IowaDee

Amen, Shel, exactly my thoughts. Nice if you can go that way but it isn't always possible.

Just started Anything that moves- Renegade chefs, fearless eaters and the making of a new American food culture. Author is Dana Goodyear. So far,I'm really enjoying it. Host Note: eGullet friendy link to the book

TJ's Kona coffee shortbread cookies...swoon

Anyone remember Descoware? That was good stuff. I got several pieces as wedding gifts and used them constantly. I always home in on the housewares section in thrift shops hoping to find a treasure. No luck.

Blogs like this are exactly the reason I joined this place! Thank You.

I find it interesting that Barilla has a large factory in Iowa which was one of the first states to allow gay marriage. I also refuse to buy certain products because of my feeling about the owners, Coors beer is right up there along with anything the "K' Bros control. But far be it from me to tell you what to buy and whom to buy it from. Other than making me feel better, I don't suppose my stand makes much, if any, difference.

I'm picturing a Hawaiian hula dancer broom. The grass skirt is already provided.

Well hot doggie!

The hibiscus flower is native to Mexico and the dried form can be found at most Mexican markets or any grocery store with a good selection of Latino foods. Hibiscus tea, loose and in bags is available on Amazon as well. I have also seen a powered version for sale much like Kool Aid.

Those are just beautiful. If I were Daniel, I would insist that next year you use Roman Numerals and fill the extra spaces with many !!!!!!!!!s

Isn't that the source of corn nuts? Used to love those things but now I'd be worried about breaking my teeth on them!

Bought a block of the TJ Blue Goat last week. Was told it was a seasonal item and wouldn't be available after the end of January. Get it while you can because it is good!

That post stirred up a lot of memories for me. Love everything about Mazatlan. Best shrimp ever- bought fresh from the shrimp ladies in Centro or from the guys that come right to your hotel. Even the beach vendors sell cups of shrimp ceviche. Son in law could live on the stuff but I like my shrimp cooked a bit and piled in an avocado half and washed down with a cold Pacifico Or shrimp tacos in Machado Plaza.......

I enjoyed Dearie by Bob Spitz. New insight into Julia Child.

A small point but i'm impressed by the lovely plates and dishes the food is served on. No soggy paper plates or nasty foam in sight. I'm enjoying this so very much.

I think I would compare it to the taste of black walnuts. Years ago picking the meat from hickory was entertainment in the winter. Ladies sewed and men picked nuts. Whose to say if watching television is much of an improvement? Used to be able to buy small jars, baby food size, of picked nuts for about $15. Haven't seen any for sale in years.

Lots of people use them instead of black walnuts. My MIL used them in her own version of pecan sandies. Of course she had five kids at home she could call on for nut picking duty. I think bashing them with a hammer, the nuts not the five kids, is the only way to go at it. Then just use a nut pick and have plenty of bandages around.

Hickory nuts for sure. Little devils to pry out of their shells but tasty.

Thanks for answering the no salt bread question. What you said makes perfect sense and makes me wonder if the author of the book has ever tasted Tuscan bread herself. I can't remember meeting a bread I didn't like and it shows!

Another bread question for you. I just finished reading Taste what you're missing by Barb Stuckey. In the chapter about salt she mentions that Tuscan bread is made without salt. She calls is pale and bland and lacking in flavor. She offers several theories as to the reason for saltless bread but no real answer. She ponders why Tuscany is the only part of Italy to have this taste killing tradition. I'm curious to hear your take on this! Looking forward to spending a week with you, most Danish food and customs will be new ones for me.

You're leaving us in good hands but you will be missed! Best wishes for your exciting future.

The current issue of CI has the results of a tasting of artisanal cheddar. The top of the lists and highly recommended is Prairie Breeze from the Milton Creamery in Milton, IA. If you haven't tasted it, your'e missing a treat. We are lucky to live just a bit away but the cheese is carried on Igourmet, in most WF stores and lots of other places. Well worth searching out. I love the fact that it is made from milk produced on local Amish farms. The makers are a Mennonite couple and their sons. Give it a try, it is wonderful.

Either way, it sounds fishy to me!

The wood looks a lot like iron wood as well. I have several items carved from that. They are far more heavy than you would expect. I bought the carvings in Mazatlan, Mexico. I too am anxious to see the results from the stunning press.

It is mine as well. Party time...