IowaDee

Many years ago a seller on eBay took a photo of a shiny tea pot he planed to sell. Like Kerry's his reflection showed up in the pot. Unlike Kerry, he was stark naked!

Oh yes,, love those things I still have: 1. Seashells of the Woprld 2. Weeds 3. North American Indian Arts 4. Spiders and their Kin 5. Insect Pests 6. Stars 7 Insects 8. Pond Life Got them back in our camping days with two little girls. Made the experience much more fun. Those along with my trusty cookbook. America Cooks The General Federation of Women's Clubs Cookbook lived in the camper. If I came across a new-to-me ingredilent while on the road, the book would tell me what to do with it. As a librarian, I have used my book mending skills many times on my 1967 edition.

Yikes, just priced the Dawn stuff on Amazon..$34.99 per bottle. Comments say that it is not avilable in store anymore. Have to be one special baking pan to justify that many bucks in this house. Maybe for some cookies that were served at The Last Supper or somethng.

Oooh Shelby those sure look "succulent" don't they!

That looks sturdy enough to pull a calf! Go for it.

I am really enjoying following your "adventures" as things unfold. In some ways, they remind me of Angelo Garro in San Francisco. His restaurant, Renaissance Forge sounds as amazing as he is. I think the two of you must share some DNA. The October issue of Sunset magazine did a story on him I think he probably feels the same joy while cooking as you do.

Many years ago I can remember pouring over a catalog of bulls. You placed your order for seman according to the traits you were looking for in calves. These were not dairy bulls but big beefy critters. Once you found what you hoped would be your cows' heart throb, you ordered through your local A.I.tech. and settled in to watch for signs of heat in the ladies. I'm sure the actual delivery system left a lot to be desired for her. Let's just say in involves very long gloves! Around here most beef raisers still keep bulls around but dairy farmers have gone the A.I. route. Dairy bulls are considered mean and unpredictible compared to the beef breeds. I suspect that frozen bull seman is one of the few things you still can't order from Amazon yet.

I used to go with the tangerine player. He could really shake that thing.

Wasn't Kate and Prince William's wedding cake at least part fruitcake? A layer or something or else there were some separate small fruitcakes. I think that's probably what made it possible for some to be auctioned several years later.

Why, o why are you taunting me like this. That is a thing of beauty and you are even going to gild her lily. Enjoy and have a bite for me. Now it is time to begin the hunt for real hot cross buns.

And maybe some sparkling grape juice for the younger set or non-drinkers? It would still be festive.

I have yet to meet a fruitcake I didn't like, er, love! In fact , as a certified crazy fruitcake lady, I'm considering creating an official Fruitcake Rescue Shelter. Any and all abandoned, stray or feral fruitcakes will be accepted without question. For easy identification, each will have a chip, (chocolate, vanilla or butterscotch) inserted before placing it for adoption. If, after the holiday season is over, and they are still homeless, they will be consumed in a humane manner. Euthanasia will be induced by calm rhythmic chewing followed by a quick and painless trip down my gullet. Watch this apace for further information such as where to drop off your unwanted gifts. Extra neon fruit is always welcome as well. So remember don't subject your fruitcake to being an entry in a tossing competition or spending its golden years as a doorstop. Give it lasting dignity by donating it to me. Thanks for your kind consideration and Happy Holidays to All

Nope still has regional issues. The magazine varies is thickness month by month. January is always on the skinny side. I guess, like lots of us, it feels the need to diet after the holidays. Enjoy!

I bought this book to give as a Christmas gift. It came wrapped in shrink wrap. Now it will be all I can do not to tear off the wrap and open it. For a week the book has been sitting on the table watching me and daring me to open it. Just when I thought I had control of myself, you posted that link! This must be how an addict feels trying to kick the habit and knowing a fix is within his reach! Maybe if I throw a blanket over it???

The latest edition of Sunset arrived today. I grew up with it and became a subscriber over 40 years ago. I made sure it followed me to Iowa. It is a much valued tie to my home state. Growing up in the Venice area, I get the southern edition. We vislted the Sunset offices in Menlo Park several years ago. Beautiful building and grounds. I have lots and lots of their cookbooks and still buy them whenever I see them at sales. There is always someone thrilled to have one as a gift. A find their recipes are more fool proof than any other publication. I would hate to see the magazine fold. It has deep roots in the West.

Those are just fantastic. I'm sure those 11 people will be honored to be given your gift.

He had a pretty amazing life, much of it spent right in your neck of the woods. If you ever have the chance to, grab his books.

As you soak, think about this...is there any possibility that you are a long lost son/grandson of Euell Gibbons? I, for one, will be interested in anything you care to post.

what a wonderful trip you had and thanks for allowing us to tag along. I can only think that your creative juices must be flowing at warp speed about now.

Would that be like using the word "Latino" for foods from Mexico and Central and South America? Corn and beans strike me as the things they have in common. When I think of "Nordic",images of seafood and wondrous bakery products fill my head. I realize each country does have a unique take on food but they also have a lot on common with their neighbors. Thank God, taste buds recognize no borders.

Hell, America is called the Melting Pot for a good reason. We also seem to have the knack of making foreign food into something all our own. Drag classic Latin American food across the border, give it a twist and-boom- Tex Mex for your dining pleasure. Same with Chinese. Watch the crews we brought in to build the railroads eat. Get a serious case of envy and before you know it, we have our own version in dishes like chop suey. And don't forget those super American fortune cookies. And don't get me started on the way we have made Italian food our own. We are probably the only country that has had the opportunity to create a food culture from scratch and we are still growing and evolving with each new wave of newcomers. Personally I can't wait to see what takes center stage on the table next.

Perhaps- but if you lived in small town Iowa as I do, you would fall to your knees and thank the Tamale Gods for giving them to you. The only other choice being Hormel ones in a can. Yup, those really exist.

Why wait for a movie? The trip could become a weekly show so great that you could kick a certain "Guy" to the curb. egullet on the go

How many of you will be going? I can't imagine one person could survive with their sanity intact! I sense the basis of another book in all of this if you do. Can't wait to hitchhike with you.

What????no partridge in a pear tree? And not a single swan a swimming either.