Thursday, April 30, 2009
It might come as a surprise to know this but...
I enjoy musicals. As a child, perhaps my most memorable album was A Chorus Line which, until Cats was the longest running show in Broadway history. Also, I played the part of Roger in Grease in high school, I sang and danced.
I like to use un-ripe mango
When I make stir fry, I like to add unripe mango. Make sure you don't add it until the end or else it will get mushy. I got the idea once when my fruit vendor didn't have any ripe mangoes.
90% of House Fires are Caused by...
90% of house fires are caused by making smores on the stove
The other 10% are caused by a mixture of bacon grease and faulty electrical work
The other 10% are caused by a mixture of bacon grease and faulty electrical work
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Top 10 Kosher Dishes
After posting my top 10 sandwich list yesterday, my brother, Goel
pointed out that my list lacked Kosher options. Unfortunately, all sandwiches are made better with cheese. That said, as someone from a religious background, I am uniquely qualified to offer an opinion on the top 10 Kosher Dishes. Any one of these dishes will improve your dinner, whether you are Jewish or just enjoy delicious food. These dishes are best served at home (except #7) with family and friends, not at a restaurant.
10. Tzimis
A stew made of prunes, carrots, sweet potatoes ginger is optional. While I am not usually a fan of this dish, I had Belinda's and it was really rather special.
9. Chulent
A stew consisting of flanken, beans, barley, potatoes, kishka (stuffed derma), hard boiled eggs are optional
No one makes this as well as my mother. Anything consisting of meat, potatoes and kishka is a good thing
8. Kishka (AKA stuffed derma)
A casing stuffed with matzo meal, flour, carrots and chicken fat. It is then baked. When you bake it it gets nice and crispy.
7. Tongue Sandwich
Perhaps the least appealing food for other cultures. Tongue is a perfect combination of fat and muscle. It makes for a delicious cold cut. With some spicy mustard on rye bread, this is delicious.
6. Cabbage Soup
My mother makes the best. She combines flanken, cabbage, tomatoes and vinegar and a whole lot of sugar. This is fantastic.
5. Brisket
Everyone has a different preparation style; Karen makes it best. She uses Manishevitz concord wine, onion soup, ketchup, cayenne pepper and a secret ingredient. It is delicious.
4. Kugel
Be it potato, which is basically potatoes and Onions in a casserole dish, baked
or Noodle (sweet or salt and pepper)
Kugel is a must have for any Jewish meal.
3. The Potato Latke
This is the hash brown on its best day. Shredded potatoes and onions made into a patty and deep fried. While it is a traditional Chanukah food, I enjoy them year round. If you want to start a fight with a Jew, ask them if they eat sour cream or apple sauce on their latkes, then pick the opposite of their answer as your favorite. In an attempt to thwart this argument, I celebrate both sour cream and apple sauce. My father uses ketchup.
2. Chicken Soup
Easily the most identifiable Jewish food. Karen Garber makes this best. I actually prefer kreplach (meat dumplings) but many people like matzo balls.
1. Chopped Liver
Saute chicken liver, onions fried in chicken fat, hard boiled eggs, chopped and blended together. Sort of like pate, only way better. I like it on a good piece of challah.
Also receiving consideration:
Challah - The most versatile of Jewish foods, but it's just bread. Regardless, it is the only bread I know of that is good without any topping. Also, there is no better French toast than Challah French toast; Nana used to like it thick and moist in the center
Jelly Rings - A must-have on your Passover dessert tray
Stuffed Cabbage - A cabbage leaf stuffed with meat and rice in tomato sauce. If you are Hungarian, yours includes raisins
Babka - I like cinnamon flavored, many people like chocolate more, regardless, it is a yeast based cake with swirls of chocolate or cinnamon, sugar and raisins
pointed out that my list lacked Kosher options. Unfortunately, all sandwiches are made better with cheese. That said, as someone from a religious background, I am uniquely qualified to offer an opinion on the top 10 Kosher Dishes. Any one of these dishes will improve your dinner, whether you are Jewish or just enjoy delicious food. These dishes are best served at home (except #7) with family and friends, not at a restaurant.10. Tzimis
A stew made of prunes, carrots, sweet potatoes ginger is optional. While I am not usually a fan of this dish, I had Belinda's and it was really rather special.
