04:01 PM (Ia/+0)

2 I've got yer bitter right here.

Posted by: Hillary! at December 14, 2025 04:03 PM (0sNs1)

3 That yorkshire pudding looks like a dry, sunken hockey puck. I'm surprised they served it to you. And I'm surprised you didn't send it back.

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 04:04 PM (tOcjL)

4 Yuck. Heavy pudding.

Posted by: Pete Bog at December 14, 2025 04:04 PM (EU9xD)

5 Just doing fried ham,potatoes and peppers tonight

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 04:04 PM (Ia/+0)

6 CBD does strike me as the guy who gets an iPad and then pours hops directly into it because it is not hoppy enough for him.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 14, 2025 04:04 PM (zZu0s)

7 Yuck. Heavy pudding.
Posted by: Pete Bog at December 14, 2025 04:04 PM (EU9xD)

Cheesecake = Key lime pie > cobbler > heavy/savory pudding

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 14, 2025 04:05 PM (zZu0s)

8 Hit the Safeway protein deals and got a spiral ham and beef rib roast.

Today is the spiral ham with baked asparagus, bakery french bread and raspberries/grapes.

I made a dijon apple juice brown sugar glaze for the crockpot ham. It should be ready in about an hour...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 04:07 PM (tOcjL)

9 No love for me, especially at this time of year?

Posted by: A figgy pudding at December 14, 2025 04:07 PM (0sNs1)

10 Sounds misogynist but one of the main reasons I miss being married is having someone that wants to cook for you.

I eat like crap now unless I go out to eat.

Posted by: the way I see it at December 14, 2025 04:08 PM (KDPiq)

11 Oy

Posted by: Muchas buchas at December 14, 2025 04:08 PM (CDX35)

12 CBD,

I’d have been happy to come cook your holiday dinner. I’m not sure your guests are accustomed to a proper paella and delicately smoked meats.

At least I wouldn’t serve Brussels sprouts

Posted by: Pete Bog at December 14, 2025 04:10 PM (EU9xD)

13 I’d have been happy to come cook your holiday dinner. I’m not sure your guests are accustomed to a proper paella and delicately smoked meats.

At least I wouldn’t serve Brussels sprouts
Posted by: Pete Bog at December 14, 2025 04:10 PM

On the plus side, one could easily get away with serving them NYC-sourced picante sauce.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 04:13 PM (0sNs1)

14 This a bit of an abbreviated Food Thread. I have a Birthday/Hanukah celebration this afternoon, and apparently I am the only person on earth who knows how to cook!

It's a trap!

Also, once one learns how to properly cook and serve a meal, it's a constant battle to overcome one's aversion to the disappointing flaws in other people's cooking. It's even harder to eat at restaurants, where it's clear the food prep is done by people who give no figs.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 14, 2025 04:17 PM (Riz8t)

15 Pork Belly is the nontraditional Hanukah choice, I take it.
Represents the Selucids getting their asses kicked.

Posted by: RS at December 14, 2025 04:19 PM (SuU/K)

16 I ordered a 3 quart saucier from Misen. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm looking forward to using it to make...sauces and reductions.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 14, 2025 04:19 PM (Riz8t)

17 Supposed to freeze here tonight, so I finally brought the plants in for the winter. That includes some heavily discounted rosemary plants I picked up a few days ago; I’m hoping I can put them into the ground in the spring and they’ll be hearty enough to survive next year.

I have friends who had rosemary bushes literally all over their yard at their last house. But that was San Diego.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 14, 2025 04:21 PM (EXyHK)

18 Supposed to freeze here tonight, so I finally brought the plants in for the winter. That includes some heavily discounted rosemary plants I picked up a few days ago

Sage advice.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 14, 2025 04:22 PM (Riz8t)

19 Chili and cornbread for me.

Why yes, it’s all homemade. And I’ll be sick of it by the end of the week.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 14, 2025 04:22 PM (mT+6a)

20 Good Table Manners (1951)

; )

Posted by: m at December 14, 2025 04:23 PM (RuTUS)

21 Sage advice.

I tried sage a few years ago. Didn’t last :)

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 14, 2025 04:23 PM (EXyHK)

22 This one is called "Old Brewery Bitter," which amuses me, because it isn't bitter at all. I guess it's true, we are two people, separated by a common language!

One of the breweries I used to frequent made an English-style "Extra Special Bitter." Not bitter at all. Nor all that special, heh.

ESBs run about 30-40 IBU, which is nothing in a world run by septuple dry-hopped IPAs that are over 100. Even good-old Guinness is 45 IBU.

Posted by: mikeski at December 14, 2025 04:25 PM (nhCoE)

23 So, spouse doesn't know who won the dessert contest at work, but in good news, I sent in 2 full batches of my dark chocolate sea salt brownies (the boxed ones with pluses) and not a single one remained after the party. That could not be said for many other desserts.

So, mission accomplished. Nothing came home, and apparently, my spouse's got good cooking cred marks (for something he didn't make)...

Sending the 90% product vs the cheffy one seems to have been the smart play in an area that has no idea how to home cook.

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 04:26 PM (tOcjL)

24 nurse ratched you didn't forget the carrots did you?

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 04:28 PM (Ia/+0)

25 Sammy's Nut Brown Ale. Soooo good.

Posted by: phydeaux at December 14, 2025 04:28 PM (ep56E)

26 Yorkshire Pudding?

John Kirkwood for the win:

https://youtu.be/iNib0TeLHSI

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 14, 2025 04:28 PM (/HDaX)

27 I have friends who had rosemary bushes literally all over their yard at their last house. But that was San Diego.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 14, 2025 04:21 PM (EXyHK)

They also grew quite well in SE New Mexico.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 14, 2025 04:30 PM (/HDaX)

28 Where are you, Stephen Price Blair? Because I'm outside Bozeman MT, a mile high exactly, and my sage has lasted and grown for years. It's about 3 feet across.

