Does anyone have a nifty system for thawing frozen shrimp that minimizes water use? I normally put the shrimp in a colander and run a very light amount of water over the bunched shrimp. I'm thinking some sort of sparging set up would be more water efficient. Any brilliant techniques out there?

I've sent an email and left two phone messages in the past few weeks but haven't heard back yet. Luckily their BBQ is quite good!

Does anyone know if Fatdaddy's BBQ is still serving at Sunday's farmers' market in Kensington. They haven't been there the last three times I've looked. Does anyone know where they are located today?

Does anyone know where I can purchase tiger nuts / chufa?

Thanks!

Your patience clearly exceeds mine! I'll give it another try and then probably end up shaving each chestnut as I would an orange.

Ok, I've just about had it with these chestnuts. The problem I'm having is getting the inner peel off. I've tried the roasting and boiling techniques but no luck on that inner peel. Is it a special steaming issue?!!
Your advice is very much appreciated!

Has anyone made Banh Xeo using Andrea Nguyen's Into the Vietnamese Kitchen's recipe. I've never had Banh Xeo in a restaurant (or anywhere else for that matter) but I'm planning on going ahead and trying Andrea's interesting recipe. For the batter, she soaks some rice for a few hours and then adds the ground mung bean, coconut milk, turmeric and then grounds it all up in a blender.
Does anyone have any experience or advice that they would like to share regarding Banh Xeo's?

Thanks!

I often pick up a rotisserie chicken that I use for making enchiladas. Any ideas for other 11 & 9 year old friendly recipes using rotisserie chicken?
Thanks!

Has anyone tried the Flank and Greens recipe in Prudhomme's Fork In the Road cookbook? How was it?

Does anyone know what happened to Safeway's organic whole wheat bread. It was my favorite for a couple of years. I'm guessing that some other bakery made it for them. Does anyone have any connections at Safeway or tips on how I could find out more about this bread? Thanks!

Thanks so much! Looks like my mom's Echo Lake Apple Cake
Happy Thanksgiving!

Any possibility that you might share your mom's apple cake recipe? Too bad about the oyster dressing. Your lineup sounds great! Good luck.

Sounds very Julia Child to me! French and delicious, so your mom is right as usual.
Thanks!

Too funny!

Thanks so much! I live in the East Bay but certainly go to the city from time to time. Thanks again.

I'm planning on making an Oaxacan recipe that calls for dried avocado leaves and dried costeno rojo chiles. Any ideas on where I could pick these up? I do recall reading years ago that some avocado leaves should not be used in cooking.
Thanks!

My neighborhood newsletter states, "Akitoshi Kawata, owner Sushi Sho, 26 yrs. on Solano Avenue is moving to 10749 San Pablo" next to Big O Tire, 1 1/2 blocks north of Moeser. I never tried it on Solano but had heard some very good reviews.
Does anyone have more information?

I'm planning on making 10 gallons of apple champagne. Are there any orchards in Sonoma County where I can buy such a large quantity. My preference is gravenstein but I suspect it's a bit late. Thanks!

Does anyone know the average percentage of meat to bone in each of the typical chicken parts? Thigh, drumstick, breast, wing & back? Thanks!