jazzlover's Profile
My chili is a little to spicy
This is going to sound weird, but a little bit of peanut butter (smooth, not chunky). It kind of thickens the sauce too and it does change the flavor a tiny bit, but I think it adds to it and it does bring the heat way down, plus it overrides any bitterness. How much? Start with 2 teaspoons and go from there - I usually add about 2 tablespoons, but it depends on how much chili and your taste buds. Never tried the chocolate, but it sounds good.
Also, I never tried it, but I've heard that if you add corn meal it will "soften" the flavor.
Good luck!
Hamburgers at home
Sounds great! Another tip I learned from fellow C'hounders is to add a little bit of water to the ground meat mixture before grilling. It kind of plumps out the meat so it stays quite juicy. I sometimes also add steak seasoning to the mix and the burgers come out really tasty.
The Ultimate PB&J: What's your preference?
OK, I know this will bring on groans & moans, but creamy style peanut butter on white toast, with bacon! Yes, PB is a good savory dish!
Explain to me why I like the pastrami at Oinkster better than at Langer's?
Just have to put in my 2 cents - as a former NYer I have had the pastrami at Langers and the pastrami at Oinkster and the verdict is:
Langers: OK, but nothing special
Oinkster: This stuff is seriously addictive. Have had it more times than I should be eating this high calorie treat.
Oinkster probably will not measure up for those who want a more traditional deli type sandwich. As for me, I consider it to be divinely inspired and totally craveable.
So, once again, I guess its a matter of taste. Ipse, I'm with you on this one!
"Breakfast" around the world
You are bringing back the wonderful memories I had from a long trip to Kenya! The unique mix of Indian food and English food was unbeatable (Punjabi relatives who live in Kenya). The tea was totally outstanding. Had to spend a couple of days in hospital and actually had this incredible tea served there with warm milk that was so soothing, comforting yet strong and bracing and just all around delish.
I did not really have any typical East African breakfasts while there, but totally fell in love with the place and the unique blend of cuisines.
Chow vs. weight control?
Many thanks, Maria Lorraine, for your encouraging remarks. Much useful info (the NYT article) and some really good common sense tips.
I appreciate all the good tips/advice everyone on this board contributed!
Cast Iron- buy it preaseasoned? [moved from a thread on the Ontario board]
When the gunky fat happens, I pour some water in and bring it to a boil and it cleans off just fine - Even cleaned up some burnt stuff. A slight re-seasoning occassionally is usually recommended.
Which Frozen Dinner is your favorite?
Since I am always counting calories I tend to the low-cal brands. Of these, Lean Cuisine is consistently edible and sometimes even good. WW Smart Ones are sometimes tasty, but the portions (I know, I know) are teensy - its all packaging. Lean Cuisine has a lemon chicken one that I like, a pot roast one that is pretty fair and believe it or not, a microwaveable panini! The panini I've tried are the soutwest chicken (good) and the steak & mushroom (not particularly steak-y, but tasty). Also, LC seems to be lower in sodium than some others. But, you really have to read the small print!
Sour Lemon Drops
Thanks! I will begin my quest! Possible that the Japanese supermarket in little Tokyo might have?
Sour Lemon Drops
Used to be able to get these wonderful super-tart lemon hard candies in NY ( I'm talking several years ago). Anybody out there know where something like this might be available? Every thing I have tried is sort of lemon-y, but not with that nice citric bite. Have mostly tried the ones in supermarket candy aisles and those candy stores that have the bins of different types of candy.
Chow vs. weight control?
As a devoted 'hound, I always have the weight issue to deal with. Anyone out there have any good ideas? And I do go to the gym and walk as much as I can. There's just so much good stuff out there.....
Wish I had one of those bodies that just burns it all up so I could have MORE!
What to eat with cottage cheese?
Not a big CC fan, but again when dieting.... I pretty much can only eat savory versions. For quick & easy - Lawry's Seasoned Salt. Also, fairly edible done up kind of like raita: chopped cucumber, green onions, black pepper and a just a little garlic. Of course, I would probably eat cardboard with garlic on it.
Love this post - got some great ideas!
Nutritional Value of Insects?
Thank you - quite interesting. Actually I was wondering why ElsieDee was asking - Personally, I could never ...
See's Molasses Chips
And I was just going to start a diet! The dark chocolate molasses chips are heaven! And the nougat, and the marzipan, and the butterscotch squares and the ones (can't remember the name) round, covered with dark chocolate and 1 layer of marshmallow and 1 of kind of butterscotchy caramel. Oh, what the heck, I love 'em all!
Where can I find the best crab cake?
