WandaSue

I started reading it a couple of weeks ago, and am enjoying it so far.

The most memorable dipping sauce I've ever had was a toasted pumpkin seed oil that was served at a well-known Los Angeles restaurant.

I installed my IKEA kitchen 7 years ago and it's the primary reason I hesitate to leave my house, much to my family's and friends' dismay. It's the best kitchen I've ever had, done MY way, so I have no complaints. The best features are the drawers and the European-style pull-out pantries. All of the American-built cabinets I researched were too clunky and overbuilt; IKEA's are sleek but sturdy. I'd say go for it.

I was appalled by the guest judge's behavior and attitude. You couldn't pay me to eat at any of his restaurants. On the other hand, I have eaten at Fabio's restaurant. Both the food and the service were excellent. Perhaps the format doesn't showcase his talent.

I'd suggest talking to Charlie Fredericks, who teaches Meat Analysis at Santa Barbara City College. If anyone would know, he would.

Just a note: tomorrow the Tuesdays with Dorie group will be posting their weekly recipe. This week the choice was made by Dorie, herself, who will be baking with us. Check out either Dorie's blog or the Tuesdays with Dorie blog.

A friend of mine just moved from Jackson, so I asked her for recommendations. Here's her reply: Fenians - Irish pub Keifers - Greek Primos - southern food; desserts Que Sera Sera - burgers and red beans & rice Haru (better than Nagoya) Amerigos expensive: Char Julep Nicks Schimmels - Mayflower is overrated but it's in downtown Jackson, one of the few old restaurants left. - Cock of the Walk has good food and is on the reservoir but it's a dump and full of kids. They have excellent fried catfish and turnip greens if you can tolerate the atmosphere. - Sal & Mookies is new; fun kid-friendly. Same owners as Broad Street which is also good. - Steam Room Grille is good (seafood), but a little pricey. - Two Sisters is in an old house; I think they only do lunch. Fried chicken is their specialty. - Aladdins is pretty good; Mediterranean food. Got a complete facelift after the fire. Sadly I can't recommend any BBQ place. The Corky's there is not very good; not up to Memphis standards. Please keep in mind that these her opinions. Others might have differing ones, but perhaps it's a start for you. cheers

And for Sacramento, check out this blog: SacFoodies

In Santa Barbara there are a fair amount of ethnic/special restaurants from which to choose. Here's a link that gives the most current information and ratings for the restaurant scene. Santa Barbara dining

I also cook bacon in the oven. I lay the strips directly on parchment in a half-sheet pan, then I make a small pleat on each strip, so that the bacon comes out flat. When I remove the sheet pan from the oven, I rest it at an angle so the drippings collect at one end of the pan, sort of like self-draining bacon.

I'd suggest adding a copy of Shirley Corriher's Cookwise to your collection. She offers a good explanation of why cookies spread. It depends on several factors: flour type, fat type, sweetener type, leavening type, etc. Since I prefer a thicker cookie, I always consult her book for potential changes.

Try Chicken Marbella (Silver Palate Cookbook). I reworked the recipe using boneless chicken and it's fabulous.

Yes I did! It's probably a habit with him; tought to break. ← Someone else -- Dale, I think -- double-dipped as well. Guess I'll have to catch a rerun to check it out.

Here are some possibilities: Ye Olde Butcher Shop 4317 State St Santa Barbara, CA (805) 967-9213 Shalhoob Meat Co. 220 Gray Ave Santa Barbara, CA (805) 963-7733 Whitefoot Meat Market 336 N Milpas St Ste E Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 965-8850 I'm most familiar with the first 2 establishments, but the third one has positive reviews.

I would highly recommend the snails. A group of us made these several weeks ago, playing with currants, dried cranberries, and other dried fruits. They were fabulous.