eG Foodblog Tag Team IV: Marlene, Dave, snowangel - Cold Turkey, Three Ways

[srhcb]

Now I like my peas in a bowl, not on the plate.

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Eating Peas (old poem)

I eat my peas with honey,

I've done it all my life.

It makes the peas taste funny

but it keeps them on my knife!

SB

[Abra]

Hey, it's actually starting to sound like quitting's getting a bit easier for you guys. True? I'm so proud of you all!

[Marlene]

Hey, it's actually starting to sound like quitting's getting a bit easier for you guys.  True?  I'm so proud of you all!

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grrrrrrrr.

[snowangel]

So depressed over the loss of my camera was I that I got dinner started way too late. Realizing that it would be bedtime for the kids before the braise was ready, I revereted to plan X. Sloppy joes and tater tots.

I used ground venison, and my favorite recipe from a Farm Journal Kid's Cooking Book. Ketchup, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, and some onion. Diana made it, and opted to add a mess of garlic.

The Extra Crispy Ore Ida Tater Tots are, well, odd. They are not, baked as indicated, extra crispy. And, the oven smells oddly of burning plastic. We will stick to regular tater tots next time.

Soon up, those brownies. I'll be sure and save some for when I have a camera.

I am so discouraged, what with the failures in not smoking, not having gotten anything done today around the house except make a mess in the house, I think I'm just going to head to Costco tomorrow and buy an effing camera.

[Marlene]

Buck up partner. It's a camera. I know you loved yours. This is life and life happens girlfriend. Remember, you're a great mother, friend, sister, daughter, wife. I for one could not have done this without you. Have a martini, and I swear, it will be brighter in the morning.

[Jason Perlow]

The Extra Crispy Ore Ida Tater Tots are, well, odd. They are not, baked as indicated, extra crispy. And, the oven smells oddly of burning plastic. We will stick to regular tater tots next time.

Interestingly enough, even with my professed love of Tots, we never buy the Ore Ida ones. We get the supermarket brand, which is usually just fine. I think Ore Ida overseasons their stuff.

I'm extremely pissed that our Costco does not appear to sell large bags of tots. They only have big bags of Ore Ida crinkle cut fries. I really find it hard to beleive with the family with six kids demographics they appeal to, there's no Kirkland brand tots.

[snowangel]

Buck up partner.  It's a camera.  I know you loved yours.  This is life and life happens girlfriend.  Remember, you're a great mother, friend, sister, daughter, wife.  I for one could not have done this without you.  Have a martini, and I swear, it will be brighter in the morning.

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I know it's just a camera. But, it's documented my kids going from being toddles to ones with stuff like learner's permits.

But, I do think I'm not going to shop around, I'm going to go and get a new camera.

Yes, I'm having a martini. And, no way could I have done this without you.

[snowangel]

The Extra Crispy Ore Ida Tater Tots are, well, odd. They are not, baked as indicated, extra crispy. And, the oven smells oddly of burning plastic. We will stick to regular tater tots next time.

Interestingly enough, even with my professed love of Tots, we never buy the Ore Ida ones. We get the supermarket brand, which is usually just fine. I think Ore Ida overseasons their stuff.

I'm extremely pissed that our Costco does not appear to sell large bags of tots. They only have big bags of Ore Ida crinkle cut fries. I really find it hard to beleive with the family with six kids demographics they appeal to, there's no Kirkland brand tots.

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Jason, our local supermarket was out of their brand because of some big ass sale (just my luck) so I decided to try the Ore Ida extra crispy, call it in the name of eGullet research. As noted, I've done the research. If you want less crispy tater tots that sport an odd burning plastic smell, go for it. Otherwise, consider yourself warned.

I'm shopping at Costco tomorrow. We need milk and eggs, and perhaps an A620.

[maggiethecat]

I am so discouraged, what with the failures in not smoking, not having gotten anything done today around the house except make a mess in the house, I think I'm just going to head to Costco tomorrow and buy an effing camera.

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Hmmmm, you beating yourself up again Snowy? Stop! It was a bad day, and you did well. Have another martini, and if you need a puff off Paul's smoke, have one. You are smoking way less than you did before, way less! And tomorrow is another day.