Have not eaten at all the restaurants mentioned in previous posts, but I adore the crab cakes at Morton's - just lump crab meat and seasonings. Divine!
Might have to get around and do some comparison 'tasting'!
Lunch at Le Petit Café
I so enjoyed this review - well written and it made me feel as if I were there for every bite!
Pasadena is not completely weak
I realize that they are entirely different, I simply meant to say that the bang for your buck at Tarantino's is worth it, where Celestino is vastly over-rated in my opinion.
Pasadena is not completely weak
Sorry, but must disagree on Celestino's - I do like pasta to be al dente, but not crunchy! Also, way, way, too much salt. The plus is well-done cocktails, but the food - blech!
Would rather eat at Tarantino's where at least it's cheap.
Need some spoilage guidelines
Just adore going to the farmer's markets this time of year and getting all the beautiful produce. Unfortunately, I always seem to buy so much more than I use - any place to get guidelines on how long various veggies are good?
Also, any tips on wrapping produce to keep it fresh longer?
Mi Piace (Pasadena) - Reviews?
I have tried so hard to like this place, because my husband just adores it. Just can't find anything likable - food is ehhhhhh, service ranges from adequate to abominable. I will give in and go about once a year just to keep the peace, but IMHO, its a poor excuse for Italian food.
The description that comes closest is that its like an airline version of Italian food.
I'd rather eat at Tarantino's - not great, but cheaper and the service is 100% better. Also, no attitude!
Porto's Potato Balls
Like the other posters, I've found them to still be superlative after re-heating. Perhaps a tad less fresh tasting, but still yummy. We get them at work every so often and they usually sit around for a little bit before everyone gets to have them. A short re-heat does the trick. Also, I have gotten them for home, and had success refrigerating and then nuking them just to warm through. Haven't tried the toaster over, because I usually have no patience to wait the extra few minutes - Must have potato ball gratification immediately!
Yerba Mate
This may be sacralige to some, but I use a Melitta-type cone & filter, and it works just fine for the mate. Also, most Latino grocery stores (at least in my area) carry it. Have had the Guayaki from WF, and actually prefer the more inexpensive stuff carried in the local carniceria. Tastes better and definitely more value for your $$$.
Purists are probably shuddering - I find the coffee filter method perfectly acceptable. Have used the loose tea brewing method as well, but the ease of use with the filter (esp. when you only want 1 cup) wins me over.
Sugar Free Cake
Slender Sweet Shop on Honolulu and Verdugo (I think) It is on the main drag in Montrose right on the corner - everything there is made with artificial sweeteners. You can probably google it for more precise directions. Have been getting things there for years (diabetic SO) and its pretty good.
New Eagle Rock Lemongrass
Tried it yesterday and was very favorably impressed. Granted, I am no connoisseur of Vietnamese food - have only had it a handful of times before. Enjoyed the bun with pork, and the SO had the banh mi and declared it to be very good. Found the food to be very flavorful, very fresh and good service. In no way a formal dining experience, but great for a casual meal. Looking forward to trying the pho!
Your favorite dinner spot in Pasadena?
Has the Burbank Mi Piace re-opened??? If so, where? I know that the old location in that little area where In N Out is has been closed for over a year.
Central Park Pasadena?
I enjoyed it - it does get a little crowded and noisy, but I had great service and enjoyed the food - had a steak (can't remember now if it was a hangar steak) and it was very tasty, good veggies, potatoes, etc. Nice pour on the wine, too.
Thai in Glendale?
And I third Thai in LA - have been going there for years & years - Always pretty consistently good! Things that are favorites: chicken satay, and of course, the chicken with mint & chile.
New Moon Restaurant in Montrose
I'm aware that the food at New Moon is maybe not the most authentic, but I have always enjoyed whatever I ordered, and some things have been outstanding. Not the Chinese Chicken salad, but the grilled shrimp, the salty shrimp (much garlic & chiles), the dragon beef and the best wor won ton I have had in years. Best not to go during dinner rush hour, though. It does fill up rather quickly, but if you are into an early dinner, its just fine.
There is one waiter there who is superb - really has his stuff together - Bobby? not sure of the name.
Also, they have applied for a full liquor license. The cocktails referred to are not a "strange wine base", they are made with soju which I can't really describe, kind of a cross between vodka and wine. Soju is fairly common these days in restaurants with only a beer & wine license, and actually makes a pretty decent cocktail.
Maybe because it is a "neighborhood" place and pretty close, I seem to wind up going there about once a week and have only had lackluster service once about a year ago.
Different people, different tastes I guess.
