The Dharma Bum's Profile

I HATE cilantro. I'm one of those people that tastes soap when it finds its way into my mouth. For the longest time I thought I hated avocados too because I hated guac (it was the cilantro). Finally, I had an avocado quesadilla in Costa Rica and fell in love. Now I am in the process of perfecting guac without cilantro. Last time I used:

2 avocados
1/2 lime, juiced
1/2 cup curly parsley, chopped roughly
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp cumin
fresh ground pepper

I thought it was the bees knees! Might add bacon next time, like some people have suggested!

My issue has to do with the store itself - I shop at Wegmans, and lately they have been replacing variety with their own brand of foods. For example, in my area, if you want black beans, they no longer sell Bush's... you can either choose from Hanover (bottom shelf) or Wegmans Brand Black Beans (hundreds of cans at eye level). I just realized they did this with Panko, too - I can't find any panko except for their own brand... which they place in the INTERNATIONAL isle. I hate being forced and/or tricked into buying their brand because they don't carry other options, especially when their brand sometimes isn't cheaper than the others. It pisses me off because it strikes me a jerky, sneaky way to extort money from me.

I LOVE my lodge dutch oven. I kept putting off purchasing it because I thought I didn't really NEED a dutch oven, but man, I'm so glad I finally gave in. I use it all the time - to make stocks, soups, sear meats - then it goes right into the oven! Awesome.

Hi - Where can you get those cute hanging ball-shaped terrariums?

At my father's house and my grandmother's house, every meal was served with iced, cold water. It is the prefect compliment to ANY meal, in my opinion. It is flavorless, cleanses the palate, and quenches your thirst (because it's water, duh!).

When I have guests over, I offer wine and/or water. That's it.

Anyone know where I can get a nice-looking, long lasting empty 32 oz spray bottle?

I am the same way with butter! I like COLD, out of the fridge butter on my bread, pancakes, toast. I love the contrast between the cold butter and the warm food.