happypiranha's Profile

Perfect timing on this article! I need to get a new doormat for my front porch, but haven't been impressed with any of the styles I've seen. I love this idea!

I cried when I accidentally ruined the finish on my Calphalon saucier, only to discover that it was discontinued. I love the shape of the pan - the depth, the curved bottom and sides, and the volume. I continue searching for a suitable replacement.

At my school, they make us sit at these types of tables in the cafeteria during faculty meetings. There is nothing worse than plunking my 40-something butt on a small plastic circle with no backrest for two hours.

I like sitting at the dinner table with the family for long periods of time, talking. This table would not be conducive to that activity. But if you want everyone to eat and run . . .

Just a tip - if you have old notebooks that you won't use, see if a local school would be willing to take them. I have some students who don't have money to buy notebooks; if I can give them a notebook, I will. (Many teachers stock up at the back-to-school sales, but I need a constant supply throughout the school year.) Also, even if I don't give them away, I hand out notebook paper for doing work in class.

I'm baking cinnamon shortbread cookies. (I just add 1 tablespoon cinnamon to a standard shortbread recipe, then sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before baking.) Delish! I'm sure my son and I will devour most of them over the course of the weekend.

I've had whipped cream last a long time in the fridge. The trick was stirring in a spoonful or so of lemon curd. Gives the whipped cream an extra zing of flavor (but not so much it's overwhelming), and stiffened it up enough to keep if from separating.

When you consider the fact that Solar Sun Rings are $35 each, this is really a fantastic project!

I clicked over to Rosi Jo's site to see the curtain she made. Wow! It looks amazing. I'll have to remember this idea, because the colors are so bright and clear, it's hard to believe they came from reconstituted markers!

If I'm seriously in a rut (because, frankly, I end up being responsible for planning, grocery shopping, and cooking all meals that don't end up on the grill), I threaten a kitchen strike. This usually involves telling the three teenagers that each of them is responsible for making dinner one night. I supervise the planning to make sure that it's a fairly well-balanced meal, but they make the shopping list and go to the store, then cook. After three nights of not having to cook, I usually snap out of my rut.

I have (and use) The Gourmet Slow Cooker and The Gourmet Slow Cooker vol. 2, by Lynn Alley. Volume 1 focuses on global cuisine - Italian Pot Roast is my family's favorite, served over polenta. The second volume focuses on regional American cuisine - there's a Wild Rice and Black Walnut Pilaf that is very tasty.