Marlene, the braise looks just damn amazing. Chufi, I will be trying this out as soon as the weather is warm enough for a long walk without frostbite -- I am trying to hold the line on food intake. Am I a masochist or what? Dinner tonight: salmon with lime/cilantro glaze, steamed new potatoes, asparagus. What I really want is Butter Braised Beef,tater tots, chips and brownies.

Good citizen day: I gave blood. Yoga workout. Cleaned the bathtub. Made about a hundred origami morning glories from which to craft Valentine cards for people at work. The cocktail hour has become the Craft Hour: anything to keep my hands busy. Writing is hard, though -- I'll try to square that in my life starting next week. I'm not rushing anything right now.

Got through the day. The fun smoke breaks I had with my boss are now Virginia Slims for her, sugar-free Lifesavers for me. Big whoop.

Thanks you, dear eGulls for your PMs, and thank you Susan and Marlene for your sisterhood. Matt and Toasted: way to go. Hope you're feeling better Archie.

[Marlene]

Just a note on those nuts. Beware if you make these. They are highly addictive. Damn those are good. Janet, you really need to put that recipe in RG.

[snowangel]

Just a note on those nuts.  Beware if you make these.  They are highly addictive.  Damn  those are good. Janet, you really need to put that recipe in RG. 

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Added to Costco list for tomorrow. Nuts. I'd better dig through the freezer first to see what I have.

First on the list is a camera. Jason did the research. I'll buy the damned thing.

I'm oh so sad about my camera. None of my kids remember any camera other than the Powershot G1. I know it's just a thing. But, it photoed many a great cabin photo. When the kids asked tonight why I wasn't flying around taking pictures of dinner, I told them the camera died. They picked a favorite photo taken with the camera.

It would be this one, taken at The Cabin

RIP, Canon Powershot G1. Capturer of many meals, many wonderful cabin moments, many moments of absolute wonder as my kids achieved and sought and grew.

Edited to add: The photo. I'm the first in the water that year. The water was just above 40 degrees (F) as I recall. I'm no wimp.

[snowangel]

I am so discouraged, what with the failures in not smoking, not having gotten anything done today around the house except make a mess in the house, I think I'm just going to head to Costco tomorrow and buy an effing camera.

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Good citizen day: I gave blood. Yoga workout. Cleaned the bathtub. Made about a hundred origami morning glories from which to craft Valentine cards for people at work. The cocktail hour has become the Craft Hour: anything to keep my hands busy.

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Maggie, Aunt Martha's Hot Iron transfers are alive and well, and being done in this household. I've also discovered Suduko (sp?). Better than Aunt Martha for waiting in wating rooms with sick kids. Easier to pack up. Ans

waiting rooms, Aunt Martha is kitchen/food related!

[JAZ]

Just a note on those nuts.  Beware if you make these.  They are highly addictive.  Damn  those are good. Janet, you really need to put that recipe in RG. 

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I'm glad you like them, Marlene. I probably should have warned you -- once you start, it's hard to stop eating them. I used to kid myself that I could make batches and keep them in the freezer to avoid temptation. I just ended up eating them frozen.

I didn't mention this, but they make a great topping for hot fudge sundaes. Something about the salt and the cayenne really sets off the chocolate.

I've never greased the baking sheet or used a silpat with them. Although they do stick a little, if you stir them a couple of times while they're cooking, they come off the pan fine. And even though the pan will look like it will never come clean, hot water melts all the stuck-on sugar, and it will clean up great. But, hey, silpats never hurt.

Finally, I thought I entered the recipe in RG after the Pig Pickin, but I see now that never did. I'll do it tonight.

[maggiethecat]

Just a note on those nuts.  Beware if you make these.  They are highly addictive.  Damn  those are good. Janet, you really need to put that recipe in RG. 

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Finally, I thought I entered the recipe in RG after the Pig Pickin, but I see now that never did. I'll do it tonight.

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Please do, Janet. I am jonesing for exactly that kind of treat.

