Food Thread: We Will Just Muddle Along...

Well, a few days ago it was 103 degrees outside, and as an accommodation to the warmth I decided to have a Gin & Tonic as opposed to a Manhattan (stirred, you animals!) or a Martini, or an Old Fashioned.

But a typical G&T out of a bar gun is a crap drink. The tonic is too sweet, the lime is an afterthought, and it's mostly ice.

So...a good G&T requires a half a lime muddled on the bottom of the glass to get some of that delicious oil out of the skin and into the drink! Yes, they are monoterpenes (and some other stuff)...why do you ask?

And then no more than two parts tonic to one part gin. The name of the drink starts with "GIN!" It should taste of it.

And for f*ck's sake, use a fresh bottle of tonic. There is nothing worse than flat tonic water in a G&T.

Put it in a glass with some ice, but not a huge amount. Diluted G&Ts are sad and painful reflections of what the drink can be.

What? NO...I am not obsessive-compulsive!

******

That is Misanthropic Humanitarian's weekly trolling. Although, to be fair, there are some dishes that don't look too bad at all!

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I had an impromptu Bourbon tasting this afternoon with some friends who stopped by...thus the abbreviated Food Thread. They brought a couple of bottles to taste, and the Old Ezra 7 Year was my favorite! Just delicious. Just enough proof to make it an adult drink, with some lovely and complex aromas followed by a delightfully smooth mouth feel. There was a delicate hint of sweetness, but definitely not enough to interest your kids. And that's good, because this stuff is nowhere to be found around here, so I will have to hunt for it, because it is definitely worth some legwork!

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A friend of my MiL made these for our Independence Day get-together. She is obviously a professional baker, and these were absolutely delicious, as well as looking spectacular! She uses a lot of butter cream rather than fondant, so the icing isn't quite as sweet as is typical. Wow, they were great!

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I hope all of you had successful food experiences yesterday, no matter what you ate. A massive Independence Day barbecue, or a quiet meal of microwave burritos eaten over the sink...it's all good!

America...Happy 250th Birthday!

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The garlic is harvested! And it looks...well...sigh. Send all of your excellent home-grown garlic 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 04:05 PM

Comments

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1 Food fight

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 04:06 PM (Ia/+0)

2 I like a half-ounce of Rose's Lime Juice in my G & T, for the prevention of scurvy.

Posted by: William F. 'Buck' Dharma at July 05, 2026 04:07 PM (Ft5W9)

3 BLT soon, something not overly hot

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 04:07 PM (Ia/+0)

4
Black cherry float. Good.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 05, 2026 04:08 PM (O0L8i)

5 Ask your bartender if Monoterpene is right for you.

Posted by: Big Tonic at July 05, 2026 04:09 PM (2Ez/1)

6 Hello Foodsters

A friend brought a bottle of Willets Bourbon to the fireworks show last night. I’m not a bourbon guy but it was tasty. I have no idea what it costs.

Posted by: Pete Bogs Agentic alter ego at July 05, 2026 04:09 PM (Wejm4)

7 > 2 I like a half-ounce of Rose's Lime Juice in my G & T, for the prevention of scurvy.
Posted by: William F. 'Buck' Dharma at July 05, 2026 04:07 PM (Ft5W9)

I carry a flask of whisky as a remedy for snake bite.

I also carry a snake.

Posted by: W.C. Fields at July 05, 2026 04:11 PM (IG3/x)

8 Ate very American yesterday. Carne asada burrito and Modelo beer.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 05, 2026 04:12 PM (Kt19C)

9 Thanks for the reminder, CBD. I need to stock up on limes and tonic water.

Heck, I better check on the gin sitch.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 05, 2026 04:13 PM (kpS4V)

10 Given the discussions re heat, humidity, and mosquitoes, gin is a prudent premptive medicinal.

Posted by: Malaria at July 05, 2026 04:13 PM (XeU6L)

11 Boy howdy I had a nice steak yesterday. Lovely slab of top sirloin. 30 minutes in a 400F oven, then a fast hot sear in the iron skillet. Perfectamundo!

Posted by: Savage Henry at July 05, 2026 04:14 PM (ZxPkt)

12 Ahhhh food thread - Sunday greatness. Thanks CBD and foodies. Bacon and breakfast potato skillet x 2 this weekend. Sourdough burger buns. And Bacardi - it is food too.

Posted by: scampydog at July 05, 2026 04:15 PM (41CYW)

13 WOW - Norway saved the penalty kick!

On food news, we're heading out to eat to celebrate the holiday, so heading out in a few...

