AccidentalHedonist
-
Posts
34 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Store
Help Articles
Posts posted by AccidentalHedonist
-
-
I have done a amount of digging into HFCS, and have yet to find any study that says the HFCS is worse for you than cane sugar. But there are two important points to be made in regard to this -
1) This doesn't mean that, health wise, HFCS is the same as cane sugar. It means that no one has yet to prove that HFCS is better, worse or the same as cane sugar.
2) There are damn few studies concerning HFCS, let alone comparing it to cane sugar.
My own take is similar to Marion Nestle's. Sugar is sugar, whether it comes from sugar cane, beets or corn. There will be taste variations, and perhaps health effects resulting from production techniques, but at the very core of the health issue is that HFCS is a sugar and it's put into a great majority of our products. Someone mentioned Thomas's English Muffins. It's also in Ketchup, tomato paste, cottage cheese, yogurts, even children's cough syrup.
In a different post, I listed statistics on our sugar consumption prior to and after the development of HFCS and it's implementation into the processed food industry-
Total caloric sweeteners1980 - 120 lbs.
2004 - 142 lbs.
refined sugar
1980 - 84 lbs.
2004 - 61 lbs.
HFCS
1980 - 35 lbs.
2004 - 78 lbs.
others
1980 - 1
2004 - 1.4
So while we've reduced refined sugar intake over the past 24 years, we've replaced it with HFCS and then added another 22 lbs of HFCS to our annual diet. This, in my opinion, is where the obesity battle has to start.
And when you consider that the government does in fact subsidize corn production and restricts cane sugar importation, it doesn't take too much a of leap of logic to deduce that the government is helping subsidize our nation's weight gain, albeit unintentionally.
There are likely some side health issues with HFCS, mostly regarding people's reaction to corn products or the enzymes used in HFCS production, but again, there has been no studies to prove this hypothesis of mine. But the first and foremost health issue surrounding HFCS comes from any health issues surrounding obesity.
-
From Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink via FoodTimeline.org:
The history of doughnuts is interesting and complicated. Even the story about the how the hole was invented is full of conflicting evidence. Although ancient Roman cooks were known to fry sweet breads in oil, food historians generally credit the invention of deep-fried yeast pastries (oly koeks) to the people of Northern Europe. Presumably during Medieval times.
"The first American doughnuts did not have holes at all; they were quite literally little "nuts" of dough. The Pilgrims, who had spent the years 1607-1620 in Holland, learned to make doughnuts there and brought them to New England; the most direct antecedent of the pastry seems to be of German origin, and these doughnuts came in all shapes and sizes. The first mention of the term in print was in Washington Irving's History of New York...[1809]...The Pennsylvania Dutch were probably the first to make doughnuts with holes in their centers, a perfect shape for "dunking"...in coffee, which has become a standard method of eating doughtnuts for Americans. There seems little real evidence to support the story of a Rockport, Maine, sea captain named Hanson Crockett Gregory, who claimed to have poked out the soggy centers of his wife's doughnuts in 1847 so that he might slip them over the spokes of his ship's wheel, thereby being able to nibble while keeping an even keel. Nevertheless, in 1947, a centenary plaque commemorating Gregory's alleged culinary creation was placed on the house where he had lived.
The actual 'inventor' of the doughnut and their name has probably has been lost to the tides of time.
-
Here's one I've done...
<a href="http://www.accidentalhedonist.com/media/motivator7308319.jpg" width="750" height="600" alt="" />Absinthe</a>
-
While the Accidental Hedonist blog seems to be somewhat confused on these not-particularly-distinct categorizations of foodlovers, we can still derive some "talking points" for a suitable discussion here on eGullet, I believe....
For the record, I should state that the definitions in the post are strictly my own. I'm not looking to codify any label. Rather, I was simply looking to refute a troll's assertion that all foodies are "classist" and "elitist". Your own definitions may vary.
Cool, and my apologies for misreading you. I think we're actually on the same track then ... only I was foolhardy enough to expend energy trying to guess at your troll's argument, which they seemed insufficiently capable of articulating effectively.
No harm, no foul. :-)
-
While the Accidental Hedonist blog seems to be somewhat confused on these not-particularly-distinct categorizations of foodlovers, we can still derive some "talking points" for a suitable discussion here on eGullet, I believe....
For the record, I should state that the definitions in the post are strictly my own. I'm not looking to codify any label. Rather, I was simply looking to refute a troll's assertion that all foodies are "classist" and "elitist". Your own definitions may vary.
-
the fact remains that the number of cases of both infected animals and more importantly humans getting the disease from BSE is miniscule!
The idea that the number of cases of cattle infected with BSE is miniscule is not correct. It may be, it may not be. The truth of the matter is that the USDA has no idea how many cows may or may not be infected with the disease.