Speaking of treats: I have decided not to deny myself much under $20.00. Manicure? Bubble Bath? Swanky cuticle cream from virgin Provencal olives and lemons? Ridiculously expensive design mag? Coach briefcase? (well, that was used, from a vintage shop in LA,Five times twenty bucks, so a steal) I'm not smoking or eating -- I figure that leaves opens the whole range of cheap thrills. I might price the Hello Kitty Toaster.

Sublimation City.

[Dana]

I make a version of spiced nuts not too different from those above, but instead of baking them, I put them in the smoker for an hour or so. Since ya'll are firing up your smokers this week, you might give it a try. They are unbelieveable good.

[Marlene]

Good morning. Those nuts are sitting right beside my laptop here in the kitchen just begging to be eaten. I'll stick with coffee for now.

While Snowangel gets a new camera, I'll be trying not to slice my fingers off with the mandoline I've never used. But first, I need to spend the afternoon at the school. Today is the day we kick off our education fundraiser week. Our theme is the Olympics with the educational focus on phys ed for the week. Complete with the procession and the lighting of the Olympic torch this is kicked off by an assembly in the gym, with the kids watching the teachers make fools of themselves. The kids gather pledges and must perform some physical activity after school every night for the next week. Kids are awarded points based on the number of minutes of activity. In addition, there'll be activities at the school, with the whole population divided into Countries. Medals will be awarded at the end of the week. This is a big deal fundraiser that usually nets the Council anywhere from $8,000 - $12,000. Past themes have included a week of Math Wars, Science Experiment, Racing through History and a Reading circle.

The teachers will be performing in an ice skating competition this afternoon, and as as Council Chair, I get to be one of the judges. Trust me, after an afternoon of 600 kids screaming in a gym, I'll be more than ready for my Friday evening Manhattan.

I think I need more coffee to brace myself with.

[Rachel Perlow]

I am so discouraged, what with the failures in not smoking, not having gotten anything done today around the house except make a mess in the house, I think I'm just going to head to Costco tomorrow and buy an effing camera.

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Hmmmm, you beating yourself up again Snowy? Stop! It was a bad day, and you did well. Have another martini, and if you need a puff off Paul's smoke, have one. You are smoking way less than you did before, way less! And tomorrow is another day.

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Speaking of treats: I have decided not to deny myself much under $20.00. Manicure? Bubble Bath? Swanky cuticle cream from virgin Provencal olives and lemons? Ridiculously expensive design mag? Coach briefcase? (well, that was used, from a vintage shop in LA,Five times twenty bucks, so a steal) I'm not smoking or eating -- I figure that leaves opens the whole range of cheap thrills.  I might price the Hello Kitty Toaster.

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How much does a carton of cigarettes cost? How many have you NOT bought since you quit? OK, you've bought a pack or bummed some cigs, but Maggie's right, you've all smoked A LOT LESS then if you hadn't quit. Add it up. I'd like to see how much money you've all saved by smoking less. Marlene was smoking two packs a day, that's got to add up. The extra you'll spend on the camera, snow, or Maggie's occasional treats, will pale in comparison to the amount you will have not spend on cigs after one year. I know money is not the main reason you or most people quit smoking, but it's got to be a great side benefit.

First on the list is a camera.  Jason did the research.  I'll buy the damned thing.

I'm oh so sad about my camera.  None of my kids remember any camera other than the Powershot G1.  I know it's just a thing.  But, it photoed many a great cabin photo.  When the kids asked tonight why I wasn't flying around taking pictures of dinner, I told them the camera died.  They picked a favorite photo taken with the camera. 

It would be this one, taken at The Cabin ... RIP, Canon Powershot G1.  Capturer of many meals, many wonderful cabin moments, many moments of absolute wonder as my kids achieved and sought and grew.

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Rather than throw it out, I think you should bury it by The Cabin. Have a silly graveside service with the kids, add some cigarettes and make it a time capsule of what was going on in your life when it died. I bet it'll make you feel better. Take a picture of the event with the new camera. Life goes on.

[snowangel]

Thanks, Rachel, for the pep talk. And, I did the math. The camera is 100 packs of cigarettes. That's it. That's less than three month's worth of cigarettes.

