Know what sucks? Pink-Eye before Christmas. Know what rules? A husband who can cook. In my low and itchy state, I couldn’t possibly think about cooking for the fam. In a move that always puts me to shame, he pulls whatever he can find from the fridge and makes a meal. He took a Niman … Read more
I was not invited to this one… I have a hard time with the cookie exchange thing. You’re famailiar with the premise, no? Each guest is to bring a dozen cookies per attendee, you swap your dozens for the others’ dozens and wind up with a fabulous assortment of holiday treats. At least that’s the … Read more
like it even needs embellishment… I thought I knew what I would make for those little holiday gift bundles of hand-made goodies that simply must be handed out. But now that I know of the existence of chicken fried bacon, I might have to re-think. WARNING: Don’t be surprised by the dizziness and dull ache … Read more
Didja know that Pumphouse Creamery has decided to stay open all year long? Come on, I know that baby it’s cold outside, but what’s your deal with not eating ice cream in the winter? Pumpkin ice cream, oatmeal cookie ice cream, Guiness ice cream, for godness sake, are all appropriate post-feast options. Plus, HELLO FORTY … Read more
I am not a baking genius. To be a baking genius, you must adhere to the ethics of the scientist…and I am an artist, dammit! But there are some things that I have learned to make the cookie onslaught easier. Butter Use real butter, holiday cookies deserve it. Not whipped, not margarine, not oleo, not … Read more
just say no … If you know someone like me, or are someone like me, this list might be handy. United States of Arugula looks to be a good read, documenting our food revolution. Please please please, a year of cheese. We usually don’t leave anything in the bottle, but still, I’m always looking for … Read more
Deutscher sind verruckt! I love December 01. It’s the first day of a month of days that begin with a little chocolate treat from my advent calendar. I am much more disciplined now than I was in the early years. I understand that it’s better to stretch the happiness out over the cold days, rather … Read more
Hot off the presses, this release from the kids who rep the public relations for Five Restaurant & Street Lounge: David Parson Capaccioli is the new Exec Head Chef and Mary Beth Mueller is the new GM. Capaccioli is a former instructor at the Art Institute of Minneapolis Culinary Arts School, was once Executive Chef … Read more
I have a pre-feast ritual. It involves staying in pajamas, drinking hot cocoa, snacking on peanut butter toast and the Macy’s parade. It’s like my own inner pre-shift, my personal calm before the storm. Just as important, and maybe a touch underplayed, is the post-feast. First of all, dessert shouldn’t be served directly after the … Read more
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for the following reasons: 1. No gifts. I love giving gifts, I just hate pretending to like the teal suede and faux fur vests of my life. 2. It’s not religious. It’ll never be turned into something more palatable and washed out so that everyone feels fuzzy and unoffended. 3. … Read more