Pontormo

I can't think of anything more inspiring than Docsconz's report of his culinary trip to Mexico earlier this month.

Kevin, I believe is right to point to Marcella Hazan and her classic, now revised in one volume (Essentials). She is, as a good friend teases me when I proselytize too much, La Regina della Cucina, the Queen of the Kitchen. Mentored by James Beard when she left her native Italy for the States, and biology, for cooking, Hazan was not the first to present Italian food in clear English recipes. Ada Boni and others came before her. For American readers, however, she almost single-handedly transformed our sense of the riches of Italian cooking at a time when we were most receptive: the 1970s. Essentials has not been surpassed despite the hundreds of Italian cookbooks subsequently published in English. If you look through Kevin's Year of Cooking from 2005, you'll notice lots of other names such as Lynn Kasper Rossetti. If you check this month's cooking thread on Friuli-Giulia Venezia, you'll notice we're all very fond of Lidia Mattichio Bastianich. Mario Batili's Molto Italiano is really fine, too. However, you have to start with Marcella, as unsexy as the cover and pages might appear at first. That said, the book was written in the belief that there is AN Italian cuisine, something that unites a country of resolutely stubborn, individualistic and proudly distinct regions even though they use butter in the north and olive oil in the south. If you want something that respects all of Italy and treats each region separately, united in one book, go to the remainder table in Borders if you have one in PA and see if you can find a large, glossy book for less than $15 on regional cooking of Italy. I don't remember the title exactly, but the pictures of places and food would surely capture the children's attention in the way Hazan may not. However, I'd call that a supplement. There's also a fine, comprehensive book that offers a few recipes from each region of Itay that I like, called Rustico . Sorry, I don't recall the author's name, but try a keyword search. (Initials are NM, I think.) I still think Hazan's the Patron Saint of the genre even though she smokes like a chimney and isn't always nice...so I've been told. Now, let me go light candles at her shrine.

Is it illegal to pan-fry baby praying manti? Send me a PM and I'll provide the link to my favorite peanut dipping sauce. Might be nice in rice paper wrapper with cilantro, scallions, shredded radish & sprouts. With the new recipe, that'll be two resolutions. Find a new source for the radishes, that's three.

I'll give you a report after the date, Rebecca, including whether the guys will be coaxed to eat frites at the Bistro (though not the pate ), try Ethiopian, or....

FYI: The boys have discovered and love ESPNZone .

So the fish crows three times?

Since the quote used to begin this thread is not offered in any sort of context, I presumed the exchanges concerned one of at least two different fishes that are associated with St. Peter for different reasons. The original posts do not offer pictures that would help determine whether that fish of 2004 was either a Zeus faber/John Dory/St. Peter's fish or a tilipia/St. Peter's fish. Are you saying that the Spanish use the term "Pez de San Pedro" for a fish that is actually tilapia and not the John Dory/Zeus faber since they have access only to the former and not the latter? That Web sites I have linked are not accurate? You may, instead, be aware of the source of the original quote that alludes me. My interest is purely in the haigiographical names assigned to the fish. As for the origin of the name John Dory, thanks for the explanation that has nothing to do with pirates, Adam.

Question Authority, April. Phew!! Just after READING that, I intend to have a salad for dinner...with frico. ************ I have never seen anything like your boiled strucolo, unless it's Adam's (?) ricotto and spinach roll. Did you like it? (I'm sorry, but it kinda reminds me of Shar-Peis!!!)

Irwin: Please read my post above and consult ALL links. There are several fish called St. Peter's fish, not just tilapia. See Adam Balic's photograph as well as images you'll find through googling, such as this from Australia where the connection between the John Dory and name St. Peter's is explained. You'll also find many Web sites geared towards people more interested in Biblical subjects than fish that provide the same association between tilapia and Saint Peter the fisherman that also caught my eye. In Spain, you'll notice, the John Dory IS called St. Peter's fish, or as also noted in an earlier post, St. Martin's fish (or the Fish of St. Peter, etc.).