Rosemary I have to pot for the winter and put out again in the spring. But it thrives in a sunny window. You just can't ever forget to water it.

Posted by: Wenda at December 14, 2025 04:31 PM (A65Zh)

29 Re: Manners

In 1970ish,My mom gave me a book for young boys about manners & etiquette, entitled, "Stand Up, Shake Hands, Say How Do You Do: What Boys Need to Know About Today's Manners." Excellent book. I still remember portions of it. Bought (used) copies for my own sons.

Posted by: RS at December 14, 2025 04:32 PM (SuU/K)

30 Lamb shoulder chops are a great cut. If I don't use them for a stew, I sous vide them, then sear quickly.

No major food news, but I did finish up making a nice batch of sausages for the holidays. That was something the RMBS Dad and I always did for the family. I try to keep tradition alive.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 04:33 PM (Wnv9h)

31 Sammy's Nut Brown Ale. Soooo good.

This was the first beer I ever enjoyed. Sent me down the path to ruin!

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 14, 2025 04:34 PM (EXyHK)

32 "I used to drink "Samuel Smith's Pale Ale" in bottles when I was a callow youth."

Ah yes. Sam Smith's was a favorite when husband and I were courting in the 1980s. Fortunately (or unfortunately) we could afford many at a time.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at December 14, 2025 04:34 PM (FEVMW)

33 Where are you, Stephen Price Blair?

A little north of Austin. I am notoriously bad at keeping plants alive. But I may have to try the sage again if it can survive Montana.

Prognosis for next year’s rosemary sounds very bad! But I should have one good summer of it at least.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 14, 2025 04:35 PM (EXyHK)

34 No matter how carefully I wayer and feed it, I just cannot get a rosemary plant to overwinter.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 04:38 PM (Wnv9h)

35 Speaking of cookies, I made some Almond Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies for Thanksgiving for the first time. They were a huge hit, particularly with my 14-year-old grandson.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at December 14, 2025 04:38 PM (FEVMW)

36 Water. Stupid fat fingers.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 04:39 PM (Wnv9h)

37 Hello hungry horde. I made cookies for church tonight. One tried and true recipe - apple cookies with maple glaze (sorry not sorry, CBD) and one new to me recipe - chewy ginger molasses. The molasses cookies taste good but if I make them again I'll put in more ginger. The recipe only called for 1/2 tsp.

Posted by: screaming in digital at December 14, 2025 04:41 PM (UONii)

38 English bitters are very smooth and they're my favorite beer style.

The fact that IPA's have gotten so popular maybe conflates large amounts of hops with traditional English Bitters, but the opposite is true.

If you're in an English Pub and they have cask conditioned ale on tap ALWAYS GET IT!

Truly the way beer was meant to be enjoyed.

Posted by: Phat at December 14, 2025 04:42 PM (Azq47)

39 That beer looks good. I got 3 1/2 cases worth of various beer in the garage from last night's festivities. I should go rummage through it.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at December 14, 2025 04:42 PM (snZF9)

40 >>Chili and cornbread for me.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 14, 2025 04:22 PM

I made hamburger chile a couple of weeks ago and to switch it up, I fixed chile dogs a couple of times. Really good and a nice change from just chile.

Posted by: huerfano at December 14, 2025 04:43 PM (98kQX)

41 No matter how carefully I wayer and feed it, I just cannot get a rosemary plant to overwinter.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 04:38 PM (Wnv9h)
--------/

Me neither. If I leave it outside, it dies. If I bring it inside, it dies.

Mine was even rude enough to die mid-summer this year in spite of tender treatment. I think one kind of disease got it.

I remember Rancher Bob's place has tree-sized rosemary plants. I've never seen them so enormous.

Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 04:46 PM (79pEw)

42 I've perused the book I got from the library, "Weird Cookies: Strange and Unusual Cookies for the Adventurous Baker."

Well, I am not especially adventurous, and there are maybe three recipes I would consider trying. But they are fascinating, and some of you who like complex flavor profiles might enjoy them.

There are four main categories. The first is cookies made with somewhat unusual flavors and combos. Some examples:

Blackberry Lavender
Gorgonzola and Walnut
Lavender Shortbread
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow
Oatmeal Raisin with Bacon

cont...

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 04:48 PM (h7ZuX)

43
I remember Rancher Bob's place has tree-sized rosemary plants. I've never seen them so enormous.
Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 04:46 PM (79pEw)
-----
That's because Cow Horse Queen yelled at them and told them they better grow.

Posted by: Weasel at December 14, 2025 04:48 PM (+1HQm)

44 Merguez is a sausage made with uncooked lamb, beef, or a mixture stuffed into a lamb-intestine casing. It is heavily spiced with cumin and chili pepper or harissa, which give it its characteristic piquancy and red color, as well as other spices such as sumac, fennel and garlic.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at December 14, 2025 04:51 PM (Kt19C)

45 Whatever we're having for dinner tonight it coming out of the oven. It's f-ing cold here and I need to put some heat in the house.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 14, 2025 04:51 PM (NwnyJ)

46 continuation

Second part is spicy cookies. Such as:

Wasabi Pea and Pickle
Curry Coconut
Cardamom and Black Pepper (I would try this)
Ancho Chili and Dark Chocolate

Third part, caffeinated cookies, all made with coffee

Fourth part, cookies made with alcoholic beverages, like:

Margarita Cookies (would try)
Beer and Pretzel
Whiskey Pecan
White Russian

Fun book to look through. Author is Robert Griffith

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 04:53 PM (h7ZuX)

47 The molasses cookies taste good but if I make them again I'll put in more ginger. The recipe only called for 1/2 tsp.
Posted by: screaming in digital at December 14, 2025 04:41 PM (UONii)

