OMG

Sup ya'll?? A LOT has happened since the last post, up to and including marriage and a ton of meals! I'm feeling a bit rusty but I've had a few things catch my eye lately and I can't resist sharing them.

First off is this great-sounding recipe that I StumbledUpon (if you don't know what that is, sign up immediately and prepare to be addicted) that I can't wait to try. Straight from The Pastry Affair blog, it's Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread and it sounds amazing. You can skip through the entire article which goes on about dry pancakes and whatnot, but in the end I can't help but anticipate this tasting like a savory version of my mother's fantastic monkey pull apart bread. Super stoked to give it a whirl. (Pastry Affair- I hope you don't mind me using your picture- it just makes me drool!)


Secondly, The Daily Meal had two articles that tickled my fancy, the first having the tantalizing title "4 Restaurants Where You'll Never, Ever, Get a Table", which goes into ridiculous detail on 4 of the zaniest, most absurd, downright daffy "restaurants" (which seems to be a loose title) from around the world. From a terrifying white water rafting destination to a beauty requirement, if you pass the test, get selected at random from a city of millions, or even survive, you aren't guaranteed to have your tastebuds tickled. A challenge- most certainly!

The second article is merely a categorized list of the 150 Best Bars in America as chosen by The Daily Meal, and while obviously New York and LA dominate, there's a great selection from even the corners of suburbia and the tumbleweeds of Middle America. I for one might prefer a jukebox bar over molecular mixology, but even if you're lookin' to get lucky there's a bar for you!

Lastly, another addiction (Incredible Things) led me to a miraculous discovery of a bottled iced coffee only to dash my dreams by alerting me to its location- Australia! I'm partial to the chilled version of my daily cuppa joe, and the thought of having it potentially ready made at my beck and call was enough to get my synapses doing Jazzercise. That bottled Starbucks chilled junk just doesn't get my mojo going, but until One Tree Coffee is available Stateside, I suppose my cold brewing will have to suffice. Plus, I think we can all agree this is a pretty snazzy looking bottle (courtesy of Incredible Things)


That's all for now- I solemnly swear that I am up to SOME good and won't leave you hanging for another few months.

Grow your own jolokia!

Remember my article about Bhut Jolokia, aka the Ghost Chile and the hottest in the world? Well, now you can grow your own with this handy plant from Think Geek! For only $5, you can harness the power of the jolokia pepper and amaze friends while proving your insanity for all things hot. Just in time for Christmas!!

brown baggers unite!

I work in an office, and with that comes a vending machine, sodas, snacks, and the ability to eat out every single day. This proves appealing, albeit unhealthy and expensive, guised under the veil of "convenience". However, I believe that eating is not singularly for filling your stomach, but to experience the most primal of pleasantries and an opportunity to enhance ones' daily routine at least a few times a day. I understand that the promise of a $5 foot long sandwich is just too much to pass up, because in this fast-paced world "time is money" and no one wants to take the time to prepare a meal when it's just "easier" to buy it.

Harumph. I don't buy it. I'm a brown bagger, and proud of it. That's not to say that I don't enjoy the occasional treat of a convenient meal, or that sometimes I'm just too tired or lazy to put something together. I just don't see the overall savings of purchasing an individual, probably unhealthy, quick meal 5 times a week. Meals shouldn't just be about eating. It's an experience. What fun is lunchtime if you have to rush rush rush before it's time to clock back in? Do you really think it's cheaper to spend $5-$10 and save some time than going to the grocery store, spending a little bit more up front, and enjoying a healthy, homemade meal at your leisure?

ReadyMade has explored this very enigma. How Much Was That Sandwich In Your Bag? delves into the hidden costs and compares the "time is money" argument. If you're the type of person who enjoys putting together a meal, planning ingredients, buying exactly what you want instead of settling for what's available, then read on. However, if you don't care or notice what slop you shovel into your fat mouth day in and day out for a seemingly cheap and easy way to fill the soulless void in your belly, then don't bother. Eating isn't simply about food. Take a few moments out of your day and think about what YOU want instead of choosing from a menu designed to numb your senses and fatten your thighs. I think if you took the time and challenged yourself to ONE WEEK of making lunch, we'd be better off all around.

Cooking with Beer!

Here's a great article from NPR about the wonder of cooking with beer! Be sure to check the links at the bottom for more great beer related articles.
Sorry this is a short one, but who can compete with NPR? Just read it!