9. Chulent
A stew consisting of flanken, beans, barley, potatoes, kishka (stuffed derma), hard boiled eggs are optional
No one makes this as well as my mother. Anything consisting of meat, potatoes and kishka is a good thing
8. Kishka (AKA stuffed derma)A casing stuffed with matzo meal, flour, carrots and chicken fat. It is then baked. When you bake it it gets nice and crispy.
7. Tongue SandwichPerhaps the least appealing food for other cultures. Tongue is a perfect combination of fat and muscle. It makes for a delicious cold cut. With some spicy mustard on rye bread, this is delicious.
6. Cabbage Soup
My mother makes the best. She combines flanken, cabbage, tomatoes and vinegar and a whole lot of sugar. This is fantastic.
5. BrisketEveryone has a different preparation style; Karen makes it best. She uses Manishevitz concord wine, onion soup, ketchup, cayenne pepper and a secret ingredient. It is delicious.
4. KugelBe it potato, which is basically potatoes and Onions in a casserole dish, baked
or Noodle (sweet or salt and pepper)
Kugel is a must have for any Jewish meal.3. The Potato Latke
This is the hash brown on its best day. Shredded potatoes and onions made into a patty and deep fried. While it is a traditional Chanukah food, I enjoy them year round. If you want to start a fight with a Jew, ask them if they eat sour cream or apple sauce on their latkes, then pick the opposite of their answer as your favorite. In an attempt to thwart this argument, I celebrate both sour cream and apple sauce. My father uses ketchup.
2. Chicken SoupEasily the most identifiable Jewish food. Karen Garber makes this best. I actually prefer kreplach (meat dumplings) but many people like matzo balls.
1. Chopped LiverSaute chicken liver, onions fried in chicken fat, hard boiled eggs, chopped and blended together. Sort of like pate, only way better. I like it on a good piece of challah.
Also receiving consideration:
Challah - The most versatile of Jewish foods, but it's just bread. Regardless, it is the only bread I know of that is good without any topping. Also, there is no better French toast than Challah French toast; Nana used to like it thick and moist in the center
Jelly Rings - A must-have on your Passover dessert tray
Stuffed Cabbage - A cabbage leaf stuffed with meat and rice in tomato sauce. If you are Hungarian, yours includes raisins
Babka - I like cinnamon flavored, many people like chocolate more, regardless, it is a yeast based cake with swirls of chocolate or cinnamon, sugar and raisins
The Hot Dog
In my post yesterday about the 10 greatest sandwiches, I left off one very important item, the hot dog. To say I am a fan of this treat is an understatement (I once ate 9 at a Philadelphia Phillies Dollar Dog Day). While I do enjoy the Hot Dog, I have never considered it a sandwich. To you devotees of the dog I give you 5 fantastic ways to enjoy. Please note that this list is in no way a top 5 list. Every style of hot dog is wonderful and unique. No style is better than any other. This is list merely 5 ways that I have enjoyed eating hot dogs.
The Texas Tommy
A hot dog wrapped in bacon with American cheese on a standard roll
Crunchy, cheesy, chewy, delicious.
The Chicago Dog
A jumbo hot dog with tomato, a pickle, neon green relish, onions, sport peppers, mustard, and a pinch of pepper and celery salt on a poppy seed roll
A classic style that is as close as it gets to a hot dog being a sandwich. I enjoy all the toppings but some might find it distracting from the dog.
The New Yorker
A hot dog (dirty water or grilled, your choice) with mustard and sauerkraut on a standard roll
Nathan's does this well. I like a natural casing on the hot dog, it makes for a better snap.
