ladyofshalott's Profile

Wait, so that scene in 30 Rock where Liz/Jack/Tracy smell maple syrup is based on a real NYC experience?

I don't follow the show, but apparently, it was revealed in the People issue that hit the stands today!
http://gawker.com/5422714/people-tells-us-who-won-top-chef-doesnt-issue-spoiler-alert

@shan - I'm confused about how you would actually use the sauce boat too. It would be messy to try to pour it out of the sides, and if you were going to use a spoon anyway, why not just a use any small pitcher or a deep bowl?

Anyhoodle, the vase is prettier and seems to be more functional, I wouldn't call it a knock-off. They serve different purposes. And the vase does a better job.

Haha, I'm Canadian and I didn't even know it was a "Canadian" thing! One of those that take them for granted I guess.

I've heard that not over-mixing the batter will minimize cracking as well (ie, less air bubbles).

Love pumpernickel bagels with cream cheese, yumm!

Smitten Kitchen has two pumpernickel recipes on her site, one with 17 ingredients!

http://smittenkitchen.com/2006/10/the-last-of-the-loafing/
http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/04/black-bread/

I have the Magic Bullet and love it! It's great for smoothies and salsas, but I really hate using it for blending hot liquids. Sometimes the plastic gets too hot to handle. If you want something for both hot and cold liquids, I would suggest getting one with a glass pitcher/container.

I always wash my rice. I agree that it kinda wastes water, but I limit it to three washes. I do find that it reduces the starch in the rice and makes it less sticky/gummy, which is important to me (and especially for Basmati, I don't think it's meant to be a sticky rice).

I got really ambitious with my gift registry and ended up returning almost half of the items I got because 1) I had no space and 2) I seriously wasn't going to be using some items in the next couple of years.

I don't want a do-over (love the hubs to bits!), but in hindsight, I definitely would've made the list smaller, and focused on more quality items like a good blender, a Dutch oven..etc.

But I also found that a lot of people would end up giving me gift cards towards my gift registry rather than purchasing the items, and that was useful too.

I think it's okay to ask after you've accepted the invitation. And I agree with Rebecca, sometimes it's good to let people know who's invited so that beans aren't spilled :) I like to know who's else is coming so that we can share rides or show up together, and it would be mega awkward if I tried to set up a ride with an uninvited guest.