Sunday - May 24, 2020

Holiday cookout winner

This is the “francheesie”, a deep fried, cheddar stuffed, bacon wrapped hot dog served in a pretzel bun. A Chicago thing.

Total salt overload, but I bet it tastes great. A couple of the hot dog places around here serve Vienna Beef dogs, and I think they’re pretty good. A nice balance of snap, flavor, volume, etc. Worth a try if you can get them.

As much as I love pretzels, I’d use a regular bun instead. And I’d get the same taste without the mess by just frying the bacon dog and putting some cheese sauce on top.

Heck, I’d probably parboil both the hot dogs and the bacon to get some of the salt out first, let them drip dry, and then a quick dip in the deep fryer. Or use a lower salt dog. We usually buy the Sabrett dogs, which are tasty, thin, and rather salty. A low salt Ball Park might be a better choice here.

But I bet they taste great either way.

Happy grilling!

Posted by Drew458     on 05/24/2020 at 10:39 AM   
Filed Under: • Food • Fun-Stuff • Holidays •  
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   Saturday - December 28, 2019

Holiday Recap, And If You Don’t Play You Can’t Win

Ok, I’m back. I was forced - forced I tell you - to take a few days off the blog due to holiday activities. We went to the annual Christmas Eve blowout at the cousin’s, and it was wild as always. Tons of food, loads of people. Much noise, much fun. Much alcohol. Got in at least 8 kinds of fish plus lots of everything else. I walked in the door and out came the butter and the bread knife, and this year’s giant loaf I made was eaten up in less than 10 minutes. Her cheesecake was the centerpiece of desert, although those guys were still out in the backyard frying up more fish and squid at 11pm. They go all night. Too much for us. Managed to get home at 3 minutes til Christmas. Did our own Christmas morning opening stuff - I really miss having a dog to “help” with the unwrapping; cats just aren’t into going wild with the piles of gift wrap - then went up to mom’s for a good long visit. Mom really scored this year, with so many things to open that she needed a break. Got back here late in the evening and happily slept until 10:30 the next morning.

