JennaL's Profile
Hot & Sour soup - canned, packaged, mix, whatever
I have seen a similar thread in the past but since I am looking for a brand available in Ontario, I thought I would post here.
I'm in Peterborough, knocked up, and I NEED hot and sour soup. It is all I can think about. I have a particular craving for the soup at this restaurant on Carden Street in Guelph (can't remember the name but it is not Sun Sun's), but I am not about to drive 2.5 hours to get it. I haven't come accross any decent chinese restaurants here (although PLEASE correct me if you know something I don't). So until a GTA trip is in the cards, I am resorting to stuff I can get in a can. Any recommendations?
Many many thanks.
Help, is my smoked ham already cooked?
Based on what I read for 5-7 lb half ham it is 18-24 min/lb for ready-to-eat ham and 22-25 min/lb for still-needs-cooking ham. If it is ready to eat you cook the ham to an internal temp of 140 degrees, 160 if otherwise. So if I guess wrong I risk undercooking or overcooking....if it weren't sunday I would call the farmer...
Help, is my smoked ham already cooked?
So I have this lovely bone-in half of a smoked ham. I bought it from a local organic farmer that we have a CSA share with in the summer. I invited my mom over for dinner tonight, I thaw the ham, look in my trusty Joy of Cooking and it gives two kinds of directions: for already cooked and uncooked. The ever so helpful book says to read the label to find out which kind of ham you have. sheesh. My ham is wrapped in butcher paper. No label. I'm feeling like quite the idiot right now. Is there any way I can tell looking at this hunk o' meat what kind of ham I have and how to cook it?
What was the worst food you HAD to eat as a kid?
I may be the only one who had to suffer this, but for me it was UNDERCOOKED veggies. My dear mother, in response to her hatred of the slimy overcooked veg of her childhood, would basically cook any vegetable in a few tablespoons of water in the microwave (she also is the only human I know that prefers a microwaved bagel...) for like a minute and half, tops. The result: hot but raw dried out and bitter carrot sticks. Or broccoli. Or green beans. Every stinking night of the week.
Houndworthy in Kingston?
The one experience I had at Luke's (admittedly for breakfast a year or so ago) was so so. The in-house smoked salmon was incredible, but the meal was marred by the service - the server's seemed to be under the impression that they were doing us a favor by allowing us to patronize the joint - I would have eaten cardboard at a certain point. A friend who would consider herself a pretty die-hard regular of Luke's has not returned after a service experience that could only be described as horrendous. Maybe it's one of those things that comes with all of a sudden being an "it" place, but something to keep in mind.
Do you wash bagged lettuce/greens?
We were the wild and crazy sort that did not used to wash. But then we read an article (pretty sure it was the Globe and Mail newspaper) where they found that there were elevated bacteria levels. Plus, the wash that the greens received is a chlorine-based wash, so you end up getting some chlorine in there too. Don't ask me why I was somehow cool with bacteria but not cool with chlorine residue, but now they have a quick pit stop in the salad spinner.
It's time for Peeps!
This is an oldie but a goldie - Peeps research: http://www.peepresearch.org/
I found it comforting to know in grad school that there were others out there as skilled at devoting their skills to anything but the work that needed to be done!
Please help me to like salmon
In many respects, I have to agree with Candy. My mom, who is from Boston originally just cannot take the strong taste/mouthfeel/whatever of salmon. To her, mild, white, ocean fish is what fish should taste like. We have gotten her to admit in the past that her distate may be exacerbated by the fact that most of her salmon experience would have been in the 70's stuffed inside some upper canadian salmon wellington, etc.. Either way, life is too short to gag down food even if it is good for.
Having said that, I love salmon! I will happily chow down on it in almost any form though I generally prefer it in simple forms (grilled, sashimi). Enter pregnancy. Salmon: no good. Tuna: out. Seafood: don't bother. Not for any medical reasons, just because it is too...of the ocean. Great. Conversely, I have massive cravings for any raw fish/seafood, which is off limits. After a few months of avoidance I have been able to reintroduce two dishes: 1) miso-maple glazed salmon (only a small amount and cooked with the windows open, but the stronger flavour seems to stand up to the salmony-ness), and 2) sweet potato salmon cakes. This is basically 1 md steamed sweet potato, 1 can salmon, sauteed onions, 1 egg, some bread crumbs and seasoned in whichever way floats your boat. Again, the sweet potato acts as a good counter to the salmony-ness.
Vegas Dining For A Mother To Be [split from General Topics]
I can relate! I found out I was pregnant days before a seafood-a-thon vacation to Halifax this summer. There were a lot of things that I couldn't eat and I did find it a little difficult to communicate to people the fine details of what made something on or off limits. Nevermind the hormone induced palate issues. Had some great food but I definately think my husband had some better meals than me.
