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mothrpoet's Profile

Ground bacon in a hamburger patty?

Do you think I should par-cook the bacon a bit before adding it to the ground beef for hamburger? I don't think the bacon would cook thoroughly otherwise. Thoughts? Thank you! My son is craving burgers a la Slaters 50/50.

Looking for Muffaletta's in Orange county

They don't make one, but their bread is the right chewiness and their ingredients are top notch.

Looking for Muffaletta's in Orange county

Great suggestion, and Claro's Italian Deli has good olive salad, bread and authentic coldcuts if you are in Tustin. But I also suggest that you dig out some of the bread so you can hold more of that lovely olive salad without it ending up on your shirt! This is in response to burgerboy's idea.

Potato salad secrets?

Tarragon vinegar makes a nice flavor addition, I always use vinegar on the hot spuds as well!

Pina's Bistro in Tustin

Peter's Gourmade is moving to the corner of McFadden and Newport, where Masala Bowl used to be. Also, Johnny's Burgers, in the old Carl's Jr. site on First St. just east of the 5, is surprisingly good, and they have a drive thru. Unique burgers and sandwiches, "vintage" sodas. Try it!

Saurkraut in English History?

My paternal grandmother's family were fresh-off-the -boat at the turn of the century from Northumberland, England. Their traditional New Year's Day meal was always roast pork braised in saurkraut with flour dumplings on top. No one was Germanic, and I cannot understand why these Brits ate saurkraut. Can anyone cast a light on this mystery for me?

From Dallas to Murfreesboro?

My daughter is travelling from Dallas to Crater of Diamonds, near Murfreesboro, Ark. Any noteworthy, good, funky, local eats along the way? Thanks in advance for any tips!

Pork shoulder roast

Brown it in a little fat, add some chopped onions, a couple of cans of saurkraut, a can of water, black pepper, then lay the browned pork on top. Cover and either simmer slowly on the stove or in a slow oven for 3hrs, till tender. Add more water if needed, to keep a bit soupy. Top with dumpling dough (the flour, baking powder, etc. kind) simmer and serve. Delectable! Sometimes I have put juniper berries in the mix, but the simple flavors alone are best, I think.

super bowl question: beers from Wis and Penn?

Yeungling is the second oldest in the country, after one in Boston.

super bowl question: beers from Wis and Penn?

For Pennsylvania, Yeungling---may sound Chinese, but it's German. And, if I recall, if not THE oldest brewery in the US, one of them. Quite yummy, and a fave with my Naval Academy Midshipman and his buddies----can't keep enough of it in the house!

Holiday Recipes from 1981 "Gourmet" magazine anyone?

I have misplaced this issue, which had a wonderful holiday feast of pork loin roast stuffed with dried fruit, and the veg was a wreath of broccoli and cherry tomatoes, steamed in a ring mold. The meat had some sort of mustard and brown sugar glaze, I believe, and I remember the recipe called for roasting the bones from the roast separately with veggies to make the gravy. It was delectable, and such a show-stopping menu. It was their featured holiday menu; I believe they served spatzle as well. Anyone have this gem? Thank you in advance!

Advice for First Time Thanksgiving Cook

My biggest tip would be to have PLENTY of good chicken stock on hand,preferably the boxed variety. You will use it to make and refresh your turkey, dressing, gravy, for reheating the leftovers, etc. And the opened boxes can be kept in the refrigerator until needed.

Eclair custard filling

I like to "lighten" the pastry cream with unsweetened whipped cream. I find the custard too cloying and using just whipped cream, as some recipes suggest, unsatisfying. Combined, the result is sublime!

What obscure recipe book do you have and love?

One of my favorites is the original Brown Derby Restaurant Cookbook, circa late 1940's. Full of tidbits of what all the stars of that era ordered--just delightful! But some of the recipes are my tried-and-trues: chicken cacciatore, beef stew, pot roast, french dressing, etc. When I die, I'll be glad I'm not around to see my children fight over who gets it!!!!