And then we baked some more. She made yet another cheesecake - bless our Kitchenaid mixer, it really does the job - to take to our new friends at Cheap League. I made a batch of pretzels for them too, but they suffered a baking mishap so I only brought them two. The damn things glued themselves to the baking sheet, which I now have to soak for a day or so to try and get the crusts off. Pretzels get dipped in lye; that gives them the pretzel flavor. The lye water is caustic. In the past I’ve had brown parchment paper from King Arthur, but lately I’ve been using the white parchment paper that I can get locally. It’s not the same. Back in April, my last batch of pretzels stuck to the paper.  I didn’t use any this time, and they stuck to the baking sheet. Either I have to order a roll of the brown stuff, or try using one of those silicon sheets. I have two somewhere around here. But even with part of their undersides torn off, the pretzels were a big hit. If you like soft pretzels, my recipe is about the best you’re ever going to find. It’s a lot of work, but once you have one you’ll never be satisfied with a store made pretzel again.

~~~

And that brings us, finally, to bowling. The other team didn’t show up last night, and they didn’t pre-bowl. Oh sure, one of them kept calling the alley - “wait for me, I’m on my way” - but he never got there. So we had to roll against their absentee scores. We lost the first game by just a few points, and then went on to win the next two. Our newbie teammate made the 4-7-10 split, a holiday miracle. I called it, crudely, when her ball was halfway down the lane. She was thunderstruck; her ball just kissed the 4 pin and then got the 7, and the 4 pin slid slowly across the deck, not even wobbling, and dinked the 10 pin and they both fell. It’s one of the harder splits to make and a real thrill. So that was awesome. A while later my wife won the score match card game and won the pot that had accumulated for a month. $160. Sweet! The game is simple: Early in the third game a couple bowlers are selected to pick a card from a deck. It’s value, 0 - 9, counts as the first number. The second bowler picks a card from another deck. The two numbers together make up the winning number, and the matching scores from Game 2 win. So if a 5 and a 4 are drawn, then the number is 54, which means scores of 54, 154, and 254 are winners. Even with 40 people playing the game, most of the time there isn’t a match, and everybody’s weekly $1 just stays in the pot. So that was an awesome thing too.

The two of us were up at the lanes yesterday too. I gave her a new pair of fancy bowling shoes for Christmas and she had to give them a try. The place was crowded in the mid afternoon, and the lanes were burnt; used up. Our balls were hooking massively; I had to stand 5 boards over to even make my line, and still the ball was going Brooklyn most of the time. So it was crazy, but fun. I put on my robo-brace for more fun, and was able to rev the daylights out of the ball. And I guess I’m finally ready for it, because the throw felt right, and I was able to keep that feeling and get a bit under the ball last night at Cheap League. So my hook is getting stronger. I’m happy with that.

Our team’s scores weren’t anything astronomical, but they were good enough. So we took the night 5-0. Not 5-2. Like I said, the other team didn’t show up, so they forfeited. Bowling uses an “earn the points” method, which means that if your team is a no-show, you won’t win any points even if the other team can’t beat your absentee score. If you don’t play, you can’t win. And you still have to pay for that night too.

Posted by Drew458     on 12/28/2019 at 09:16 AM   
Filed Under: • Bowling Blogging • Holidays • Christmas •  
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   Tuesday - December 24, 2019

Hanukkah Message From Outer Space

How Do You Light A Candle In Zero Gravity?

Jessica Meir posted a picture on Sunday with a holiday message from the best possible vantage for a worldwide view of the holiday season.

“Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate it on Earth! #HappyHanukkah,” Meir tweeted Sunday evening, along with a picture of her feet, wearing cozy neon Hanukkah socks covered in Menorahs and Stars of David. Beyond, our little blue sphere continues its trek around the sun.

Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate it on Earth! #HappyHanukkah pic.twitter.com/FKC2M5iXni

— Jessica Meir (@Astro_Jessica) December 23, 2019

Meir, along with fellow astronaut Christina Koch, led the first all-female spacewalk aboard the International Space Station in October. “It symbolizes exploration by all that dare to dream and work hard to achieve that dream,” Meir said at the time.

Meir arrived on the ISS in late September and is scheduled to remain aboard for another six months before her return. Next year, she may have to settle for a festival of lights set against the flickering glow of candles, rather than the unmatched expanse of stars. Still, despite its lack of traditional trappings, this year’s celebration looks to be a special one.

Oh, and as for the candles ... lack of gravity makes a big difference.

Posted by Drew458     on 12/24/2019 at 09:58 AM   
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Merry Christmas To All

I don’t want to post about politics today. Or about crimes, or murders, or any of the other depressing garbage that is news in the world around us. Instead I want to wish all of you the best possible holiday, with peace, love, and happiness. And lots of extra patience for dealing with your guests who might turn out to be really annoying.