I'm having my morning coffee right now, and as soon as the kids are gone, I'll have a bit to eat, get some drywalling done and then head to Costco.

I have a good sense of resolve today, and have slapped on the patch. I'll be curious to see if it makes a difference.

[Rachel Perlow]

The camera is 100 packs of cigarettes.

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That reminds me of the new commercials for Wendy's dollar menu. Someone gets a traffic ticket... "80 Frosty's?!" someone buying something else, "wow you paid 99 burgers for that" etc. (I've been looking but I can't find a link to one of these commercials, and Wendy's has some other commercial on their website right now. Maybe it's not Wendy's? Anyone else seen these?)

[Marlene]

Rather than throw it out, I think you should bury it by The Cabin. Have a silly graveside service with the kids, add some cigarettes and make it a time capsule of what was going on in your life when it died. I bet it'll make you feel better. Take a picture of the event with the new camera. Life goes on. 

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I think this is a fabulous idea.

Somebody take these nuts away from me!

[srhcb]

The camera is 100 packs of cigarettes.

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That reminds me of the new commercials for Wendy's dollar menu. Someone gets a traffic ticket... "80 Frosty's?!" someone buying something else, "wow you paid 99 burgers for that" etc. (I've been looking but I can't find a link to one of these commercials, and Wendy's has some other commercial on their website right now. Maybe it's not Wendy's? Anyone else seen these?)

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My friend Rust is about a 6'4", 350 pound biker; the bearded/leathered/chain bedecked Harley Davidson kind. His wife has a home business making teddy bears, and often when she needs help cutting out patterns she impresses Rust into service at minumum wage.

Rust was telling me once how he broke the transmission case on his Harley while trying to fix the kick starter. He said, "Damn, that's gonna cost me cuttin' out 300 ****ing teddy bear skins!"

SB (I think the 99 cent menu is Arbys?)

[M.X.Hassett]

The camera is 100 packs of cigarettes.

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That reminds me of the new commercials for Wendy's dollar menu. Someone gets a traffic ticket... "80 Frosty's?!" someone buying something else, "wow you paid 99 burgers for that" etc. (I've been looking but I can't find a link to one of these commercials, and Wendy's has some other commercial on their website right now. Maybe it's not Wendy's? Anyone else seen these?)

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AdJab link

in one of Wendy’s commercial on 99 cents a driver who caught speeding by a traffic police explained while looking at the ticket “Seventy-five Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers?!”

There are also newer ones with phrases such as "honey you look like a million junior bacon cheesburgers"

[snowangel]

I have a new camera. The Canon PowerShot A620. They didn't have them at my Costco, either, but a local camera joint had them for $380 and 1 gig memory cards for $49.99.

Now, I'd better unpack the thing and take some pictures!

I'd really like a cigarette, BTW.

Oh, and today's food consumption includes 1 grapefruit and some samples at Costco. Some of that prepared frozen stuff is really yucky. Don't bother with the Chicken teryaki stuff.

[Smithy]

There are also newer ones with phrases such as "honey you look like a million junior bacon cheesburgers"

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That sounds like something that could earn a slap to the face. You'd have to know the complimentee was secure about his/her weight, wouldn't you?

I have a new camera.  The Canon PowerShot A620.  They didn't have them at my Costco, either, but a local camera joint had them for $380 and 1 gig memory cards for $49.99.

Now, I'd better unpack the thing and take some pictures!

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Congratulations on the new arrival!

[snowangel]

I'm going to love my new camera.

I planned to have lunch today with Peter. In retrospect, it was not a good day to do so. About every three weeks, there is a "lunch club" for a specific grade. Although parents are welcome at any time, lunch club is published and parents are invited. Today was kindergarten lunch club, and the parent turnout was huge (both parents for about 2/3 of them came). And, Peter has last lunch.

So, the offerings were miserable, so I didn't eat. I usually get a salad when I'm there -- depending on the day of the week, the salad choice change -- taco, blt, chef, etc. Not only were they out of salads, they had to hustle and make some other subtitutions.

This is the first picture I took with my new camera.

His lunch tray.

The egg roll is odd, I know, but they ran out of chow mein but still had egg rolls.