Maison Rustique

I will keep a manual opener or two just in case I run out of batteries or whatever. You never know!

I finally had the occasion to use my new can opener. Opened 2 cans and it worked great! So easy and no sharp edges. Yay!! (This is the red/white opener discussed above.)

I made around a year ago--one with bourbon and one with vodka. Have not tried them yet but they both look and smell fantastic!

I have an aversion to eating food that is on the table. Even if it is on paper. I would hate that. And it sure doesn't leave you much room for your drinks or whatever. In that last photo where they are dumping the wok, I see the corner of a phone right next to it. I'd be having a heart attack if that was my phone.

@TdeV, I've had the same issue with foaming dispensers and I also sometimes make my own or use concentrated soap that you dilute. I find the pumps last longer if I use distilled water to make the soap. And if they fail, try taking the pump and soaking it in a white vinegar solution to clean it out. Sometimes helps. I think a lot of this issue has to do with how hard your water is.

Nope--just my antique Weber kettle.

I always take it out of my Breadman before baking, too. I never thought about the paddle getting stuck on, I just don't like a big hole in the bottom of the loaf.

I have the skinny type and it is increasingly difficult for me to hold onto with my arthritic hands. I'd trade it for a paddle type any day.

Made yesterday and will have for supper this evening. RG beans, Christmas ham and collards.

Forgot to say that the curry recipe does sound really good. I may need to re-think this!

Yes, RG Black-eyed peas with collard greens (unless the grocery store is out of them) and ham. I usually make posole, too, but a friend gifted us a couple of filet mignons and scalloped potatoes and I'm already braising some beef short ribs, so we have more food than we'll know what to do with for a while.

Since I'm not a peanut fan, I like version a lot!! Going to try it after the holidays/leftovers.

Thanks for the update!!

@Shelby, I had forgotten about those mushrooms. It looks perfect for that meal! I wish now that I'd added mushrooms to my food order.

@Smithy Thank you so much!!

Our Christmas has been postponed until tomorrow. We had a big rain storm move through the area over the past day or so. My sister's house took in so much water in the basement that the pump went out. They had to spend the night bailing out water to keep it from reaching the furnace and water heater. We will do it tomorrow, though there is supposed to be snow by then. After all my years of living in So. Calif, I'm still not keen on driving in snow, but we'll work it out one way or another. I just pulled out some steak tips to defrost and will braise with carrots and potatoes. And make a salad. Cake for dessert. A mini makeshift Christmas. Best laid plans...

I can't tell from photos or the video. Is the round part on the opener level/straight? I ordered one and it looked bent to me. I contacted them and they sent another and I've got the first one ready to return. The second one arrived and it is the same. I can't figure out if they are defective or supposed to be that way. Would you be able to post ore photos of the under side of yours, @Smithy? Thank you!

I came down with a bug a couple of days ago and then husband also didn't feel well yesterday, so we cancelled our lunch with family. I did get some Maple Bourbon Pecans and Spicy Herb Mixed Nuts made for gifting and nibbling throughout the holidays.

Nothing like an Irish Coffee at the BV. Thanks for the video @weinoo!

At some point over the past year, I tried Effie's Homemade Oatcakes. I was instantly hooked. I have continued to buy them but they are really not in my budget. I will try making them. Thanks for posting this and the recipe!

Thanks for the cheese report, @FrogPrincesse. I'm going today and likely would have picked up some of these. I got that baked ricotta last time and found it just as horrid as you did. I should have posted about it to save others from making the mistake.

I'm a casual sort and I wouldn't hesitate to make either chili or posole for a dinner guest. Hearty and fun food that you can make stove top and serve with lots of various toppings to suit each person.

I failed to take photos, but a few days ago one of our neighbors brought us some Christmas cookies, bourbon pecans (I need to get the recipe from her!) and Ghirardelli peppermint bark. Then, yesterday, our next door neighbor brought us pastries from his daughter's bakery (The one I posted about before Rai's Bake Shoppe)--various croissants and pop tarts. We split a fudge pop tart and a cranberry orange pop tart last night and they were flaky and dellicious.

How terribly sad. I feel like she just posted in a recent thread, but it has probably been longer than I thought. Maybe in the Christmas prep thread? I can't imagine not seeing her posts everytime I visit eG. RIP heidih and thank you for your part in making eG a fun and helpful community.