Most fun thing made this week was a crustless pumpkin pie/flan. 1/2 a pumpkin pie filling can, extra cinnamon and nutmeg, 4 eggs, and 2/3 can of coconut cream (and a TB of two of maple syrup). Baked for 40 minutes at 350. Cooled at room temp and then fridge. Came out great - even gave it to the unexpected young adult male guest on top of my crew. He was wowed...then I had to tell him it would never be the same again b/c I don't measure and I change things up by taste, even baking...

Posted by: Nova Local at July 05, 2026 04:16 PM (tOcjL)

14 Terpenes are a large and diverse class of natural products with the general formula (C5H

n, where n ≥ 2. They serve as crucial biosynthetic building blocks in many organisms, particularly plants.

Terpenes are classified by the number of carbons: monoterpenes (C10), sesquiterpenes (C15), diterpenes (C20), as examples. The terpene alpha-pinene is a major component of turpentine, a common solvent.

Comprising more than 30,000 compounds, these unsaturated hydrocarbons are produced predominantly by plants, particularly conifers. In plants, terpenes and terpenoids are important mediators of ecological interactions, while some insects use some terpenes as a form of defense. Other functions of terpenoids include cell growth modulation and plant elongation, light harvesting and photoprotection, and membrane permeability and fluidity control.

Posted by: Wesley Crusher at July 05, 2026 04:17 PM (0sNs1)

15 I saw a youtube video of a thing called "Ground beef stew." At my age, I do find ground beef preferable to chuck roast. Ground beef digests easily. So, that I want I have on the stove now.

I prefer a meatloaf to a pot roast. It's just easier on my tummy.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at July 05, 2026 04:17 PM (qFwJc)

16 (C5H

n = ( C5H8 )n

Posted by: Wesley Crusher at July 05, 2026 04:17 PM (0sNs1)

17 ...a Manhattan (stirred, you animals!)

Not being an aficionado of drinks with more than one ingredient, does that make an actual detectable difference? Have you ever double blind tested it?

My discovery this week was the existence of a Trader Joe's branded single malt scotch. The 12 year old was about $35 and the 18 was about $70. For seventy bucks, I can buy a scotch that I know I will like but thirty-five seems worth taking a shot. Result: meh. I won't pour it out but I won't buy it again.

Posted by: Oddbob at July 05, 2026 04:19 PM (vTZFs)

18 Burger cupcake is great! That looks like a lot of work.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 05, 2026 04:19 PM (h7ZuX)

19 Thinking of a pre dinner scotch

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 04:22 PM (Ia/+0)

20 Hmm...a muddled drink.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCuqDrhJIqA

Yeah, she's a mite annoying, but this is a really refreshing summer cocktail.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 05, 2026 04:23 PM (Wnv9h)

21 Been enjoying pre dinner bourbon.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at July 05, 2026 04:24 PM (qFwJc)

22 Good for malaria too!

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at July 05, 2026 04:25 PM (zZu0s)

23
I have a hypothesis that soda tastes better from a glass bottle than from an aluminum can.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 05, 2026 04:25 PM (O0L8i)

24 That is Misanthropic Humanitarian's weekly trolling.

Weekly trolling???? MisHum would never even *think* of trolling you, CBD. How could you think such a thing?

#BeBetter

Posted by: Duncanthrax at July 05, 2026 04:26 PM (0sNs1)

25 *puts on hat*
*Drinks a bourbon aged 4 to 7 years*

Posted by: Perry the Platypus at July 05, 2026 04:28 PM (xcxpd)

26 There was rhubarb at the store Friday morning. Only $5 a pound! I bought all that weren’t rotten. When I was growing up it was something neighbors tried to donate to neighbors; as a kid I never minded the summers of rhubarb pie, bread, cake, and crumble. Oddly, my mom never made rhubarb jams or jellies.

Nor did she ever make rhubarb sherbet, which is what I used those four cups after chopping for.

4 cups cubed raw rhubarb; simmer in 1 cup water until tender; it will result in about 2 cups softened rhubarb, especially if you forget about it on the stove until the water is gone like I did.
1 cup sugar boiled with 1 cup water for about five minutes to make a syrup, and add ½ cup corn syrup
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 egg whites
2 tbsp sugar

Mix the pulp with the syrup and the fruit juices. Chill.

Beat the egg whites, slowing adding the sugar, to soft peaks and fold into the chilled fruit. Freeze for a few hours until it’s half-frozen, then beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and probably better mixed than when you tried to fold egg white into fruit juice.

