jls988's Profile

I like to make a chocolate protein shake with lots of ice, maybe a frozen banana, and sometimes some greens. I often don't have an appetite after a hard workout, but TA important to eat for proper muscle recovery. This fits the bill with a dose or protein, an indulgent cooling effect, and super-simple preparation and cleanup.

I knew this about mint, but not tarragon... I planted it in a corner of a raised bed 4 summers ago, and even though I THOUGHT I dug up the plant, I still find new shoots coming up year after year.

Also... Lamb's Ear. For those of you wanting to plant something to take over an area where grass won't grow, this is an easy option. Take a few flower/seed stalks form an established plant, crush and spread over the ground. You really don't have to try at all. Soon you'll have little weed-like plants, and after a single year, you'll have a massive "how do I control this monster?" ground cover. But seriously... It WILL take over. Mine is filling in all the available space in a raised landscaping area, and the seeds that fall or blow onto the adjacent gravel that is on top of weed barrier fabric have NO problem taking root. I think of it as an ornamental weed. Some can stay, but it's a constant battle to keep it in check.

It's also kinda hilarious every time some unsuspecting person (or yourself, because you keep forgetting) opens the door to quickly and all the metal spoons and cups clang around making you nearly have a heart attack. Not that I'm speaking from experience...

Tempted to buy one as a gag gift for my sister's wedding shower since she has so few things on her registry...

PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash): http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/powdered-brewery-wash.html

You mix the powder to a particular ratio and then soak the item until the residue releases. Then just rinse! Basically, it forms an alkali that eats away organic buildup without damaging the vessel.

I bought it to get hop and yeast residue off my plastic fermenting bucket (scrubbing would create scratches that impede proper sanitation), but I've used it to remove labels from beer bottles and also to clean stubborn cooking messes from my stainless steel cookware. Best investment ever!

I'm a proponent of Microplane brand handheld graters. They're cheap (ish), easy and fast to use due to their sharp cutting edges, and easy to clean (dishwasher safe too, if I'm really feeling lazy). I keep them in my knife drawer and they're always within reach for a quick cheese grate. For larger shredding chores, such as cabbage for a slaw, I use my Swissmar Borner V-Prep mandoline. And there's always the simple knife, but I can understand why many people don't like the potential for inconsistency with that tool.

No, these tools aren't as safe to use if you're clumsy, inattentive or have small children helping out, but I prefer their ease of use and ease of cleaning to my food processor, which rarely emerges from the cupboard. I'm guessing a lot of this is due to the fact that I enjoy cooking as opposed to looking at it as a necessary chore. For me, I like to get up close and personal with my food prep and, like lynnebee, find it meditative and relaxing. But... To each, her own...

Perfect! Today I was going to make cookies and I have a habit of saying things like, "I'm a cook, not a baker," and "I don't have a sweet tooth." Guess I was already feeling the need to do something different today. :)

Totally agree with passthepepper. Today's lunch was leftover garlic green beans with a fresh poached egg over top. I added some hummus (homemade several days ago) and whole grain crackers (not homemade, but high quality) for some added balance. Super simple!

Agree with kariak on the bread. I buy Sara Lee Delightfull which is 45 calories a slice. Most breads are more around the 90-120 cal/slice range, and I always thought that whole grain breads tended to be even higher...

Agree with the others that suggested an enclosed cabinet around this. Pets and toddlers or no, I think it would be too easy to accidentally brush up against these and set off a cacophony of banging and rattling.