The Chili Dog
A hot dog with chili and onions on a standard bun, cheese is optional
The Varsity (AKA the Slaw Dog)
A hot dog with cole slaw on a standard bun
This is a more southern style option. I am a fan of cole slaw on anything, I also add potato chips for a little extra crunch.
The Texas Tommy
A hot dog wrapped in bacon with American cheese on a standard roll
Crunchy, cheesy, chewy, delicious.
The Chicago DogA jumbo hot dog with tomato, a pickle, neon green relish, onions, sport peppers, mustard, and a pinch of pepper and celery salt on a poppy seed roll
A classic style that is as close as it gets to a hot dog being a sandwich. I enjoy all the toppings but some might find it distracting from the dog.
The New Yorker
A hot dog (dirty water or grilled, your choice) with mustard and sauerkraut on a standard roll
Nathan's does this well. I like a natural casing on the hot dog, it makes for a better snap.
The Chili DogA hot dog with chili and onions on a standard bun, cheese is optional
The Varsity (AKA the Slaw Dog)A hot dog with cole slaw on a standard bun
This is a more southern style option. I am a fan of cole slaw on anything, I also add potato chips for a little extra crunch.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Top 10 All Time Sandwiches
10. Turkey Club
Turkey, American Cheese, Mayo, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato; double Decker, cut in quarters on white toast
This sandwich is a diner classic. Also, how often do you find a sandwich that is quartered? There are many other club sandwiches, but this is the original.
9. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Chicken Cutlet with tomato sauce and Melted Mozzarella on Garlic Bread
This is the only chicken cutlet sandwich on the list. It is a classic that does not require obscure ingredients.
8. The BLT
Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Mayonnaise on toasted white bread
I like this better than the club sandwich. It is made with fewer ingredients and a lack of turkey prevents dryness.
7. The Lobster Roll
Lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise on a butter toasted New England style hot dog bun, cellery is often added to the mayonnaise.
6. Bagel with Cream Cheese
Be it the bagel with cream cheese and lox
Or the Bagel with Cream Cheese and Bacon (AKA-The kill your mother sandwich, so named because it would break my mother's heart to see me eat it)
These are both variations on a theme. Bagel, cream cheese and salty topping. Sliced onion, tomato, cucumber, salt and pepper are all optional.
5. The Reuben
Be it the standard: Corned Beef, Swiss, Russian Dressing and Sauerkraut grilled on Rye bread with butter
Or the Lady (AKA the Rachel)
Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Russian dressing and Cole Slaw grilled on Rye Bread with butter
The Reuben is a Perfect combination of salty with sour. This sandwich has always been something of a conundrum for me, the sandwich most associated with Jewish delis is not available at any of them what with the combination of meat and cheese.
4. The Grilled Cheese
American Cheese placed between two slices of bread that is buttered on the outside, place sandwich in frying pan, bacon and tomato are optional
American cheese really makes this sandwich achieve its full potential. Also, it requires on three ingredients and a frying pan.
3. The Cheeseburger
1/4lb hamburger patty, two slices of American Cheese, Mayonnaise and Pepper on a toasted bun. Lettuce, tomato, bacon, fried onions, onion rings, fried mushrooms, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, Peanut Butter, Jalapenos and any other toppings are optional
I saw this episode of Good Eats on the Food Network about the hamburger. Alton suggested using mayonnaise and pepper instead of pepper. I am hooked. Someone very close to me questions how something so perfectly delicious isn't Kosher. His thinking is "if Jews are the chosen people, shouldn't they be able to eat this?"
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly
Creamy Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly on white bread, toasting is optional
When you have no meat, no cheese, no knives, no frying pan...you always have a loaf of bread, peanut butter and jelly. It is the old stand by. But don't sell PB&J short. It is delicious, refreshing, not too high in calories and inexpensive.
