lone diner's Profile
Countertop Steamers -- non-plastic models available?
Joe Blowe thanks for the shopping links. More on that later, perhaps . . .
Robin, with regards to plastic packaging, that's a thornier issue. Obviously, at this point, we can't avoid plastic food packaging. It should be noted, though, that BPA-free plastic packaging is out there and will hopefully become the norm. Anyway, we're talking here about COOKING with plastic, i.e., heat + plastic.
The Weilspring steamer actually says "BPA-free" on the box. But I returned it to the store anyway.
Here's something from Weil himself on BPA, other compounds, and plastics:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA400068
Countertop Steamers -- non-plastic models available?
It's sold out already. . . . In terms of the material -- stainless steel -- it does indeed fit the bill. But it's got more features -- and more bulk -- than I need. I rarely make rice -- rather, it's small quantities of vegetables that I steam at any given time. But I'll keep my eye on this and grab it if no other leads come up. Thanks Jennalynn!
Countertop Steamers -- non-plastic models available?
After many years of a two-piece steamer pot taking up a burner on my stovetop, I thought I might free up a burner by investing in one of the many countertop steamers that are available. So I dashed out and bought a two-tier model from WeilSpring, the Dr. Weil-branded line (which I've heard has been discontinued, incidentally). But those two convenient see-through baskets are made of plastic -- not what I'd consider an ideal material to cook with, especially with the latest news about the risks of the chemical BPA.
Any countertop alternatives -- say, glass or metal?
Homemade yogurt problem: alcohol??
I've read that alcohol can naturally occur in the making of kefir. If you search kefir here on Chowhound and Wikipedia you'll find out more on that. I doubt that it's very much alcohol. Probably healthy as ever.
Kefir
Someone once told me that you can marinate beef in it b/c the cultures would break down the meat a bit, thus tenderizing it. I tried this but did not notice any tenderizing effect. That was years ago when I had less cooking know-how and would try anything.
Shwarma in New York City
Just a couple of blocks south of Bereket is Kebab House, which also has excellent Doner kebab. As a plus, there's less of a crowd than on Houston St.
Where to get Sicilian pizza
The descriptions of their pizza suggest it's the real deal but their hours are limited. Plus, they're closed on weekends. I'll probably never get there...
Koreatown help
The 24 hrs aspect is very appealing. I just hope that that is not somehow connected to the "raucous" aspect....
Where to get Sicilian pizza
You say you were in NJ recently . . . next time on the return come back to Manh. through Staten Island. More good pizza there than in any other borough.
Fries - Robuchon method
I like fries that are thicker than 3/8". For these thicker fries, I steam the potatoes, though not so that they are completely cooked. Then I chill. Then, peel, dry, cut, and dry again. Then fry.
Looking to buy injera
Anyone know of any retail sources of injera, the Ethiopian pancake-like bread?
This is also being discussed on the Manhattan board.
Where to Buy Injera
Thanks for the replies! I feel like I'm getting closer to my injera...
Cimui and Melon: I wish you the best in your efforts to make your own injera. I somewhat doubt that it is as easy to make as pancakes. Starting with the equipment: on a stay in Ethiopia some years ago, I noticed that concave covered pans were used to make it. Jungmann's NYT article also mentions that the injera makers in Harlem are using similar. Variables related to teff fermentation time among others, may make it less simple than it at first appears. Jungmann's NYT article refers to injera maker's opinion that "the water" here has affected her injera but there's no further elaboration...?
JungMann: Thx for the wonderful article! If necessary I will find a way to contact the two injera dealers profiled. The article also says that some markets in Manhattan have it.
Finally ... I'll post this query on the NY Metro Board.
Where to Buy Injera
I am also interested in buying injera here in the NY Metro area. The Morningside Heights area would seem a good place to start though I haven't been up there in years. Any help would be appreciated.
