michelou's Profile

I really want to love it! I don't mind it in fresh salsa or with some sundried tomatoes and garlic baked on top of a salmon.. but I could certainly live without it.

So soapy!

I loved Sophie Dahl's television series, Delicious Miss Dahl. Her cooking style is effortless and the kitchen set was beautiful. I can only imagine how wonderful this recipe collection is!

This book is on my wish list, for sure!

So I'm nuts and I like to add a little sweetness to my guac. If tomatoes aren't sweet enough (aka out of season) then I'll add the tiniest pinch of sugar. If I'm feeling crazy, I add quartered grapes instead of tomatoes. It's ridiculously good. Really!

I never liked wine and chocolate together and everyone thinks I'm nuts. Time to print this out and bring it along with me to dinner parties. Oh sweet validation, you feel so good.

@JLS988 - I was having troubles with following recipes as the ones I wanted to try out (from the Kitchn and other websites) seemed to always include some sort of dairy element. When I purposely tried to find dairy-free recipes, it seemed like all I could find were recipes that once contained dairy that were modified to include dairy-free ingredients like dairy-free milk etc. rather than just good tasting meals that happened to be dairy free. The anecdote I told in my original post about the cookbook happened a few years ago and I'm doing much better these days steering clear of dairy in meals.

I still happen upon recipes every now and then that call for ridiculous dairy substitutes that don't taste very good and are not very wallet-friendly.

I'm lactose intolerant (although I still indulge occasionally, but usually only when I'm at home and know I won't have to go anywhere any time soon). I understand the cravings for something cheese-like, but I've found, through many trials, that fake cheese is never going to cut it. I'd much prefer to find a delicious recipe that stand alone than try to replicate lasagna with fake cheese.

I was discouraged with cooking (and eating for that matter) when my lactose intolerance was at its worse. I found a cookbook at my local library that promised delightful meals, totally dairy-free. Unfortunately EVERY SINGLE RECIPE contained a need for some sort of dairy-free alternative: dairy-free milk, dairy-free cheese (of all varieties - cottage, mozza, cheddar), dairy-free yogurt etc. All I was looking for were recipes that were good and just happened to not have any dairy in them! I'm sure my vegan friends can relate.

Is it too much to ask for something tasty that doesn't have a whiff of milk??!

On a side note, our current favourite dairy-free recipe is a Martha Stewart Tostada - http://www.marthastewart.com/340908/grilled-chicken-tostadas. You don't need the sour cream to serve. I like mine with a little hot sauce.

@mstinawu - if you follow the link to the article it explains that the laser cut nori was created to help boost sales after the tsunami.

I made cupcake stands for my sister's bridal shower. They doubled as cupcake display and party favors. Everyone loved them! They are really easy to make, here's my tutorial: http://dohdums.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/tutorial-individual-cupcake-stands/

I now use mine as a jewellery holder in my bathroom to catch my rings / earrings that I wear daily.

I like these ideas. If it's a startup you are usually working looong hours and end up eating together anyways, just together but separate or someone puts in an order for terrible take out just because it's quick. Having the forethought to put together great lunches or breakfasts for the team would make the group closer and more in tune. Chatting over food is a great way to get to know people!

As far as some of the other comments go about needing to leave because you don't like some of your co-workers - I guess I've been fortunate enough to never be in that situation! I can't imagine being in a place for most of the day with someone that I can't stand. I'd probably quit!

All for reusing and reinventing stuff already around the house, but I really don't like the look of this. I prefer to keep my kitchen towels in a drawer. Most of them are fit for display anyways..