The problem is twofold:
Firstly only four tenths of one percent of the entire US cattle population has been tested for BSE, hardly a well developed sample of the population.
Secondly, there's some question if the tests that have been performed have been done using the Western Blot test, the most effective test out of all in the industry.
As far as how prevelant BSE is in humans via food transmission is as yet, also undetermined, as symptoms may go unnoticed for years.
To say definitively that Mad Cow is no big deal is a dangerous bet to make. Mad Cow may be no big deal, but there are also indicators that prove that it may be a big deal. The real issue is that the USDA and the Cattle industry don't want to find out.
-
Is there any locations within the Seattle city limits that sell raw milk or raw cream? Or is this something I'll have to go directly to a farm to pick up?
Any help in locating these products will be very much appreciated.
-
Therein lies the crux argument! I truly wish blogging had been around ten years ago when I was cooking all my historic feasts. Who knows where my career would have taken me if all those meals had been documented. But Tana has put her finger on it -- and the importance of a blog is What Will You Say that will make everyone want to read it more than coming here or going to another blog or chat list? Niche is critical.
It's been said twice and I'll add my own voice to this point. If you're looking for readers, find a specific focus on how you do your food writing. When I started, I was all over the place, doing restaurant reviews, visiting food events, and doing recipes. Since establishing that I'm researching and providing recipes for ingredients and cuisines, I've found that my writing is getting better and people have caught on my approach. (I've even had readers send me books to help in my research, something which totally shocked me).
That being said, if you're just starting a blog to practice various writing skills, and drawing readership is lower on your list of priorities, then simply write, write, write. I recommend Food Blog S'cool as a good place to start to see what issues other food bloggers are running into.
Another thing (which I am still figuring out) is PR -- some bloggers are getting insane press and I readily admit to jealousy on that account. Not too long ago, there were a number of articles written across the country about food bloggers. These articles appeared in the SF Chron, the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, and a few others I can't exactly recall. The gist of it is that food blogging is this new, up-and-coming, but all these articles did was reference the same eight or ten food bloggers; some because they've been doing it a long time, others because they are especially good ones to read, and some others which have figured out the PR scheme. There are literally HUNDREDS of food bloggers out there and why these same eight or ten get the press shows the limited resources of investigative reporters (or, the same person re-wrote the article to appear in all these different publications... I dunno).It's important to realize that blogs are a new medium, and thus there is no proven way to be successful as a food blog. What this means is that you will have to define what "success" means to you. Does it mean getting a lot of daily readers? Does it mean using the blog as a tool to get readers to other mediums? How you define success will invariably dictate how you approach your blog and your writing.
As a side discussion... some of the articles written by the press were indeed sold to other publications. I've seen the Washington Post Article in at least a half dozen publications, as well as the Boston Globe article. I agree with you that there are many, many food blogs not recognized by the Mainstream Press, but at this point last year, there were only two blogs that were nationally recognized (Chocolate & Zucchini and AmateurGourmet....Julie/Julia had shut down by this point). That they've recognized eight to ten blogs now I think is a great improvement. Hopefully by this point next year, we can get 2 dozen or so recognized.
-
The Hot Mama's vs. Piecora's battle could go either way, IMO. Hot Mama's crusts are to die for (in the NY Pizza tradition), but alas, they use those frozen sausage pellets that just depress me.
Piecora's, in my experience, tends to be a bit off and on. But their pizza is much better on location than delivered. I'm still not sure why that is.
-
Aww Jason! I didn't know you cared!
Is it a coincidence that you mentioned two food blogs from Seattle? Hmmmmmm.....
-
Hello,
I'm looking for restaurant recommendations for lunch this Saturday.
<snip>
Any recommendations? Cheers, Mr. Lucky
I'll second Cafe Campagne if you want to do a brunch, or (staying in Pike Place Market), Place Pigalle , where I had a wonderful Rabbit Cassoulet a few months back. They're open on Sat, 11:30am-3:30pm
-
I'm coordinating a smallish gathering on Saturday 11/6 and am looking for a venue on Capitol Hill (yes, it must be on Capitol Hill) for a group of between 15-20 folks to meet for dinner and drinks. Hoping for a private room. Also hoping to find a place that will work with us to develop a fixed-price-esque menu so that everyone has two or three appetizers/entrees/desserts from which to choose but the payment process at the end of the night is as simple as possible. Need to accomodate a wide range of dining preferences including vegetarian. I've been in touch with the Capitol Club. Any other suggestions? Thanks!
The food is just .. okay, but they do have a room (which is desperately hard to find on Cap Hill).. try
Galerias
611 Broadway Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102
206-322-5757
-
But what will I deep fry now?
And snickers bars are now de rigeur :-)
-
Good or Bad?
