Fire, Steel, & Doughnuts

Why do we like to eat what we eat?

2007-03-14T18:04:00.000-05:00

Are you one of those "texture" people? You know, a person who doesn't eat something because it feels funny in your mouth or looks weird on your plate. Take tapioca pudding for example, I know people who hate it because of the texture. I think it's delicious...regardless of it's texture! This article from Psychology Today helps explain why we like what we like. It's a great read!

The full article...

What the hell is Imidazolidinyl Urea??

2007-03-10T23:41:00.000-05:00

I didn't know either until I looked it up. I stumbled across a list of all of those ingredients with funny, sometimes scary names that are commonly found in most things we use everyday. Turn over your package of Ramen noddles or your favorite shampoo and decode what your really using. Some of this stuff sounds scary.

The full article...

Also, here is little background on some of these ingredients, dyes, additives and the guidelines for their use set forth by the FDA. Wow!

The full article...

Certain things you shouldn't try to eat while driving...DUH!!

2007-03-09T18:19:00.000-05:00

Articles like this *shouldn't* have to be written. Remember this one next time you order that rack of ribs...to go.

..."Eating while you drive is one of the most distracting things you can do, according to several recent surveys by insurance companies and data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)."...

The full article...

Hottest of the hot!!!

2007-03-04T20:46:00.000-05:00

I love hot peppers, but my fiance LOVES hot peppers. I think she gets it from her dad. I like hot peppers best on pizza, in chili, and Mexican food, however, I don't like the ones that are so hot, it takes away all of the taste of the food. You know the ones I am talking about. The ones that find each and every one of your taste buds and slaughters them.
I was looking for new recipe ideas involving hotties when I came across the new found Bhut Jolokia. It means "ghost chili"...that just sounds evil. Reporting indicates this is the hottest pepper edible. We all know hotness is measured by Scoville units. I had to see how this bad boy rated so I check the scale. Check out what it's compared too!! Anyone out there brave enough to try one of these, let me know.

The full article...

What is the Scoville scale?

Mom's Favorite Recipes #1

2007-02-24T14:08:00.000-05:00

Figured since this was blog about all things food, I would do a series of my favorite recipes growing up. Of course my Mom gets all the credit for these. I was born and raised in the Midwest, so most of these recipes are for simple, old fashioned, country fare. Some of you may find them boring or bland, but rest assured, they are anything but. Please feel free to try them out, even embellish them anyway you see fit, if you do, please tell me about your experience. Enjoy!

Hamburger, Corn, Potato Casserole (Sounds complicated, right?)

WHAT YOU NEED:

-1 lbs. Ground Beef-2 cans of your favorite cream-style corn
-1 regular size bag of frozen hash brown-style potatoes (You can use potatoes O'Brien or simple shredded potatoes.)
-1 to 11/2 cup of milk (Depending on how thick you like the gravy. Normally skim doesn't work so well.)
Salt and pepper to taste.

DIRECTIONS:

(Preheat oven to 350 degrees)
1. Completely brown and drain hamburger
2. Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray (Pam or an equivalent is fine.)
3. Mix browned hamburger, the 2 cans of corn, the potatoes, and the milk together in a casserole dish, salt and pepper to taste (Use your judgement on the size of the dish, you don't want to over fill it.)
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes
5. Enjoy!!

See, very simple and nutritious. You can add any of your favorite spices to mix, like oregano (or Italian spice mix), or pepper flakes, even sprinkle cheese into it pre-bake or on top when its done. You can add just about anything. This dish is very versatile and always satisfys. Try it and you'll see. Thanks, Mom!!

Btw, this goes best with fresh homemade bread and real butter.