engill's Profile

I've also read that they ripen extra-extra-fast if you put an apple or a banana into the paper bag with the avocado. Supposedly the apple releases these fruit "hormones" that make other things ripen, too.

Have honestly never tried it for avocados, but I've been really careful about plastic bagging and separating apples from other produce since I read that!

Has anyone used those $50 Zoku molds? I've been thinking of buying one, but only if the freezing process can guarantee the sorbet-like texture of store-bought popsicles. I can't stand the regular popsicle molds that basically create big blocks of ice!

I love IKEA's Chinese name because I find it so clever. It vaguely sounds right phonetically (yee-gee-a), but the best part is that the two characters mean "suitable/fitting" and "home", so the name means "perfect for your home" :)

Cannot wait to make my first strawberry rhubarb pie of the year!

Yum! I wonder if it would also be good to add some chipotles in adobo for an extra smoky kick.

Ditto on the shabu-shabu. My parents bought a fondue pot specifically to use for the Chinese version (hot pot).

@Elyn

Haha, I was just about to say the same thing! I couldn't NOT see those things everywhere in Bangkok.

In case someone does shell out the airfare to Thailand, be prepared that the Bangkok markets have the most amazing and CHEAP selection of homewares I've ever seen in one place. I think that stores like Anthropologie and Cost Plus actually source a lot of their stuff from there.

But the real test is: Can it get the chili pepper residue off my hands after I cut up a bunch of Thai chilis? (or is it strictly a de-odorizer?)

Cannot count the number of painful times I've accidentally rubbed my eyes or nose hours after cooking.

I don't have a suggestion, but just wanted to say that I have the same issue...and I live on the ground floor...and it's a new apartment...and it's in Boston...and my name is Katherine. :)

I also just returned from Quebec and LOVED all the different fruit wines. You're right that there don't seem to be that many grape wines, but if you like sweeter non-grape "wines", there's an amazing selection - everything from pear to apple to prunes to blackcurrants.

My favorite so far was a blackcurrant wine from Mona et Filles on Ile de Orleans. Their blackcurrant liqueur was great too, but the wine was surprisingly similar to a sweeter, fragrant red grape wine.