Do they also have cinnamon? I'd probably like that, my grandma's recipe wasn't ginger-heavy, and I loved them.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 04:54 PM (h7ZuX)

48 I think Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout is the runt of the line. Not that it's bad, it just falls short of expectations set by the rest of the line, which, IMO, peaks with Tadcaster...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at December 14, 2025 04:55 PM (nbLIj)

49 Kiddo wants pizza for her birthday, which is fine by me. All I have to do is pick it up later.

Posted by: PabloD at December 14, 2025 04:55 PM (Epuwl)

50 46 continuation

Second part is spicy cookies. Such as:

Wasabi Pea and Pickle
Curry Coconut
Cardamom and Black Pepper (I would try this)
Ancho Chili and Dark Chocolate

Third part, caffeinated cookies, all made with coffee

Fourth part, cookies made with alcoholic beverages, like:

Margarita Cookies (would try)
Beer and Pretzel
Whiskey Pecan
White Russian

Fun book to look through. Author is Robert Griffith
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 04:53 PM (h7ZuX)

I'd give almost all the coffee and alcohol ones a try...same for all the spicy cookies except wasabi and pickle - that seems like someone's idea of a joke cookie...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 04:55 PM (tOcjL)

51 49 Kiddo wants pizza for her birthday, which is fine by me. All I have to do is pick it up later.
Posted by: PabloD at December 14, 2025 04:55 PM (Epuwl)

Pick up strawberries and a bottle of whipped cream for the side...sneaks in more produce in a "birthday" way...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 04:56 PM (tOcjL)

52 I'd give almost all the coffee and alcohol ones a try...same for all the spicy cookies except wasabi and pickle - that seems like someone's idea of a joke cookie...
Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 04:55 PM (tOcjL)

Yeah, some of that just would not mix with sweet, in my opinion. Would be better in a cracker type of baked good.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 04:57 PM (h7ZuX)

53 Do they also have cinnamon? I'd probably like that, my grandma's recipe wasn't ginger-heavy, and I loved them.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!
---
Yes, just a bit of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice in addition to the ginger. Here is the recipe: https://tinyurl.com/6ttyrxdy

Posted by: screaming in digital at December 14, 2025 04:58 PM (UONii)

54 Woohoo!!!
Haufbrau is shipping to 'Murica their Helles in cans now. Excellent bier!

Posted by: Diogenes at December 14, 2025 05:00 PM (2WIwB)

55 I'd give almost all the coffee and alcohol ones a try...same for all the spicy cookies except wasabi and pickle - that seems like someone's idea of a joke cookie...
Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 04

I'm not sure I'd give Malort a try. Based on the opinions of other people.

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at December 14, 2025 05:02 PM (8CIFn)

56 Me neither. If I leave it outside, it dies. If I bring it inside, it dies.

Mine was even rude enough to die mid-summer this year in spite of tender treatment. I think one kind of disease got it.

I remember Rancher Bob's place has tree-sized rosemary plants. I've never seen them so enormous.
Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 04:46 PM

Ditto. Last year one died almost overnight mid-summer. This year I brought it in, fed it, watered it, and it repaid me by dying 3 weeks later. On the plus side, my lemon tree is doing amazingly well.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 05:04 PM (Wnv9h)

57 Woohoo!!!
Haufbrau is shipping to 'Murica their Helles in cans now. Excellent bier!
Posted by: Diogenes at December 14, 2025 05:00 PM (2WIwB)

I'll have to give that a shot. >8^>

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 14, 2025 05:06 PM (/HDaX)

58 This summer I grew catmint and brought in a plant for the winter. Oh, my. The cats came from opposite ends of the house to sample and nibbled until they passed out like drunks.

I felt like their dealer.

Posted by: Wenda at December 14, 2025 05:07 PM (A65Zh)

59 >>> 57 Woohoo!!!
Haufbrau is shipping to 'Murica their Helles in cans now. Excellent bier!
Posted by: Diogenes at December 14, 2025 05:00 PM (2WIwB)

I'll have to give that a shot. >8^>
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 14, 2025 05:06 PM (/HDaX)

Looks like Total Wine carries it.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 14, 2025 05:07 PM (ULPxl)

60 Would like to make cookies, chocolate chip but not sure that's possible

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 05:08 PM (Ia/+0)

61 60 Would like to make cookies, chocolate chip but not sure that's possible
Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 05:08 PM (Ia/+0)

How come?

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 05:09 PM (tOcjL)

62 ... but very limited locations. thpppppppt

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 14, 2025 05:10 PM (ULPxl)

63 I would try those blackberry lavender cookies. I wonder if the booze ones actually taste boozy. I made bourbon orange biscotti and cherry almond biscotti (with amaretto) this week and while both are good, there's absolutely zero taste of the alcohol involved. And the cherry ones had half a cup of amaretto in the dough. If I make them again I would cut back on the amaretto and add a teaspoon of almond extract.

Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 05:11 PM (79pEw)

64 Looks like Total Wine carries it.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 14, 2025 05:07 PM (ULPxl)

Good deal. I stop by there occasionally for their liquers/bitters section mainly but I'm always up for a good German bier.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 14, 2025 05:11 PM (/HDaX)

65 Hi Wenda! Have you taken out the Christmas china yet?

Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 05:12 PM (79pEw)

66
The lovely and adventurous Mrs naturalfake had a "Christmas Cookie Exchange" with a group 0f friends this afternoon, so-

normally she brings the Rum Balls(the recipe of which can be found in "The Deplorable Gourmet") because who doesn't love cookies what can make you drunk, but-

she saw a recipe for Pistachio, Cherry, Cranberry Biscotti yesterday and decided that's what she was going to bake, even though she'd never made biscotti before.

She got up early and whipped up a batch and they were delicious, and I got my hand slapped away a few times due to "Cookie Poaching' a crime in these here parts.

