Pawsinhand's Profile
Christmas Eve in Boston: What's open?
Our plan is to drive into the city late afternoon and see the lights....then we would like to have a bite to eat....it doesn't have to be full course dinner....maybe a light bite. I'm not sure what's open....so if anyone knows what's open, let me know. Thanks!
Theme Party Ideas: Theme: Black & Tan
we hope to finalize the menu in the next few weeks. The party isn't until late April, but I will post our menu before then!
Thanks!
Tracey
Midpriced eatery Newburyport or north
Check out Phat Cats in Amesbury. In addition to their full menu they also offer a lighter menu, which I enjoy as well. Paul & Christina do a wonderful job and I don't hesitate to recommend them.
http://phatcatsbistro.com/
Theme Party Ideas: Theme: Black & Tan
Thanks so much for all the wonderful suggestions & ideas. We'll have fun putting together our menu and decor.
Tracey
Theme Party Ideas: Theme: Black & Tan
We're hosting a party with a theme of Black & Tan. The theme will apply to the decor, dress and of course food. So, here's my question...what foods do you think fall into this category? I've come up with a few so far....squid ink pasta, hummus with black chips, black bean soup. Thoughts & ideas appreciated.
Thanks!
Have you ever given yourself food poisoning?
Yes....many, many years ago, when I was younger and less financially stable, I did manage to give myself food poisoning. I was living in my first apartment and barely made enough money to cover my rent. My food budget was paltry and I could not afford to be picky. One of the items I did buy was canned fruit (cheaper than fresh at the time). I used to get 2 servings from each can. One night, I opened a can of fruit and ate half. Instead of putting the remaining fruit in a bowl and covering it....I put the can in the fridge. Next night, I proceeded to eat the remaining fruit....I was sick for days. Lesson learned: don't leave food in a can. Since that time, I've had no issues and while I am concerned about food safety...I do sometimes leave food out , but not anything highly perishable and not when it's really hot.
Barking Dog Grill Amesbury MA.
For lunch I would recommend Phat Cats Bistro in Amesbury. They serve lunch on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday. Closed on Tuesdays and dinner the other six nights. Located at 65A Market Street. Phone 978-388-2777. They focus on fresh and local ingredients. It's my go to restaurant in Amesbury. I've only been to the Barking Dog once and I thought the food was fair.
Know of any great fishmongers in NH?
In Portsmouth, there is Fresh Market. It's on Route 1, just south of the traffic circle at exit 5. Very fresh fish. John & David are very knowledgeable about fish, which I find helpful.
Pizzeria Regina and Mike's/Modern cannoli report
If you head back into Boston (North End), and want to check out more cannoli...check out Maria's. In my opinion, they are the best, but everyone's tastes are different. They fill to order. I usually get the shells and ricotta separate and fill when I get home...I don't care for soggy cannoli's.
one-hit wonders primed for a comeback
I loved the Magic Pan...loved going to Faneuil Hall as a teenager and eating there. We thought we were so grown up. The chicken divan crepe was my favorite.
Dairy Fresh Candies, North End
thanks for the link...it makes me sad though...I will miss stopping in and getting a few things...
Dairy Fresh Candies, North End
thanks for the reply. I am sorry to hear that. I've been going there for over 40 years...since I was a kid. I haven't been into the city since last August...
Does anyone know why they closed?
Dairy Fresh Candies, North End
Quick question here...does anyone know if Dairy Fresh Candies is open currently. I am heading into Boston tomorrow and was planning to stop in.
Thanks!
Tracey
Sides for Beef Bourguignon - Little Jfood Needs
The meal sounds wonderful, especially during this time of year. Serving the beef and roasted potatoes I think will be substantial, so I would go with a green vegetable that would lighten things up a bit. My suggestion would be to lightly steam some green beans and toss with a bit of olive oil and or some fresh lemon. An alternative green vegetable would be sugar snap peas (same cooking method).
The dessert sounds incredible and I would want my guests to have room for that!
Good luck and enjoy the dinner.
Jfood Has a Baking Lesson - Chocolate Cake Needs Chocolate
Jfood what a great story for you to share. It is inspiring to read about your efforts and wonderful that you would make something your wife loves.
I've learned over the years that many baked goods do taste better the next day...in fact some have been given a reprieve due to time.
I only make cake so I can justify the frosting.
This story also made me laugh because many moons ago when my aunt was a newlywed she wanted to surprise her new husband by baking him a cake (she was and still is much more of a cook than a baker). She was most excited by the prospect of such a task and took great pride in her endeavor. However, after an unusual amount of time passed and the cake appreared not to be done, she called my grandmother. My grandmother proceeded to go through the various steps of making a cake with my aunt. It was during this checklist that my aunt discovered that she forgot to incorporate eggs in her cake. The eggs were sitting on the counter. She eventually found the humor in this mishap..albeit was years later and every now and then we laugh about it.