Ok, I think all our packages have arrived. I know I’ve got everything wrapped. Laundry is done, the kitchen isn’t a disaster and the garbage is out. Time to make two loaves of bread and some mincemeat bars. As always, we’re off to her cousin’s Christmas Eve event this afternoon, and then up to my mom’s place tomorrow. That’s a lot of driving. 250 miles for both round trips. Better top off the gas tank too. Do I have time to get a haircut? Oh, and I need to get some German beer, so I can whip out a batch of pretzels for Friday night. I guess I can sleep Saturday? At least we’re getting a break in the weather; it’s not that cold out and the chance of snow or rain is really really slim. Good.

Posted by Drew458     on 12/24/2019 at 08:56 AM   
Filed Under: • Holidays • Christmas •  
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   Saturday - December 21, 2019

Holiday Thanks

Two things I’m really thankful for this time of year, when it comes to wrapping Christmas gifts.

The first is my endless gratitude to whoever it was who first put the grid pattern on the back of wrapping paper. My friend, you are a life saver.

The second is for the large 9” Fiskars Razor Edge scissors. The Dressmaker Shears. You can get them in lots of places locally or online. They work. Period. We keep a special pair in the wrapping paper bucket, which never get knocked about or nicked up from other household snipping tasks. We have several other similar pairs around the house, I’ve got their poultry shears in my toolbag, and we have the special ceramic sharpener for them too. A few passes through the sharpener, and these things really are razor blades. Zero effort to slice off long smooth cuts of paper; you barely even need to squeeze the handles or push the blades. They fly. About $20 and worth every penny.

I guess I should add quality cellophane tape to my list, like the Scotch Magic Transparent stuff. So far I’m doing Ok with the dregs of a couple rolls we got the other year from the dollar store. But the Scotch stuff is way better.

Posted by Drew458     on 12/21/2019 at 04:10 PM   
Filed Under: • Holidays • Christmas •  
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   Tuesday - November 26, 2019

good enuff

Utterly exhausted now, but the whole house is reasonably clean, the kitchen is spotless, all the laundry is done and put away, dishes done, garbage out, shopping complete, bathroom cleaned, cats fed.

Sure, I could vacuum and dust a bit more, but come on. Good enough. I’ll just set the lights to dim and nobody will notice.

Posted by Drew458     on 11/26/2019 at 09:52 PM   
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   Tuesday - April 12, 2016

any excuse will do

It’s true! It really is Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day! [ and, while I would not combine the two, but to each his own, it is also National Licorice Day* ]

Some say the stately “GCS” had it’s roots in ancient Rome. Others say it didn’t really come about until factory sliced bread was widely available. Others have odd ideas about making them, using the toaster or the microwave. And the debate over the cheese is endless: Pre-sliced American, thinly sliced Cheddar, hey maybe let’s try Swiss, and let’s do pumpernickel instead of white bread. Still others just can’t resist temptation and have to add things, like tomato slices, bits of hot peppers or green peppers, various seasoning. And then there are those glassy eyed frightening types ... like this girl ...

who would probably spread store-brand Cheeze Wizz on raw bread and call it done. And then go on a killing spree. With serrated knives and peanut butter.

My way is my mom’s way, mostly.  You start with getting the butter out an hour ahead of time. Then you open up a loaf of a good quality white bread, like Arnold. None of this fluffy spongy stuff like Wonder. Heat the griddle gently to a low-medium heat, and lightly butter the outside of two slices of bread. A quick wipe of mayonnaise on the inside, and each slice of bread gets one slice of yellow American cheese. The real stuff from the deli if you can afford it, Borden’s from the dairy aisle if you can’t. Butter side down into the pan, and let them cook. In a couple of minutes use a metal spatula to peek underneath; nicely browned but not scorched is what you want. The cheese has melted by now, so drop on any additions, like two thin slices of a ripe tomato, drained and dried on paper towels. This is one time to avoid the bacon, because we’re not making BLTs with cheese. Let the cheese have it’s day. Don’t even add Bacos. Not today. A little ham slice is Ok.

Flip the two slices together, cut on the diagonal, and serve with a bunch of chips and a nice hot bowl of Campbell’s Cream of Tomato soup. Made with whole milk of course, not 2%, and not 1/2 water, 1/2 milk. All milk. Hey, might as well pour a fresh cold glass of milk to go along with it. Sit and eat, and for 10 minutes you can be 7 again. Now, sit up straight and don’t let me catch you feeding the dog any of those chips.

* A note to Licorice Day celebrants: If it ain’t black, it ain’t licorice. You’re not fooling anyone with that red crap, especially not today. Anise extract, licorice root, molasses. No artificial strawberry anything. That’s rubber candy whips, not licorice.

Posted by Drew458     on 04/12/2016 at 12:01 AM   
Filed Under: • Fine-Dining • Holidays •  
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   Sunday - December 27, 2015

third christmas

First we did the Christmas Eve party at the cousins, with dozens of relatives and friends.

Then we did Christmas Day here with a dozen more relatives.

Now we’re taking a day trip to do Christmas once again with a few more of them.

Then when we get back here this evening, Christmas will finally be over.

And we can start the loop all over again for New Year’s!!!

Oy.

Posted by Drew458     on 12/27/2015 at 09:28 AM   
Filed Under: • Holidays • Christmas •  
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   Friday - December 25, 2015

Christmas Morning

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a day free from political argument. That’s going to be hard to do.

Posted by Drew458     on 12/25/2015 at 10:28 AM   
Filed Under: • Eye-Candy • Holidays • Christmas •  
