Funwithfood's Profile
Applebees
Used to go occasionally but a couple years ago I'd had it with the worsening quality of the food. Have they improved in the last couple of years?
Incredible Cookies from Lousy Ingredients and Pedestrian Recipe
I made these last night but held off on my opinion until I was rested and could taste clearly. (Due to walnut allergies here, I substituted pecans (roasted) and 2 teaspoons Diamond brand Kosher salt.)
The first batch of cookies (at 350) came out evenly cooked albeit not puffy...yet with a nice soft bite. The next batch was getting burned around the edges and more crispy so I turned the temperture down to 325 degrees and baked them for just 12 minutes, still major spread and overly-brown edges. So I chilled the dough thoroughly then baked at 325 degrees for 12 minutes, still major spread with brown edges.
My "tasters" enjoyed the first batch warm from the oven and rated them a 10 out of 10. Today I let some young boys taste the room temperture overly-brown/spread ones and those were given a 10 out of 10 rating, whereas they scored the more evenly-baked version one point less!
The consensus was that this cookie was "great for an oatmeal cookie". One taster commented that it tasted like a snickerdoodle with oatmeal.
In conclusion, the recipe didn't thrill me, but my tasters loved it. Go figure!
Additional thoughts:
IMO it was inefficient (for me) and not a key element for success to mix by hand and would definitely gently mix in a standing mixer next time.
I happened to see Giada make oatmeal cookies today and she used half baking soda and half baking powder and I wonder if that would have made the finished product more "puffy" (mine are flat). She also added dried cranberries which I think would be a delicious addition to this recipe...and my tasters agreed.
Incredible Cookies from Lousy Ingredients and Pedestrian Recipe
That's the "magic", and it is very rare today.
Your Best No-Bean Chili Recipe?
I saw that Texas Chili recipe and was considering it. This Boston Marathon Chili recipe also looks good (minus beans for this event).....
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/boston-marathon-chili-1720
P.S. Keep the ideas coming!
Your Best No-Bean Chili Recipe?
I'm depending on my trusted CH friends...I need to make a delicious no-bean chili for 25 people. What's the best recipe you've made and/or tasted?
Do you have a recipe that works so well that you have no interest in trying another?
A treasured recipe at the Funwithfood household......
Baked Oatmeal
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt, (or 1/2 tsp reg.)
1 1/3 cup whole milk
Accoutrements
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half), to pour over each serving
Berry compote or, (or add a bit of water to some jelly and warm in micro)
Fresh Berries, if desired
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and spray a 2-quart souffle (or two 1 quart baking dishes) with a non-stick coating.
In a large bowl whisk the eggs until fluffy. Mix in the oil and sugar and brown sugar; combine well. Stir in the oats, baking powder, salt, and milk; mix until combined well.
Pour mixture into prepared dish(es) and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown (okay if looks a little soft in the middle--overcooking will make it too crumbly).
Spoon servings into bowls and drizzle with cream and top with the fruit conserve (or jelly) and fresh berries.
Do you have a recipe that works so well that you have no interest in trying another?
Third-ed :)
What Christmas cookies are you baking this year?
Would you be willing to post the recipe, sounds delish!
Incredible Cookies from Lousy Ingredients and Pedestrian Recipe
Wow, this post is interesting. I read the entire thread and watched the video.
Analysis of his baking approach: The way he mixes his ingredients allows for zero air to enter, which is quite unusual by today's standards (with electric mixers, etc). Second, the way he flattens the top of each cookie pretty strongly with a spoon, but leaves the edges as they are allows for even and uniform cooking, with an attractive yet rustic finished product.
Regarding the X factor in cooking: I asked my husband why if I made the same recipe as a few people we know mine would taste better. His answer: Execution. Put into the context of this thread I think it's likely one's "cooking intuition" that accounts for one person being able to execute the same recipe better than another. It's probably like any God-given talent, you really can't take credit for it. I'm an experienced cook now, but I wish I had the recipe for peanut butter cookies I made (by adapting a recipe from a peanut butter jar) when I was 11 years old, best I've ever eaten.
It's a fun journey Jim, thanks for letting us come along with you!
Bruxie #2 Just Opened in Brea
Bruxie in downtown Orange ('specializing in gourmet waffle sandwiches') has just opened their second location in Brea (on Birch where Fatburger used to be).
It's only been open a week or so but there are already eager diners waiting in line. Forutunately the line moves very quickly because of the efficient (and friendly) service staff.
The food tastes even better than at the Orange location IMO (waffles are crispier and served piping hot--not lukewarm). We had the bacon, egg and cheddar, pulled pork and PB&J. All scrumptious.
