The next round of my Thanksgiving Dinner Firehouse Challenge put real mashed potatoes vs. instant mashed potatoes. I understand the lure of instant mashed potatoes. You want comfort and you want it now. I love them so much that if food could be your spirit animal, mine would be … [Read more...] about Real Mashed Potatoes vs. Instant
Pantry & Supermarket Tips
Challenge: Supermarket turkey vs. Organic Bird
A turkey may seem like a humble, if popular, bird but it's yielding increasing discussion in the food world. Is it worth it to buy a more expensive turkey? Is organic a good upgrade? One study found that generic turkeys contained high levels of bacteria; researchers pointed to … [Read more...] about Challenge: Supermarket turkey vs. Organic Bird
Recipe: Blueberry Jam Like My Grandpa Charles’
"Who are you?" Mike asked. "What are you talking about?" I replied. He waved his hand over the counter and dozens of jars. "Have you become your grandmother? You're canning like a maniac." "No, I am not becoming my grandmother," I sniffed indignantly. "You read the book. This is … [Read more...] about Recipe: Blueberry Jam Like My Grandpa Charles’
Firehouse Challenge: Cranberry Sauce
Growing up, I assumed that cranberries grew in the shape of a can. I am not alone. When I was nine, my Aunt Judy made cranberry relish from whole berries and nothing was the same again. I was only a kid, yet realized that when it came to canned cranberries vs. fresh, there's no … [Read more...] about Firehouse Challenge: Cranberry Sauce
How to Outfit a Kitchen on a Budget or 14 Kitchen Essentials Every Cook Needs
What are kitchen essentials? People have been quite successful making food in the past centuries with little more than a pot, spoon, bowl, knife and cutting surface. Years ago, I started a guide for college students but I've expanded it to a list for anyone who is outfitting a … [Read more...] about How to Outfit a Kitchen on a Budget or 14 Kitchen Essentials Every Cook Needs
