Theodore=1
Linda =1
Moral: Eat cherry cake very carefully!!!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Restaurant Report Cards
Good morning.
I think there ought to be and probably are out there, printed-up report cards for restaurants. If I were making some (And I may do just that) this is what I'd put on them:
Dear Restaurant Owner:
I just had a meal at your establishment. Due to the varying quality of the food served at various places, I have made up a grading scale, easily interpreted, to judge the quality of your food presentations.
1 to 5 stars; 5 being the best.
Tonight I had:
Salad................2 (salad dull, tasteless, tacky)
Broiled sirloin....2 (Ill prepared with a burnt dry taste and probably of poor quality beef)
Baked potato.....4 (Micro'ed but the best thing on the plate and the only thing worth eating. )
"Mixed vegetables"...3 (The carrot rings were hard, the summer squash pieces were perfect except for the parts of stem that were cut in with them, the wide green beans raw, the broccoli ok, the cauliflower ok but the whole thing was watery and tasteless.)
Those were the parts of the Sr Citizen Dinner. Jimmy's used to offer as part of the dinner a dessert which was: choice of rice pudding, bread pudding, tapioca, jello or ice cream. These little desserts were well prepared and looked forward to. Now, it was jello or ice cream. I had chocolate ice cream, and it was good. I wanted rice pudding but, hah.
My husband had chicken fried steak (I tasted it and it had thick cream gravy which tasted like sausage meat) and he liked it. He also had cottage cheese in place of potatoes and the mixed vegetables. He had the ice cream. Instead of a salad, he had clam chowder which he wouldnt eat at home on a bet. I asked him why he'd ordered it and he said it is because it was the first thing mentioned.
Well, this is obviously too much to put onto a card so I am going to have to re-think the process. But you people need to be judged. We paid over forty dollars when you add in the tip for this repast. On a scale of one to five it was worth maybe ten. YAZZYBEL
I think there ought to be and probably are out there, printed-up report cards for restaurants. If I were making some (And I may do just that) this is what I'd put on them:
Dear Restaurant Owner:
I just had a meal at your establishment. Due to the varying quality of the food served at various places, I have made up a grading scale, easily interpreted, to judge the quality of your food presentations.
1 to 5 stars; 5 being the best.
Tonight I had:
Salad................2 (salad dull, tasteless, tacky)
Broiled sirloin....2 (Ill prepared with a burnt dry taste and probably of poor quality beef)
Baked potato.....4 (Micro'ed but the best thing on the plate and the only thing worth eating. )
"Mixed vegetables"...3 (The carrot rings were hard, the summer squash pieces were perfect except for the parts of stem that were cut in with them, the wide green beans raw, the broccoli ok, the cauliflower ok but the whole thing was watery and tasteless.)
Those were the parts of the Sr Citizen Dinner. Jimmy's used to offer as part of the dinner a dessert which was: choice of rice pudding, bread pudding, tapioca, jello or ice cream. These little desserts were well prepared and looked forward to. Now, it was jello or ice cream. I had chocolate ice cream, and it was good. I wanted rice pudding but, hah.
My husband had chicken fried steak (I tasted it and it had thick cream gravy which tasted like sausage meat) and he liked it. He also had cottage cheese in place of potatoes and the mixed vegetables. He had the ice cream. Instead of a salad, he had clam chowder which he wouldnt eat at home on a bet. I asked him why he'd ordered it and he said it is because it was the first thing mentioned.
Well, this is obviously too much to put onto a card so I am going to have to re-think the process. But you people need to be judged. We paid over forty dollars when you add in the tip for this repast. On a scale of one to five it was worth maybe ten. YAZZYBEL
Friday, August 10, 2012
Cherry Season
Good day!
I am making George Lang's My Mother's Cherry Cake from his Hungarian Cookbook. Those who want the recipe, put those words into Google and you will come up with many references to it including Y'bel's previous blog.
I dont know how good this will be. I cook better hungry, and I had already eaten lunch. But--it can't be too bad.
I followed directions to the letter, but the egg whites for some reason did not fluff up...they kind of got super-thickened and that was it. Well, we'll see.
But when I got to the buttering the pan part and putting in the bread crumbs, I had a little problem: no commercial bread crumbs and no white bread around. Then I remembered a drying white French loaf so I got that out with a grater. When I saw those little fresh crumbs falling onto that butter, I knew I had Betty Crocker licked a mile.