Freeze completely. Very refreshing, especially on a hot July 4.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at July 05, 2026 04:32 PM (kYmoU)

27 I bought cherries today. I will be canning them for the rest of the day. 20 lbs is a lot of cherries.

Posted by: Kindltot at July 05, 2026 04:33 PM (rbvCR)

28 Excessive consumption of monoterpenes has been know to induce a predilection for wearing Crocs.

Posted by: Wesley Crusher at July 05, 2026 04:34 PM (0sNs1)

29 OMG I HAVE NO GIN.

You're doing the Lord's work, Dildo.

I'll probably get my usual brand, Death's Door. Very botanical. Anybody ever try Drumshanbo Gunpowder Italian Fig and Laurel Gin, in the violet bottle? I'm intrigued.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 05, 2026 04:34 PM (kpS4V)

30 Hampster ham. Tiny but good.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 05, 2026 04:36 PM (Kt19C)

31 I bought cherries today. I will be canning them for the rest of the day. 20 lbs is a lot of cherries.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 05, 2026 04:33 PM

Tell us your life today is the pits, without telling us. ;-)

Posted by: Duncanthrax at July 05, 2026 04:38 PM (0sNs1)

32 While watching an old "Thin Man" movie I heard that the perfect Manhattan has to be shaken to the tempo of a foxtrot.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 04:40 PM (afJtY)

33 Started with, now ending with Blues Brothers, haven't seen this in decades

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 04:42 PM (Ia/+0)

34 Terpenoids?

Avoid the noid.

Posted by: Domino's at July 05, 2026 04:44 PM (2Ez/1)

35 Anybody ever try Drumshanbo Gunpowder Italian Fig and Laurel Gin, in the violet bottle? I'm intrigued.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 05, 2026 04:34 PM (kpS4V)

I love their bottles! They look great, which of course means that the gin inside is tasty!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 05, 2026 04:44 PM (l4RKn)

36 While watching an old "Thin Man" movie I heard that the perfect Manhattan has to be shaken to the tempo of a foxtrot.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 04:40 PM

"But a dry martini you always shake to waltz time."

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 05, 2026 04:44 PM (Wnv9h)

37 RMBS, thank you for remembering the rest of it !

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 04:45 PM (afJtY)

38
I bought cherries today. I will be canning them for the rest of the day. 20 lbs is a lot of cherries.
Posted by: Kindltot

=============

Where did you get them? I bought Washington! Cherries!!! at the local supermarket and wound up throwing 3/4 of them away, having suffered through the first 1/4 to confirm they really were that flavorless and sour. And I know the difference between tart and sour.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 05, 2026 04:46 PM (mmrXZ)

39 Comedienne Arynne Wexler on pit bulls and Muslims:

https://tinyurl.com/2sd4df5e

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 05, 2026 04:46 PM (kpS4V)

40 At our Independence Day celebration there were some food trucks. Wife and shared a Peruvian roasted chicken with rice. Peruvian food is excellent, as it has a bit of Japanese influence. I finished it cold from the fridge this morning for breakfast.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Trumpy can do magic at July 05, 2026 04:46 PM (0aYVJ)

41 I love their bottles! They look great, which of course means that the gin inside is tasty!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 05, 2026 04:44 PM (l4RKn)

Last time I was in a liquor store (several months ago) I saw this new (to me) brand of whiskey that had labels that looked like old pulp superhero/horror movie posters. Very cool.

Bet the stuff tasted like crap but I wanted that bottle. Not at that price point though.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at July 05, 2026 04:48 PM (zZu0s)

42 I bought Washington! Cherries!!! at the local supermarket...

Are "Colorado cherries" something new? I noticed them at the grocery a couple of weeks ago. They just look like regular ol' Bings to me.

Posted by: Oddbob at July 05, 2026 04:49 PM (vTZFs)

43 RMBS, thank you for remembering the rest of it !
Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 04:45 PM

It's a favorite.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 05, 2026 04:49 PM (Wnv9h)

44 That's not chicken.

Posted by: The Hampsters at July 05, 2026 04:50 PM (MWfyi)

45 Where did you get them? I bought Washington! Cherries!!! at the local supermarket and wound up throwing 3/4 of them away, having suffered through the first 1/4 to confirm they really were that flavorless and sour. And I know the difference between tart and sour.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia

The last cherries I bought from Krogers were sweet and very flavorful.

Posted by: Tuna at July 05, 2026 04:50 PM (lJ0H4)

46 Started with, now ending with Blues Brothers, haven't seen this in decades

One of my favorite movies, even the poorly-assembled “director’s” cut. When I bought a VCR back in about 1986, it was one of three movies I bought on VHS.

One of the first movies—possibly the first movie—that I saw in a movie theater was Animal House. I’ve had a knee-jerk enjoyment of John Belushi movies ever since.

Not sure why I (or my dad) chose Animal House; it may not have been a choice. The movie might have been a reward for good grades or something, and it could well have been the only movie playing at our small-town theater.

