deldredge's Profile
Smelly Pork Back Fat?
It's fresh back fat, so I don't think ti's been salted at all. but it was bought from a very reputable place, not at all close to the expiration date, in a vacuum sealed bag, when it was fresh and frozen straight away, I don't see how it would have a chance to go bad.
Smelly Pork Back Fat?
I was making a chicken Galantine from Ruhlmann's Charcuiterie, and it calls for 8 oz of pork back fat. I had some in my freezer that's probably been there for 6 months, sealed in the airtight pouch it came in. As soon as I cut it open, it didn't really smell great, it smells like that not so fresh smell from an asian grocery store.
I don't remember back fat smelling like that. Is it bad or is my nose more sensitive today?
Kitchen countertops that don't look like rocks? No stainless, please.
Plastic Laminate countertops are the best. No one will believe that because they're cheap.
Chowhound Mod on NPR This morning
There was a chowhound mod on a story on NPR this morning about online messageboard "code of conduct" http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9642178
Although it was an interesting story, It bothered me a little bit. The mod (I forget her name) was basically explaining that you can say whatever you want on Chowhound unless it's offensive or off topic. I take strong exception to that. I've never seen a messageboard more tightly policed than this, and I've never ever seen any offensive posts on Chowhound.
I've seen many many posts deleted apparently because they are not favorable reviews for restaurants, which of course is very counter-chowhound. I'm always amazed at how many posts get deleted. If you read chowhound by RSS reader you know what I mean.
In fact, this post will probably be deleted.
CT - Catering - Pig Roast or BBQ
I'm looking to have a catered pig roast or BBQ for a rehearsal dinner for my wedding in Coventry, CT in June. Since I'm not from that area, I don't know the relative quality of any of the BBQ places - Could I get some recommendations? Would probably be around 30 people.
Restaurant suggestions in Burlington, MA area?
I'd recommend American Flatbread. The food is good, although the restaurant's in a kind of nasty office park area. It's in Bedford but very close to the mall.
http://www.flatbreadcompany.com/Home2006.htm
Beer for Wine Drinkers
In a similar vein,
I'd recommend a nice Cantillon Geuze. Sour but lighter in color than the Duchesse, similar to Champagne in some ways.
Although I'm wondering about the idea of finding a beer that shares characteristics with wine. Maybe the idea is that the person doesn't like beer, but they don't want their beer to taste like wine, they just want a more accessible beer. In that case maybe offer them a belgian white or maybe a long trail blackberry wheat? Something well made but light??
effective way to remove labels from beer bottles
The best way to do it, which is how everyone does it that homebrews beer to remove labels, is to soak the bottle in a solution of warm water and ammonia. Make sure you soak it for like an hour. it will just slide off. Works for most labels, but it doesn't work well for labels that are made of plastic or metallic.
Best Pancakes/Breakfast w/in 40miles of Stowe, VT
Try the Dutch Pancake Cafe at the Grey Fox Inn right on the mountain road in stowe. It's been a long time since I've been there, but it was good the last time I went. And, they're all about pancakes.
identifying a Belgian beer by its glass
I believe the dark beer you're looking for is leute bock...
http://www.corman-collins.be/biere/bios/leutebok.jpg
9.5% Beer - is that Legal?
Some states have limits of the amount of alcohol that is in beer. I don't think that 9.5% would be illegal in any states except Utah, but for instance, New Hampshire has a limit of around 12%, if I recall correctly. There are definitely some american beers that are much higher than that:
Sam Adams brews a beer that is 25%. Dogfish Head has 2 that are 21%. Here is an older article about the worlds strongest beers.
http://beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/501
Cooking Classes?
You might also want to check out Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, They do professional and recreational classes, I've never been but whenever I walk by, it looks like people are having fun!
http://www.cambridgeculinary.com/recreational.aspx
Fruity beers
Try Long Trail Blackberry Wheat if you're in the Northeast. Very Fruity, but not sweet. Amazingly light, looks like a bud light if you pour it in a glass. It's good. My summer beer.
Exhaust hoods
Also, going to a hood with a much larger CFM rating can wreak havoc with your HVAC system in your house, especially if it is a newer house that is "tight." Don't install a range hood that's larger than you need.
Destination Restaurants?
Arrows, from what I've heard (I've never been)
http://www.arrowsrestaurant.com/
Mac n' Cheese
I'd try the mac and cheese at the Publick House in Brookline. It's pretty great. You can add different things to it as well, my favorite is Andouille sausage. And the beer is amazing.
http://www.thepublickhousebrookline.com/
The best pizza (AMERICAN FLATBREADS) in all of North America
All of the restaurants except for the one in Waitsfield (which is actually the home base / "factory" during the week) and Middlebury are just licensed restaurants, they're not owned by the same people if I understand correctly. Also, the Burlington, VT one seems to be owned by different people than the other ones. The Burlington restaurant is great, and it has great beer. The Waitsfield restaurant is amazing though. Great atmosphere, only open friday and saturday nights, and expect to spend a couple few hours there. It's an experience.
