Maison Rustique

I got a Rancho Gordo clay pot!!

I got one for Christmas--so excited!!!

I thought the pecan pie filling in a jar sounded like it might make a good ice cream topping. :-)

I get this also, but I notice it most when I peel/prepare certain vegetables like potatoes, onions, etc. Must be something in the starch. I do have some other sensitivities to ingredients in various treatments like Vaseline, Bag Balm, etc. I use surgical gloves if I will be doing a lot (like holiday cooking), but I have discovered a hand cream that really helps. And very affordable. I can even buy it at the supermarket. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Hand Cream: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod10711261&skuId=2277204&CPMID=CSBING&CAWELAID=330000200000178102

I got an Electrolux double wall oven when we lived in California. I still miss it. It was fantastic!

Went to Club 33 a couple of times many, many years ago. Once was a party held by one of the media companies and after dinner, we had free and private access to the park. It was a great initiation to living/working in So. Calif. Agree on Napa Rose, though I haven't been there in ages either. There used to be another very nice restaurant in a hotel around there, but I can't come up with the name and it is probably gone now anyway.

Happy to hear about the naan! I think their frozen naan is generally very good. I'm overdue for a trip out there, so will add that to the list.

I really like Cook'n software. http://www.dvo.com/

My anniversary came and went--didn't realize. July 10, 2003!

Jason, I hope you will be back with more re-formulated recipes!

I won the bag raffle once years ago--at that time it was a $25 gift card.

Since products at Trader Joe's come and go, I'd start reading this thread from most recent to older. That way, you're most apt to find the products mentioned. Have fun!!

The preserved lemons are very good--be sure to rinse them to reduce the saltiness a bit. I served them with grilled swordfish steaks that I'd rubbed with Moroccan spices. They were delicious!!

Very sad news. Many condolences to all her family and friends.

I bought the red palm oil, too. AND, the preserved lemons. I served the lemons with grilled swordfish with moroccan spice rub and similarly-spiced veggies with couscous. Everyone loved the lemons! I used red palm oil in the veggies (eggplant, tomatoes, onions & ??) and I guess because of the tagine sauce I used with them, couldn't really taste the oil. It's certainly colorful! :-) Edited to add that now that I know the oil is supposed to help make me thin, I'll be eating a spoonful daily!

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.