bloviatrix

I can't give you numbers - I've never counted. But I like having a lot. We give mishloach manot to 12 families- at 8 hamentashen per family . Plus, I like having left over for snacking at home. I'm used to using recipes that have a minimum of 4 cups of flour so when I saw the 2 - 2 1/2 cups I got nervous.

I have the 4.5 qt one. Another thing I need to point out, is that I have two sets of paddles (and bowls) - the other set is used for dairy baking. I only point this out, because I don't even use this paddle for 100% of my KA use.

I've had my KA for about 8 years and I'm on my third paddle. And I don't even use my mixer all that much. Today, I pulled out my KA to make my hamentashen batter and I noticed that it's time go buy number four (fortunately, Zabar's is walking distance). The enamel (or whatever the white coating is) has worn away at the tip where it makes contact with the bowl. For those of you with the KA, do you have the same problem, or do you think there is problem my mixer. Maybe the planetary action is off? This is very frustrating.

I'm please to report that my gingerbread and chocolate doughs are happily chilling in the fridge. Jodi, I was concerned the recipe you provided wouldn't be large enough so I ended up taking a recipe from Gil Marks World of Jewish Desserts and replaced 2/3 cups of flour with an equal amount of cocoa powder. Hopefully it will work.

I think it would be cool if cupcake liners had interior lines at half full and 3/4 full that could be used as a filling guide. If anyone is in that business and steals my idea -- I want credit!

I had Blovie pull mine out of the pantry this morning (I didn't want to re-injure my back). It's damn heavy.

Katie -- can you share your article with us non-Philadelphians? I'm always curious to see what the experts suggest.

Maybe I'm not looking hard enough, but I can't find a link to your chili recipe. What do you put in it?

Bulgogi on red leaf lettuce Seltzer to drink.

I'm well aware. Hopefully, this isn't a joke.

Today's NY Times quotes Keller saying April 1.

Thanks for the info. I just don't get why so many winemakers feel lots of oak is the way to go. I find it detracts from the fruit.

I'm determined to get my batters done today. I'll just move around slowly. Can't do any baking because Blovie still hasn't cleaned the oven (he's convinced I pursposely hurt my back to get out of cleaning ).

Passover is 5 weeks away so I'm beginning to deplete my supplies that will otherwise get tossed. I had some lemon sole, which I dredged in cornmeal seasoned with S & P, chili powder and cumin. Then I dipped the filets in egg and re-coated in the cornmeal. The filets were then pan fried. The fish had a great crispy crust and the chil-cumin gave the bland fish a nice kick. We had farfalle drizzled with evoo as a side. Then some El Rey 70% to finish.

Guys, I killed my back. All I know is that this morning I could barely move. Help!!! I've got baking to do. Yesterday I went shopping and picked up the pre-printed Purim "lunch boxes" for mishloach manot packing. We decided we're just giving hamentaschen, mini bottles of grape juice (always comes in handy for kiddush) and a bar of chocolate. It's simple, but keeps the junk food to a minimum. I think I need to pop some muscle relaxants and hope I'm back to myself in the morning.

FG, thanks for sharing that background about Benno. Other than the time he spent at FL I didn't know anything about him. Any other bits you can share?

I know this isn't what you asked but, as part of your kitchen design, make sure to have a place to store a step ladder.

FG's pants are wildly appropriate for that shot.

I'm not nearly as lucky as you - my oven can only be considered self-cleaning because I clean it by my self (where's the bad joke emoticon?) Actually, Blovie is responsible since I pulled a muscle in back. Today I'm hobbling around like an old woman. It's pathetic. I would offer to help with your music theory, but it's been over 20 years and I don't remember much.

My oven has to be cleaned today as well. I'm hoping Blovie will do it when he gets home.

I'm sure if you include them in your book they'll put up a sign about you too.

One of my friends is expecting his first child at any minute. I believe he's considering placing order to celebrate the impending arrival. He's already trying to figure out how early he can begin introducing the child to "the nectar of the gods." (his words)

I'm still recuperating from last night. But I have every intention of copying it down at some point in the next 8 hours.

I'm wondering what method do you all use of placing the filling on the dough. I used to use two spoons, but that was messy. And then, about 4 years ago I decided to fill a pastry bag with lekvar and pipe it, which was a lot neater and gave me a lot of control. But I'm always willing to give another a shot.

Blovie and I have had numerous arguments over the years about this exact topic. He doesn't think it's wise to experiment when guest are coming over, and I think it's fine. So, we've come to a compromise. I experiment only when our closest friends come over. Fortunately, I've never had a the type of disaster where the food was inedible. But Blovie doesn't like suprises when we entertain.