“You don’t need to tell your mom about some of those scenes.”

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at July 05, 2026 04:50 PM (kYmoU)

47 I tried an 'English Muffin' bread recipe this week, I like it a lot. I live on toast, and this makes a very good toast. Surprisingly good as a sandwich bread also.
Quick, yeast bread, no knead, includes milk, under two hours from jeez I'm out of bread to taking it out of the oven, and recipe scales well to one loaf and proof your yeast. Don't have the link but it was by Taste of Home, or Taste of something or other, and English Muffin bread was the search term.

Posted by: From about That Time at July 05, 2026 04:51 PM (sl73Y)

48 Frozen pizza last night. Had to go into work early. Don’t judge.

Posted by: Cow Demon at July 05, 2026 04:54 PM (4g5V+)

49 I'm making coconut shrimp for the first time, so we'll see how that goes. It can't be any worse than the wallpaper paste flavor of the premade stuff.

And then no more than two parts tonic to one part gin. The name of the drink starts with "GIN!" It should taste of it.

And for f*ck's sake, use a fresh bottle of tonic. There is nothing worse than flat tonic water in a G&T.

Bottles of FeverTree tonic water come in a 7.5 oz size. That means 3.75 oz of TW with 2 oz of gin for a couple having drinks. It's almost as if they thought this through.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 05, 2026 04:54 PM (Riz8t)

50 Cheers everyone

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 04:54 PM (Ia/+0)

51 I tried an 'English Muffin' bread recipe this week

Posted by: From about That Time at July 05, 2026 04:51 PM (sl73Y)

Did you use a loaf pan?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 05, 2026 04:54 PM (l4RKn)

52 It's almost as if they thought this through.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 05, 2026 04:54 PM (Riz8t)

I appreciate that sort of planning in my consumer products!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 05, 2026 04:56 PM (l4RKn)

53 Last time I was in a liquor store (several months ago) I saw this new (to me) brand of whiskey that had labels that looked like old pulp superhero/horror movie posters. Very cool.

Bet the stuff tasted like crap but I wanted that bottle. Not at that price point though.

I'm sorry, but if a distiller is trying to entice you with the bottle, what does that say about what's inside the bottle?

It's like restaurants in places like Mt. Vernon or Colonial Williamsburg. They're selling an experience, not the food.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 05, 2026 04:56 PM (Riz8t)

54 I'm doing G&T's with diet tonic. No sugars. Better. No discernable taste difference to me.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 05, 2026 04:57 PM (jehhT)

55 Eris she seems nice

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 04:57 PM (Ia/+0)

56 I'm doing G&T's with diet tonic. No sugars. Better. No discernable taste difference to me.

Check to see if it has real quinine in it. Many TWs now do not.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 05, 2026 04:57 PM (Riz8t)

57 I love their bottles! They look great, which of course means that the gin inside is tasty!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 05, 2026 04:44 PM (l4RKn)
---
Hey, I've had a decent run choosing books by their covers.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 05, 2026 04:58 PM (kpS4V)

58 Bottles of FeverTree tonic water…

Vodka tonics made with FeverTree and Patriots Creed Pueblo Chile Vodka are very good.

I use the guidelines from a ca. 1966 sliding drink card of the Hotel Las Brisas in Acapulco: 2 oz vodka, a couple of ice cubes, in a highball, filled the rest of the way with tonic water and a lemon peel.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at July 05, 2026 04:58 PM (kYmoU)

59 I love their bottles! They look great, which of course means that the gin inside is tasty!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 05, 2026 04:44 PM (l4RKn)
---
Hey, I've had a decent run choosing books by their covers.

Before I started drinking gin cocktails, I thought Bombay Sapphire gin was really blue. I was shocked, SHOCKED! to find that it's just a blue colored bottle.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 05, 2026 04:59 PM (Riz8t)

60 48 Frozen pizza last night. Had to go into work early. Don’t judge.
Posted by: Cow Demon

I threw some leftover rice in a frying pan with some frozen veggies and eggs and teriyaki sauce.

I would never judge you.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at July 05, 2026 05:00 PM (yEz+x)

61 Was looking through those 70's recipes that need to come back. The only one I wasn't familiar with was the Harvey Wallbanger cake. I had my share of Harvey Wallbanger drinks back in the day but never the cake. I wonder if you ordered a Harvey Wallbanger these days whether the bartender would know what you're talking about.

Posted by: Tuna at July 05, 2026 05:00 PM (lJ0H4)

62 There are some amazingly gorgeous bottles of tequila at local 'candy store'... Don Julio.

Even if I liked tequila, $350 is a bit much for a single bottle.

