7.31.2008
Miscellaneous Culinary Commentary
I have really, really enjoyed our Emeril All-Clad non-stick 12-in. skillet. So far, it's been worth the money spent on it. It has better non-stick capabilities than our Calphalon infused anodized non-stick cookware (which, by the way, does a better job of browning than the Emeril).
Adding blackstrap molasses and nuts (relatively inexpensive walnuts this past time, absolutely expensive cashews in the future) to my granola recipe has vastly improved it. Yummy!
The Joy of Cooking has been an invaluable source for our cooking needs. Sure, it has a lot of recipes, but what I love about it is that it instructs you about cooking ingredients and methods, which allows you to know how to change a recipe of you need to. A great reference resource. In addition, of course, to Alton Brown and Good Eats, which is simply an incredible TV program. These in combination will make you a whiz in the kitchen.
Although in my head, if not out loud, I made fun of the hand blender we got as a wedding present, I am loving it. (I mean, c'mon, with a name like Smart Stick what's not to make fun of?) We got jipped, though: some models come with a mini food processor and whisk. The latter would make making whipped topping or mayonnaise (both of which we have done) a lot easier than whipping by hand (which I did for the latter).
Adding blackstrap molasses and nuts (relatively inexpensive walnuts this past time, absolutely expensive cashews in the future) to my granola recipe has vastly improved it. Yummy!
The Joy of Cooking has been an invaluable source for our cooking needs. Sure, it has a lot of recipes, but what I love about it is that it instructs you about cooking ingredients and methods, which allows you to know how to change a recipe of you need to. A great reference resource. In addition, of course, to Alton Brown and Good Eats, which is simply an incredible TV program. These in combination will make you a whiz in the kitchen.
Although in my head, if not out loud, I made fun of the hand blender we got as a wedding present, I am loving it. (I mean, c'mon, with a name like Smart Stick what's not to make fun of?) We got jipped, though: some models come with a mini food processor and whisk. The latter would make making whipped topping or mayonnaise (both of which we have done) a lot easier than whipping by hand (which I did for the latter).
Yet Another Summer Project That Doesn't Involve Writing
I am this close (note: I am pinching the thumb and forefinger of my right hand very close together) to finishing staining (or, finishing finishing) the bookcase we recently purchased from the woodshop of a local drug and alcohol rehab facility. We didn't like the color or gloss of the finish or the decorative pieces of the ones they sell in their thrift store, so we got them to make us an unfinished bookcase to which I added our own decorative pieces and type of finish.
Looking back on the whole process, I think I would still have done it this way, even though it has cost me more money and much more time, effort, and headache (sometimes, literally). But it really does look good--not fantastic or immanently impressive, but good. It was even called "beautiful" by a visitor, so maybe it's better than good, but I'm usually my own worst critic.
I would've preferred building up layers of a wax finish over the stain to someday give it that deep, old antique look. But, the wood being pine, and pine being very porous and thus very difficult to stain without the over-contrasted zebra effect of stain soaking into some of the grain more than other, it was better to go with a stain/poly combination rather than putting down a sealer coat then stain then finish, since the stain/poly combo sits on top of the wood (while still allowing the grain to come through) more than it deeply penetrates it. It thus has a bit more of a hard sheen of a poly finish rather than the equally smooth but more woody-natural and muted look of a wax finish. I haven't researched it, but I'm guessing that wax finishes don't really go on poly finishes, but if that were possible I may consider it.
Looking back on the whole process, I think I would still have done it this way, even though it has cost me more money and much more time, effort, and headache (sometimes, literally). But it really does look good--not fantastic or immanently impressive, but good. It was even called "beautiful" by a visitor, so maybe it's better than good, but I'm usually my own worst critic.
I would've preferred building up layers of a wax finish over the stain to someday give it that deep, old antique look. But, the wood being pine, and pine being very porous and thus very difficult to stain without the over-contrasted zebra effect of stain soaking into some of the grain more than other, it was better to go with a stain/poly combination rather than putting down a sealer coat then stain then finish, since the stain/poly combo sits on top of the wood (while still allowing the grain to come through) more than it deeply penetrates it. It thus has a bit more of a hard sheen of a poly finish rather than the equally smooth but more woody-natural and muted look of a wax finish. I haven't researched it, but I'm guessing that wax finishes don't really go on poly finishes, but if that were possible I may consider it.
Tomato plant update
I can't find the pics I took of our first tomato--it didn't look all that great, but it sure tasted good! Better than those from the farmer's market, even, IMHO. Not biased at all.