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   Thursday - December 24, 2015

merry christmas to all.  well, don’t kno bout all. ok. libtards too cos it’s the season.

I don’t imagine there are many folks surfing today. Especially late as it is here. Late for me that is. Dark, rainy, cold and only 4:30.
Of course, where Drew and Vilmar are, it isn’t yet noon.  I guess there are lots from different time zones.

Might not be anyone at all tomorrow, Christmas day. But what the heck .... even if just one person happens by it’s worth the time to wish that person and all the truly great folks here at BMEWS, a (hopefully) very Merry and Joyous Christmas.  You are an outstanding group of people and apologies if that causes any embarrassment.  But it really is true.  If I have any complaint with you, it’s that none are in public office.  Not one that I am aware of is even interested.  And what a damn shame that is, because I do honestly believe and no smoke blowing here, that you folks are way brighter than the powers that be who rule us.  And btw, how’d you let that happen?  It isn’t the fault of Bush after all. It’s yours.

Hey ... your country needs you.

Posted by peiper     on 12/24/2015 at 11:31 AM   
Filed Under: • Holidays • Christmas •  
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crivens

Neighbor called me up this evening, tells me my car’s trunk lid is open. And we’re having a deluge. Of course. So I grab a jacket and run out and check, and it’s not my car, it’s hers. So I close the lid, thank you kind neighbor, and I’m soaked. And the rain stops. Mostly. I’m very glad we’re having a bit of a weather anomaly right now, because we’re getting a solid week of rain, still needed from our rather dry summer. But if it was cold, and all of that was snow instead, we’d be buried. Kind of just like last year. I don’t want to go through that again, ever.

Right. So I get dry, get some food in me, and go off to my evening job. And it starts to rain again, but not so hard. And the driver’s side power window gives out, 3/4 closed. Rats. Won’t go up or down. Well whaddya want? The old Satrun is 19 years old with a quarter million miles on it. Bound to be some issues sooner or later. And you know stuff like this always happens when the weather is lousy and when your time is short. Like the day before the big holiday weekend. So I taped a couple of plastic bags over the door, and we’ll drive her car this time. I’ll figure out how to fix the thing, or at least get the window closed.

And now, it’s time to go to sleep. First thing tomorrow, shopping! And returns! And trips to the grocery store! And housework by the ton!! Woo hoo, guess who won’t be sleeping late tomorrow?? Me!! Crap. 

Posted by Drew458     on 12/24/2015 at 12:15 AM   
Filed Under: • Holidays • Christmas •  
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   Wednesday - November 25, 2015

furious prep

I am baking, madly. Furiously. Is there any other way to go about it? Pies. Pecan, blueberry, mincemeat. Maybe an apple one? We’ll see. “Bring desert” they said. “For 11” they said. So that’s what, 3 pies? Because nobody has “oh just give me a tiny sliver” with my pies and then doesn’t come back for the rest of the slice. Never.

Right. Then to my mom’s on the weekend ... so 5 pies? Crivens, I might have to make more dough. Or run to the store and get a topper or two. And some pineapple rings!!

Hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving.

Here ... a recipe so easy a child could do it. Well, a child you can trust with a knife and a ladle in the kitchen. basic cream of celery soup, enough for 4 medium bowls full.

http://www.copykat.com/2014/05/02/cream-of-celery-soup-recipe-2/

Posted by Drew458     on 11/25/2015 at 02:14 PM   
Filed Under: • Holidays •  
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   Saturday - April 04, 2015

holiday weekend

Having an extra busy time here, getting set for another exciting double leg road trip for a holiday weekend. Moved my weekend work to Friday and Monday. Did Easter and Birthday shopping. Got a nice ham to cook up, not too big, one of those easy eating spiral sliced ones.

We had the bye at Fun League, and J was absent, so it was just the two of us. We won all 7 points, although just barely on Game 3. Good enough, and we were out of there nice and early. I’ve got to run around this morning, hit the bank, hit the gas station, maybe hit the grocery store to get a little bag of chocolate bunnies ("Don’t get any candy!” they say. But come on; it’s Easter. And I do love me some black jelly beans, and the fancy kind with all the oddball flavors). Pack a bag with a couple of outfits, then it’s time to drive. One relative’s house for an Easter Saturday dinner, then up the parkway to overnight at another’s, for Easter Sunday. And a birthday.

And I’ve got to get some tax information squared away this morning.

And I better get a pile of quarters for the Parkway ... NJ’s most famous highway*, which has a toll booth every few miles from one end to the other.

We were going to decorate some eggs, so she boiled up a dozen. I found them in the fridge. Brown eggs. So I drew little happy bunnies on them with a Sharpie. Good enough.

Happy Easter to everyone, and a Happy Passover to everyone else if Easter isn’t your thing. 

Posted by Drew458     on 04/04/2015 at 08:24 AM   
Filed Under: • Holidays •  
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   Wednesday - December 31, 2014

happy new year

I got nothing.

I won’t be able to post much until Monday. And it isn’t even Thursday yet.  Gak.

So I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year.  I suppose I’ll stay up and watch the stuff on TV, but I could care less, really. I really haven’t had anyone to have a New Year’s party with since 1982, so it’s never been any kind of event for me.

Posted by Drew458     on 12/31/2014 at 11:26 PM   
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