Shelby

I ran across a Molecular Gastronomy Kit in a catalog. What do you think? Is it a good intro for people, such as myself, who are completely new to the concept?

Ohhhh, Cali, thank you! I get those coupons all the time. For some reason it never crossed my mind to use one for those.

I can't get over how much we use our Soda Stream. I drink SO much more water, now. That's the upside. The downside is that I'm getting up twice a night to pee. The canisters came with a self addressed return box using UPS as the carrier. Come to find out, it wasn't a label that allowed them to pick up at my house. Rather, I would have to find a UPS drop-off station--which is way easier said than done where I live. Anyway, I packed up my 2 empty canisters and drove the 45 minutes to town to a Bed, Bath and Beyond. You just go straight to the check-out register, hand them your empties, they hand you full ones. You pay and you're outta there. Very convenient--especially if you live in a city.

I'm loving this topic. I have ZERO experience in curing fish except for making ceviche. My husband went walleye fishing on Saturday and brought home a huge catch. It includes some white bass. I happen to have a bunch of limes that need using up, so I'm going to contribute to this thread this afternoon (as soon as I'm done planting some tomatoes etc. in my garden). David, I'm in awe/love of your Bradley smoker. We (and I use we verrrry lightly lol because my husband does all of the meat smoking) have a run-of-the-mill Brinkman smoker. It does fine and I'm pretty sure that it's the only type of smoker my husband has ever used. I'd like to get one like you have and branch out a bit. I'm wondering if they make smaller versions or if the size you have is what we would want. We are a 2 person family and we don't smoke a huge amount at a time. I have a feeling I would have a hard time convincing my husband to go for an electric smoker, so I gotta do research to re-butt any arguments lol. Also, and this might be a stupid question, do you leave your smoker outdoors at all times?

That scenery is so beautiful that it almost looks fake. Absolutely breathtaking.

I look forward to each installment! I think it's exciting and I'm enjoying it a lot!

Thanks for posting these great pictures! Looks like a great trip. I'm now drooling.

What's the difference if the container is ultimately placed in the recycle bin? By reusing the containers, you ultimately use less of them, thereby reducing recycling and waste. Well, if your sports water bottles looked anything like mine, you wouldn't want to use it again.

Just trying to recall the last time we knew that the power was going to go off. Just one of the extra benefits of living in the middle of nowhere...you don't count either. Now storms are another issue... That's what I was meaning...storms, high winds--which in Kansas means anything over 70 mph....oh and the always entertaining ice storms.

Why not refill the water bottle from the tap at home or another trusted source? What's the difference if the container is ultimately placed in the recycle bin? Ditto. Well water here, too. No power=no water. And, yes, we also have a generator but that isn't used unless we have many, many hours without power. And, yes, if I think the power is going to go out, I fill many containers, including the bath tub, with water.

I made homemade butter the other day and people were shocked. "Howd you make butter?" They literally had no clue. Seriously??? What is the world coming to. We need to send them a set of Little House on the Prairie books.

I see what you're saying, but I can't make mac and cheese without using Velveeta. It makes it SO creamy and good. And, I do love some Cheez Whiz on a philly steak sandwich..... I'm from Kansas. Don't mock me.

I love my Sodastream, too. I honestly don't know how I lived without it lol. I also order a case of these every month. I love the taste of the canned water, too. Thanks for blogging! It's been fun watching your week of decadence Now I want pizza for dinner.......

Best. Ice Cream. Ever. OOPS, I mean besides your homemade that I just saw

You're killing me. That looks divine.

These strawberries have not been hulled properly. Ok, now THAT was funny :biggrin: Good to see you loosen up a bit Munchy mom, I love your breakfast. I wish I could have the same thing every day.

I don't know exactly how thin we're talking, but I pound the hell out of my chicken breasts to make them thin for chicken Parmesan.

I would have been nervous, too. I did a 12 hour one way drive and back on my own, though, a while ago and it gave me so much self confidence P.S. I love the eating on the bread wrapper--it's recycling and no dishes.

YUM. Now THAT'S my kind of Easter dinner!

Oh this sounds so relaxing! Can I be nosy and ask are you meeting up with friends, or is this a vacation for just yourself? I've always wanted to just get away on my own for a couple of days and just do what I wanted the whole time. Even if it's just sitting outside with a glass of wine

I was just thinking about c. game hens. The last ones I did--which was a few years ago- turned out dry dry dry. Maybe they were old....if I recall they were on sale.

I love roasted garlic. My husband probably doesn't love it that I love it....but...such is marriage lol.

This has not been trussed properly. Well, you once cooked a female pheasant that is illegal. Trussing is in the eye of the beholder. I am drooling over the chicken...top 5 of my fave meals.

I'll be right over.

You are a woman after my own heart. I love bloody mary's AND you pickle your own carrots. Awesome.