Maison Rustique

I wish I'd gotten a couple of them!

Eating a piece of this right now on Easter morning and it is delicious! http://www.traderjoes.com/digin/post/classic-colomba-di-pasqua

Thank goodness I don't have time to get out there to TJ's for a while. Maybe they won't have them any more by the time I get there. If only they were 3 calories!!

I have very limited counter space in this kitchen, so all mine are in places that aren't easy to get to them--out of sight, out of mind. It's more trouble than it's worth to get them out. Yet, I'm considering adding an Instant Pot to my wish list. LOL!

I made pumpkin bread pudding for Thanksgiving using the Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cornbread Croutons. I served it with their Pumpkin Caramel Sauce and warmed cream. It was the hit of the dinner!

Currently hooked on Fig & Olive Crisps. http://www.traderjoes.com/digin/post/fig-olive-crisps

My stepdaughter has a good friend who lives in SLC. She asked him to make some recommendations for us. Here is his list: Eva Copper Onion Em's Avenues Proper Frida Bistro Takashi New Yorker Mazza Cucina Toscana Market St. Grill Oyster Bar Red Iguana II Forage Mariposa Pago Finca Fresco Paris Bistro Cafe Niche Log Haven Vinto Am sure we'll only make it to a fraction of the list, as we won't be there that long.

I love the Tarte d'Alsace with ham and gruyere. That and a nice salad make a great supper.

Last time I went I got these: http://traderjoes.com/digin/post/pane-guttiau-sardinian-parchment-crackers. Next time I go I will get 2 or 3!!

I recently used ginger essential oil and it worked great in drinks. Remember when you use an essential oil that it is much, much stronger and you will only need a drop or two. At the risk of being spammy, you can find ginger oil on my website www.mydoterra.com/debraallen.

I like it if it has been roasted, so is crispy.

How much did that bad boy cost you? It was around 6 years ago--I think about $2800-$3000 plus installation. Not steam, but still fabulous. I lost some cabinet space to fit it in. That house was built mid-80s and had one of those kitchens that was huge space-wise, but appliances that were sorely lacking. The wall oven was combined with a microwave. The MW was actually larger than the oven! I couldn't fit a large turkey in there. I was so happy to get my nice big new Electrolux--with two ovens, each larger than the old one. I really miss it. In this house, I have a range with oven--had to replace it to get a large enough oven, but the kitchen here is so tiny, I don't have room for anything larger unless we do a full remodel of that whole part of the house. And at our ages, we are supposed to be downsizing, not enlarging. ;-) Edited to clarify that the original was an oven/microwave combo. No microwave with the Electrolux.

I can't speak for that small oven, but will say that the Electrolux double wall oven we bought for the California house was the BEST! I loved that oven and hated to give it up when we sold the house. They are making some really fine appliances.

I have a pair of the scissors--Zyliss, I think. I hardly ever use them. A knife is easier to clean. But I really like the looks of that herb mill. Thanks, Andie!

I use this all the time and don't really have an issue. Maybe I keep my house warmer? LOL. It does collect around the nozzle, I just wipe it off and no real problem.

I made braised radishes for T-Day. Most people hadn't had them before and really liked them. Put in pan with just a little water and some butter--whatever seasoning you like. Cover and cook for a bit, then take lid off and let water evaporate, so they are just glazed with the butter. I put them around the turkey platter and they are so pretty and just delicious.

I've been curious about these--thanks for all the info!

Don't know how good it would be for my hands, never having used one, but it will sure come in handy every now and then. Several times a year I encounter difficult to remove jar tops ... Thanks! Kerry gave me one and it is one of my most useful gadgets. Hope it works as well for you.I've also got one of those and use it so often!!

One of the things I'm most appreciate of, is the apple/potato peeler/coreer/slicer I asked for/got last year. I have a terrible time holding a knife for very long and this allows me to go back to many old recipes I had stopped making. http://www.amazon.com/Victorio-VKP1010-Potato-Peeler-Suction/dp/B001DLTD1C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384525323&sr=8-1&keywords=apple+peeler+corer+slicer

Many condolences. May he rest peacefully.

I would suggest that you use the dried that you can find easily and then add a drop of lemongrass essential oil to give it a flavor boost. I hope this won't come across as spammy, but you can find a pure, therapeutic grade here: http://www.mydoterra.com/debraallen/. I am not pushing my site, but if you choose to go with an essential oil, be sure it is high quality, pure and can be ingested. Many are only for external use.

We've gotten hooked on the dukkah.

Cool! Thanks for pointing that out, Jaymes!!

Congrats, Steve! Not that it's news to me--I already knew they were essential!!

I'm not in the restaurant business, but I do own a very small business and come from an advertising and marketing background. If it was me, I'd go back to local printers with one of two proposals (as suits your business). Barter--do some catering in exchange for the printing, or discounted printing in exchange for a small discreet credit for the printing on the back or bottom of the menu.