She loves this sort of thing but I often feel she gets the short-end of the stick becuz- you are supposed to bring home-made cookies along with the recipes, so everyone can eat delicious cookies and expand their Cookie Making Horizons, buuuut a few of this group are lazy, lame-ass bitches who buy cookies at Costco or some such place.

I believe these LLABs should be shown the door, and pelted with their lame-ass cookies as the rest of the ladies cry "Shame!!!" at them.

However, Box Wine is a great social leveler and lubricant and they all have a good time.

Posted by: naturalfake at December 14, 2025 05:13 PM (iJfKG)

67 That's because Cow Horse Queen yelled at them and told them they better grow.
Posted by: Weasel at December 14, 2025 04:48 PM (+1HQm)
----------

Hi Weasel! You're probably right. I wonder if she would come here and yell at my plants for me next year.

Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 05:14 PM (79pEw)

68 but very limited locations. thpppppppt
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 14, 2025 05:10 PM (ULPxl)

Checks... not available in the Knoxville area.

However, I see a number of other Helles varieties (Weihenstepaner, Augustiner Brau, Paulaner, etc.) available to try.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 14, 2025 05:14 PM (/HDaX)

69 Time and opportunity

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 05:17 PM (Ia/+0)

70 She loves this sort of thing but I often feel she gets the short-end of the stick becuz- you are supposed to bring home-made cookies along with the recipes, so everyone can eat delicious cookies and expand their Cookie Making Horizons, buuuut a few of this group are lazy, lame-ass bitches who buy cookies at Costco or some such place.

I believe these LLABs should be shown the door, and pelted with their lame-ass cookies as the rest of the ladies cry "Shame!!!" at them.

However, Box Wine is a great social leveler and lubricant and they all have a good time.
Posted by: naturalfake at December 14, 2025 05:13 PM (iJfKG)

Nah, they at least brought something...and it's very possible the store bought cookie is wildly more edible than they could produce (so they buy b/c of embarrassment). Now, if they didn't buy or bring anything, then you kick them out...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 05:17 PM (tOcjL)

71 I believe these LLABs should be shown the door, and pelted with their lame-ass cookies as the rest of the ladies cry "Shame!!!" at them.

Posted by: naturalfake at December 14, 2025 05:13 PM (iJfKG)

Absolutely. Anyone can buy cookies. I want cookies someone made, even if they are...checks weird cookie book....Spicy Schechuan Peppercorn and Cherry cookies.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 05:18 PM (h7ZuX)

72 This summer I grew catmint and brought in a plant for the winter. Oh, my. The cats came from opposite ends of the house to sample and nibbled until they passed out like drunks.

I felt like their dealer.
Posted by: Wenda at December 14, 2025 05:07 PM (A65Zh)

I grew some for making herbal tea, and dried it without problems, but when I made tea, I spilled it. After wiping it up with a napkin I went for a towel in the kitchen and when I came back the big tom was rolling in it.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 14, 2025 05:18 PM (rbvCR)

73 The Hofbrau site finds more options and specifies what's available:
https://shorturl.at/f6EYy
Still looks like the Helles isn't widely distributed yet.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 14, 2025 05:19 PM (ULPxl)

74 LOL, Nova Local, we shall agree to disagree.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 05:19 PM (h7ZuX)

75 Chocolate chips are incredibly expensive right now. $8 for 12 ounces! They don't even sell them in a 1 lb bag anymore!

And I bought them anyway because sending handmade truffles and fudge to my Grandmother is What I Do for Christmas!

Posted by: FeatherBlade at December 14, 2025 05:19 PM (i00+Z)

76 When you combine "Yorkshire" with "first world problems" and "Monty Python" you get: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue7wM0QC5LE

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at December 14, 2025 05:19 PM (36PRH)

77
I noticed that Deshutes Jubelale has just hit the shelves.

If you've never tried it before it is absolutely a first class winter warmer and Christmas ale.

Buy some. Now! Right now!

Becuz it will disappear very rapidly and then you will be left bereft and alone and a sad specimen indeed as you try to fake a jolly Christmas Spirit.

Posted by: naturalfake at December 14, 2025 05:20 PM (iJfKG)

78 I hear England has some of the best shawarma in the arab world.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at December 14, 2025 05:22 PM (/lPRQ)

79 75 Chocolate chips are incredibly expensive right now. $8 for 12 ounces! They don't even sell them in a 1 lb bag anymore!

And I bought them anyway because sending handmade truffles and fudge to my Grandmother is What I Do for Christmas!
Posted by: FeatherBlade at December 14, 2025 05:19 PM (i00+Z)

Where did you buy? Even Trader Joe's is selling their chocolate chips for $4...

And I got a Guittard bag of really dark chocolate chips from Amazon for under $6...

I did choco chip this week, and my kid learned my secret. You vary the chips. People get tired of one chocolate, but multiple chocolate types (and enough salt) keep interest for cookie after cookie. I used Trader Joe's chips, a Coconut Sugar dark chocolate chip (so really not sweet) and a regular semi-sweet chip. I used to do white, milk, and dark chocolate, but any variation works well...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 05:24 PM (tOcjL)

80 I wonder if she would come here and yell at my plants for me next year.
Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 05:14 PM

The RMBS Mom routinely reads the parable of the unfruitful fig tree to her figs during Holy Week. They grow...well. 😄

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 05:25 PM (Wnv9h)

81 48 I think Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout is the runt of the line. Not that it's bad, it just falls short of expectations set by the rest of the line, which, IMO, peaks with Tadcaster...
Posted by: Joe Kidd at December 14, 2025 04:55 PM (nbLIj)

--'---
Do they still make the Nut Brown Ale? That was my introduction to Samuel Smith's beers.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at December 14, 2025 05:25 PM (36PRH)

82 Time to feed the critters...

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 14, 2025 05:28 PM (ULPxl)

83 Oh, Bluebell that brings back good memories.

But no. This is the first anniversary of my granddaughter's death two weeks before Christmas last year. Dark time here, I'm afraid.

