OK, anyone who knows me knows that I've always been a night owl. Last night was no exception.
I worked at my part-time job 'til about 12:30 AM, then went home and putzed on my computer for a while. About 3:30 AM or so, I'm still awake, and decide that it's a good time to make a few batches of my "semi-famous" nuts. BIG MISTAKE.
Mistake #1 - This is the first time that I've tried to make the recipe with a "premium mix" of nuts. (I normally only make almonds or pecans.) First of all, I didn't care for the blend (almonds, pecans, cashews, macadamias, and walnuts). Now, normally that sounds like the makings of a good nut mix (well, except for the walnuts, which are probably my least favorite nut). However, in perfect 20-20 hindsight, I came to the realization that the nuts might have different oil contents, which would mean that some of the nuts might need different baking times or TEMPERATURES.
Mistake #2 - I always try to use fresh spices, and had actually just purchased some from The Spice House, just to use in my recipes. However, trying not to be wasteful, I noticed that I had just enough Ceylon "True" Cinnamon for this batch (which I'd kept sealed in plastic in the refrigerator), so I used it up. Since it smelled very cinnamon-y in my kitchen, I didn't worry about it.
Mistake #3 - Cinnamon Brooms are awesome, and they're pretty strong -- which makes them a wonderful air freshener. (Or tricks people into thinking that you've actually *baked* something.) When I walked into Trader Joe's, the lovely waft of cinnamon called out to me, so I ended up buying two -- one for my car, and another for my house. (It's pretty strong -- I can smell it upstairs, even though it's in the kitchen.)
Mistake #4 - Ah, the joys of digital oven temperature readouts. Turn oven to "bake", set temperature, and wait for the lovely beep to let you know that the oven is ready. In the meantime, you get to put your recipe together. (So far, so good -- right?) Well, that only works if you set the oven to the CORRECT temperature. The default "starting" temperature of my oven is 350 degrees, so I pushed the "up" arrow five times to bring it to 275. After 15 minutes, I pulled the nuts out, stirred them, and then switched racks. 15 minutes later, I pulled them out again and repeated the process. It was at this point that I noticed that the nuts were getting a little dark, and wondered why I was starting to smell an off/burnt smell. Only then did I realize that I had turned the oven UP to 375, rather than DOWN to 275. The coating didn't look quite done, so I lowered the temperature and put the pans back in for 10 minutes. I then took them out, stirred them, and left them to air dry.
The end result? Some nuts are edible, but others are overdone. I can't even taste the cinnamon in the recipe -- it was either too weak or too delicate to stand up to the nuts in the "premium nut mix". Or maybe the heat killed it. Ah well, kitchen disasters happen for a reason! Lesson (hopefully) learned.
This kind of mishap has happened to the cheftestants on Top Chef. If Carla or Michael V. can mess up on temperature, I don't feel so bad.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Getting Caught Up From My "Leave Of Absence"
Sorry I haven't posted anything for a while.
To get you caught up with my oh-so-exciting life (*snort*) ...
October: My birthday came and went -- a year older (UGH). I celebrated with friends. A few days later, I was laid up with the flu for a week (which then turned into bronchitis, so I was laid up for another week). I don't know if I had H1N1 (swine flu), but that was the absolute worst flu I've ever had. (I may have to rethink my "no flu shots" policy. )
November: Spent part of the month recovering from being sick, working, and then took a quick trip over Thanksgiving to Detroit and Rochester, NY to visit family. I also got to visit briefly with some old friends (The Bradshaws) who moved to the Rochester area during the summer. Nice people -- I was glad to see them.
December (so far): Still working on the research project, as well as my part-time gig doing payroll and billing for a nursing temp agency.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but will post if/when I remember it. (I'm deliberately leaving out any major family or friend announcements, as they aren't mine to make! So I didn't forget about *those*.)
To get you caught up with my oh-so-exciting life (*snort*) ...
October: My birthday came and went -- a year older (UGH). I celebrated with friends. A few days later, I was laid up with the flu for a week (which then turned into bronchitis, so I was laid up for another week). I don't know if I had H1N1 (swine flu), but that was the absolute worst flu I've ever had. (I may have to rethink my "no flu shots" policy. )
November: Spent part of the month recovering from being sick, working, and then took a quick trip over Thanksgiving to Detroit and Rochester, NY to visit family. I also got to visit briefly with some old friends (The Bradshaws) who moved to the Rochester area during the summer. Nice people -- I was glad to see them.
December (so far): Still working on the research project, as well as my part-time gig doing payroll and billing for a nursing temp agency.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but will post if/when I remember it. (I'm deliberately leaving out any major family or friend announcements, as they aren't mine to make! So I didn't forget about *those*.)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Overused Words
I think I've seen too many infomercials.