I had a pound of fresh cherries, and used about a half pound. I didn't want the top of it swamped in cherries. I have a wonderful cherry-pitter given me by Benjamin, one of those birthday presents (by request) that will always come in handy if only once a year. So after the dough was on top of the bread crumbs, I pitted away and laid the pieces on top of the dough. One caution, pit the cherries away from the cake dough because those little devils will jump into the dough and sink, awaiting the gluttonous unwary. Be careful.
The cake won't come out for about a half hour, so I can't tell you more about the results than a prediction: It will be delicious. YAZZYBEL
I am making George Lang's My Mother's Cherry Cake from his Hungarian Cookbook. Those who want the recipe, put those words into Google and you will come up with many references to it including Y'bel's previous blog.
I dont know how good this will be. I cook better hungry, and I had already eaten lunch. But--it can't be too bad.
I followed directions to the letter, but the egg whites for some reason did not fluff up...they kind of got super-thickened and that was it. Well, we'll see.
But when I got to the buttering the pan part and putting in the bread crumbs, I had a little problem: no commercial bread crumbs and no white bread around. Then I remembered a drying white French loaf so I got that out with a grater. When I saw those little fresh crumbs falling onto that butter, I knew I had Betty Crocker licked a mile.
I had a pound of fresh cherries, and used about a half pound. I didn't want the top of it swamped in cherries. I have a wonderful cherry-pitter given me by Benjamin, one of those birthday presents (by request) that will always come in handy if only once a year. So after the dough was on top of the bread crumbs, I pitted away and laid the pieces on top of the dough. One caution, pit the cherries away from the cake dough because those little devils will jump into the dough and sink, awaiting the gluttonous unwary. Be careful.
The cake won't come out for about a half hour, so I can't tell you more about the results than a prediction: It will be delicious. YAZZYBEL
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Go-Togethers
In my mail, a page full of recipes combining various fruits and vegetables for refreshing summer combo's.
We can't combine just everything or anything. Or can we? Everyone does, nowadays. If it isn't fused, it isn't used.
Still, "Tomato-Melon Salad" just doesn't strike right on my ear. I am sure it's delicious. But--
Tomatoes are so dominant in their way. They have all those little seeds, and the jellylike matrix of the seeds, which has its own particular taste...and the ripeness and the strain of the tomato makes a big difference.
ALSO. All the melons I get now were picked green and ripened with some alien gases probably in a big anti-fungal warehouse somewhere. They have a strange flavor and terrible texture.
I know, I need to go to the Farmer's Market. I don't, much. Being a senior citizen. That's my excuse. I do need to shop for better fruit.
When I was a kid and we lived in Laredo, Texas,---you wouldn't believe the wonderful melons we used to get in summertime. They were grown in the ideal melon growing country near El Paso, said my grandfather, who received them with gratitude and appreciation. They were sweet, soft, fragrant, and full of the mysterious savor of canteloupe.
Yesterday when Patricia was here, we had tower of enchiladas (the pork, tortillas, and sauce left over from the tacos I made earlier in the week, all stacked up in layers and topped with cheese) and we also had "Salad of the Season"==thank you for the name, COCO's== with thinly sliced red onions, field greens, and whatever seasonal fruit is available. Mine had sliced nectarines and raspberries with a sweetish dressing. Very delicious. Sliced toasted almonds would have been good too but I didnt have any. And yes, those onions and those fruits went together perfectly, thank you. YAZZYBEL
We can't combine just everything or anything. Or can we? Everyone does, nowadays. If it isn't fused, it isn't used.
Still, "Tomato-Melon Salad" just doesn't strike right on my ear. I am sure it's delicious. But--
Tomatoes are so dominant in their way. They have all those little seeds, and the jellylike matrix of the seeds, which has its own particular taste...and the ripeness and the strain of the tomato makes a big difference.
ALSO. All the melons I get now were picked green and ripened with some alien gases probably in a big anti-fungal warehouse somewhere. They have a strange flavor and terrible texture.
I know, I need to go to the Farmer's Market. I don't, much. Being a senior citizen. That's my excuse. I do need to shop for better fruit.
When I was a kid and we lived in Laredo, Texas,---you wouldn't believe the wonderful melons we used to get in summertime. They were grown in the ideal melon growing country near El Paso, said my grandfather, who received them with gratitude and appreciation. They were sweet, soft, fragrant, and full of the mysterious savor of canteloupe.
