Forthright Fattie's Profile

Really enjoying this spirited debate, but I feel like much of it could be solved by simply acknowledging that there are different kinds of parties, different contexts, etc. For example, we are good friends with another couple, and often have each other over to eat. We always offer to bring something, and take each other up on it depending on a number of factors. However, last year I decided to throw a fancy dinner party, and while each of the invited couples asked if they could contribute, I thanked them but made it clear that this was the kind of event with a carefully planned menu, including drink pairings. Several of them did indeed bring a bottle of wine, but there was no expectation that they would, or that we would then use what they brought instead of our carefully selected pairings.

I think my rule of thumb is this: If we're meeting somewhere "off campus" for a casual get-together, then everyone pitches in fairly equally, with the person originating the plan doing the work of securing the location and organizing everyone.

If I'm having a casual get-together at my house, and you offer to bring something, I'll probably suggest dessert if I know that you like to bake, or a six-pack if I know you love poring over the craft brews at the beer seller. If I'm hosting a plated meal, I will provide everything and if you bring a hostess gift, I will be grateful, and a little bit excited because, "Presents! Yay!"

At this stage in my life (married, no kids) I haven't had much cause to think about how having a family would change things.

And, I am not going to lie: years back, just out of college, a couple I was friends with wanted to throw a fancy dinner party, and asked everyone ahead of time for a few dollars to go toward the food. I thought that was incredibly tacky. I told them I couldn't make it for the dinner but would join them after to hang out. I brought some chips and salsa. Call me uptight, but you just don't ask people to pay for the privilege of your home-cooked meal, no matter how much a chef you fancy yourself.

What's cooking this weekend? Me. We're having our 6th consecutive 90 degree heat wave, with 100 degrees predicted for today.

Nevertheless, we'll soldier on. I'm going to try lamb burgers with grilled eggplant tomorrow for a late lunch, and then have a few friends over to watch the Mad Men premiere. Going to try to figure out some 60s era appetizers to put out for them.

For the season premiere, we served the ginger hoisin pork tacos that have appeared on this site several times--pretended they were boar. A side of coconut rice and peanut slaw, but also dharma wine and beer, peanut butter, and lots of tropical fruit.

Chef's knife and wooden cutting board. My mother-in-law uses steak knives and a glass cutting board, and I just feel so sorry for her--what a hassle! I'd never chop anything with that setup.

I'll be planning and shopping for my Lost party Tuesday night! There will be some form of roasted swine, perhaps mango salsa, and a dessert involving peanut butter.

As far as tonight, I'm fighting with myself over making kusherie (Egyptian lentils/rice/caramelized onions) or going out for Pho, thanks to the last post.

Other than that, hope to continue to break in the Christmas cast-iron skillet, but no particular plans.

I used the immersion blender I got for Christmas to make potato leek soup for the first time (killing two resolutions--using blender and cooking leeks!)
I made a pozole recipe from Cook's that turned out well, a cornmeal crusted baked fish with white wine/raisin sauce that was delicious (Bone Apetit), and roasted garbanzo beans to eat during football.

OH my goodness, chili crab. I grew up in Singapore and constantly have hunger pangs for the food I had there. Alas, I haven't the guts to attempt to cook it myself, at least not yet. Mmmm...roti prata, black pepper crab, porridge, chow kueh teow, yo char kueh.

Looks interesting, but I don't see legumes anywhere. The world would be a better place if we all ate more beans.

Suateed green beans, toasted pine nuts, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil. I'm legendary (in my family) for this dish, simple as it is.

Would you use Skoy cloths to soak up bacon grease? Bacon is the one and only reason I keep paper towels in the house.