Since the last substantial thread on local markets refers to 2005 and is five pages long, I thought I would start a new thread for the new growing season through the last days of harvest and then some. This is to announce what's ahead now that all of the FRESHFARM Markets are opening again....and looking for shoppers and volunteers. Visit the Web site for locations, hours of operation and further details. You may wish to sign up for the weekly newsletter to receive updates on the produce & farms you'll find as the grass is riz and duckies giz us eggs and so forth. The following is a list of the chefs conducting demonstrations at each inaugural affair next week. (Look at the Web site for the times of the demonstrations.) Dupont (Full season) ~ April 2 thru December 31 (9 am to 1 pm) Ris Lacoste is our opening day chef. Faithful customer& advocate of the market. Formerly of 1789. Should be popular, so get there before 11 when she begins to cook & dish things out. Penn Quarter ~ April 6 thru November 16 (3 to 7 pm) Cesare Lanfranconi of Ristorante Tosca is opening day chef. Foggy Bottom ~ April 19 thru November 15 (3 to 7 pm) Jamie Stachowski of Restaurant Kolumbia is opening day chef. St. Michaels, MD ~ April 22 thru October 28 (8:30 am to 12 noon) David Stein of St. Michaels Bistro is opening day chef. H Street, NE ~ May 6 thru October 28 (9 am to 12 noon) Stephane Lezla of Montmartre is opening day chef. Silver Spring, MD ~ May 6 thru October 28 (9 am to 1 pm) Janis McLean of redDog is opening day chef.

This thread is quite dated, I realize. However, I found it while conducting a related search. While the discussion concerns the John Dory, a number of fish have been called Saint Peter's fish because of a story in Matthew in which Peter renders unto Caesar what is Caesar's by fetching a coin out of a fish's mouth and handing it over to the tax collector. For the John Dory, see Adam Balic's picture in a fascinating thread on Fish, in General Food Topics. Look for Post #171 on February 1, then read captions. The prominent dark circle on either side of the fish inspires the biblical name; it is there that Peter pressed down with his thumb and fingers when catching the fish, leaving an imprint. However, tilapias are also called St. Peter's fish. (Click on the button to read the Web site in Spanish, and the name "St. Peter's Fish" will disappear. Hmmm.) FYI: Here's an Italian fresco (Masaccio, 1420's, Florence, Brancacci Chapel, Santa Maria del Carmine) that represents the Tribute Money. You'll notice Peter in the background to the far left catching the fish, and in the foreground, right, delivering the coin to the Roman collector. I am curious and would like to know more about the Spanish name "Pez de San Martin." One of the earliest biographies of saints took Saint Martin as its subject, so it's a source for a lot miracles and good acts attributed to saints. However, I can't find anything related to fish in one of the most highly circulated, popular versions of his life, except a moment when he tells birds to stop dive-bombing fish and they obey. That can't be the source. Does any one know more about the local tradition and association of the fish with this biship saint?

WMF Profi makes a sturdier stainless steel one with what looks like the trigger mentioned. It is not recommended by Cooks Illustrated, but only because it takes more time and patience than other gadgets. However, it is said to work well, especially with practice.

You raise and kill your own poultry, if memory serves me correct, no? It's interesting that I found the same recipe for the haivar sauce on a number of French Web sites---the same thing happened when I looked for Hathor's genepi/y, although I suspect there are other factors involved in these two cases. What does "haivar" mean, anyone? I thought the dish reminiscent of different recipes in Paula Wolfert's Cooking of the Eastern Mediterranean, though one sauce using red peppers calls for blending the raw pepper with water and one small hot pepper, then reducing it to a "jam-like" consistency before blending it with okra, garlic & a minimal amount of ground meat. Eggplant is cooked in kibbleh, too, with flavors similar to the ones Kevin combined. This Friulian dish sounds delicious.

This?

When I moved into my current place, the African warthogs woke me up at 4:30 sharp, snorting loudly when they were fed. I am so very, very glad they became loin in someone's kitchen!

Andi: Thanks for the info. I replaced my dead toaster oven with an old-fashioned toaster...mostly to save space. I have to admit that I still miss the convenience of using the old appliance to reheat things. Gourmet , January 2005 (?) rated options, though the issue is already out of date. Krups received the highest ratings for the type I sought. I tried researching here on eGullet and ended up with the old toaster vs. toaster oven debate on the one hand, and a product demonstration for bags that produce grilled cheese sandwiches in pop-up toasters. Funny, but I went through three different appliances before settling on the one I've retained because it'll do. Well, not too funny. Dullness rules today. Must be the tuna fish sandwich.

I also am perfectly happy that other people like white chocolate even if I'm the one who first mentioned it in this thread along with fake Parmesan in cans. No comparison was intended. To me, it's just too sweet and doesn't have enough of a distinctive taste of its own to merit interest. I do prefer bittersweet and semi-sweet to milk chocolate, too. Thanks for the offer of more!