Posted by: Wenda at December 14, 2025 05:30 PM (A65Zh)

84 my daughter is a big advent calendar person, and presented me with one of tiny jars of Bonne Maman limited editions.

Some sound weird, but are delicious. Big hits with me so far are Cherry Rose and Apricot Lavender. Tonight will be Mango Ginger!

(I've been having some at breakfast, but if it is something I don't want first-thing on toast, I've been having it for dessert on a piece of shortbread, with a glass of wine. Bonus: soak the labels off the teeny weeny jars, and give to grandgirl for beads/craft stuff. She is at the love-anything-tiny stage, and is thrilled to get them, lol!)

Posted by: barbarausa at December 14, 2025 05:33 PM (enw9G)

85 lame-ass bitches who buy cookies at Costco or some such place."

Well, I don't bake, so if I wanted a cookie...

Posted by: man at December 14, 2025 05:36 PM (XuXeR)

86 Supper was simple but good. Been microwave potatoes, let it cool then dice it up to fry it. Much faster to get done.

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 05:36 PM (Ia/+0)

87 Tuck's sweater is an abomination.

Betcha he got tired of all the swirlies.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 14, 2025 05:40 PM (cYBz/)

88 I'm just beginning my Christmas cookie making this year - Rose Levy Berenbaum's Christmas cookies feature heavily. I began with her Scottish shortbread, and it is delightful! Four ingredients, long bake at a low temp, so your house smells amazing, and my taste testers proclaim it the best shortbread ever. Next up are gingerbread, almond cherry biscotti, sugar cookies and peppermint bark brownies. Not all in one day, I'm old now.

Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 05:41 PM (wLjpr)

89 Oatmeal for supper tonight as I'm still under the influence of the bad vapors.

Well - if we're being all English and shit, porridge.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 14, 2025 05:41 PM (cYBz/)

90 I have a small book called "Mangled Manners", with such helpful hints as:

A tuxedo must never be worn before six, so be sure your watch is right. If you arrive at an affair before six, hide outside in back of some bushes or a THICK tree until six o'clock.

Never wear anything that is in vogue among the lower classes.

Do NOT remove your clothes at a party unless the others are doing so.

Red wine should be served if you have a red tablecloth or rug. White wine with a white tablecloth.

After a heavy meal, do not loosen your belt or remove your truss while at the table

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 05:43 PM (kpS4V)

91 CBD does strike me as the guy who gets an iPad and then pours hops directly into it because it is not hoppy enough for him.

Took me a few seconds to figure out what trick autocorrupt was playing there.

Posted by: Oddbob at December 14, 2025 05:43 PM (/LGzh)

92
The RMBS Mom routinely reads the parable of the unfruitful fig tree to her figs during Holy Week. They grow...well. 😄

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 05:25 PM (Wnv9h)

Lol!- your mom is awesome!!

Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 05:43 PM (wLjpr)

93 Just returned from my yearly Christmas get together.
I "won" a can of Spam and a can of Spam Christmas ornament in the white elephant (although she calls it Chinese Christmas) gift exchange.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at December 14, 2025 05:44 PM (pkeXY)

94 89 Oatmeal for supper tonight as I'm still under the influence of the bad vapors.

Well - if we're being all English and shit, porridge.
Posted by: Tonypete at December 14, 2025 05:41 PM (cYBz/)

Well, if it's English, your eating it plain with no seasoning and no taste

...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 14, 2025 05:45 PM (tOcjL)

95 Years ago I made these shortbread walnut (pecan?) cookies with chile powder (probably freshly ground ancho, just a tiny bit). They were fantastic. At T-giving the crowd went wild. I've had friends who had them ask me more than once if I'd make them again, or share the recipe.

I've searched forever and cannot find the recipe. Also, tragically, I didn't keep an electronic version of the recipe, which is very unusual for something that turned out to be good.

I was thinking of just doing shortbread and experimenting adding nuts and chile powder to see if I could replicate them.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 14, 2025 05:45 PM (U/Byj)

96 Anybody have a good cookie recipe for a cutout cookie that will retain its shape? My sugar cookies were tasty but kind of blorphed out over the baking sheet.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 05:45 PM (kpS4V)

97 CBD does strike me as the guy who gets an iPad and then pours hops directly into it because it is not hoppy enough for him.

This may in fact be the biggest dad joke growner I seen around these parts.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 14, 2025 05:45 PM (cYBz/)

98 Anybody have a good cookie recipe for a cutout cookie that will retain its shape? My sugar cookies were tasty but kind of blorphed out over the baking sheet.
Posted by: All Hail Eris

Sadly, I do not. All my cookie recipes call for a modicum of blorph.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 14, 2025 05:47 PM (cYBz/)

99 Sage advice.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 14, 2025 04:22 PM

And in the nick of thyme!

Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 05:47 PM (0sNs1)

100 Moctezuma SA (Dos Equis) used to make a Christmas beer (bock beer I think) called Noche Buena. Beautiful foil labels on the bottles with poinsettias (after all, it's a Mexican weed hybridized by Carl Ecke here in Encinitas years ago to what it has become).

Limited quantities (not sure it ever made it past SoCal). Had to know where to get it. My older brothers always knew, so there was some around. Have no idea whether they still make it.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 14, 2025 05:48 PM (U/Byj)

101 but kind of blorphed out over the baking sheet.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 05:45 PM

You know what helps contain blorphing?