Never mind the overpriced and/or useless products the snake oil salesmen are pitching. And let's try to get past the poor acting skills, false professional credentials (note to advertisers: a chef's hat does not make someone a chef -- neither does your calling them one), fake sincerity, accents (real or not), or whiny, almost exasperated-sounded pitchmen (the Shark steam mop dude saying "Elizabeth!" for the umpteenth time).
(I'll save my derision for celebrity spokespersons for another post.)
My current pet peeve is that they've started to use the same word to extol the virtues of their product. The current word they've latched onto is ... AMAZING!!!
I mean, really. Could that many things truly be amazing? (I think not. At least not what they're peddling.)
What annoys me is that mainstream commercials have started using the same word to promote their products. I watched a TV show at a network website, and they must've shown the same commercial about five times -- it was for "Aqua Fresh Iso-Active".
Apparently, it wasn't enough for them to tell us why this product was so good for our dental hygiene -- why we should rush to the store and buy it. No, they also had to say that it was amazing. Or rather, the way the pitchman said it, it was -- pause -- AMAZING. Yes, the pitchman's voice was absolutely in awe of how truly wonderful this toothpaste is.
Hmmm. I think I'd better run on over to Walgreen's or CVS, because I must be missing out. On something. Truly special.
Never mind the overpriced and/or useless products the snake oil salesmen are pitching. And let's try to get past the poor acting skills, false professional credentials (note to advertisers: a chef's hat does not make someone a chef -- neither does your calling them one), fake sincerity, accents (real or not), or whiny, almost exasperated-sounded pitchmen (the Shark steam mop dude saying "Elizabeth!" for the umpteenth time).
(I'll save my derision for celebrity spokespersons for another post.)
My current pet peeve is that they've started to use the same word to extol the virtues of their product. The current word they've latched onto is ... AMAZING!!!
I mean, really. Could that many things truly be amazing? (I think not. At least not what they're peddling.)
What annoys me is that mainstream commercials have started using the same word to promote their products. I watched a TV show at a network website, and they must've shown the same commercial about five times -- it was for "Aqua Fresh Iso-Active".
Apparently, it wasn't enough for them to tell us why this product was so good for our dental hygiene -- why we should rush to the store and buy it. No, they also had to say that it was amazing. Or rather, the way the pitchman said it, it was -- pause -- AMAZING. Yes, the pitchman's voice was absolutely in awe of how truly wonderful this toothpaste is.
Hmmm. I think I'd better run on over to Walgreen's or CVS, because I must be missing out. On something. Truly special.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Lost and Found
It astounds me how things disappear in my house. What's even more astounding is when the items magically reappear. By themselves. In places I've already looked.
Case in point, my missing Vampire Academy books.
Several friends of mine are vamp-fans, so we swap books. I loaned out my Vampire Academy books -- books 1 and 4 are still out, but books 2 and 3 were returned to me *months* ago (however, I couldn't find them anywhere in my house).
Today, I got a little ambitious and started excavating a pile of (not-so-old) mail, and lo and behold, book #2 magically appeared. This gave me the incentive to look for book #3. I ended up in the sunroom -- where I've looked before. Sure enough, book #3 was right out in the open, sitting on a shelf -- mocking me.
Now, if I could just find Paul's comic inventory books ... and my microplane. *sigh*
Sounds like I have a House O' Doom, in addition to the Sack O' Doom.
Case in point, my missing Vampire Academy books.
Several friends of mine are vamp-fans, so we swap books. I loaned out my Vampire Academy books -- books 1 and 4 are still out, but books 2 and 3 were returned to me *months* ago (however, I couldn't find them anywhere in my house).
Today, I got a little ambitious and started excavating a pile of (not-so-old) mail, and lo and behold, book #2 magically appeared. This gave me the incentive to look for book #3. I ended up in the sunroom -- where I've looked before. Sure enough, book #3 was right out in the open, sitting on a shelf -- mocking me.
Now, if I could just find Paul's comic inventory books ... and my microplane. *sigh*
Sounds like I have a House O' Doom, in addition to the Sack O' Doom.
Aggressive Driving vs. Driver Courtesy
You'd think I've lived around here long enough to know that there are certain times of the day/month/year when it's not a good idea to get on the interstate.
Case in point: driving in any direction past the ballpark on game day. Plan on congestion and general driver foolishness. What makes it particularly irksome is when the ballgame starts (or lets out) around evening rush hour. (Note to self: get a game calendar, keep it in the car. Plan alternate routes.)
