elyse

I disagree Spencer. Moderation in everything. Plus, when your kids find whatwever it is you're hiding, they'll think they're living in a web of deceit. No kidding.

Remember though, that a lot of the country doesn't have access to these ingredients. Likewise, the point of the channel is to get people to cook ANYTHING including burgers and "interesting" salads. When you first started cooking, did you visit the farmer's market looking for golden raspberries and Peruvian potatoes? I dare say you began with the basics. If it was a souffle or millefeuille, kudos to you. The network must appeal to a range of viewers. And welcome!

Wouldn't that prevent the coating from sticking?

My grandmother's was always 'a wee bit.' And let's not forget the American pint and the British pint.

If you play this chicken backwards on your turntable you hear a secret recipe with 11 herbs and spices. Jim That is not something to joke about!

Luckily, I was allowed to have things in moderation, at appropriate times. I could only have sugary cereal after DINNER though. Then my mother went on a no chemical kick, and I dreamed of all things bad for me. Dad's house, on the other hand, was food sin.

I supposeyou can't put them directly onto the element on the stove?

This seems to be a world I have not yet entered. But I'm willing to. I only know alfalfa and a couple I don't know the name of.

You just gave me under the tongue prickles! Yum.

Mister Finker was dishing out some TASTY bbq! Wish I had had more.

A-ha! But... that would be just a snickers bar. And THAT would be off topic, dear.

Too bad it was wasted on me! Jerry was an absolute dear though. And who you callin gentle soul? You're blowing my cover! Really, it was a great time, and Nockerl looks nothing like his avatar. He, Marge, and Nick were so warm and friendly and sweet, I just can't stand it! I felt completely at home in this alien setting. Thanks guys! And my GOD the place smelled good! Grass, flowers, and bales of hay. Mmmmm. Not to mention when the chefs started cooking! What was the ice cream? Buttermilk?

I've never had sticky fruit on my duck, but I will take a dried cranberry or cherry out of the pilaf and pair them myself. Are we also talking about keeping cranberry sauce separate from the turkey? Howard, if you've never had snickers duck, you haven't lived!

Hey Varmint, have you ever tried freezing the bananas in some plastic containers? I started doing this when I wanted a less 'icy' shake, and it works great. You do have to slice the frozen bananas somewhat, but it's thick and tasty. And I add skim milk too (the only kind I like). Just for the record, I use the word diet for anything I consume, not a weight loss regimen. My diet is awful. My diet is well balanced. My diet is packed with vegetables. Well, I never say that one, but you get the picture. Depending on how you look at it, diet isn't a bad word.

looks more like a porno-pig to me. .

Saffy, when will you be starting the puff pastry?

That pig is hilarious!

Are you using Chloraseptic? It always works for me. Usually. Well I don't know about everyone else, but it looks to me like in your "downhill" day, you still consumed less than previously commented on. Don't mean to contradict you, but hey. Good going.

chefette, you're my hero!

That's what I meant. Thanks!

Adding to what jackal is saying, you'll want to cut the dough into loaves to keep the air structure, and pull them gently to shape. You might want to move them onto the stone (or wherever) with a bench scraper or spatula to disturb it even less, and turn it like a pancake to cause the least distress. Although I do have to disagree on the cake flour thing. Not enough gluten.

Are you kneeding/mixing by hand or a mixer? Holes in the crumb are a sign of high hydration, and this is easiest (I think) with a mixer. You can also let the dough sit in the mixer for 10 - 15 minutes so it will absorb even more water, then mix again. Again, do this befor adding salt, because salt will inhibit the absorbtion. Less flour in the dough, more on the bench and on top.

Was it from a tile place or a cooking place?

After consuming an entire plate of spoiled fish, I'd be damned tempted to offer them a ride to the hospital and DEMAND they take it.

Welcome slkinsey. And don't be afraid, dive right in! Nice first post. Can I ask you where you got your soapstone and how thick it is?