I have found it much better to let staff know in advance or upon arrival (depending the type of resto) that I was pregnant, especially given that until I hit my the end of my sixth month (i'm eight months now) it wasn't clear if I was pregnant or just carried my weight in an unfortunate way. It was actually shocking in some instances to see the change in a staff person's demeanor as I shifted from being a one of *those* customers to one with legitimate concerns. I still haven't forgotten the words of one server, who, when I asked if he could recommend a cocktail that could be done virgin (you get sick of mineral water real quick), explained that they did not *do* blender drinks. I laughed but mostly because I knew my dinner companion who is also a restaurant owner was going to give some hell for it later.
Happy Eating!
Rather shocking restaurant safety PSA from Canada
I can't remember what I was watching when my husband and I first saw the ad, and while it is a little shocking, it really just struck us as a continuation of what has been a series of ads from the WSIB. I remember being shocked by the first one that came out (can't remember if it was the warehouse one or the retail store one) because it was just so direct and unflinching. To me that is key here - this is being discussedand dissected on Chowhound because of its kitchen focus, but for Ontarians in general (who are the target audience), it is part of a ongoing campaign. I am quite sure that my friend who is designs the inside of retail stores could pick apart the retail ad for its accuracy as could someone who works in a warehouse. What I myself took out of the ads, as someone who is familiar with the Ontario Health and Safety Act and works in a very safety concious workplace, is that the messaging (maybe not clear to those whose links don't let them hear it) that *everyone* in the workplace is responsible for safety (the Internal Responsibility System), which is a a newer message.
expanding on the Globe & Mail food gift list, esp. cheese
The globe and mail had an article in the life section on Wednesday about companies that you can order and ship food gifts for those chowminded people in our lives. My better half and I saw this as our saving grace since our four sets of parents officially now have all the ties/powertools/biographies/kitchen gadgetry they could possibly need. Plus, this alleviates the selection problem that can come from living in a smaller centre. Oh, and laziness too! Anyone have additional companies they suggest? We loved the idea of a cheese gift (the article referred to www.shaycheese.com) but the vendor choices started with selections that would serve 6 to 8 people which is a tad large large for just grandma - any other additions?
Driving the 401 - Toronto to Montreal
There have been several threads on the horror that is the big apple. As someone who was on the receiving end of such *gifts* from visitors, just don't.
Tell me about your CSA
We belong to chick-a-biddy acres (http://www.chickabiddyacres.com) CSA, which has pick ups in Toronto, their farm and at the Peterborough farmer's market (where we pick it up). The cost is $350 for a half share for organic veggies. We belonged to a different CSA several years ago when we lived west of the GTA. It's hard to comment on this particular year because the spring was cold and wet which then lead into a very hot and record dry year. That is the risk that you take with a CSA; crap weather can mean not so much stuff and it can also mean a lot of some veggies and very few of another. On the other hand, the thing we love about our CSA is that it is very good of breaking you out of any cooking ruts - if you get something you've never had before the challenge is one to find a way to cook and enjoy it (fellow chows were quite handy when I was confronted with spring turnip for the first time in my life).
Peterborough choweats
Hey Kawarthagirl - what is splice like/about? Even when it is apparently open, it looks closed/dark/empty, which has managed to deter us thus far.
While it is not modest, my husband and I did go to Rare on Brock Street (a few doors past the cheese house) and really loved our meal there. Their "s'mores" dessert is pretty amazing.
Garlic Festival???
All the vendors of actual garlic were from Ontario since it is jointly put on by the Ontario Garlic Grower's Association. That's why we bought so much of it while we were there. It is really frustrating to try and find non-imported stuff that isn't from some 8000 kms away anymore. If I remember from my Min. of Ag. and Food days Canada has taken on China at whatever the appropriate international trade tirbunals are in the past. The cases were launched by the Garlic Grower's Association and China (I think - this was a few years ago) had some restrictions of when they could import, but I think the ruling expired.
Garlic Festival???
So, we did end up going to the garlic festival after all. Despite what you would think from the website, it is very much a food oriented affair. It's kinda of small, not surprising given that it is in perth, but there were lots and lots of samples. We did much munching of garlic-based and infused spreads, jams, pesto etc. We ended of getting some garlic chili fudge, a peach vidalia hot sauce, some apple ginger chutney, and couple of braids of garlic. Ted the garlic man was there holding court in one of the buildings. We were sustained throughout all the sampling by some very fresh Forfar cheese curds (yum!) which yes, were available in garlic flavour. Plus we for to pick up some wild blueberries from a roadside vendor on the way home. When you add in lunch and shopping/wandering in Perth itself, it was a really pleasant day.
Garlic Festival???
The festival is this saturday and sunday - the link is attached. Perth is on Highway 7 between Sharbot Lake and Carleton Place (45min-1 hr west of Ottawa if that still doesn't place it for you).
http://www.perthgarlicfestival.com/
Garlic Festival???