1. The Cheesesteak
Sliced Steak, grilled with onions, once steak is cooked through, place slices of Provolone cheese on top of the meat and onions, place long roll on top of cheese and meat, ketchup and mushrooms are optional
Don't give me your whiz. Provolone is the way to go. Also, I am a fan of places that put the ketchup on the bread before they put the meat and cheese on there. This sandwich is delicious anywhere; it's sort of hard to make a bad one. That said, the best ones I have had are from Philadelphia. I have never had bread like Philly's anywhere else. Also, where can you find a better fattening sandwich than in Philly?
Also receiving consideration:
The Texas Turbo (AKA The Taxi/Truck Driver) - Roast Beef, Cheddar, bacon, bbq sauce on garlic bread (I like to add horseradish sauce)
The Thanksgiving Sandwich (The Gobbler, The Bobby) - Roast Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy
The Chicken Twister - Chicken Cutlet, Lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing, American cheese, avocado in a wrap (the only wrap I would even consider)
The Fillet of Fish - A fried fish fillet with American cheese, tarter sauce and lettuce on a club roll
Turkey, American Cheese, Mayo, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato; double Decker, cut in quarters on white toast
This sandwich is a diner classic. Also, how often do you find a sandwich that is quartered? There are many other club sandwiches, but this is the original.
9. Chicken Parmesan SandwichChicken Cutlet with tomato sauce and Melted Mozzarella on Garlic Bread
This is the only chicken cutlet sandwich on the list. It is a classic that does not require obscure ingredients.
8. The BLTBacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Mayonnaise on toasted white bread
I like this better than the club sandwich. It is made with fewer ingredients and a lack of turkey prevents dryness.
7. The Lobster Roll
Lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise on a butter toasted New England style hot dog bun, cellery is often added to the mayonnaise.
6. Bagel with Cream CheeseBe it the bagel with cream cheese and lox
Or the Bagel with Cream Cheese and Bacon (AKA-The kill your mother sandwich, so named because it would break my mother's heart to see me eat it)
These are both variations on a theme. Bagel, cream cheese and salty topping. Sliced onion, tomato, cucumber, salt and pepper are all optional.5. The Reuben
Be it the standard: Corned Beef, Swiss, Russian Dressing and Sauerkraut grilled on Rye bread with butter
Or the Lady (AKA the Rachel)Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Russian dressing and Cole Slaw grilled on Rye Bread with butter
The Reuben is a Perfect combination of salty with sour. This sandwich has always been something of a conundrum for me, the sandwich most associated with Jewish delis is not available at any of them what with the combination of meat and cheese.
4. The Grilled Cheese
American Cheese placed between two slices of bread that is buttered on the outside, place sandwich in frying pan, bacon and tomato are optional
American cheese really makes this sandwich achieve its full potential. Also, it requires on three ingredients and a frying pan.
3. The Cheeseburger1/4lb hamburger patty, two slices of American Cheese, Mayonnaise and Pepper on a toasted bun. Lettuce, tomato, bacon, fried onions, onion rings, fried mushrooms, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, Peanut Butter, Jalapenos and any other toppings are optional
I saw this episode of Good Eats on the Food Network about the hamburger. Alton suggested using mayonnaise and pepper instead of pepper. I am hooked. Someone very close to me questions how something so perfectly delicious isn't Kosher. His thinking is "if Jews are the chosen people, shouldn't they be able to eat this?"
2. Peanut Butter and JellyCreamy Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly on white bread, toasting is optional
When you have no meat, no cheese, no knives, no frying pan...you always have a loaf of bread, peanut butter and jelly. It is the old stand by. But don't sell PB&J short. It is delicious, refreshing, not too high in calories and inexpensive.
1. The CheesesteakSliced Steak, grilled with onions, once steak is cooked through, place slices of Provolone cheese on top of the meat and onions, place long roll on top of cheese and meat, ketchup and mushrooms are optional
Don't give me your whiz. Provolone is the way to go. Also, I am a fan of places that put the ketchup on the bread before they put the meat and cheese on there. This sandwich is delicious anywhere; it's sort of hard to make a bad one. That said, the best ones I have had are from Philadelphia. I have never had bread like Philly's anywhere else. Also, where can you find a better fattening sandwich than in Philly?
