Dana

Penzeys has a great hit cocoa mix

I know I'm a little late to the party, but if I need to make a lot of potato salad, I bake the potatoes, let cool, then peel. Great potato flavor, and little standing. I can peel the cooked potatoes sitting at the kitchen table. Just a late thought.

Killens in Pearland is incredible. We drive from Beaumont at least once a month for it. Best brisket I've ever had.

Yes, I've made this - several times. It's better than you can imagine. I add the red wine vinegar.

I always roast the potatoes. Water from the potatoes is evaporated during the roasting and makes for a much more intense potato flavor. Easy to peel as well.

Try some cardomom!!

You'll want to use what ever is in the fridge first before it goes bad (assuming the electricty is out). Keep the freezer doors closed as long as possible. Do you have a generator? You pantry items are good for when the fridge things are gone. Be wary of salt - a lot of shelf stable items such as canned soups, etc, are loaded with salt, and if clean water is an issue, you'll want to stay away from it as much as you can. Be sure to stock a few cases of water. Fill your bathtubs with water so you can use it to flush (this is very important). Survivor of hurricanes Rita and Ike

Can't go wrong with Pappa's Brother's Steakhouse. Not really innovative, but very nice.

My Indian friend even leaves them out of recipes she uses - she says they smell like old tires.

Robirdstx - We have a Floyd's here in Beaumont as well. If you haven't tried the seafood gumbo, you're in for a treat. It's the best I've had, including my own!! The chicken sausage, not so much. Their cajun ceviche from the appy menu is great, too. We should get together sometime...

My mom taught me to cut up a chicken. I learned most everything else on my own - out of self-preservation - in most cases. However, being able to cut up a chicken quickly is something I'll always thank her for.

Last time we were there, there was construction and it was a little tricky to get to, but so worth it. That place is awsome. Everything you can think of and then some!! They also do mail order.

Pappa's Bros. is a classic old school steakhouse. I love it. We've been to Mark's several times, and love it as well, although I don't think of it as cutting edge, just a lovely atmosphere and fine, fine food. Hugo's is good, although I don't think of it when planning a special occasion. We went to t'afia several years ago - the atmosphere was almost austire, and the menu was a little weird - in thirds, as I remember, something about it seemed odd. The food was good, though. Reef is supposed to be fabulous, we haven't been there yet. Although not fine dining, Max's Wine Dive on Washington has a great vibe, super food, and out-of-the ordinary wines.

Great blog, Shelby. Glad you found a way to make wild turkeys edible. My husband has gotten a few, and I'm always glad when he gives them away!! I grew up in ElDorado - how far are you from there?

Marlene, maybe you could offer to make a turkey for New Year's Day. Although turkey with cabbage and black eyed peas doesn't sound that great.