To keep this nice and simple, I have been tempted to hit the garlic festival in Perth for several years now (plus I think there is a shop in Perth that carries Back Forty cheese). Have any chows been? Worth the drive from Ptbo or should we stick to watching the U19 women's world lacrosse championships?
what is the most useless gadget in your kitchen
oh my god, we had that - we also had the the cookie ice cream sandwich maker that assists you in neatly squeezing the ball of ice cream between the cookies, except that the cookies often broke and because President Choice Decadent cookies are a tad bit smaller it made a mess anyway.
what is the most useless gadget in your kitchen
I actually just leave my silicon mitts tucked under the bbq cover so they are always there and don't take up any kitchen space- until we first used them for bbq'ing (mostly skewer turning) purposes, I was always hoping someone would have a shower or an office christmas gift exchange so I could offload them on some unsuspecting sucker - pretty sure that's how I ended up with them in the first place.
Spring Turnips
We got some spring turnips from our CSA yesterday. Because my mother had a serious hate on for turnips I don't think I have ever eaten turnips of any kind and therefore have no idea what to do with them. Any thoughts on what to do with these bad boys?
Niagara/Jordan vs. Prince Edward County
Not having done Niagara, I would second Googs assessment of the Waring House. Blah. Not exciting at all - it seems like it would appeal more to the blue haired crowd. We had a great meal at Angeline's and stayed there overnight (last April when they had this amazing special because it was the downest of the down season), but I think I saw in another post that the owner has passed away.
What do Chowhounds do for a living (besides eat of course)?
These days I am an Environmental Planner, plus I run a policy reseach company. My better half is a geography professor. I think our collective chowishness stems from the fact that we both grew up in very multicultural Toronto where going over to a friends house for dinner probably meant eating something you have never even seen before. We also do a ton of cooking together. It really started when my husband was a PhD student in a town many people think is just lovely but that I loathed in a way that I can never adequately explain. Him coming home every night to cook dinner with me was pretty much the only way I stayed sane (and from just moving away). Trying out all kinds of new things to cook was a great way to not focus on our continual lack of funds. Now that we have more funds we still drive the same crappy car, watch the same TV I had in undergrad, share a single cell phone, but can cook with nicer ingredients (esp. the common love of chows, cheese) and do it in a nicer kitchen.
Loblaws/No Frills/Superstore - prices?
I have to say that hitting the NF in Ptbo was something of a revelation - I have previously only lived in towns where NF shopping was scary and done ONLY if absolutely necessary. I love the Deiter and Darcy's NF - the produce selection is only slightly more restricted than at the Loblaws and always just as good.
Hickory House - North York
Actually, the Hickory House has been there for well over twenty years, maybe 25. I grew up in the subdivision on the other side of the 404. I'm in my 30's and I remember it being there as long as I can remember and I STILL have not been there and I have no idea why. My understanding is that it used to particularly cater to the ACCO shift worker crowd when it was there (that grey flat corrugated metal building accross the street - bruzer?? now). Having said that, has anyone been to the Japanese place on same block (it's been there for a good 15 years as well)?
natural cleaner
Here's fact sheet with more cleaner ideas:
http://www.greenup.on.ca/images/stories/pdf_files/WasteReduction/alternative%20cleaners.pdf
SF customs-friendly food treats
THANKS Chows!! I have forwarded rat-bastard my list of desireables to rat-bastard. He is unfortunarely not going to still be there on Saturday, but today is his mini "eat-his-way-around-the-bay" day that will include only a select friends who will not weigh him down with their, no-fish, no-gluten, no-meat, no-spicy, no-weird things, only-hotdogs type diets so I expect he will be picking up some goodies along the way. My sister (henceforth referred to as hosebeast supreme) will be out there in May, so she can finish off where rat bastard leaves off! You guys are awesome.
SF customs-friendly food treats
So, my darling husband (henceforth referred to as rat-bastard) will be heading to your lovely surrounds on Monday while I toil at home (outside of Toronto) in the mixed blessing that is the "feast" of the feast or famine state of being a freelancer. As you may guess, I am not pleased to be left behind (perhaps because I am staring at the snow, yes snow!, outside in disgust right now). Soooo....I am hoping you fine chows could make some suggestions as to some quintessential SF treats that the rat-bastard could mollify me with upon his return.
Along the same lines, since the wine selection in Ontario is decent but corporate (because the LCBO typically buys for all 688-ish stores), are there any wines you suggest that rat-bastard can get and bring home that would "capture" a SF food outing. Yes, I realize this is a tall order. Perhaps a higher end suggestion and a cheap and cheerful one?
Calling Ottawa cheese eating chows
A friend of mine in Kingston will often pick up goodies at either one of two cheese shops that are in/around the Byward Market in Ottawa. I am going to be there in a few weeks and want to stop by one to 1) pick up goodies for myself (being in a town with a "limited" at best cheese selection) and 2) pick up goodies/gift certificate for a friend's birthday party that we will be attending while there. Problem is, "in and aroundish" the market is the extent of the specifics I have been able to get from said Kingston friend. Does anyone know the names of these establishments? Thoughts on them? Is one more likely to do a gift certificate thing?