If you would have asked me 20+ years ago, I probably would have been a little more upset...but now as an adult, I realize that even companies have lifespans. I would think that the youth today might be a little bothered, but the reality is that there are many other sweets that a child can choose from (of course, as Steve Almond alerted us to, not as many as in years past).
I feel bad for all whose livelihoods are to be affected, but as an icon that has seen better days, I can barely muster a 'Meh' to see them go away, if they even go at all.
Now Tasty-Cakes... that's another matter entirely.
-
I never got around to eating at Cayenne. Unless someone says their French Dip is great, there doesn't seem to be a point now.
You weren't missing much at Cayenne before the change. You had to actually pay for chips and salsa, and the food was often over cooked, or tasted like it came out of the can (the avocado soup). Living on 1st Hill, I found it easy to find better (and often cheaper) Mex-American food.
-
There is a Halal butcher across the street from Than Brothers on Aurora ave around 78th. I have bought many, many pieces of goat from them. They were all tasty and the owners are honorable.
Here is their information:
Continental Spices & Halal Meat
7819 Aurora Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103 - 4753
(206) 706-0326
edit: Or you could look for Halal butcher shops that are closer to you.
I was able to find this place and made off with a couple legs of goat meat.. about 2 lbs worth.
For those of you who were curious, I ended up making Goat Braised in Red Wine which you can see at my site. It turned out fairly well, although I did overcook it a little. Still, it was quite tasty.
Many thanks to everyone who responded, with a special shout out to the good Col. :-)
-
There's a little grocery store that has goat on the same block as the complex that has Huong Binh and 7 Stars Pepper Szechuan Restaurant, but around the corner on 12th and whatever street is one block south of Jackson. They also have really cheap pork.
Alex
Found the place, it's on the SW corner of 12th and Jackson. But to say that the meat was unappealing (it was mostly stew meat with a fari amount of tendon and gristle remaining) would be an understatement.
The search continues.
-
Okay, here's a poser:
Is there anywhere in the Puget Sound area that has goat meat available? I tried exoticmeats.com (off of Route 99) and came up negative. A few calls to local butchers has also left me empty handed.
Any ideas?
-
Depends on what type of food your looking for. Lark is in the area, but too small for a larger gathering (although if you called ahead, they might make arrangements). Coastal Kitchen is in walking distance, and a little larger.
The restaurants on Pine are closer (captial club, Green Papya, 611), but each is dependant on how many people you want to bring.
I guess what I'm saying is...More details please!
Elysian (as mentioned) might be your best bet. Close and the food is not horrible.
-
I absolutely agree. My partner and I ate on Serafina on July 31st, and it was possibly the best experience I have had all year. It was very busy, but not at all rushed. The food was wonderful, and the wait staff was exceptional. Still one of my favorite places in Seattle.
-
Scrapple, hehee! I worked in Pennsylvania for 8 years and couldn't bring myself to even look at scrapple, let alone eat it! (Sorry A.H.)
No worries.. scrapple is certainly one of those foods where it's better when you don't know what it's made out of. :-)
-
(you can probably get scrapple at philadelphia fevre, on madison between 23rd and john)
Thanks for the info.. I'll certainly check it out!!
-
I'm relatively new to Seattle, and am still learning where to find the best of various foodstuffs. But as I was making breakfast for a friend and myself recently, I started really craving ...
scrapple.
And then I let out a little sigh, wondering if that's something that I may have to make a trip back to Pennsylvania for.
So, are there any foods out there that you can't find here (or can't find a quality version of) that you miss?
-
la spiga is right where you'll be, but it's closed monday and tuesday.
are you staying in the new silver cloud? someone mentioned that the hotel restaurant (cayenne?) might be interesting, has anyone tried it
sazerac would be far for breakfast from there.
if you work 9-5, try and get out early/come in late/take a long luch one day to see the market.
As others have stated, I was not overly thrilled with Cayenne either. You can read my own take on it here.
Stomping Through the "Savoy" (2009–)
in Spirits & Cocktails
Posted
If I may throw in a comment from the sidelines, if the recipe calls for Canadian Club, then the use of Alberta is probably not a fair substitute. Back in the later part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th, Canadian Club Whisky as made by Hiram Walker, was only one of several different types of whisky made in Windsor. The one we're familiar with came into popularity because it was popular with various bars, taverns, and yes, clubs, throughout the midwest and Ontario. Hence the name "Club Whisky". It was likely popular because not only did it have a pleasant taste, it was also likely economical when compared against other quality whiskies available.
This means it was likely cheaper, which in turn means that it was likely a made from a mash with a grain composition that included corn, wheat, and/or barley, rather than a pure malted rye. Canadian Club Whisky from 1920 was likely to be more akin to the whiskies of turn of the century Pennsylvania, than a uniquely all-rye, all-the-time one.