Tuesday, January 31, 2012

What IS it About Buffalo Wings?

It's time for a snack food revolution. Something new for sports-related high holidays such as the Super Bowl.

All the food Facebook pages, blogs, etc. are talking about chicken wings, so I'm trying to break down what makes them so darned popular. Not to mention delicious.

The wings themselves are crispy, unctious, chewy, salty, spicy, and vinegary. The typical accompaniament of blue cheese sauce adds creaminess, additional saltiness, and a touch of bitter tartness. Celery contrasts everything with its palate cleansingly cool crunch.

In other words, Buffalo wings provide every flavor profile except sweet. (Some versions even add that, though I can't approve of them. Nor should they include the word "Buffalo" in their name.)

Have a look at the birthplace of these tangy treats:



You can learn more about their history at the bar's website: http://www.anchorbar.com/.

When discussing Buffalo wings, you can't not talk about hot sauce. In this case, the king of hot sauces. Frank's RedHot Sauce.


Apparently some people put the stuff on EVERYTHING.


But back to my initial premise. The combination of hot, spicy, crunchy, tart, crispy, smooth, cool and creamy is obviously a winner.

Now to come up with an alternative and start the next big Super Bowl snacking craze...

No pressure. I've got four days.


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Product Recommendation: Betty Crocker Gingerbread Mix


Some of you may be thinking I'm a month or so late with this post, and I admit: those some have a point.

For the record, I did write a post about gingerbread in that most gingerbready of seasons. But since the weather here is only beginning to get frightful, it's still a great time of year for warm, spicy cake, fresh out of the oven.

And that's what I made this afternoon.

My oh my was it good.

I don't usually do product recommendations, but in this case I have to make an exception. Here's why.
  1. The mix only requires water and 1 egg. (True confession time: I was out of eggs, and so substituted an egg-sized dollop of mayonnaise.)
  2. The directions call for mixing it together right in the baking pan. No extra dishes to wash! LOVE!
  3. The smell was heavenly, and the gingerbread is moist, flavorful, soft, spicy, and tender.
It almost literally could not be easier. And I don't mean virtually. I mean literally.

I think this mix is going to become a pantry staple. Not only is it great for whipping together something warm and sweet on a snowy, blowy day, I'm already thinking up ways it could be glammed up when I need an easy to prepare dessert  to complete a meal I've fussed over for friends.

Give it a try. You just might love it.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Shooting's Fun for Everyone... Except the Squirrels

Just for the record, this is not a political statement. I'm neither for nor against guns. But golly gee, this is just such a great picture that I had to post it!


Just in case you've been out having some fun and it is squirrel hunting season in your neck of the woods, here's a recipe for you.


That danged squirrel practically cooks itself!

Serve with rice, especially if you need to feed a crowd.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

You Had Me at "Imitation Flavor"

I do believe I could devote an entire blog to Jell-o in all its vintage goodness.

Take this fine specimen:


As if mixed vegetable isn't enough, this is imitation flavor.

I don't understand. How on earth could it be easier to create a fake version of the flavor of mixed veggies than to cook or dehydrate them down and distill their essence?

Better eating through chemistry I suppose.

Here are some pictures of what used to be made from this stuff. Be inspired.




I like this last one best of all. Nothing says loving like eyeball, celery, and American cheese Jell-o.



Friday, January 6, 2012

Saved by Celery!


Finally help for the rheumatic sole.

Imagine: 26 pounds of celery power in each tiny perle! Who has time to eat that much celery? My jaws would be tired after the first seven.

To heck with buying decent shoes. I'm off to find some Fuller Celery Perles.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Two Great Hates that Go Great Together!


I happen to love both Spam and Lima beans, but I am, admittedly, in the minority.

And what better way to make the combination of Spam and Lima beans even more objectionable to the average Joe? Spice it up with a "Spanish" sauce containing sugar and lard!

Oh Spam. You are so very ah-inspiring.