Jacksoup

@weinoo It was in Sacramento, lived here all but three years of my life.

@Smithy’s wilted spinach was hugely popular here in California in the 80’s, if remember my decade correctly

I was a car hop at A&W in high school, short skirts and white go-go boots. Tips were great. Due to a staffing shortage, I worked the grill and was very good at it. I had years of cooking practice from my Betty Crocker cookbook for Boys and Girls😂. Anyway, loved it but went on to a long career in insurance and only cooked at home since.

I really like the chile rellenos not a big hot/spicy fan so these work for me

I’ve had several of the Roy wines and they are very good. Friend of mine was the national sales director.

My kid loved honey mustard suace and BBQ sauce

I’m so impressed with your courage to drive this big rig on your own. And moving on so well, I know it’s a heartbreaker without your darling.

I have several aprons hanging on a horizontal rack on my kitchen wall. Most are souvenirs from places I’ve been. I wear them when cooking but not baking. I seldom bake anyway. They’re an easily packable souvenir and I get to see them everyday. My current favorite in one from Eataly in Chicago.

Thank you enablers! I just got one using the code, so only paid for shipping. I have no idea where I will store this as room is limited bit I have cupboards in the garage that I can use.

Friend has a key lime tree, she brought over all these limes and made we made lime curd. Water bath canned it, so it’s supposed to last about 4 months in the fridge

Friends had to cancel their party when their rescue Frenchie had to go back to the hospital. My son and I are having Ro-tel cheese dip, loaded potato skins and pigs in a blanket. Very old school but the best I could do on short notice and it’s easy. Starting with espresso martinis. I will likely switch to red wine, son will drink PBR. Frenchie was rescued as he was used as a breeder for 4 years and kept in a cage smaller than him so he was never able to fully stand. If you’re interested check out humbugthefrenchie on IG. Lucky to have UCDavis vet school nearby.

You always impress me with your substitutions. I have to follow a recipe exactly for the first time, but you are giving me inspiration.

I remodeled my kitchen, walls out about 6 years ago. The microwave died, the stovetop died. It was all oak 80’s cabinets in good shape but little counter space. I took a deep breath or two and did it all. Even foregoing the Wolf stove and Sub Zero fridge the appliance store wanted me to buy, it was pricey. And it’s a small galley kitchen. I am still very happy with it and glad I did it. That said, make some little changes that make you happy. The cabinet guy did amazing work without any input from me and it has made a huge difference. Maybe get an estimate or two. At least that’s free.

@FauxPas I love nutcrackers. I only have about 40 but have not got anything out this year because I thought it was just gonna be me. I knew my son was moving back to re-adjust his career for the better, he just called and said he’ll be here Friday. He loves ham so I’ll get one and make au gratin potatoes. Maybe pecan pie which he also loves but Lordy it’s too much sugar for me. Thank goodness he’s not big on all the Xmas stuff but now we’ll probably see a lot of his dad’s side of the family. Which is good, I love them, they love me and my ex never shows up. Christmas doesn’t look so solitary now. But I wasn’t sad about it, was planning my binge watches for the day

I’ve misplaced my Christmas decorations, must have been during the house reconstruction after the tree fell thru it. I’ve searched one attic and have to look in another but it’s only me so I’m not concerned if I decorate or not. I’m not having anyone for dinner, will probably go out with friends and I love the lack of stress. I was going to make my ex-husband’s family eggnog but probably not. It’s full of booze and the recipe makes 12 bottles and I don’t have the room in the fridge. The kids get money and the grandkids got a group gift they wanted. Do have lights up outside and bought two poinsettias and a wreath. Not being Grinchy but I’m totally relaxed about Xmas this year.