Time Life The Good Cook Series

"Var iety Meats" was the only edition I sent back! BTW, I purchased the "Good Cooks" series and loved it, so when I was solicited on the phone to purchase "Foods of the World," I readily agreed. Imagine my chagrin when I only received about 10 books and then they stopped coming. When I called to inquire, they said they were just trying to get rid of their stock, and didn't have all the books available. I really think I should have been told at the onset that I would never receive the entire collection. This was in the early '80's, or I'd blame Shrinkrap for this!!!!! (see above post).

Favorite Hotdog Toppings

When we were little, my mom always made us hotdogs slashed down the middle, stuffed with sharp cheddar, wrapped in bacon, broiled and then served with mustard. And she ALWAYS lightly buttered the bun. Mom was trendy 50 years ago! But I also love a good ole Southern Junk Yard Dog , with cole slaw, chili, relish, onions and mustard!

Other uses for a spaetzle maker other than spaetzle?

Great idea to use the grill plate!

Nice restaurant in OC for take-out T'day dinner?

Health issues may prevent me from preparing Thanksgiving dinner, so I am researching Plan B. Are there any nice places in Orange County (preferably near Tustin) that are offering a prepared Thanksgiving meal for take-out? I know Zov's has done Christmas in the past, but other than the grocery stores, I haven't seen any places offering a Thanksgiving feast that you pick up and serve at home. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

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Plan B
11637 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Great Food Truck Race

I don't begrudge NomNOm their successes, and here in southern Calif. banh mi are certainly popular. However, I don't think it was fair that Nom NOm didn't get penalized for having someone else cut up their meat. Everyone else did theirs, as ill-trained and equipped as they were, and it should have been a level playing field. Batting your eyes just doesn't cut it, and that is what comes across as part of their success.

Gumbo vs Jambalaya--what say you? [moved from Home Cooking]

I don't put okra in mine, and only add the file to each serving, because adding it to the entire pot makes the whole thing glutinous.

shrimp & grits

Many recipes use just ham or tasso, but you need a smokiness. The smoked paprika is a great idea, but I like me my pork!!!!!

What's with Cardamom?

When I was in Seattle, a coffee house served a delectable cardamom coffeecake, so subtle tasting. I, too, would pair it with some cinnamon and perhaps some lemon peel in such a preparation.

What was the worst food you HAD to eat as a kid?

Salmon patties made from canned salmon. It was cheap, I guess, but the canned salmon always had bones in it...gag. I can't to this day face a can of salmon.

shrimp & grits

Just substitute turkey smoked sausage for the andouille. You really need that smoky flavor, but the turkey sausages they make now are quite good, if you don't do pork.

Gumbo vs Jambalaya--what say you? [moved from Home Cooking]

You're not "popping my bubble"....I know about tomato being used in gumbo recipes. I was merely seeking people's preferences.

Gumbo vs Jambalaya--what say you? [moved from Home Cooking]

I agree with the ban on beef in gumbo! Gumbo is a food of love, if you spend 30 minutes making a perfect mahogany roux, you are giving a gift of love!

Gumbo vs Jambalaya--what say you? [moved from Home Cooking]

I firmly believe that gumbo should be all about the mahogany-colored roux, the herbs , trinity, and proteins, but NO TOMATOES. Jambalaya is tomato based. Period. Lots of gumbo recipes call for tomato products. How do you lean in this debate?

Where to buy Gulf Coast shrimp?

I was watching Fox news this morning. The correspondent was in slidell, LA, at a packing house, where they had crab and shrimp. They said the seafood had tested fine, but people weren't buying it. That's all I know.

Where to buy Gulf Coast shrimp?

I read that shrimpers in the Gulf have resumed limited fishing, but no one is buying the shrimp out of fear that it is contaminated, even though it has tested safe. I would like to support our brethren on the Gulf----is there anywhere locally (Southern California) to buy Gulf Coast shrimp?

Best fried chicken in OC?

There are so many legendary fried chicken places in LA, but where can an OC resident go for phenomenal fried chicken? Sometimes you just really want some good fried chicken! Who serves it? Thanks in advance.