As of now, there are around 15 green tomatoes of various shapes and sizes on one of the plants that are well on their way to actualizing their tomato potential, reaching their eschatological climax, and fulfilling their fruity final purpose: getting big, red, and juicy and making their way into our tummies.
As of now, there are around 15 green tomatoes of various shapes and sizes on one of the plants that are well on their way to actualizing their tomato potential, reaching their eschatological climax, and fulfilling their fruity final purpose: getting big, red, and juicy and making their way into our tummies.
7.01.2008
So, the other tobacco hornworms were mere larvae compared to this monster (thumb for scale purposes only):
This beast at every bit of leaf off of a whole branch of my precious tomato plant and was well on his way to finishing up another for dessert. I must have missed him in my previous roundup. This time I didn't squash him--David says his chickens would love a worm or two, and since his chickens supply some of my eggs, I will be more than happy to hand the worm over to his sustainable agriculture death. The thing is...I think he's already dead. I left some leaves in the tupperware that I put him in to fatten him up even more, but being out in the sun must've cooked him. And scared him or something--he left a lot of poop behind before he frizzled. Regardless, I'm sure the chickens will appreciate the morsel.
Poll:
Would you pet the worm?
This beast at every bit of leaf off of a whole branch of my precious tomato plant and was well on his way to finishing up another for dessert. I must have missed him in my previous roundup. This time I didn't squash him--David says his chickens would love a worm or two, and since his chickens supply some of my eggs, I will be more than happy to hand the worm over to his sustainable agriculture death. The thing is...I think he's already dead. I left some leaves in the tupperware that I put him in to fatten him up even more, but being out in the sun must've cooked him. And scared him or something--he left a lot of poop behind before he frizzled. Regardless, I'm sure the chickens will appreciate the morsel.
Poll:
Would you pet the worm?
6.27.2008
Tomato Hornworms Die!
Why is it that my tomato plants have become the impetus for writing anything in this blog?
Anyway, I had two plants per big pot on the patio, but as they have grown rather large I needed to replant--a dangerous thing once their roots have been established. Well, one pot grew rather large, while the other remained a bit anemic. The thing is that in potting them, I didn't take into consideration that the potting soil I bought has nearly zero nutrients--it's basically a neutral breeding ground. One pot of plants had only potting soil; the other pot had some nutritious soil from a friend (the pot was his gift to us), and it was these plants that grew bigger.
After having procured a couple of big pots that formerly housed small trees, I proceeded to uproot and replant. But when I took them out of their tomato cages (or, rather, wire-cutted the tomato cages from around the plants), they were too big to hold themselves up (they were already 3-5 feet tall) and one of the big ones broke right in half. Into the trash heap, oh doomed tomato plant! I managed to get the other three into their own pots, with a mixture of potting soil and composted soil (from another good friend), and after a few days of the largest one wilting on me every hot afternoon, I nursed them back to good health. Whereas before they were producing a bunch of buds but no fruit, now they are producing both buds and fruit!
Whereas before they were not infested with tomato hornworms, now they are infested with tomato hornworms. I just noticed an hour or so ago that a bunch of the leaves had multiple holes in them; this is rather easy to spot. What is not often so easy to spot is that whole halves of leaves and even whole leaves were missing. What the heck is eatin' my 'maters?! Nothing to see on top of the leaves. But underneath--that's where the action was. I found eight of these little munchers on my plants!
They're pests, but they look pretty cool, huh?
Pre-smash
Post-smash
Looking up these punks on the almighty internet, I found this interesting tidbit:
Anyway, I had two plants per big pot on the patio, but as they have grown rather large I needed to replant--a dangerous thing once their roots have been established. Well, one pot grew rather large, while the other remained a bit anemic. The thing is that in potting them, I didn't take into consideration that the potting soil I bought has nearly zero nutrients--it's basically a neutral breeding ground. One pot of plants had only potting soil; the other pot had some nutritious soil from a friend (the pot was his gift to us), and it was these plants that grew bigger.
After having procured a couple of big pots that formerly housed small trees, I proceeded to uproot and replant. But when I took them out of their tomato cages (or, rather, wire-cutted the tomato cages from around the plants), they were too big to hold themselves up (they were already 3-5 feet tall) and one of the big ones broke right in half. Into the trash heap, oh doomed tomato plant! I managed to get the other three into their own pots, with a mixture of potting soil and composted soil (from another good friend), and after a few days of the largest one wilting on me every hot afternoon, I nursed them back to good health. Whereas before they were producing a bunch of buds but no fruit, now they are producing both buds and fruit!
