baroness

Crushed Nice biscuits would give a delicate coconut flavor and texture (crumb crust), or you could do a thin spongecake layer crust a la Junior's (the famous Brooklyn cheesecake).

Agreed. I use Boyajian, as mentioned above (also their lemon and lime oils). Depending on the size of the recipe (I haven't seen any of Lakshmi's), even a quarter-teaspoon can be sufficient, or even overwhelm. I like adding a little orange oil to my chocolate chunk cookies. ← The Baker's Catalogue/King Arthur Flour sells the Boyajian citrus oils, and can advise you as to amounts to use. Sometimes I use an eye dropper to measure; 12 drops are roughly equivalent to 1 teaspoon grated zest. And, yes, there ARE very effective citrus oil-based cleaning products!

I'm not Maggie, but her posts inspired me to start a similar project. I've been cutting the bags into a continuous spiral about 1" wide, and am using a steel K hook.

Would the above be AKA Preacher Cookies? Preacher Cookies: Mix and boil 2 c sugar, 1/2 c butter, 1/4 c cocoa, and 1/2 c milk for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 c peanut butter, and 2 1/2 c rolled oats; mix well. Quickly spoon into mounds on waxed paper. Or spread in a greased 9 by 13 pan; cool and cut.

Silver cloth is best used to make cases (such as a zipper-closed pillow case) to protect silver serving pieces, jewelry, etc. from tarnishing. The fabric won't harm the china, but silver cloth is quite expensive compared to untreated fabrics.

I would put the silicone on the OUTSIDE, insulation and fabric on the inside/hand side. Silicone can be wiped clean but could use more heat resistance. I don't find it slippery at all, though my items have ridges or bumps on the likely gripping surfaces.

These are important points to remember when feeling discouraged. You can't please all the people all the time, and there always seems to be someone ready with criticism. Those 'silent' ones who keep attending the meals and buying take-away show that you are doing a fine job; it would be great if they told you so, but their actions show they appreciate you.

I'm heading south this weekend for the International Flameworking Conference (yippee! I love to play with fire!!) in Carney's Point (exit 1 of NJT), and will be staying at a hotel in Swedesboro. Seeking dinner ideas--have car, GPS, and a sense of adventure so it needn't be too local. Prefer ethnic food or seafood; not crazy-expensive as I will be tempted by the glass and tool vendors. Thanks!

I have a recipe for a moist apple cake that uses graham cracker crumbs in lieu of all the flour. Let me know if you would like it.

Mollie Katzen's newest, The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without, has many tempting options.

You may be able to use Scandinavian rosette irons for this. Here are a few rosette iron designs.

I love tea; I drink it as my only caffeine source and, more importantly, for great pleasure! Teapots -- I've tried and own many pots; my favorites are the Chinese terracotta ones with pottery infusers and the Japanese Bee House brand with stainless steel mesh infusers. There are knock-offs made of the Bee House pots--don't waste your money on these. Tea kettle -- Buy one which you can get your hand into so it's easy to keep clean, glass or stainless steel (enameled or not). Tea leaves -- Again, I've tried many online and in-person sources. Top choice is TeaSource. Their site has many educational articles, as well as myriad teas and teapots, including Bee House. Another favorite is Spotted Leopard Teas. Their "Out of Africa" blend is dessert in a cup.

You would most likely win with the 'Oreos' ...as well as passionfruit filling, you could do coconut, (either as the cookie or the filling), pina colada, guava, Kona coffee fillings.....

Try raising the pot so it sits higher in the oven -- another layer of bricks, perhaps.

Pops (NE Minneapolis) Erte (NE Minneapolis) Heartland (St. Paul), or its Minneapolis cousin, Cue (at the Guthrie Theatre) Hell's Kitchen (downtown; great brunches) The Dakota (downtown) Enjoy your visit to my hometown!

Oh! Oh! Oh-oh!!! I think there is a Jello salad that incorporates said circus peanuts, and the formula may be on the bag......

I've never seen that little gem of cooking lore actually work. Does it work for others? ← I read somewhere -- Cook's Illustrated, possibly, or the New York Times? -- that the potato trick does not work when scientifically tested. One does see it offered as advice in many sources, though.

I can (and have) cooked mixed congee and many non-rice items in my Sanyo micom/fuzzy logic rice cooker. Can't imagine trying it with a non-micom cooker, though.

My house came with an asymmetrical double sink -- left side is about 9" wide (shallower basin and has a removable wire dish drainer), the right side approximately 20" wide and very deep. I don't know how common this design is, but it works just fine.

Let's make that a threesome: foodie, sammie, and veggie!

Beatrice Ojakangas has many books that fit your desires, particularly for baking. The titles I own are not generous with photos, but the detailed directions and anecdotes make them a pleasure to use.

Which is delicious and particularly dramatic when made with black rice!

I have a large bunch of Italian/flat-leaf parsley residing in a mug with a little water on my coolish kitchen counter, like a bouquet. Today, what is left celebrates its 1-week anniversary with me and is still fresh and crisp. This is an experiment (vs. placing the mug in the refrigerator as usual) which has very happy results!

There IS a KA cult; some of its members actually list all their collection of machines when they post in the KA forums!

A few thoughts on selling to/serving the public: 1. Chocolate chip anythings are very popular (many blondie recipes include them). 2. People don't like to ask questions/appear stupid, so have clear labels/signage as to price, flavor, and (perhaps) ingredients for those with food sensitivities. 3. A perceived 'deal' is a great incentive to buy more -- buy 3, get 1 free or whatever. Have lunch bags or other packaging for those who buy to take home. 4. Make it easy on yourself and price in even dollars only!