SobaAddict70

This is the question that people should be focusing on imho, not on whether AW is "elitist". She says as much in the audio interview (requires Windows Media Player or similar software) -- but somehow that got passed over in favor of criticism with respect to her remarks on Nikes and cell phones. ← The fact that she is an elitist, or at the very least, comes across that way is at variance with getting the "average Joe excited about real food." If she were as approachable as Rachel Ray we'd be having a different discussion altogether, perhaps that she is dumbing down the benefits of organic food. But the message would be more widely accepted. Don't you think it's interesting that of all places, here on eGullet, AW is rubbing so many people the wrong way. You'd think she'd be preaching to the choir. My perception is that she is trying to impose her bubble-world onto everyone else who doesn't live in her bubble. ← I of course don't think that way at all. It could be that I'm someone who has no need of conversion. It's very easy to dismiss someone like AW because of whatever disagreements you might have with her way of handling herself. It's like talking without listening. If you perceive that she's 'elitist' [and consequently a turn-off], that pretty much seals the deal. Forget snark comments about cooking eggs in a spoon and think about what she's really saying -- that cooking is something people don't do very much anymore and that if people are able to rediscover for themselves the pleasure that comes with preparing food, that would go a long way towards reversing some of society's present ills. But it's easy to dismiss that and instead say "what was she thinking?"

This is the question that people should be focusing on imho, not on whether AW is "elitist". She says as much in the audio interview (requires Windows Media Player or similar software) -- but somehow that got passed over in favor of criticism with respect to her remarks on Nikes and cell phones.

Not sure she's imposing anything, rather than pointing out that the choices we make influence our lives to a certain degree. Also those choices are shaped by values that you may or may not adhere to. She leaves it to you to decide for yourself whether you agree or not, and then act accordingly. It's no secret that shopping at farmers' markets is more expensive than going to the corner grocery store, in addition to being more time-consuming both in and out of the kitchen. So if you're going to follow that lifestyle, something has to give somewhere -- especially if you're already limited in terms of income and schedule. A less extreme version of AW's position might be -- if one were to make dinner from scratch every night of the week. You do what you can, when you can, and perhaps sacrifice some time somewhere else. You do it because you derive some enjoyment or pleasure from it. And the benefits are obvious, and go far beyond aesthetics. But if you're already biased against AW, well, there's nothing more to be said.

She made that statement about "buying Nike shoes and cellphones" back in 2007, in an audio interview with Salon. There's a link on my blog for anyone who cares to hear it -- and it's a good interview, better than the print version. The point being that her view isn't new. It's been around for a while. The only reason people are jumping on her case is because of the recent piece on 60 Minutes. Actually her thought process has evolved over the years -- it wasn't a made for television moment as some commenters seem to imply.

Lovely brownies, Kim. Roast chicken (T. Keller's recipe) Pan-fried potatoes and watercress Coffee ice cream for dessert

Linguine with anchovies, breadcrumbs and mint Asparagus with Parmesan cheese

Spring minestrone

Eggs sunnyside up, salade au larde (basically dandelion greens and potatoes with bacon)

Some pix from this morning.... This really is my favorite time of year.

Broccoli rabe and heirloom beans with sourdough-garlic croutons and cheese

I have a batch in the oven as we speak. RG Cellini beans, red onion, a couple of bay leaves, parsley and salt.

Thanks Kim. Linguine primavera This version uses no cream by the way.

Roast cod, sautéed shiitake mushrooms and ramps, pan-fried potatoes I'm afraid my plating skills aren't as good as they could be.

Yeah but when you're stuck in the middle of midtown and you're 30 minutes between conference calls, sometimes fast food is the way to go.

It's been a while since I've been to McDonald's. I'd say almost a year. Funny how five years ago I used to go here all the time and now I rarely bother. Full disclosure: I've never experienced a Chick-Fil-A so I can't compare. Last Friday I decided to give their Southern-style chicken sandwich a try based on reading this thread. It was like I was eating a chicken flavored sponge. It was tasty and yet almost unnaturally juicy. A pity the bun was as if from a steamer. I can almost imagine what it would've been like if it were freshly made.

Yes, there will be dairy in the custard base. No offense taken. I usually leave out basics because I assume that a good portion of the people who post on eG -- especially on this particular forum -- have a greater depth of culinary knowledge than on other sites.

Too true. Re French toast, I invariably want more of it and there's never enough to go around. Toliver -- skinless boneless chicken breasts haven't been in my kitchen for a long time.

I thought about cheese but if I were to add it, I'd probably want to minimize it. Figure maybe 1/3 cup grated? Bacon's another idea but I've never heard of bacon in bread pudding. Though ramps go well with pork. Hmmm...

It seems to me that much of the criticism directed towards AW has a lot to do with projection. Yes, she can come off as condescending or "out of touch". So what? Is it because her statement about buying $4/lb. grapes comes off as a value judgment and people find that threatening? It's a factual statement nonetheless. People make choices everyday about what they want to do. They already have the information they need to live better. Whether they have the will to use that knowledge is another story altogether. Instead of focusing on the negativity, a better use of one's time could be spent on trying to find ways to bring about the change inherent in AW's message. This doesn't mean you need to radically alter your life immediately. You can make subtle shifts in small, meaningful ways over time depending on your income and personal situation. The net effect will still be the same. Life is short. Who has time for bad food and ill health?

I have a couple bunches of ramps leftover in the frigo and one of the ideas I'm kicking around is making a savory bread pudding. Bread, eggs, butter, mushrooms, shallots and ramps. Anything else, or does that sound like it's enough?

this thread is timely since I've been craving it lately. here's a pic from last month: the yellow stuff is 2 lightly beaten eggs.

oh sorry, here I am seven months later replying to your question. it's just mushroom soy sauce with a little sesame oil. toppings included broiled chicken breast, scallions and pickled ginger (ginger root, rice wine vinegar, salt).

And of course, the high temps meant the market was more crowded than usual. I didn't get there until 1:30 pm and paid for it in spades. Stuff I got: cod, ramps, asparagus, cheese, potatoes, onions, herbs, mushrooms, eggs, broccoli rabe and applesauce. No pix unfortunately.

hmmm, hollandaise... it's been a while since i've had eggs benedict. thanks for the idea. i'm at work so no pix here. oatmeal with dried cranberries, peanut butter and brown sugar, and cream. brunch yesterday: warm asparagus salad with bacon and farm egg toasted Irish soda bread with butter and currant jam milk

that's fine, but expecting AW to change just to please her critics is a little unrealistic. plus I prefer her just the way she is.