Margaret Pilgrim

Her little student was in good company.

"Of all the cities I've driven in for me San Francisco still rates the worst. " @Porthos, you nailed this one!

El Paso is a cosmopolitan city. A meld of Anglo and Hispanic, seasoned with all of the military from Fort Bliss and Biggs Airfield. And underneath, much more New Mexico than Texas.

You demonstrate that with your every post!

Actually, they (El Paso) didn't teach phonics in my era but as an inexperienced teacher, I had no idea how to approach reading outside of phonics. So I incorporated it (using Denver Public School material I learned about in the WSJ) with success. This was a short several year gig for me while husband fulfilled his military. Far from my field but very rewarding.

Read these posts to DH. He says to tell you that we lived in El Paso, compliments of SSS, roughly during the time of Bobbins' song, but it was historical even then. No horses, heavy traffic even then. We lived off Dyer, just below Mt. Franklin. Temp ranged from 108F to -8F. I taught phonics to kids whose vowel pronunciation was distinctly southern, but they became excellent readers. And spellers. One little girl came in from the playground to report that a peer was spouting words so bad she couldn't repeat them. But was proud to spell one, "shiat". I love phonics.

Before veal became "unfashionable", a favorite company meal was roast leg of veal, boned and rolled. Roasted to a rosy pink, tender as love and an extraordinarily lush flavor. Served with pan juices. Not cheap but worth every cent. Next to that, I loved a good veal chop, again, rosy. I am not at all against eating veal but shy from eating it alone. In France I have no such problem.

A study of various agriculture lobbies at both state and federal level would be interesting. Dairy, pork and poultry seem to be effectively keeping PETA at bay.

Glenn, this is off the wall, but you might go to one of your huge food markets and find the stall that sells nopales. At our local flea market, the nopales seller shaves the spines from the paddles with a razor sharp knife which he hones on the spot. You probably can't get a better sharpening coach. My guy was delighted to show me his technique.

Shared by my s-i-l some 60 years ago, simple baguette slices topped with minced onion and mayo, broiled until bubbly and slightly brown. A more sophisticated take here. DH and I used to make these to confront middle of the night "hungrys".

And then there are those French restaurants who return your leftovers in foil, sculpted into a swan.

A beautiful and sophisticated friend, ethnic Chinese now living in Paris, had no compunction asking for a "baggy dog", conflating American terminology with French style grammar.

Finicky, I admit, but I prefer to be brought a box and package my leftovers myself. I like food to remain in eyesight and to pack the box to my taste.

Borage, yes, but never thought of including them on our plates. Lovely!

Some tremendously sensible ideas here, but, yes, how to implement without looking loutish. I admit carrying ziploc bags to restaurants, but suitcasing food home from private affairs takes more cahones than I've mustered.

Absolutely lovely, and I appreciate the amount of work that went into so much planning and detail.

Born in artichoke country and find it boggling to follow your method. Not saying it's wrong or undoable, just that I've always found it simple enough to just pull off leaf by leaf until coming to the choke, spooning it out and proceeding to the heart. Your spouse is well tended. ETA, that said, your blackened chokes look amazing.

Currant/raisin filled break-apart cookies were a childhood favorite of mine. Here is a clone recipe that might scratch that itch but it looks like a lot of work.

I don't find them difficult but totally agree that success depends on acquiring very fresh, thick pulped poblanos. Buy them and use them before they stary to deteriorate. If they aren't prime, don't buy them and don't keep them around long.

Yes, but it is the quality of the vanilla and other flavorings that separate the two.

HA! Do you remember when the backs of counter seats. like in Woolworth's lunch counters, had little push-button thingies that grabbed and held the brim of your hat?

IMHO, Peeps are disgusting, but homemade marshmallows are quite divine. Vanilla, yes, but also mocha. Oh, yes!

💡 So much easier to clean than a bottle. Thanks!

Brilliant!

How about assorted vegetable tempuras with cocktail or tartar sauce?