Also receiving consideration:
The Texas Turbo (AKA The Taxi/Truck Driver) - Roast Beef, Cheddar, bacon, bbq sauce on garlic bread (I like to add horseradish sauce)
The Thanksgiving Sandwich (The Gobbler, The Bobby) - Roast Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy
The Chicken Twister - Chicken Cutlet, Lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing, American cheese, avocado in a wrap (the only wrap I would even consider)
The Fillet of Fish - A fried fish fillet with American cheese, tarter sauce and lettuce on a club roll
Pastrami and Chopped Liver - Pastrami and Chopped liver on rye bread with spicy mustard
The Italian Sub - Salami, Capicola, Ham, Provolone Cheese, Lettuce Tomato, Vinegar and Oil on a Hoagie Roll
The Tuna Salad Sandwich - Tuna salad on rye bread with lettuce
The Tuna Melt - Tuna salad on rye bread with cheese, grilled
The Patty Melt - Hamburger on rye bread with Swiss cheese and sauteed onions
The Monte Cristo - Ham, Turkey and Swiss cheese between two pieces of Challah French toast, syrup on the side for dipping
The Tuna Salad Sandwich - Tuna salad on rye bread with lettuce
The Tuna Melt - Tuna salad on rye bread with cheese, grilled
The Patty Melt - Hamburger on rye bread with Swiss cheese and sauteed onions
The Monte Cristo - Ham, Turkey and Swiss cheese between two pieces of Challah French toast, syrup on the side for dipping
Monday, April 27, 2009
I DVR Antiques Roadshow
I DVR Antiques Roadshow on the off chance that something that I own will show up on there. How many antiques do I own? 2 or 3.
The better the napkins...
The better the napkins a restaurant has, the better the food. This only counts if an eatery has paper napkins. With cloth napkins, all bets are off.
Same goes for toilet paper.
Same goes for toilet paper.
William Shakespeare never existed
There is no proof that William Shakespeare was a single person. There are many theories that there were multiple playwrights who wrote as William Shakespeare.
Also, people thought he had an earring? Awesome.
Also, people thought he had an earring? Awesome.
A bit of miscommunication
Lisa: do me a favor?
Aryeh: sure
L: can you have a little photo shoot with the D&W water bottle now
pref. against a white background
A: where is the camera?
L: on the dresser
A: ok
L: Take a bunch (Aryeh goes to take and email pictures)
L: take a bunch
L: Take a bunch (Aryeh goes to take and email pictures)
L: take a bunchtry to make it look as clean and commercial as possible?
thank you lovey
A: i just took 6 of them
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Is the vest coming back?
I have seen like 5 people wearing vests in the past couple of days...Seriously?!!?!
I am so glad that beards and donuts are back
I'm so glad that beards and donuts are back.
This is a trend that I have been looking to start for years.
Hopefully faux hawks and veggies are on the way out.
Hopefully faux hawks and veggies are on the way out.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Why there is a ring around the ketchup bottle
Bugs float. In order to hide how many bugs are in their ketchup, ketchup companies originally glued a paper ring around the top, as seen here:
As time went by, the ketchup companies improved their production process. Now the bugs are ground more finely but the paper ring remains.
As time went by, the ketchup companies improved their production process. Now the bugs are ground more finely but the paper ring remains.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Seats at Starbucks
I am convinced that the seats at Starbucks are just comfortable enough so you can do work while you are there, but not comfortable enough to spend too much time there. The seats allow a maximum seated time of 2 hours.
As a rule...
As a rule I do not play any kind of lottery where numbers are picked either randomly or by me. However, I do play scratch-off lottery games. For some reason, I feel like I am working harder for the money with a scratch-off and am therefore more likely to win.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Copper Bathtub? Bad Idea
Salt is a basic ingredient in sweat. When you take a bath, the water washes the sweat, including the salt, off of your body. This is what happens when copper is exposed to salt:
Would you want to bathe in that? I don't think so.
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