Favorite Halloween Candy
I love Halloween ..it's such a fun holiday, especially all the tacky decor! As for candy, I usually give out: Reese's peanut butter cups (milk & white chocolate), snickers, butterfinger and something without nuts (still thinking on that one). I usually buy my candy a week or so before. I'm good about not eating it before Halloween, but if there's any leftovers....it's not pretty. I do try to only buy what I think we'll give out though.
What did you make today?
Today was a perfect October day...sunny and cool. I was inspired to make a batch of lentil soup...one of my favorite soups. This we will enjoy over the next few days. For dinner this evening, we had a tri-tip roast done on the grill. I rubbed it with olive oil, thyme and oregano. I baked some yukon gold potatoes to accompany the roast. As we enjoyed some fresh mozzarella and garden fresh heirloom tomatoes before dinner, I opted not to do a vegetable. Just a simple fuss free meal.
Friend opening Italian Restaurant....gift ideas?
Texchef...you are so right...about the patronage and spreading the word...yeah, probably the money thing too...but don't we all.
Friend opening Italian Restaurant....gift ideas?
Thank you for all of your wonderful suggestions...I think they are all great. I think I am leaning toward the ad. His wife is an artist..so the whole place is filled with her work. He seems to get truffles on a regular basis, in fact he gave me two recently. He is the owner/chef, and one would think he would love to have someone else cook for him, but anytime I've extended and invitation....he tells me that he would have to cook...I've said to him that he might enjoy the experience...eyes roll at this point! So, I am thinking that doing an ad for him might be a good plan. Again, thanks for all your wonderful suggestions!
Friend opening Italian Restaurant....gift ideas?
A good friend is opening a new restaurant in the next week or so and we're at a loss as to what to give him for a gift. No plants please, as many have already arrived at the new place. Thanks for your input fellow chowhounds.
MICHAELS HARBORSIDE NIGHTMARE
I believe Michaels changed ownership a few years back. I think the food was better prior to the change, but I think it is more of a location destination these days.
For good seafood in the Newburyport area, try Bob Lobster (better than Brown's or Marky's in my opinion).
Jamesgate bummer
My husband used to rave about Jamesgate when I first met him circa 2000. We went shortly after that and it was good. The last time we went was in the Spring of 2002 and I was disappointed as was my husband. We both decided not to go back as there are so many other places to enjoy.
JT's in Brewster--disaster!
I was thinking the same thing...dining at home perhaps eliminates the concerns over foodborne illness. I am not a fan of the gloves myself..I think they are difficult to work with and if they are not changed each time they work on someone's order, what's the difference. Employees need to wash their hands, but we as patrons take a leap of faith with that.
"Cooking Matters" Down town Nashua-Excellent scones
I agree, the scones are awesome. I spent some time in Nashua and frequently went to Cooking Matters. I don't get there too often, but when I do, the scones are a must. The sandwiches, salads and soups are wonderful as well.
Help - my friend is always broke!
It may be that he is self confident enough to spend time with his friends and not be concerned about what he cannot afford. If that’s the case, then I would just enjoy his friendship. I would welcome this friend.
Big Fat Cookies
Viola,
The recipe for lemon whoopie pies is in Elinor Klivans' cookbook "Big Fat Cookies" It's on page 104. I don't think I am allowed to post due to copyright issues. These are very yummy and the cookbook is great.
Pawsinhand
Big Fat Cookies
Yes, I have that cookbook and it's been a while since I've used it, but I loved what I made. I think there is a recipe in that one for lemon whoopie pies? I remember really liking them.
What is a normal amount to spend on groceries? [moved from Quebec]
Glad I just found this thread with the last few postings or I might not have been brave enough to post. I shop for myself and husband and our 2 dogs (who get a home cooked/raw organic diet). That being stated, I spend about $1500 a month at a variety of stores. I shop at 2 farms for the majority of the dogs’ meat (the remaining meat and their fish comes from Fresh Market. There are 2 small organic type grocery stores (Blue Moon in Exeter NH & Natural Grocer in Newburyport MA). I get bulk grains, kefir, O Water, almond milk and brown rice cereal at these places. I go to Fresh Market in Portsmouth NH for the majority. We also get milk and eggs delivered. We enjoy fresh foods and focus on quality, so I tend to spend more than average I guess, but we don’t eat out very often. The fish I buy averages between $12 and $18 per pound and this we have about twice a week (both us and the dogs). Household products along with wine, etc is not included in this amount. I guess normal varies a lot.
Best frozen/premade pasta?
Putney Pasta is a good overall basic choice from the supermarket.
http://www.putneypasta.com/
When I get into the city, I will get some homemade from the Italian Market.