The root beer float hits the mark, defining what a classic root beer float should taste like, but rarely does. The pumpkin shake is lushly spiced, unusually rich and creamy (although not cold enough for my tastes). This location is perfect and there's a lot more seating than at their Orange location.
http://bruxie.com/
Thanksgiving Buffet Recommendations
Interesting, are they serving turkey and traditional sides?
For those who love it, can someone explain the appeal of the McRib?
I tasted one this weekend and found the flavor good enough but didn't care for the texture of the meat. The onions are absolutely essential and fries are a necessary accompaniment, providing for a salty/crunchy counter balance.
Thanksgiving Buffet Recommendations
Here are a couple more ideas.
Anyone have experience with these restaurants?
Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch on the Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 435-3511
www.queenmary.com
Traditional holiday fare is added to the Grand Salon buffet's usual international selections, plus a special children's buffet. 11:30 am - 4 pm, $48.95 for adults, $24.50 for children 12 and under. Sir Winston's, The Chelsea Chowderhouse and The Promenade Cafe on the Queen Mary will also offer Thanksgiving Day menus from $26 to $60, with options from 11:30 am to 10 pm.
The Reef Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch
880 Harbor Scenic Drive
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 435-8013
www.reefrestaurant.com
Traditional holiday turkey and the trimmings will be the centerpiece of a buffet of over 100 entrees and side dishes with free-flowing champagne. the Reef is a waterfront restaurant next to the Queen Mary with a great view of the Long Beach skyline. 10 am to 5 pm, $39.95 adults, $17.95 for children 3-10. The restaurant is a little tricky to reach. Call for directions. Plenty of free parking.
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Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Thanksgiving Buffet Recommendations
A buffet because it will help me to enjoy my meal...my restless son can get up and move about. It's a "good thing".
Thanksgiving Buffet Recommendations
I'd be paying $71.00 x four, which exceeds my budget.
I wish Mr. Stox was doing their dinner buffet style. We love their special occasion buffets!
Has anyone been to the golf course in Yorba Linda?
(Quote from below orangecounty.com article)
YORBA LINDA
Black Gold Golf Club
Join the Black Gold Golf Club for a special Thanksgiving buffet featuring butternut squash soup, traditional Caesar salad, herb roasted prime rib carving station, grilled salmon, traditional roasted turkey carving station, garlic mashed potatoes with Chef's special homemade gravy, sweet potato casserole and cornbread stuffing, orange spiced cranberry sauce, an array of holiday pies and a chocolate fondue fountain. Reservations required 48-hours in advance. 12:30-4:30 p.m. $34.95 per adult; $15.95 children ages 4-12; Free for children 3 and under. Black Gold Golf Club, One Black Gold Drive, Yorba Linda. 714-961-0060 ext. 100.
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Black Gold Golf Club
1 Black Gold Dr, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Mr. Stox
1105 East Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92805
Thanksgiving Buffet Recommendations
A friend e-mailed this to me, has anyone been to the buffets mentioned here...
http://www.orangecounty.com/articles/-11140--.html
Thanksgiving Buffet Recommendations
I won't be able to make my Thanksgiving dinner this year. I'd prefer a buffet so that my son can get up and expend some energy. We live in the O.C. but I'm willing to drive to L.A. for a nice Thanksgiving buffet meal, preferably under $50/person.
For those who love it, can someone explain the appeal of the McRib?
Food police warnings aside, I'll try (nearly) everything once--not sure they have it at McDonalds here in 'the OC' though...
Homemade Caramel Apples
I was also concerned with the caramel hardening too quickly on the apple...maybe it's a suggestion for the 'purchased caramel candy' version. (For the heck of it I put the apples outside where it's cooler while I'm preparing the caramel.)
Homemade Caramel Apples
I make my own caramel but have never chilled my apples before dipping them. For those who make their own caramel, have you found chilling the apples necessary/helpful? TIA
For those who love it, can someone explain the appeal of the McRib?
A refund...I should do that when their fries aren't hot enought--a greater sin! :)
What's your "secret ingredient?"
My favorite use for orange oil is in frosting, rocking good in cream cheese frosting.
Haven Gastropub in Orange, What to Order?
The burger was good, especially the garlic aioli on top. The herbed fries were tasty albeit greasy. The short rib tacos were good. The weakest link was the brownie with bacon ice cream--great concept but very poorly executed: The brownie was nearly inedible (worse than a bake from the box version) and the bacon ice cream was just okay. Couldn't recommend the place.
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Haven Gastropub
190 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
Haven Gastropub in Orange, What to Order?
What have you ordered at Haven Gastropub in Orange that rocked?
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Haven Gastropub
190 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
