Maison Rustique

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.

Try the pumpkin pancake and waffle mix, if you haven't yet.

I'd been considering it--thanks for saving me some $$$!!!

I made White Bean Confetti Spread (http://ranchogordo.com/html/rg_cook_heidiswanson.htm#WHITE from Rancho Gordo/Heidi Swanson) a few years ago for a dinner with a Slow Food chapter. It was a big hit.

I'm one of those people who is very cautious about what I'll eat at potlucks. While your food looked wonderful, I most certainly wouldn't have tried the shrimp because I wouldn't have known how long it might have been sitting out on the table. It all looks beautiful and delicious--I'm just very careful about what I eat. I generally try to take things to a potluck that can sit for a while without refrigeration or won't taste terrible if they aren't served hot. It's tough!

I use a tempering machine (Revolution) and it works great. Mind you, I'm not tempering vast quantities for commercial purposes.

Thanks, dcarch! Now I wish I hadn't just invested in a pitter!

No nuts or fruits, but you can't beat Rancho Gordo for beans, some grains and more. Friendly, knowledgeable and great heirloom beans that you won't easily find elsewhere.

Wow, I guess it's changed since I last looked at it. I remember the boxes having a few fresh meat/poultry items (not processed) and things like pasta, rice, canned/frozen vegetables and maybe bread. Doesn't anyone cook/eat anything that doesn't come out of a box? Why would they purchase this stuff to give to needy people? It seems like it would be much cheaper to get bulk REAL food to distribute. Or do they figure that many of the recipients are homeless/living in a motel room and only have access to a microwave at best? How sad it all is.

I don't have personal experience with Angel Ministries, but have heard from several people that it is a great service. The food will vary each time, so I imagine how much you like it will depend on how much you like to cook/eat what you receive. I believe there are very few, if any, processed foods, so it wouldn't work well for those who want instant food. I don't believe you're in that category, but thought it worth mentioning.

I'm still looking for recipes/methods of making herb jellies--easy ones, as I've never made jam/jelly/preserves.

I'd hoped to make it to more, but my schedule just didn't allow for it. I think I read somewhere that some of the restaurants were so pleased that they are extending the R-Week for another week. Or did I dream that?