Hey all -
My father is a big chocolate fan, and I'd like to get him something special for the holiday. Something to eat a little at a time, not to bake with. I think he just likes the straight chocolate, but any really interesting flavors are welcome. I'm fairly well-versed in the random interweb searches, so I'm really looking for personal faves here, preferably something I can order if it's not in the New Haven (CT) area.
Thanks!

Glad to hear both of these were good - I think Istanbul Palace is owned/managed by a longtime Oasis waiter.
Hm. Now I'm craving some Turkish food...

Does anyone have tips? Besides just cooking fruit down - would I need to add citric or ascorbic acid for shelf life? Pectin for texture? I'm looking for shelf stability.
Thanks!

I've used them in salads, stir-fries, omelets and scrambled eggs, even made a pesto with these as a main ingredient (the "basil", if you will). The farm I work for sells these, so I've had a steady supply the last few weeks - haven't hit a bad note yet!

The potato variety can make a difference - and I think that the food processor is a no-no (not saying you used it, of course).

I second the idea of the phyllo -
I've done this before for party trays - same ingredients in the filling, plus fresh mint.

There's La Favorita, which is out Alexandria Dr., I think. One on Waller Ave., right past the Health Dept. Those are the only ones I've been to, but there are tons around. A web search might do you, or pick up a copy of La Voz.

Major simplification following:
It has to do with blood glucose levels, body-produced insulin, and what kind glucose type you intake. Think of all food as glucose. Some things (5 packets of sugar) are broken down really quickly by the body because the cell structure of the "food" is relatively simple. A complex carbohydrate, on the other hand, well, just look at its name.
When the glucose intake doesn't meet the body's need for glucose, that's when the hypoglycemic sensations ("the shakes") begin.

pawpaws?

Thanks to all! That's what I was looking for!

Yessss! Habanero Jelly! I make it every year.

Absolutely agree with the above - make one batch at a time. I'm only experienced with pepper jelly, but the liquid (gel) pectin works fine for me most times.

Hey does anyone have a great homemade ketchup recipe, using fresh tomatoes? I had Planet Ketchup (www.ketchup.wonderland.org) bookmarked, but it seems to have disappeared! I'd really love it if someone had possibly copied the tomato ketchup recipe from that site to their computer files.
Thanks!

I have heard that the Ramsey's Hot Brown isn't truly veg. - chicken base in the cream sauce or something like that. I've tried it, and it's super heavy, as well. One other thing bout Ramsey's - watch the "veggie" sides. Few (if any) are truly vegetarian! But the atmosphere and bar is fun, if crowded.

Not too weird, but:
Sauerkraut with potatoes, jalapeno, and gouda or gruyere.
I've also thrown hummus on before the kraut.

Holy %$&*, these sound really good - thanks! I love chocolate and orange together.
And thanks to all for your responses. It worked like a charm- my landlord's handyman came and fixed my oven!

new ideas? (no fruit salads, please)

old san juan is amazing! very casual - self serve beverages, but great folks and great food!

I've pretty good things about Metropol - they use lots of local products and their bourbon list is insane, if you're into that sort of thing.
Or maybe Woodland Grill?

Alfalfa is on Main St., but they only serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Hanna's is on Limestone. They serve Mon-Sat. For just coffee and pastry, Common Grounds is ok, but I would go to Sunrise bakery on Main St.
Good luck!