Now, I know there are plenty of people who go to the ball game after work, so don't you think this would be an excellent opportunity for the ballpark and local transit to figure out a decent solution? How about free or reduced parking if you (1) have a game day ticket, and (2) park your car early in the day, i.e., on your way in to work? Then run shuttle buses to and from downtown. (They could even work out some kind of deal for carpoolers.)
I think they dropped the ball *BIG TIME* when they redid the freeway. For all the redesign of ramps and traffic flow, congestion seems to have gotten worse, not better. Did it not occur to anyone that we might benefit from inbound/outbound express lanes (like Chicago)? Especially for rush hour/games/festivals?
One of my biggest pet peeves has to be the right lanes that end right after you get on the freeway. It never fails that X-many yahoos pay absolutely no attention to the "lane ends" sign, which means hotshots gunning it up the right side, and swooping in front of whoever is kind enough to let them in (or more likely, bullying their way over).
"Lane ends" means move over -- preferably now, not later!
Sadly, I've also seen drivers get upset when a car moves over when a law enforcement vehicle is pulled over on the right with its lights flashing. Hello, it's a law in this state!
Do we have to drive aggressively? Or would it kill us to take a moment to actually be nice to another driver?
Isn't the whole idea that everyone gets from Point A to Point B safely?
Case in point: driving in any direction past the ballpark on game day. Plan on congestion and general driver foolishness. What makes it particularly irksome is when the ballgame starts (or lets out) around evening rush hour. (Note to self: get a game calendar, keep it in the car. Plan alternate routes.)
Now, I know there are plenty of people who go to the ball game after work, so don't you think this would be an excellent opportunity for the ballpark and local transit to figure out a decent solution? How about free or reduced parking if you (1) have a game day ticket, and (2) park your car early in the day, i.e., on your way in to work? Then run shuttle buses to and from downtown. (They could even work out some kind of deal for carpoolers.)
I think they dropped the ball *BIG TIME* when they redid the freeway. For all the redesign of ramps and traffic flow, congestion seems to have gotten worse, not better. Did it not occur to anyone that we might benefit from inbound/outbound express lanes (like Chicago)? Especially for rush hour/games/festivals?
One of my biggest pet peeves has to be the right lanes that end right after you get on the freeway. It never fails that X-many yahoos pay absolutely no attention to the "lane ends" sign, which means hotshots gunning it up the right side, and swooping in front of whoever is kind enough to let them in (or more likely, bullying their way over).
"Lane ends" means move over -- preferably now, not later!
Sadly, I've also seen drivers get upset when a car moves over when a law enforcement vehicle is pulled over on the right with its lights flashing. Hello, it's a law in this state!
Do we have to drive aggressively? Or would it kill us to take a moment to actually be nice to another driver?
Isn't the whole idea that everyone gets from Point A to Point B safely?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Random Musings
Is life complicated, or are we the ones who complicate it?
If things were always easy, would we appreciate what we have? Or is it the struggle that causes us to reflect upon the journey?
As people struggle with the current economic downturn, unemployment, and financial hardships, we can learn from those around us, as well as those that have gone before us.
This old-time quote has frequently shown up during hard times:
"Fix it up*, wear it out, make it do, or do without!" (Pioneer proverb, also popular during WWII)
As a society, we have become a little too self-indulgent, turning into clones of Veruca Salt ("I Want It Now!"), rather than tempering our decisions (and purchases) to our current realities. (You see this from the government on down to the Average Joe. ) Too often, we confuse "wants" with "needs".
Do things have to get worse before we can start to become more responsible? (I sure hope not.)
* alternately "use it up" or "use it all"
If things were always easy, would we appreciate what we have? Or is it the struggle that causes us to reflect upon the journey?
As people struggle with the current economic downturn, unemployment, and financial hardships, we can learn from those around us, as well as those that have gone before us.
This old-time quote has frequently shown up during hard times:
"Fix it up*, wear it out, make it do, or do without!" (Pioneer proverb, also popular during WWII)
As a society, we have become a little too self-indulgent, turning into clones of Veruca Salt ("I Want It Now!"), rather than tempering our decisions (and purchases) to our current realities. (You see this from the government on down to the Average Joe. ) Too often, we confuse "wants" with "needs".
Do things have to get worse before we can start to become more responsible? (I sure hope not.)
* alternately "use it up" or "use it all"
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Arrr!
Yep, it's that time again -- "International Talk Like A Pirate Day".
For those who need a remedial course on Pirate, here's a useful link: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.html
For those who need a remedial course on Pirate, here's a useful link: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.html
Friday, September 18, 2009
... but why McDonald's usually sucks
I could go on a full blown rant here, but will opt for the Reader's Digest version:
Lured in by the aforementioned M&R Angus, I decided to give one of the other Angus Burgers a try.