Yesterday when Patricia was here, we had tower of enchiladas (the pork, tortillas, and sauce left over from the tacos I made earlier in the week, all stacked up in layers and topped with cheese) and we also had "Salad of the Season"==thank you for the name, COCO's== with thinly sliced red onions, field greens, and whatever seasonal fruit is available. Mine had sliced nectarines and raspberries with a sweetish dressing. Very delicious. Sliced toasted almonds would have been good too but I didnt have any. And yes, those onions and those fruits went together perfectly, thank you. YAZZYBEL
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Back to Aurora
Good day.
Back again to my theme, about Aurora.
My latest take on the story is that the psychiatrist told the U. of Colorado of her "alarm" over Mr Holmes's ideations....
So out of her hands...I think the U. of Colorado called the cops. Not sure. If they did, they could say, "It's out of our hands."
If they did not call the police, they could have been waiting to see what might happen.
What might have happened, happened.
Either way, there are some links of humane treatment missing along the line. Human and humane involvement. "We were respecting his right to privacy." is one answer. What could be done at this point?
"Mr. Holmes, we respect your right to privacy. However, the civil code dictates that you are to be accompanied every moment for an indefinite period of time, in order that we can make sure you don't injure self or others. Perhaps, sir, you have some interesting plans or papers to share with us? We'll make this as private as possible."
What would that entail? Money, for sure. Taking responsibility. Caring.
How many of my readers have seen those commercials for one or the other mind-altering pharmaceutical, where the gal is dancing around to beautiful music, while the flowers and butterflies float around her? Happy stuff. While the voice in the background tells us in no uncertain terms that this preparation may cause serious depression, thoughts of suicide, even perhaps homicide...but who listens to that??
I think the doctor who prescribes any of the medications on a certain list ( long and popular list nowadays) ...that doctor should be held responsible for the consequences. Responsible. Oh no!! How could he/she? Not his fault. This is an independent adult that's being treated.
That sort of consequence would require some alterations in the medical code and the penal code. Right now, they can give the medication and never look twice. They can. Not all do. I am sure many are keeping as careful an eye as they can, while simultaneously shaking in their boots.
Nobody reads my blog, but if there is anybody out there who agrees with what I say, I'd appreciate an answer. Or even if they disagree: I would not mind a better idea. Mr Holmes deserved more than to go around murdering people. So did the young man of Tucson, and countless others who have killed either themselves or other people. The world deserves better than this. It's gotta stop. YAZZYBEL
Back again to my theme, about Aurora.
My latest take on the story is that the psychiatrist told the U. of Colorado of her "alarm" over Mr Holmes's ideations....
So out of her hands...I think the U. of Colorado called the cops. Not sure. If they did, they could say, "It's out of our hands."
If they did not call the police, they could have been waiting to see what might happen.
What might have happened, happened.
Either way, there are some links of humane treatment missing along the line. Human and humane involvement. "We were respecting his right to privacy." is one answer. What could be done at this point?
"Mr. Holmes, we respect your right to privacy. However, the civil code dictates that you are to be accompanied every moment for an indefinite period of time, in order that we can make sure you don't injure self or others. Perhaps, sir, you have some interesting plans or papers to share with us? We'll make this as private as possible."
What would that entail? Money, for sure. Taking responsibility. Caring.
How many of my readers have seen those commercials for one or the other mind-altering pharmaceutical, where the gal is dancing around to beautiful music, while the flowers and butterflies float around her? Happy stuff. While the voice in the background tells us in no uncertain terms that this preparation may cause serious depression, thoughts of suicide, even perhaps homicide...but who listens to that??
I think the doctor who prescribes any of the medications on a certain list ( long and popular list nowadays) ...that doctor should be held responsible for the consequences. Responsible. Oh no!! How could he/she? Not his fault. This is an independent adult that's being treated.
That sort of consequence would require some alterations in the medical code and the penal code. Right now, they can give the medication and never look twice. They can. Not all do. I am sure many are keeping as careful an eye as they can, while simultaneously shaking in their boots.
Nobody reads my blog, but if there is anybody out there who agrees with what I say, I'd appreciate an answer. Or even if they disagree: I would not mind a better idea. Mr Holmes deserved more than to go around murdering people. So did the young man of Tucson, and countless others who have killed either themselves or other people. The world deserves better than this. It's gotta stop. YAZZYBEL
Saturday, August 4, 2012
So Shut Up Alreaady
Good mornin'.
One of my sisters just told me, "STOP obsessing about food, YAZZY!" And this on the day that I was going to write about how I started cooking. And how I didn't start, as most of the others did, with my mama's cooking.
Well, I'll just skip that topic. Though there doesn't seem to be much on my mind lately but food and death. Of the two, food seems preferable. I'll try to go on to a less irritating subject.