Posted by: JQ at July 05, 2026 05:00 PM (rdVOm)

63 There are some amazingly gorgeous bottles of tequila at local 'candy store'... Don Julio.

Even if I liked tequila, $350 is a bit much for a single bottle.

I've shopped around a bit for tequila, and find that I like El Tesoro Blanco the best for Margaritas. It's about $50 here in NoVa ABC stores.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 05, 2026 05:02 PM (Riz8t)

64 I stay away from tequila, I can't imagine what gin would do.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:02 PM (afJtY)

65 I stay away from tequila, I can't imagine what gin would do.

I used to as well due to some unfortunate experiences as a yute. Surprisingly, it makes a difference when you buy good stuff and drink like an adult.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 05, 2026 05:03 PM (Riz8t)

66 See wine bottle labels often never seen before, figue itsxa marketing gimmick

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

67 I'm sorry, but if a distiller is trying to entice you with the bottle, what does that say about what's inside the bottle?

How else can they entice you? They have to catch the eye before they even have a chance at catching the tongue.

Posted by: Oddbob at July 05, 2026 05:04 PM (vTZFs)

68 I've shopped around a bit for tequila, and find that I like El Tesoro Blanco the best for Margaritas. It's about $50 here in NoVa ABC stores.
Posted by: Archimedes

But-- is it in a beautiful bespoke bottle?

Posted by: JQ at July 05, 2026 05:04 PM (rdVOm)

69 It's 88F and I'm having my afternoon popsicle now. Red, second only to orange.

Posted by: huerfano at July 05, 2026 05:04 PM (VJX5o)

70 Salmon patties are definitely from a bygone era. Before fresh or frozen salmon was available everywhere, salmon came in a can. Mom made them at least once a month and I choked them down with minimal griping or facial contortions.

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

71 Baby back ribs are being slow grilled. Was supposed to be yesterday but the wife and I both had severe head/chest colds and spent the 4th staring at the lake here at our camp in Maine. The Mainiacs did their usual boat parade and the fireworks over the lake were great. This is in Maine D-2 that went for Trump.

Posted by: Cosda at July 05, 2026 05:06 PM (5Mso3)

72 I drink for quantity.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:06 PM (afJtY)

73 I saw Flat Tonic open for Twisted Sister at The George in George.

Posted by: Diogenes at July 05, 2026 05:07 PM (2WIwB)

74 There’s a small distillery north of Seattle in Edmonds, that makes a fantastic herbal gin. Scratch. Went there for a tasting a couple years ago and walked out with three bottles of different gins. Absolutely marvelous. Especially good ice cold with fresh shucked oysters off the beach.

But then I’d be bragging.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at July 05, 2026 05:07 PM (yEz+x)

75 I'm having my afternoon popsicle now. Red, second only to orange.

Posted by: huerfano at July 05, 2026 05:04 PM (VJX5o)

No love for blue? Admittedly, red is the best for ices, and blue is the best in candy.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 05, 2026 05:08 PM (l4RKn)

76 Back in my days as the family bartender, I took to muddling fresh spearmint that mom had growing on the side of the house. Worked really well in a G&T. Sometimes I'll add a bit of blue curacao for color, and yes, lot's of ice, preferably crushed...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 05, 2026 05:08 PM (nbLIj)

77 I'm doing G&T's with diet tonic. No sugars. Better. No discernable taste difference to me.

Check to see if it has real quinine in it. Many TWs now do not.
------------
Great Value Diet Tonic Water... from Walmart. Yup. Got it. 99 cents.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 05, 2026 05:09 PM (jehhT)

78 Did you use a loaf pan?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo a

Yes, not the biggest, 8.5x4.5 maybe. Did 45 minute rise in pan, then to 375 oven. Tiny touch of baking powder along with regular yeast, rose quickly but then it was in the 90s and my ac broke down.

Posted by: From about That Time at July 05, 2026 05:11 PM (sl73Y)

79 "blue is the best in candy.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo

You can have all my blue Jolly Ranchers then. Bleah. I'll save them up for you.

Posted by: fd at July 05, 2026 05:11 PM (MWfyi)

80 I drink for quantity.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:06 PM (afJtY)

The only thing I'll drink to is excess...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 05, 2026 05:12 PM (nbLIj)

81 Joe Kidd, Salud !

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:13 PM (afJtY)

82 I drank my dinner last night. Feel ok today.. mostly. Heh.

Posted by: JQ at July 05, 2026 05:13 PM (rdVOm)

83 Pimm's Number One Cup.

Very nice.