The following items are priced either per quart/liter or pound (vs. 2 #); "L" is included for each item sold as a liter. "OG"=Organic. To be fair, I always chose the cheapest alternative with one exception; I wouldn't eat a Perdue chicken unless invited to do so as a dinner guest. Occasionally, I note options with the words "best," "superior," or quot;better" used to distinguish qualities. <br><br> Two local supermarkets were my sources when shopping on March 17: Safeway & Whole Foods. The former is considered more pricey than Giant, its only competition in Washington, D.C . until Whole Foods arrived. However, I tend to purchase things on sale, using coupons, and find the quality of produce superior. (That week I saved 39% from regular prices, this week 41%.) <br><br> Should this thread endure, I will add further information from smaller businesses, large Asian markets in the suburbs and the old Eastern Market (enclosed; conventional groceries) and newer farmers' market (largely organic). While lacking Rebecca's impressive frugality, I usually restock regular items from at least 6 other stores & visit the farmers's markets April through November. <br><br> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>ITEM</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>SAFEWAY</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>WHOLE FOODS</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>beef (chuck)</span></p></td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.99 (sale)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$3.99 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>bacon </span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.50 (sale) </span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$5.98 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>chicken, whole</span></p></td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.99 (Kosher)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.99; OG: $3.19</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>salmon</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$5.99 (sale)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$10.99; 13.99 (sock-eye)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>shrimp, large</span></p></td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$9.99 (sale, thawed)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$10.99 (sale, fresh)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>cabbage</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.33 (St Patrick's sale)</span></p></td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.69 (ditto but) OG</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>carrots</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.79 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.59, OG (sale, 5# bag)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>chilies</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.99 (Jalapeño)-7.99</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.99- 6.99 (superior)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>garlic </span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.79 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$4.99, OG</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>mushrooms</span></p></td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.29 (sale, ½ price)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$3.99, OG, regular price</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>olives </span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.67 (sale, can, icky)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$7.99, bulk </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>onions</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.93 (sale, sweet: .99)</span></p></td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.50, OG</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>potatoes</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.80 (Russet, 5# bag)</span></p></td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.60 (ditto); 1.49, OG</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>squash</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.49 (winter); $2 </span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.29 OG; $1.49 </span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'> (better zukes)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>apples</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.99- 1.79</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.49-2.69, OG included</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>bananas</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.59 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.69 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>lemons</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$3.68 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>0.98, 0G (in 2# bag)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>limes</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$3.20 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$5.28 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>mangoes </span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.79 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.39 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>oranges</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.69 (sale)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.40, OG</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>dr. beans</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'> 0.50 (sale)-1.19 (best)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.49 OG (O Fr lentils 2.19)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>flour</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.20 (sale)-0.60 (King A)</span></p></td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>0.50 (King A); 0.60, OG</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>dr. spaghetti</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>0.75 (sale)</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'> 0.79; 1.89, OG (sale)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>rice</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.68 (med. white)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.29 (OG brown) </span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'> & 1.89 (Arborio)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>sugar </span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.36 (sale)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.36 (sale) $0.60</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>(in 5# bag)</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>cooking oil</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.93 (canola)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.48 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>EV olive oil</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'> 10.89 L </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$8.99 (to >1st born child)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>vinegar</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.69 (sale)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.89 (red wine also)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>butter</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$3.29; Plugra $8.58</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$3.49; Plugra $7.98</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>cream</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$7.96 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$5.98, OG</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>eggs, dozen</span></p></td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.59; OG 4.79 (sales)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.99, cage-free, etc.</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>yogurt</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.38; OG 3.32</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$2.99; OG 3.39</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>milk</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.57; OG 1.98</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$0.87; OG 1.65</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>Cheddar</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$3.99 (US, X-sharp)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$5.98; 7.99 (better)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>cinnamon</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$11.82 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$11.37 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>paprika</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$13.81 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$12.13 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>peppercorns</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$8.70 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$6.97 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>vanilla</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$95.84, L</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$87.92, OG extract</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>bread, WW</span></p></td> <td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.10 (sale, better than:)</span></p></td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$01.53 (also 1.5# loaf)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>coffee</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$5.99 (sale)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$6.66 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>tea</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$5.38 (bags)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$11.90 </span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>Orange juice</span></p></td> <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.25 (sale)</span></p></td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>$1.30 (both in ½ gallons)</span></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> <p><span style='font-family:Verdana;color:black'>(Not reconstituted)</span></p></td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=48 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> <td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> </td> </tr> </table> <br><br> N.B. Beer is not a staple for me, so I added the cheapest kind of cheese I buy regularly. Saffron? None at Safeway where price for coconuts was inaccessible. Corn and tomatoes are not in season, but FYI organic tomatoes were on sale at Whole Foods @ $1.99 vs. $3.99 for conventional, equally unappealing ones at Safeway. I purchase Asian items elsewhere, so sesame oil & soy sauce are also excluded.