Aging.
I'm getting older and I am beginning to realize that my face won't be the same face at ninety, should I live so long, as it was at eighty. It certainly wasnt the same at eighty as at seventy. Recently discovered snapshots prove that without a doubt.
My lower face is starting to pooch out around the mouth, creating a sort of muzzle. Not an attractive muzzle either; sort of a floppy and (OLD) looking muzzle.
I knew a red-headed freckled faced long nosed gal who had a real muzzle-shaped face. She was just beautiful and looked like a fox, a gorgeous face if it all comes together and hers did.
Mine won't. It's like I said, a bit puffy and saggy at the same time. And above it, (though shrouded in Aristotle Onassis wrinkles) my same little four year old's eyes looking out at the world. Well, that is the deal of the cards.....I'll keep doing my facial exercises.
Now I ask you, isn't food better than this? I am closing for now, to eat a delicious lunch a la mexicana that is about to get ready on the stove. I may tell you about it tomorrow, and then, again, I may not. Love, YAZZYBEL
One of my sisters just told me, "STOP obsessing about food, YAZZY!" And this on the day that I was going to write about how I started cooking. And how I didn't start, as most of the others did, with my mama's cooking.
Aging.
I'm getting older and I am beginning to realize that my face won't be the same face at ninety, should I live so long, as it was at eighty. It certainly wasnt the same at eighty as at seventy. Recently discovered snapshots prove that without a doubt.
My lower face is starting to pooch out around the mouth, creating a sort of muzzle. Not an attractive muzzle either; sort of a floppy and (OLD) looking muzzle.
I knew a red-headed freckled faced long nosed gal who had a real muzzle-shaped face. She was just beautiful and looked like a fox, a gorgeous face if it all comes together and hers did.
Mine won't. It's like I said, a bit puffy and saggy at the same time. And above it, (though shrouded in Aristotle Onassis wrinkles) my same little four year old's eyes looking out at the world. Well, that is the deal of the cards.....I'll keep doing my facial exercises.
Now I ask you, isn't food better than this? I am closing for now, to eat a delicious lunch a la mexicana that is about to get ready on the stove. I may tell you about it tomorrow, and then, again, I may not. Love, YAZZYBEL
Friday, August 3, 2012
A Long Alarm
Good morning!
I just heard or read that the psychiatrist of James Holmes, Dr. Lynne Fenton, became "alarmed" in June regarding his state of mental imbalance. She reported it to the University of Colorado, who did nothing.
That was it. No excuses, no reasons, and no responsibility.
I'm sorry, Dr. Fenton and Colorado University, but alarm does not last that long---June to now. It's too strong, too intense an emotion to be sustained.
When you get an alarm, you turn it off and go into action. And turning it over to an institution or a committee is not action, most of the time. Followthrough was needed, and quick decisions "just in case."
I personally think Holmes's parents should have been notified, and if they were, they too should have moved to take some action regarding their son's condition of mind. Though I know from experience that parents are largely powerless in these situations where the kid is an "adult." But of all people in the world they are the ones who know him best and their input might have been valuable in the prevention of a mass killing.
This is a situation where a real evaluation of what happened when, who knew what when, could be of great help in preventing another similar situation. Nothing is going to happen unless the (associate)perps are held to account, either. There needs to be a law dealing with the responsibility of giving out drugs and the need for accountability. YAZZYBEL
I just heard or read that the psychiatrist of James Holmes, Dr. Lynne Fenton, became "alarmed" in June regarding his state of mental imbalance. She reported it to the University of Colorado, who did nothing.
That was it. No excuses, no reasons, and no responsibility.
I'm sorry, Dr. Fenton and Colorado University, but alarm does not last that long---June to now. It's too strong, too intense an emotion to be sustained.
When you get an alarm, you turn it off and go into action. And turning it over to an institution or a committee is not action, most of the time. Followthrough was needed, and quick decisions "just in case."
I personally think Holmes's parents should have been notified, and if they were, they too should have moved to take some action regarding their son's condition of mind. Though I know from experience that parents are largely powerless in these situations where the kid is an "adult." But of all people in the world they are the ones who know him best and their input might have been valuable in the prevention of a mass killing.
This is a situation where a real evaluation of what happened when, who knew what when, could be of great help in preventing another similar situation. Nothing is going to happen unless the (associate)perps are held to account, either. There needs to be a law dealing with the responsibility of giving out drugs and the need for accountability. YAZZYBEL
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