Liz's Snack-Based Bday

i didn't expect this, but as the snacks started rolling in, i realized that obviously the only theme party appropriate for liz is a snack-based theme party.  This is the snack conga line after only a couple of guests had arrived.  

and it kept growing.....

and growing....

and growing....

liz also brought fifty balloons that i rounded up in put in the corner the next day.  party ratio - one balloon for every bag of chips.

happy birthday liz!

Scientific Mozzarella Stick Study

Frozen Mozzarella stick taste test.  I thought the TGI Fridays ones were an obvious shoe in.  WRONG.  A unanimous vote decided the Alexia Mozzarella Stix were the leaders.  They are the ones in the right column.  They were also the cheapest. 

Other People's Hobbies

This is Anne.  For me, cooking feels like a crazy chemistry experiment without the help of a study group, but for Anne, its as easy as super easy gets, like putting a stamp on a envelope - or doing something you were born to do.  In this way, she is my hero.

I met her almost five years ago and she was already on the fast track to becoming a gourmand, but today her skill level in the kitchen far surpasses that.  Here are some meatballs she made for us one weekend:

Look at that meatball mountain!!

I bet this was her favorite part to do, it was definitely my favorite part to watch...

And there you go! There was nothing quick and easy about this recipe, but she made it seem so.

There is something about Anne that makes brides choose her to give readings at their weddings.  Its always a lot of pressure and anticipation, but she ends up crushing that too.  Don't worry, Anne - I'm not going to make you read at my wedding, but I am going to make you cater it!

THIS THURSDAY

When I googled Rick's name, this was the only picture of him that comes up - what a gem! I suspect that as Van Horn takes off, there are going to be tons more going up on the internet shortly.

Anyway, this Thursday Van Horn is going to open its doors and Rick is going to show the world all the hard work he has been doing and basically what a bad ass he is. AND! I will be working.  Come visit, try a sandwich and shake his hand!!

Wub

January is Plan Appreciation Month.

Atkins Diet!

 

 

Projects

Special shout out to slow cookers and farmers markets - without which this meal would not have been possible!

Staying Busy Pizza Partay!!!

Monday's project was pizza dough.  I don't really know dough, so texture, consistency, color - that was all a guessing game.  After a few spins in the bowl and a few kneads of the knuckle, it looked good enough to me, so I threw it in the fridge over night and waited for it to rise.

Homemade sauce was easy - just tomato paste, water and olive oil.  I also included dried rosemary (crushed), basil, oregano and chopped garlic.  No cooking necessary!!! 

All the other stuff was pretty intuitive.  The best pizzas always have basil, mozz and any combo of olive, mushroom, artichoke, tomato, etc. 

Making the dough into acutal pizza was a little aggravating.  Dough is stupid and stubborn, so getting it into a form that looked like it could accommodate toppings was a process that took a lot of finessing.  But in the end, ta da! Motorino, Roberta's, Paulie Gee's - all rolled in to one! 

Food Photog

Last Night's Stew Party

Jasie! What did you put in that stew?!!?! Or was it the expired Aspirin?

Stew Night

Stew Night Harder:

Behind The Iron Curtain

This was the 'green room' for the air guitar contestants (carnies). Its like looking in the cockpit of an airplane!

I Can Dream About You

For Jeff

Glitter Graphics

Last Blingee. I promise.

Office Crime Spree

A lot of the time I wonder why I bring my camera to work. Nothing really here to photograph other than some cords and screens. But today produced a miracle when someone grew tired of the Food Bandit and decided to take some serious action. I guess I'm actually tempted to see whats in the bag. A couple days ago I heard this woman whining about the Food Bandit and said the way to really get him (or her) would be to make pot brownies and leave them in the fridge as bait. I dont know, I guess I feel like if thats whats in the bag, the Food Bandit wouldnt really think of it as a poisoning....

Orange Lobster

Cat Food

I miss the Holidays.

Its Music Video Friday!!!!!!

Oh Carnie Wilson, all my fat jokes are about you.

Thanksgiving 2008: Pop! Pop! Pop!

Turkey Master, Rosanne,serving up some savory. Grandpa and Nick ensure succulentness.*

This way, there was no need to argue over programming.**

Tin foil, a twenty-something's alternative to the 'hot plate.'***


*Turk was literally the best of my life. Sorry Mom!
**On the TV - a Seahawks slaughter. On the Imax - Our first time viewing Freddie at Live Aid!!!!
***Hella tin foil.

Lil Gulp

This orange juice came free if you ordered off the brunch menu at the Belmont diner.