Pants.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 05:49 PM (0sNs1)

102 There's some trick to cutout cookies that retain their shape, right? Low-H2O butter? Something? Whatever it is my mother knew it, and my sister knows it. Beautiful cutout cookies with perfect shape.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 14, 2025 05:49 PM (U/Byj)

103 My Czech grandmother made heavenly Yorkshire pudding, which was known in our family as popovers. Her baking repertoire included amazing Bohemian dishes and pastries. I’m not sure if she learned popovers from English immigrants, or if they are also made in the European mainland too.

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at December 14, 2025 05:50 PM (d9Cw3)

104 You know what helps contain blorphing?

Pants.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 05:49 PM (0sNs1)
---

Dont be a H8r.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 05:51 PM (kpS4V)

105 Eris, try a shortbread recipe.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 05:52 PM (sDNVV)

106 Last thread. When one of those metal d clips falls off is there a repair?

Posted by: Boss Moss at December 14, 2025 05:52 PM (0KfN1)

107 Gruyere/ bacon Mac and cheese today.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 05:53 PM (sDNVV)

108 I remember my adventures into Yorkshire pudding. It took at least 6 tries before I got it right. My family was almost scared to try it again.

Posted by: Idlan idlan at December 14, 2025 05:54 PM (gm6Vl)

109 Nothing special about that pint
-----------
All pints of beer are special!

Posted by: scampydog at December 14, 2025 05:54 PM (5WEXU)

110 Do NOT remove your clothes at a party unless the others are doing so.

Red wine should be served if you have a red tablecloth or rug. White wine with a white tablecloth.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 05:43 PM (kpS4V)

*snort

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 05:56 PM (h7ZuX)

111 Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 05:45 PM (kpS4V)

Rose Levy Beranbaum Sugar Cookies:
2 1/4 cup AP flour
1/2 to 1/2 tsp salt (depending on taste)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)
1 egg
2 tsp orange or lemon zest (the orange is perfect for Christmas)
1 generous tsp vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar in a mixer (stand is easier) until combined, then add egg, zest and extract. Sift together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the sugar mixture. Gather into a disc in some plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. When ready to roll, preheat oven to 350, roll dough to at least 1/8 in thickness ( I usually make it slightly thicker for a softer cookie) and cut into shapes. If desired, sprinkle with sanding sugar or sprinkles, then place on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet leaving 1 inch between cookies, and bake for 10-12 minutes. If you don't use sugar, you can let them cool then decorate with frosting. Enjoy!

Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 05:58 PM (wLjpr)

112 I have stove top oatmeal often, this morning as well. Only milk, cinnamon, raisins and oatmeal.

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 05:58 PM (Ia/+0)

113 White wine with white boxers.

Posted by: Boss Moss at December 14, 2025 05:58 PM (0KfN1)

114 All Hail Eris, if you are still here:

Cream 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar.
Mix in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients: 3 cups flour + 2 teaspoons baking powder.

400* for 8-10, depending on how thin you roll/how your oven runs.

I use parchment paper, and can make ANYTHING with this! My favorite cutter for Christmas is a full leaping reindeer about 4" from head to tail, with three-tined antlers.

This does NOT blorph at all (unless you don't fully allow the dough to come to room temp after freezing.)

Posted by: barbarausa at December 14, 2025 05:59 PM (enw9G)

115 103 My Czech grandmother made heavenly Yorkshire pudding, which was known in our family as popovers. Her baking repertoire included amazing Bohemian dishes and pastries. I’m not sure if she learned popovers from English immigrants, or if they are also made in the European mainland too.

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at December 14, 2025 05:50 PM (d9Cw3)

Did she, by chance, make kolaches? The fruit kind with the crumble on top? Did she also, perhaps, leave you a recipe for the kolaches that you would be willing to share?????

Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 05:59 PM (wLjpr)

116 Eris, I do. We've been making these tea cookies for as long as I can remember.

Greek Tea Cookies

1 egg
3/4 cups sugar
2/3 cups cooking oil (nonsense, use butter)
2 Tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon each vanilla extract and grated orange peel

2 ¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

In mixing bowl, beat 1 egg. Add sugar slowly. Add oil a little at a time, alternately with orange juice. Stir in grated orange peel and vanilla.

Add half of dry ingredients, mix until smooth. Stir in remaining dry ingredients. Turn out onto lightly floured board. Knead about five turns. Roll to 1/8 inch and cut. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool and frost. Makes 3 ½ dozen.

If you don't want them to be orange flavored, you could leave out the orange zest and juice. Probably just reduce the flour by a couple of tablespoons. Or use milk instead.

Use whatever frosting you like to decorate. I just do a glaze of orange juice and powdered sugar.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 06:00 PM (h7ZuX)

117 This does NOT blorph at all (unless you don't fully allow the dough to come to room temp after freezing.)
Posted by: barbarausa

WE NEED COMMON SENSE BLORPHING CONTROL!!!!!

Posted by: Tonypete at December 14, 2025 06:01 PM (cYBz/)

118 Red wine with red panties then

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 06:01 PM (Ia/+0)

119 Tonight is Cheddar Cauliflower soup and Grandma's Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 14, 2025 06:01 PM (9ipOP)

120 Thanks, Moki! I'll give it a shot.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:02 PM (kpS4V)

121 77
I noticed that Deshutes Jubelale has just hit the shelves.

If you've never tried it before it is absolutely a first class winter warmer and Christmas ale.

Buy some. Now! Right now!

