FauxPas

Are they all the same model? Looking at BB&B, I see a couple by Umbra and a few by Simple Human. The reviews are not always kind, especially to the lower-priced ones. Not sure how much I would want to spend on one, though I appreciate your suggestion for possible price reductions!

Maybe I should just try doing the purchase in-store with a coupon and see what happens!

I've considered buying one of the Breville Smart Ovens, and 20% off makes the purchase much more appealing, but all of the Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons that I have seen recently have specifically excluded Breville products from their 20% discount. Am I missing something?

I like the Hasselback style lately. Simple, with olive oil, garlic and some herbs. Or a bit of Parmesan. I love the peel, too! But every now and again, I get a craving for a full-meal loaded potato. These pics at Closet Cooking had me salivating: Fully Loaded Hasselback potatoes.

I was given some as a gift. I have a couple of the sunflowers and a couple of the hibiscus ones, all in the small 4" size. They are useful for keeping bugs out of drinks when we sit outside on the patio. But I use them mostly as lids for some of the small Pyrex custard bowls. I use those bowls a lot for food prep or for sauces, dips and so forth. It's easy to use those lids to cover things temporarily or for leftover bits that will go in the fridge. I read a suggestion to store them on the fridge door and that's not a bad idea. They stick very easily and don't get lost in a drawer that way.

I think I know the ones you mean. Similar to this? http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/totally-bamboo-6-piece-bamboo-utensil-set/1013997764?Keyword=bamboo+utensil They are very inexpensive and overall, the reviews are very good, but I bought a similar set and they did not hold up well for me at all. They are also not dishwasher-safe. And they didn't give me the functionality I wanted. Still, they are a great deal for people who don't beat them up too much ... or who just have to 'beat up' their critters a little bit.

I love LU's Le Petit Écolier with the chocolate-hazelnut coating, but I can't seem to find them anymore. Amazon lists them, but shows no availability. Sniff. Le Petit Écolier Hazelnut Chocolate

Thanks, Shalmanese! I want 2 or 3 spoons in different sizes, but I may also try the spatula you recommend. Only, since I am a SouthPaw, I will get the left-handed version. I don't use some utensils since they are clearly intended for right-handers, very nice to see a left-hand version! Joyce Chen Left-Handed Bamboo Spatula

Thank you! I am going to try at least one of the Joyce Chen spoons. I will order some from the Amazon link, my initial search didn't bring those up. Thanks again! But always interested to hear how other people have found their spoons.

I love bamboo spoons! And I need some new ones. I bought some a few years ago that have lasted really well, even with dishwasher cleaning, but they are aging. They were quite pricey and came from a kitchen store (can't remember which one) in either Victoria or Vancouver, Canada and I still have a couple of those. I thought they were overpriced at the time but they lasted so well and I just loved the feel and shape of them and the solidity (if that makes any sense). Also, they were varied sizes and I loved that - some for smaller pots, some for bigger. I bought some recently in Arizona (where I am now) and they were crappy and did not hold up well at all. I would love a source for good-quality bamboo spoons. I have checked some of the usual places like Amazon online and Bed Bath and Beyond and what I do find is not generally recommended or feels and looks like rough-edged lightweight crap. Can anyone recommend a source? Thank you in advance.

basquecook, I am curious about the amount of vegetarianism in China. Although you have been treated to some lovely vegetarian dishes, I am surprised by the amount and variety of meat in some meals. Is meat considered a sign of prosperity, a necessary menu item when entertaining a 'foreigner?' Do the Chinese really eat that much meat in their meals? And yes, I realize that there are various religious limits on food, such as with the Muslim district. I'm not sure about the proportion of Buddhists or Daoists in China, but are there many people who join in these meals but do not partake in the meat dishes? And perhaps this is a question that I should address to others on this forum as well, but I am curious about your experience while being in China. I love all the photos you have posted and you still have notes to identify the food you ate over so many meals! Wow. I admire your organization or your memory.

Kahlua Panna Cotta - I've never made it, but I've thought about it. Here's a pretty version with a coffee gelée layer, but there are several other versions around if you search. This one uses 1/4 cup of Kahlua. (Scroll down past the Rosewater Panna Cotta, though it looks lovely, also!) http://whatsheshaving.com/tag/panna-cotta/

the original question here was for a fairly simple carving answer, I think. Here is one I did a few years back that was really easy though I did shop around for the bits and pieces and had a casket off to the side of the pumpkin, etc. https://plus.google.com/photos/104071309318323637676/albums/5127728884596328705/5127729262553450818?banner=pwa&authkey=CNGP_a72yqivaA&pid=5127729262553450818&oid=104071309318323637676

Kerry, that pumpkin is stunning. Shel_B, what did you do with yours?

Spring rolls or summer rolls - some vegetarian, some with shrimp. The rolls don't even have to be cooked, and can be served with a few different dipping sauces. Maybe some Asian lettuce wraps - with ground pork or chicken and a nice sauce. Here's a starting point for recipes, many more out there of course and you can always tweak them. Lettuce wraps http://www.food.com/recipe/p-f-changs-chicken-lettuce-wraps-15865 Spring/summer rolls: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Appetizers/SpringRolls.htm

Popular Photography magazine has a short article on the photography and some of the techniques. If you click on the photo gallery, there are some explanations of how the shots were achieved. http://www.popphoto.com/photos/2013/09/behind-scenes-photography-modernist-cuisine

I always love reading these adventures! It's partly the food - the cooking and the experimentation you do - and also the quirky location. But more than anything, I love the sense of camaraderie and fun that you folks have!

I like making pickles and relishes with summer squash.

Shelby, maybe you could grate up some of that squash and mix it in with the cat food. Your kitty certainly looks like he would give it a go!

That's probably the only time that the 'sides' matter! :-)

I was told that the shiny side should always be toward the food, but I can't remember where I heard (or read) this, so not sure if it has a lot of validity. :-)

Ha, if someone were to wander in to your condo and see that varied equipment, they might think you were working on a meth lab or something! Ha. I love it that you two share details on the failures as well as the successes. You give some very useful info for others trying to work with those recipes or those (like me) who are just thinking of venturing further in terms of equipment and approaches. And I love your sense of humour!

I absolutely LURVE reading your posts! Happy Belated Birthday, Kerry! How long are the two of you in Manitoulin this time? I hope the weather improves for you. Looking forward to reading your adventures - how do you find so much time in the day? - you seem to accomplish so much in the time you are there, and with being on call, etc. Wow. The locals must look forward to your visits, knowing that you will be bringing goodies to the rounds, etc.

I thought it might be for crepes, also! Dave, do you pureé that cucumber/avocado soup? Looking forward to reading more, and I love your kitchens!

Here's a recipe for Thai Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Curry (with optional chickpeas). It ticks all the restricted food boxes - vegan and gluten-free: Thai Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Curry