Perfect timing!! I am standing next to a very nice woman from Addis Abba who JUST gave me some shirro powder that was brought back to the States from her native country. She's been telling me about Lent in Ethiopia and the dietary restrictions this time of year requires. She also gave me the following recipe, which, granted, requires the use of the spiced powder (or flour) that features a type of dried pea that a little bit different from split peas many of us know. It's roasted first, and after a series of other steps, flavored with a mixture that usually includes roasted Fenugreek, garlic, ginger, an Ethiopian type of basil and sometimes thyme. All are added before ingredients are pulverized. Her recipe is similar to the version posted directly before my reply: Shirro Watt 1/2 to 1 onion finely minced but never liquified in processor. 1/4 to 1/2 t minced garlic* 2 t of olive oil (or butter or cooking oil) 1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and quartered Salt to taste 2 T of shirro Bring 2 cups of water to boil with the onion and oil. Sprinkle the shirro into the water or rub it between your fingers in one hand while whisking continuously with the other hand. See each grain as it falls, blah, blah, blah...just don't let it clump. Never, never let lumps form. Continue whisking for a moment until you're sure everything is evenly integrated. Sometimes it will froth. That's fine. Cover pot after adding the jalapena pepper(s). Don't cook too long. (I'll let you know what this means later.) Sorry if these steps are not precise, but no one really uses recipes. I plan to try the recipe myself some time later in the week or this weekend. I will report back and refine the steps if necessary. *My consultant tells me that what I can do is mix the same amount of garlic and fresh gingerroot together, whirl it in the food processor with a tiny bit of oil, and use this instead. Good brushed on salmon before broiling, too. Just good to have around, period, for a variety of uses.

Vivid description, as always, Hathor. Sorry about the tough bird. I don't think I've ever had goose, come to think of it.... As for the frico, perhaps I'll try using the end of the P-R that is just about whittled down to the rind and do a comparison. I have to say that I enjoyed my first bit with Montasio because of the fat content and the richness of the wedge. Kevin the cheesemonger said that when he worked in a restaurant, the kitchen would make a kind of lattice pattern with Montasio to cradle salads...perhaps because it is so thick and perhaps too much a contrast to delicate greens. While I don't think a frico thread is going to top the Roasted Cauliflower fan club here, I do think we need to proselytize outside this regional forum. Montasio would be easier to find (at least it was difficult for me) were more people aware of frico. Whole Foods now carries a type of Greek cheese which they first ordered special for the Olympics. The packaging explains how to cook it and that it remains solid, etc. It is now a regular item and always available.

In response to Mike Hunt, the post right before Megan Block's, regarding the smelly nature of fish or seafood that we're told, as shoppers, to interpret as a sign the item is not as fresh as can be: Some people don't like the smell of fresh fish when it's cooking or just cooked.

One man' stinky is another woman's sublime, I suppose. Can't think of much food that doesn't smell wonderful to someone healthy and not pregnant. Mostly cheese. Fish? Either you like it or you don't. I do. It's lingering smells long after dinner that annoy if not sicken. Some folk are bothered by the smell of cabbage, especially sauerkraut. See comments about fish. I love just about anything with cabbage. How about food you need to sniff to see if it's spoiled. Do you stick your finger in, too? Eat it anyway? Just toss?

The man Julie Andrews married after spinning on hills alive with music. Thanks for showing us the bottles.

Sadly not what you're looking for, I'm sure, but if truly in need for it and it alone, Rodman's (on Wisconsin Ave. in Friendship Heights) had a single can of Belgian salsify on the shelves yesterday. I think the brand was Roland's. You might also try substituting Jerusalem artichokes--aka sunchokes. * * * Thanks, Charles & HJ.

Does anyone have recommendations for a place to find good pork--loin, chops, etc.? Rockville residents: Is the meat at the two Asian grocers a bit juicier and (nicely) fattier than the Niman Ranch's "wholesome" product?