Becuz it will disappear very rapidly and then you will be left bereft and alone and a sad specimen indeed as you try to fake a jolly Christmas Spirit.
Posted by: naturalfake

Jolly Rodger is better.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 14, 2025 06:02 PM (mT+6a)

122 And thanks Barbara and Dash. A little cookie competition!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:04 PM (kpS4V)

123 Lol!- your mom is awesome!!
Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 05:43 PM

We think she's a keeper.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 06:05 PM (Wnv9h)

124 Rose Levy Beranbaum Sugar Cookies
Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 05:58 PM

Rose's cookie recipes are the best, according to Mrs. D.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 06:05 PM (0sNs1)

125 Where's the tikka masala??
x.com/piersmorgan/status/2000119097405952407

Posted by: Piers Morgan at December 14, 2025 06:05 PM (gKWVE)

126 Rose Levy Beranbaum Sugar Cookies
Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 05:58 PM

I've never heard of her before. Adding her Cookie Bible to my amazon list.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 06:07 PM (h7ZuX)

127
Rose's cookie recipes are the best, according to Mrs. D.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 06:05 PM (0sNs1)

Her Christmas cookie cookbook is stunning! - I have one that I cook from and one that is simply for perusing, far from ingredients and messy hands!!

Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 06:08 PM (wLjpr)

128 Do NOT remove your clothes at a party unless the others are doing so.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 05:43 PM

To be fair, *someone* has to get the party started.

Posted by: Wesley Crusher at December 14, 2025 06:08 PM (0sNs1)

129 122 And thanks Barbara and Dash. A little cookie competition!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:04 PM (kpS4V)

I'm adding both of those recipes to my recipe box. Can't have too many!!

Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 06:09 PM (wLjpr)

130 107 Gruyere/ bacon Mac and cheese today.
Posted by: Ben Had

You’re killing me here.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 14, 2025 06:09 PM (w8VPD)

131 To be fair, *someone* has to get the party started.
Posted by: Wesley Crusher at December 14, 2025 06:08 PM (0sNs1)

Right! So, just don't be the first, and you're safe.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at December 14, 2025 06:09 PM (h7ZuX)

132 I need more bier.

If I ever meet the scum sucking bastard that invented low flush toilets I'm going to make him drink from my toilet bowl and then kick his ass.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 14, 2025 06:10 PM (2WIwB)

133 Eris, after you cut out your cookies and put them on the pan, chill the pan in the fridge for at least ten minutes before you bake them. Should help with the blorphing.

Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 06:10 PM (79pEw)

134 nurse, it's only fair for all the times I drool over your menus.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 06:11 PM (sDNVV)

135 Deshutes Jubelale Would be a great name for an effete Harlem poet by day and hard-boiled private detective by night.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:11 PM (kpS4V)

136 Gruyere/ bacon Mac and cheese today.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 05:53 PM

Om, nom, nom!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 06:12 PM (Wnv9h)

137 I did, Bluebell!

I did everything I was supposed to and still failed!

*runs away crying*

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:13 PM (kpS4V)

138 But no. This is the first anniversary of my granddaughter's death two weeks before Christmas last year. Dark time here, I'm afraid.
Posted by: Wenda at December 14, 2025 05:30 PM (A65Zh)
----------

Oh Wenda, I'm so sorry. This must be an awful time for you. I hope you and your family are able to find some joy in the season at some point.

Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 06:13 PM (79pEw)

139 RMBS, the little hint of rosemary in it is a nice addition.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 06:14 PM (sDNVV)

140 Eris, what my kids and now granddaughter call "shape cookies" are a big thing in our family.
I have maybe a hundred cutters accumulated over the years, sorted in boxes by holiday and occasion, and maybe two dozen miniature scrap cutters, also themed.
I've used this recipe for more than 30 years and it is never-fail, plus tastes good.
One fun thing is to take a regular and a mini, and make cutout sandwich cookies (cutout on half of batch to show the jelly, marmalade or chocolate filling when assembled, so, hearts with raspberry or chocolate, stars with golden marmalade, etc)
and if this thing can handle intricate cutouts without messing up (I do have to be more careful these days as my hands aren't what they were 30+ years ago, lol), then it can do anything.

Posted by: barbarausa at December 14, 2025 06:14 PM (enw9G)

141 K am going for a beverage, not sure what

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 06:14 PM (Ia/+0)

142 My mom made terrific Christmas cookies. I loved when she used the cookie press. It was like Play-Dough you could eat (for realz).

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:15 PM (kpS4V)

143 RMBS, the little hint of rosemary in it is a nice addition.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 06:14 PM

*takes notes*

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 14, 2025 06:16 PM (Wnv9h)

144 Finishing off the Hennessey

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 06:17 PM (Ia/+0)

145 Bless all you moms that make cookies for your kids. Pure love.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 06:17 PM (sDNVV)

146 Eris, you need a new recipe!

Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 06:17 PM (79pEw)

147 My FIL (very disciplined as to diet, perhaps contributing to his 92 years!) loved the minis, because then he could have several cookies sans guilt, since each was only about an inch long or wide!
First Christmas without him

Posted by: barbarausa at December 14, 2025 06:18 PM (enw9G)

148 4H Pork chops tonight. Asked the butcher to cut them 2" thick. They are tender and delicious. No sous-vide required.

Posted by: Pete Bog at December 14, 2025 06:19 PM (EU9xD)

149 Her Christmas cookie cookbook is stunning! - I have one that I cook from and one that is simply for perusing, far from ingredients and messy hands!!
Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 06:08 PM

Mrs. D also has two. The first is falling apart from use, but she won't get rid of it.

IIRC, there's a Monrovian Spice Cookie recipe in it. We had to run all over town to get the ingredients, including whole nutmeg (for which I impressed her by knowing where to get some).

They taste like gingersnaps at first. It takes two or three to begin to realize they're not, and four or five to really appreciate them. Most folks had one, and said "Nice gingersnaps".

It was decided the reward/effort ratio was insufficient for any repeats.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 06:20 PM (0sNs1)

150 Bluebell, I tried a recipe off the internet that insisted Crisco would keep the cookie shape. Ha!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:20 PM (kpS4V)

151 Did she, by chance, make kolaches? The fruit kind with the crumble on top? Did she also, perhaps, leave you a recipe for the kolaches that you would be willing to share?????
Posted by: moki at December 14, 2025 05:59 PM

Kolaches....are great, but hard to perfect.

