snowangel

I must add that popcorn popped in bacon fat is really good.

Around here, it's not what the kids or husband eat, it's what they put back in the fridge and cupboards. Empty containers. Empty bags. Empty boxes. Just because the cupboard looks full, doesn't mean it is. Let'e not mention just how much more work it is to open the dishwasher to put that empty glass in than it is to just set it on top of the dishwasher.

Do try Dara Thai . I've not been to True Thai, but it is on the docket for next week or the week following. I'm also really up for trying Foodsmart. It's one of the few places I've heard of where you can buy pre-made curry (at their deli counter; they also have table service ala restaurant), which is sold in every market in Bangkok.

All of the Asian markets near my house have them... At my favorite market, she brings them back from Thailand in her suitcase.

Outhouse. No running water at the cabin, unless you count one of us running to the lake to fill a bucket. Makes for an easy close-up in the fall and easy open-up in the spring. Bacon is always on my mind

Interesting you mention this restaurant. I grew up in Thailand, and my folks put a young Thai woman through the University (complete with room and board) as well as "helping" with my sister and I. She was wonderful, and we saw things wouldn't have otherwise. Anyway, she married a Thai man here, and her husband and his sister are the owners of the Royal Orchid. They tested stuff on us before the restaurant opened every Sunday. Sadly, I don't think for most people their new location offers the quality and variety that the old location had. I know that when the owner or his sister are working in the kitchen, the food we receive is better, but I'm not sure if that is due to our relationship.

We have been unbelievably preoccupied and busy burning the midnight (2:00 am) oil getting our home of 18 years and three kids ready to get on the market (this Friday!), buying another home, getting our 13-year old out of an absolutely miserable school experience that life hasn't been much fun lately. So, yesterday morning, Peter and I took the calendar off the wall and started counting. Sixteen weeks from Friday we will once again make that 258 or so mile trip to The Cabin. He and I will "x" off the days as we have done since Diana was about 4. Sigh. Although it is sub-zero with a howling wind, we are warmed by the thoughts of July days at the lake.

A supermarket Jello cookbook dated 1963. Did you know that they used to make celery flavored Jello?

Larb-flavored pretzel sticks.

Thanks, Bruce. I enjoy the reviews. Will you please post your next Mix review; I don't always have time to stop and pick up a copy. What do you think the best Thai restaurant is in the Metro area? I've been to Dara Thai a couple of times and really liked it. I keep meaning to get to Foodsmart, but haven't yet.

The artwork is really cool, coutesty, I'm assuming, of the Lil Varmints. As parent of fairly young children, had to comment. When I checked this earlier when Peter and Diana (8 and 13, respectively) were around, they also noted that "his counters are way cooler than ours, mom. They're RED!" Kitchen reno is a bitch, trust me. Like Ms. Varmint, I'm a power tool and renovation junkie. I did mine myself. But, the latout in my old, way harvest gold kitchen were great, and the cabinetry (solid fairly fine-grained oak) was and is beautiful.

Grape pie, made by my grandmother and I is a toss up with my first dish of kao soi in Chieng Mail in 1968 (or so) when I was but a child.

Every July, we pick at least two pails of blueberries at The Cabin and freeze them in ice cream pails. So, we have blueberry pancakes all year round. Buttermilk. I also always include cornflour -- if I would use 1 cup of flour, I reduce by 2 tablepoons and put in 2 (or more) tablespoons of cornmeal). The latter is key for texture. Works just as well for plain without blueberries pancakes.

Vickie, thanks so much for taking the time to participate in this. These Q & A's are so fun! Do you have any idea of what the astronauts crave when they ware in space? What they miss mose? What their first "fresh meal" is like? The idea of time without a fresh salad or freshly roasted cauliflower is horrifying.

Got one the other day. I took sharpie marker off a wall, magic marker off a built in bookcase, etc. (Peter was a menace with a marker).

I know. I am just hopeful that that the Strib could see fit to expand Bruce and Karen's area...

No review this week?

I said "to hell with it; "I'll just quit my job (which I did) and re-do my kitchen myself (which I did)." Gotta love my husband who not only supported my decision but also bought me a boatload of power tools to make the jos easier. I'm thinking of Ms. Varmint here too. Took me less than 2 months, with a little help from kids and spouse. Pretty painless, and totallly under my control.

Katie, have you tried Shaker's? Very smooth. A friend and I polished off a bottle (like the whole thing) one evening and felt terrific the next day.

Is there an advantage to doing this (with clay pot) stovetop instead of in the oven?

Same city, just a bigger house. If anyone is interested, we have a 3-bedroom perfect house in North Minneapolis with a huge kitchen; completely re-done woodwork; gorgeous pergola; garden. We're aiming to get the joint on the market January 23. I'm working night and day on it, and the family is going to hate me before this is over. And, if you need any hints on cooking without a kitchen, let me know. I got lots of practice when I remodeled the kitchen. It's amazing what one can do with a microwave, crock pot and electric skillet.

Swimming lessons prevent. For the next 8 weeks, Tuesday evenings are out. Look forward to your report. Are you doing a review for each issue of Mix?

I'll be back just as soon as I get the house ready to sell. 18+ years worth of dejunkifying. Then cleaning. It's horrific.

Thanks, Bruce, for another review. I really enjoy reading them. Anything new in Mix?

Thanks, Bruce, for continuning to post these. We have friends who have moved to the southern part of the Twin Cities (Burnsville) and I have told them to look for every one of your reviews. And, a reminder to include Suzette -- just south of Jordan on the east side of 169. It's a few yards south of a bar called something like the OK Corral (uncertain of name). We drove by it last night on our way to New Ulm, and it appeared to be packed. I recall a review by the Strib a couple of years ago that was positive. I'm not sure if this is south of your region. I should really also call my sister-in-law who teaches in Chaska for some other recommendations for you.