Posted by: man at July 05, 2026 05:15 PM (XuXeR)

84 Am liking how ceramic grill does bacon

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 05:17 PM (Ia/+0)

85 But-- is it in a beautiful bespoke bottle?
Posted by: JQ at July 05, 2026 05:04 PM (rdVOm)

Heh. If I were the kind what made cocktails (but I'm not), and had a home bar, I'd want pretty or interesting bottles. Not to the point that I'd buy crappy liquor, but if it was good stuff AND a lovely bottle, it'd be there.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 05, 2026 05:18 PM (h7ZuX)

86 Joe Kidd, Salud !
Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:13 PM (afJtY)

(Raises glass. Tips over..)

Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 05, 2026 05:19 PM (nbLIj)

87 Went to BJ’s and got the trimmings from country style pork ribs. We grilled them a bit and then into the crock pot. Fall off the bone good and made truly special with my wife’s scotch bonnet sauce.
The Mets are determined to lose to the Braves.

Posted by: Accomack at July 05, 2026 05:19 PM (T8bqm)

88 Menu planning for the coming week. I want to do red snapper stuffed with crab.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:19 PM (afJtY)

89 Sad to report my whiskey bottle is mostly empty.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 05, 2026 05:19 PM (RIvkX)

90 How else can they entice you? They have to catch the eye before they even have a chance at catching the tongue.
Posted by: Oddbob

That’s what she said?

Posted by: nurse ratched. at July 05, 2026 05:19 PM (yEz+x)

91 The use of excessive force in the apprehension of the Blues brothers is approved.

Posted by: Dispatcher at July 05, 2026 05:19 PM (/HDaX)

92 Had a nice Independence Day BBQ at one of my brother's yesterday. One of my nephews made pulled beef (sooo delicious) and some queso (smoky!!) and another made coconut shrimp with a dipping sauce (delish) and an appetizer that was bread with bleu cheese topped with grilled peaches (very good!!) and their mother had made chicken that was absolutely DELICIOUS!! I have to get the recipe for the marinade she had the chicken.

Had a great day but due to the heat we were inside most of the time.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at July 05, 2026 05:20 PM (3CpER)

93 Having been born in England, instructed in the proper construction of a G&T by my first girlfriend and her parents (both Brit expatriots) I can say I am qualified to say I completely agree with you on the G&T topic.

Posted by: epador at July 05, 2026 05:22 PM (fR77b)

94 Sad to report my whiskey bottle is mostly empty."

*doffs cap in respect

Posted by: man at July 05, 2026 05:23 PM (XuXeR)

95 I had a solo Independence Day, so I made sure to eat American: bacon with breakfast eggs, hot dogs and potato salad at lunch, and grilled burgers with chips and fruit for dinner. No BBQ but still quite satisfying. 'Merica!!

Posted by: Fritz at July 05, 2026 05:24 PM (J7jo9)

96
The last cherries I bought from Krogers were sweet and very flavorful.
Posted by: Tuna

=============

Well hang it. I bought mine at Kroger's (aka Ralphs here in Cali).

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 05, 2026 05:26 PM (mmrXZ)

97 If you eat red popsicles the paramedics will think there's blood when you vomit. Don't ask how
I know this.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 05, 2026 05:26 PM (RIvkX)

98 It's still the weekend of the 4th, so tonight's grilled brats and tater salad.

[insert Homer Simpson drool here]

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at July 05, 2026 05:28 PM (/HDaX)

99 Subliminal processing. RI Red mentioned having a popsicle and I instantly wanted a 50/50 ice cream bar.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:28 PM (afJtY)

100 When I lived in California one of guys I worked with, a Mexican, took a couple of us white boys to a Tequila bar.

It was.... educational. Like Bourbons, there's a huge, nearly infinite variety of tastes, aromas, etc.

He picked about a half dozen for a flight of shots for each of us. And we were eating some really good Mexican snacks. I did not get sick.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 05, 2026 05:29 PM (jehhT)

101 Scoobs, that meal sounds delicious. I will have to remember the Bleu cheese and peaches.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:32 PM (afJtY)

102 my whiskey bottle is mostly empty."

You have only ONE? Harrumph I say. Harrumph.

Posted by: free tibet at July 05, 2026 05:36 PM (1wtUm)

103 > Sad to report my whiskey bottle is mostly empty.
Posted by: San Franpsycho
-----------
Go to your room. You know what you did.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 05, 2026 05:36 PM (jehhT)

104 I drink for quantity.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 05,

I laughed at that. A kindred spirit

Posted by: Pete Bog at July 05, 2026 05:37 PM (Wejm4)

105
The greatest yootoob chicken byproducts ad ever made.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kR17wrlEVKA

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 05, 2026 05:37 PM (fdcCZ)

106 Pete Bog, Salud!

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:38 PM (afJtY)

107 The Old Cuban is a modern classic cocktail. Riff on a Mojito, with a champagne or prosecco topper.

https://www.liquor.com/recipes/old-cuban/

Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at July 05, 2026 05:39 PM (QaH55)

108 If you eat red popsicles the paramedics will think there's blood when you vomit. Don't ask how
I know this.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 05, 2026 05:26 PM (RIvkX)

And if you eat creamsicles?

Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 05:40 PM (iaf7q)

109 > I drink for quantity.
Posted by: Ben Had
---------
Quantity has a quality all of its own. This is wise.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 05, 2026 05:41 PM (jehhT)

110 And if you eat creamsicles?
Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 05:40 PM (iaf7q)
=====

Some questions should never be asked.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 05, 2026 05:41 PM (RIvkX)

111 101 Scoobs, that meal sounds delicious. I will have to remember the Bleu cheese and peaches.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:32 PM

It was Ben :-)

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at July 05, 2026 05:41 PM (3CpER)

112 My scotch bottle has 1 small glass left. Have a wish list on my phone of scotch never tried yet.
I do like to try alcohol I never had before

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 05:43 PM (Ia/+0)

113 Subliminal processing. RI Red mentioned having a popsicle and I instantly wanted a 50/50 ice cream bar.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:28 PM (afJtY)

BH, try Helados Mexico! Great coconut, strawberry and mango creamcicles at Shaws. They’re my summer favorite!

Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 05:45 PM (iaf7q)

114 Skip, if Balvenie French cask 16 is on your list I recommend it.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:45 PM (afJtY)

115
You can have all my blue Jolly Ranchers then. Bleah. I'll save them up for you.
Posted by: fd at July 05, 2026 05:11 PM (MWfyi)

Cinnamon/Fire Jolly Ranchers are by far the worst.

But there is a worse thing than a Jolly Rancher:

A Gay Farmer.

Posted by: Cow Demon at July 05, 2026 05:46 PM (4g5V+)

116 Scoob, that blue cheese and grilled peach thing sounds great. Imma have to try that.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 05, 2026 05:47 PM (Wnv9h)

117 I got a half empty bottle of Crown Royal Apple.

Posted by: Cow Demon at July 05, 2026 05:47 PM (4g5V+)

118 RI Red, if you get a chance to try mango chamoy, don't hesitate.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:47 PM (afJtY)

119 RMBS, I bet that would work with pear also.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:49 PM (afJtY)

120 Ben have had that I'm sure

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 05:49 PM (Ia/+0)

121 Scoobs, was that toasted bread or wafers or what?
Perhaps you could sneak us the recipe!

Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 05:50 PM (iaf7q)

122 Glen Garioch
Benromach 12
Deanston
Cambletown
Craiggellachie

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 05:50 PM (Ia/+0)

123 I got a half empty bottle of Crown Royal Apple.

That's incriminating, isn't it?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 05, 2026 05:51 PM (u/oMr)

124 Skip, Glen Fodhry.

I was gifted a bottle by a friend and it is wonderful.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:52 PM (afJtY)

125 Mango Chamoy. BH, would you say it mixes best with rum, gin or vodka?
This is an alcohol thread, right?

Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 05:53 PM (iaf7q)

126 Skip ,sorry that was Glen Fohdry.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:53 PM (afJtY)

127 Any recipe suggestions for red snapper ?

Posted by: Pete Bog at July 05, 2026 05:54 PM (Wejm4)

128 RI Red, a rum mango chamoy shake would set the world right.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:55 PM (afJtY)

129 Pete Bog, I plan on stuffing one with crab.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:56 PM (afJtY)

130 Ben adding to my list

Posted by: Skip at July 05, 2026 05:57 PM (Ia/+0)

131 The greatest yootoob chicken byproducts ad ever made.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kR17wrlEVKA

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 05, 2026 05:37 PM

I was at walmart the other day and noticed some canned dog food on sale. One of the cases said it was "beef". I looked at the ingredients and beef byproducts was the 4th ingredient. Chicken and chicken by products were the first two listed ingredients followed by chicken stock.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 05, 2026 05:57 PM (0N4FZ)

132 I was at walmart the other day and noticed some canned dog food on sale. One of the cases said it was "beef". I looked at the ingredients and beef byproducts was the 4th ingredient. Chicken and chicken by products were the first two listed ingredients followed by chicken stock.

----------

See? The quote marks were the tell.

I used to work in a restaurant that serve "clam" chowder. Buyer beware.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 05, 2026 05:59 PM (6/7Fs)

133 RMBS, I bet that would work with pear also.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 05:49 PM

Oh, absolutely!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 05, 2026 06:00 PM (Wnv9h)

134 When I die, if I get to Heaven I expect it to be like Ben Had’s kitchen.
Of course, if it’s her kitchen table, I’ll have gone the other direction.

Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 06:01 PM (iaf7q)

135 RMBS, with a very light touch of nutmeg or no?

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 06:02 PM (afJtY)

136 121 Perhaps you could sneak us the recipe!

Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 05:50 PM

I texted my nephew for it. Some of the bread was toasted, some wasn't.

It was pretty simple, but the grilled peaches is what made it stand out.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at July 05, 2026 06:02 PM (3CpER)

137 Of course, if it’s her kitchen table, I’ll have gone the other direction.
Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 06:01 PM (iaf7q)

*snort

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 05, 2026 06:03 PM (h7ZuX)

138 RMBS - Did you ever eat at Kitty's Restaurant in North Reading?
It has been there for 83+ years. At least one of the waitresses has worked there for 50 years. Great place! Great prices! Lots of food and menu choices. Never been disappointed.

Posted by: Admirale's Mate at July 05, 2026 06:07 PM (/enuJ)

139 Geeze, it's only denutting.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 06:07 PM (afJtY)

140 You make it sound like it’s just deglazing!

Posted by: RI Red at July 05, 2026 06:09 PM (iaf7q)

141
Norway defeats Brazil, 2-1. Lots of shots of crying Brazilian children. Cry, little ones, cry.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 05, 2026 06:10 PM (O0L8i)

142 Yesterday, had common 4th eats. Hot dogs,etc. Shopping for potato chips, I bought a bag of Lays. Noted on the package it said "Made with real potatoes". How good does it get?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 05, 2026 06:11 PM (XeU6L)

143 142 Yesterday, had common 4th eats. Hot dogs,etc. Shopping for potato chips, I bought a bag of Lays. Noted on the package it said "Made with real potatoes". How good does it get?

---------

Lays stole Brian Stelter's tagline.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 05, 2026 06:12 PM (6/7Fs)

144 I bought a bag of Lays. Noted on the package it said "Made with real potatoes". How good does it get?
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 05, 2026 06:11 PM (XeU6L)

Made WITH....

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 05, 2026 06:14 PM (h7ZuX)

145 Lots of shots of crying Brazilian children. "

How many is a Brazilian?

Posted by: man at July 05, 2026 06:15 PM (cGjQu)

146 RMBS, with a very light touch of nutmeg or no?
Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 06:02 PM

I could see that. Maybe some coarsely cracked black pepper, too.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 05, 2026 06:15 PM (Wnv9h)

147 RMBS, oh yes!

Posted by: Ben Had at July 05, 2026 06:16 PM (afJtY)

148 RMBS - Did you ever eat at Kitty's Restaurant in North Reading?
It has been there for 83+ years. At least one of the waitresses has worked there for 50 years. Great place! Great prices! Lots of food and menu choices. Never been disappointed.
Posted by: Admirale's Mate at July 05, 2026 06:07 PM

I haven't. It's only a couple miles from me, though. I think the parents went there once.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 05, 2026 06:17 PM (Wnv9h)

149 Aren't ingredients listed in order of amount? Like, if the very first thing is "bug shit" your package of whatever is mostly "bug shit."

YMMV

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 05, 2026 06:18 PM (jehhT)

150 Martini Farmer, yes.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 05, 2026 06:19 PM (h7ZuX)

151 For a great G&T, I recommend a premium tonic like fever tree or Q. You might think at first they aren’t sweet enough or not enough fizz. I did. But after a few mixed with these brands, you’ll never go back.

By contrast, it’s not worth it to use expensive gin. I wouldn’t use Captain Gay’s Anal Squab gin, but any decent gin will be fine. I use Gordon’s.

Trust The Blade.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at July 05, 2026 06:19 PM (FyPhv)

152 People used to send in pics of their home bars. I miss those. I just know some of you have speakeasies and tiki bars, so share.

My current mixologist area is in the garage, so no lavish photo spreads from me.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 05, 2026 06:24 PM (kpS4V)

153 Another tip is to store your gin for g&t in the freezer. That way, the drink will stay colder longer, and the ice won’t melt quickly and turn your drink into a soggy waterlogged mess.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at July 05, 2026 06:26 PM (FyPhv)

154 I used to work in a restaurant that serve "clam" chowder. Buyer beware.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 05, 2026 05:59 PM (6/7Fs)

"Scallops" too.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 05, 2026 06:28 PM (l4RKn)

155 *hic*

HUMA!!!

MOAR GIN!!!

Posted by: Hillary! Dark Horse Candidate 2028 at July 05, 2026 06:28 PM (6/7Fs)

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