Posted by: Idlan idlan at December 14, 2025 06:21 PM (xOTeW)

152 Hey Moki: My garndmother made wonderful, yeasty kolaches. Plum butter was her most common filling, because there were plum trees on the property. She also made an amazing soup that I've been working to find a recipe among Czech communities to replicate. She called it (phonetic English pronunciation) "kuh-ponnie" soup. I would describe it as a chicken egg-drop soup that was similar to chicken noodle soup, but it was very eggy, with strands of egg instead of noodles.

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at December 14, 2025 06:21 PM (d9Cw3)

153 Well, got the outside chores done. More snow-blowing, and the auger blades kept getting clogged with soggy snow. The little trailer I was going to haul to Calgary and hand off to its new owner, but didn't, because reasons, went back to its accustomed parking place, And the Avanti got started, quite easily, too, and moved back onto the hoist in the shop, where it will winter over. I will take the battery out, put a block of mouse poison on the car floor, and then raise the hoist to the point I can walk under it.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 14, 2025 06:21 PM (npFr7)

154 Meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, and mushroom gravy tonight. Potatoes are frozen leftovers from T-giving, meatloaf's a basic recipe I always use, and the gravy is outstanding. Pretty basic, fresh cremini and dried porcini mushrooms and cooking the shallots in bacon fat probably help it hit a higher level.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 14, 2025 06:22 PM (U/Byj)

155 Oh Eris, you poor dear gullible thing, lol. There's your problem.

Posted by: bluebell at December 14, 2025 06:22 PM (79pEw)

156 I did everything I was supposed to and still failed!
*runs away crying*
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:13 PM

You know how a butterfly flapping its wings in Thailand affects the weather in the Amazon?

Don't discount the quantum effects of scofflawing Book Thread traditions.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 06:22 PM (0sNs1)

157 Duncanthrax, I always go to the Latino section of the grocery (or the Latino market) for whole nutmeg, stick cinnamon, etc, because the prices are so much better than Mccormick or other name brands, and they always have the whole versions.

Nearly had a conniption in the spice aisle last week, when the only whole nutmeg was McC, at TEN DOLLARS the little bottle.

I am almost out of my little container of nuts from Badia brand , but will use it up this Christmas.

Posted by: barbarausa at December 14, 2025 06:26 PM (enw9G)

158 rhomboid, oh my, that sounds so gooood.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 06:26 PM (sDNVV)

159 I know it's winter but I'm working on my pistachio Gelato recipe.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 14, 2025 06:29 PM (sDNVV)

160 My son was so impressed with these potatoes I made for him, for his T'giving brunch he comes by for (this is kind of a joke):

I quartered red potatoes, boiled them, left them in fridge overnight. Next morning smashed them in casserole dish, added butter knobs and salt, and put in oven till he got there. Just wanted something extra to serve.

"Mom, these are so good! So smooth" etc. He ate three helpings and took the rest home. I'm like "honey, they're BOILED POTATOES..." But hey, let him think I'm great. I guess I never fixed those when he lived at home.

Posted by: skywch at December 14, 2025 06:29 PM (uqhmb)

161 Don't discount the quantum effects of scofflawing Book Thread traditions.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 14, 2025 06:22 PM (0sNs1)
---

The pantsless lifestyle is MY tradition. You can't appreciate Catullus without a more relaxed sartorial style.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:32 PM (kpS4V)

162 Mmmm, mushrooms. There was/is a restaurant in Honolulu where all the dishes were mushroom-based.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:35 PM (kpS4V)

163 Eris,
I hope you have a peaceful
Christmas. If you want to come to Seattle, you can join me for meals and beach walks.

It will probably rain.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 14, 2025 06:36 PM (mT+6a)

164 Finishing off the Hennessey"

Velociraptor?

Posted by: man at December 14, 2025 06:36 PM (XuXeR)

165 Love the Larson cartoon! I don't believe I've ever seen that one before.

Off-topic, but rightist José Antonio Kast has defeated Communist Party candidate Jeanette Jara Roman to become Chile's new president - and by a substantial margin (58.3% to 41.7%). Crime and immigration played an important role in the election. Mrs. Paco has been celebrating via WhatsApp with her relatives in Chile - much uncorking of Champagne bottles, based on the photos.

Viva Chile!

Posted by: Paco at December 14, 2025 06:36 PM (2L+MU)

166 And I have a guest room.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 14, 2025 06:36 PM (mT+6a)

167 159 I know it's winter but I'm working on my pistachio Gelato recipe.
Posted by: Ben Had at December
---
This would be a lovely palate cleanser after a rich holiday meal.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:36 PM (kpS4V)

168 the most GenX man in the world

youtu.be/xUPHuka1HzU

Posted by: Kindltot at December 14, 2025 06:37 PM (rbvCR)

169 Thank you, Nurse 💋

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 14, 2025 06:37 PM (kpS4V)

170 Cognac, will get another bottle tomorrow.

Posted by: Skip at December 14, 2025 06:41 PM (Ia/+0)

171 Off-topic, but rightist José Antonio Kast has defeated Communist Party candidate Jeanette Jara Roman to become Chile's new president - and by a substantial margin (58.3% to 41.7%). Crime and immigration played an important role in the election. Mrs. Paco has been celebrating via WhatsApp with her relatives in Chile - much uncorking of Champagne bottles, based on the photos.

Viva Chile!
Posted by: Paco at December 14, 2025 06:36 PM (2L+MU)

I vaguely seem to remember some guy named "Jara" who was a client of Aero Pinochet. I wonder if there is any relation? Would not surprise me, because Communism runs in families.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 14, 2025 06:42 PM (npFr7)

172 17 degrees here now. The Cigar Hut status: Deployed.

Posted by: Weasel at December 14, 2025 06:42 PM (+1HQm)

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