This time, I opted for the Bacon and Cheese (which I think would be more aptly named "Salt Lick"). Don't believe me? Head over to mcdonalds.com, and check out the nutritional info (cleverly named "Bag a McMeal" -- *snort*). That sandwich packs over 2000mg of sodium (86% of your RDA)! Oh yeah, and a whopping 790 calories. (Yikes!)
I personally think that 2000mg of sodium per day is much too high, and try to stay under 1000mg. I obviously missed the mark on this one!
It's interesting to note that one-third of calories and sodium from this sandwich comes from the "premium bun". And if you leave off the pickle and the ketchup, you lose another 300mg of sodium.
I do like the fact that you can go to the website and see how you can customize your sandwich/meal to accommodate your dietary needs. (I'm seeing the feature more often on chain restaurant websites.)
BTW, it figures that one of my first posts is foodie. I'll probably start ranting about Top Chef next ...
Lured in by the aforementioned M&R Angus, I decided to give one of the other Angus Burgers a try.
This time, I opted for the Bacon and Cheese (which I think would be more aptly named "Salt Lick"). Don't believe me? Head over to mcdonalds.com, and check out the nutritional info (cleverly named "Bag a McMeal" -- *snort*). That sandwich packs over 2000mg of sodium (86% of your RDA)! Oh yeah, and a whopping 790 calories. (Yikes!)
I personally think that 2000mg of sodium per day is much too high, and try to stay under 1000mg. I obviously missed the mark on this one!
It's interesting to note that one-third of calories and sodium from this sandwich comes from the "premium bun". And if you leave off the pickle and the ketchup, you lose another 300mg of sodium.
I do like the fact that you can go to the website and see how you can customize your sandwich/meal to accommodate your dietary needs. (I'm seeing the feature more often on chain restaurant websites.)
BTW, it figures that one of my first posts is foodie. I'll probably start ranting about Top Chef next ...
Why McDonald's occasionally rocks ...
Mushroom and Swiss Angus Burgers -- awesome beefy goodness, 'shrooms, and Swiss cheese (which could've been more melty). Overall, a tasty sandwich.
Though the price could be lower.
Though the price could be lower.
What is "The Sack O' Doom"?
I don't carry a purse.
No, let me blunt -- I REFUSE to carry a purse. It's something that's too frou-frou frilly for me. (Kinda like lace.)
But when you haul a bunch of stuff around, what are the options?
I tried a briefcase for a while, but some things just don't fit. Plus people think you're a doctor or a lawyer or some other Really Important Occupation. (Or a salesperson, LOL.)
So I opted for a good ol' shapeless tote bag. Usually canvas. Sometimes it was a giveaway promoting a store (i.e, Macy's), a Broadway musical (aka "Cats", which I've never seen), but usually it's just some pattern or design. My latest Sacks O' Doom were acquired at the Ren Faire, so they have cool stuff like dragons, mystical designs or Celtic knotwork on them.
So, why call it "The Sack O' Doom"? I think it was a name one of my friends came up with -- probably because things disappeared in it (and occasionally made their way out). Maybe it's because I have to dig through it to find stuff (or upend it entirely). Or it's like the magician's hat that you pull the rabbit out of.
Just don't call it a purse.
P.S. When I stood up in a friend's wedding, they made me a matching Sack O' Doom for my outfit.
P.P.S. Can you believe I finally broke down and started a blog? (Tee hee.) Time to unleash my wit on an unsuspecting world ...
No, let me blunt -- I REFUSE to carry a purse. It's something that's too frou-frou frilly for me. (Kinda like lace.)
But when you haul a bunch of stuff around, what are the options?
I tried a briefcase for a while, but some things just don't fit. Plus people think you're a doctor or a lawyer or some other Really Important Occupation. (Or a salesperson, LOL.)
So I opted for a good ol' shapeless tote bag. Usually canvas. Sometimes it was a giveaway promoting a store (i.e, Macy's), a Broadway musical (aka "Cats", which I've never seen), but usually it's just some pattern or design. My latest Sacks O' Doom were acquired at the Ren Faire, so they have cool stuff like dragons, mystical designs or Celtic knotwork on them.
So, why call it "The Sack O' Doom"? I think it was a name one of my friends came up with -- probably because things disappeared in it (and occasionally made their way out). Maybe it's because I have to dig through it to find stuff (or upend it entirely). Or it's like the magician's hat that you pull the rabbit out of.
Just don't call it a purse.
P.S. When I stood up in a friend's wedding, they made me a matching Sack O' Doom for my outfit.
P.P.S. Can you believe I finally broke down and started a blog? (Tee hee.) Time to unleash my wit on an unsuspecting world ...
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