Whereas before they were not infested with tomato hornworms, now they are infested with tomato hornworms. I just noticed an hour or so ago that a bunch of the leaves had multiple holes in them; this is rather easy to spot. What is not often so easy to spot is that whole halves of leaves and even whole leaves were missing. What the heck is eatin' my 'maters?! Nothing to see on top of the leaves. But underneath--that's where the action was. I found eight of these little munchers on my plants!
They're pests, but they look pretty cool, huh?A Time To Die
Pre-smash
Post-smashLooking up these punks on the almighty internet, I found this interesting tidbit:
This insect is parasitized by a number of insects. One of the most common is a small braconid wasp. Larva that hatch from wasp eggs laid on the hornworm feed on the inside of the hornworm until the wasp is ready to pupate. The cocoons appear as white projections protruding from the hornworms body. If such projections are seen, leave the infected hornworms in the garden. The wasps will kill the hornworms when they emerge from the cocoons and will seek out other hornworms to parasitize.I saw a red wasp in our patio area for the first time today, but I don't think that kind likes the worms. I didn't notice any white projections from the bodies of the worms, but when I do, I'm leaving that leaf-nabber as is. It sure would be sweet to see the wasp go after a fat, juicy worm-snack!
6.04.2008
Pedro the Lion on Clark Howard
The opening of "Indian Summer" off of the incredible album Control served as intro background music on the Clark Howard radio show today. Sweet! It's probably a good thing that it didn't reach the lyrics--the song is kind of depressing (not surprisingly) and a little shocking to the uninitiated, at least in one part.
5.30.2008
Oh, Yeah...
And let us ne'er forget how well my Chia Professor is doing (thanks to my thoughtful father-in-law)!
5.29.2008
Green Thumbs and Red Aphids
Well, our tomato plants seem to be negotiating the hazards of city life fairly well. I have an eerie feeling, however, that my lack of knowledge and adequate research into the subject of growing tomatoes in a pot on a patio will prevent us from having a nice crop of fleshy red vegetables/fruits in our kitchen and, consequently, in our bellies.
That, and the fact that these nasty little creatures are absolutely loving the heck out of the tender undersides of my tomato plants. It is difficult to tell in this photo, but I'm pretty sure these little nasties are potato aphids. Supposedly they rarely end up killing the plant, but they can reduce yield and lead to stunted growth due to their feasting on the nutritious and delicious sap in the plant. I want to get rid of the buggers.
We have of late been attempting to fill our pantry (metaphorically speaking, since we have no actual pantry to speak of) when we can with chemical-free goods from local, sustainable sources. (The dogmatic slumber that has taken over after having once ingested much of Wendell Berry's and other contemporary agrarian types' work has recently been reawakened by a second reading of The Omnivore's Dilemma. We'll see how long it takes for me to fall back asleep.) So, I hesitate to take the advice of the plumber who woke us up this morning to fix the shower: just sprinkle the plants with insecticide. Hmph. I'm sure he is right that his friend grows tomato plants 10 feet high, perhaps as a result of protecting them from the aphids that are chomping on mine, but that ain't gonna happen in a pot on a porch.
Nonetheless, I will attempt to engage in a bit of local sustainable agriculture on my back porch rather than give in to the all-too-easy solution of chemical overburn. I read that mint is a natural repellent to aphids. Fortuitously, we started growing some mint (along with basil, oregano, and rosemary) in pots on the porch as well. Not-so-fortuitously, the mint has yet to produce very much. And there are a LOT of aphids on my tomato plants. I just put some mint seeds at the base of my tomato plants to see what will happen.
I also read that lady bugs find the aphids quite the delicacy. So, now to search for lady bugs. If I can get a colony of them going on my porch, hopefully that will take care of my tomato plant munchers and yield decreasing horrors.
Being reminded from my plumber friend, who thankfully pointed out the aphids to me, that I need to be more husbandly toward the plants under my care, I underwent a closer inspection of our herbs. I found this fat worm half-buried in our basil-mint planter.
I'm not sure what he is, but I'm pretty sure he's been getting his gushy bulk from my basil plants. You can see below that some of the leaves have been eaten in half, while others are riddled with holes.
The seed package says to thin out the plants after they've grown a couple of inches, but I really want to keep them all. The classic paradox: in order for there to be maximum potential yield for the plant, sometimes potentially productive parts need to be taken away. The parts are sacrificed for the whole. Utilitarianism in the garden? I prefer the phrase biotic holism myself.
That reminds me...I need to go kill that fat little worm.
That, and the fact that these nasty little creatures are absolutely loving the heck out of the tender undersides of my tomato plants. It is difficult to tell in this photo, but I'm pretty sure these little nasties are potato aphids. Supposedly they rarely end up killing the plant, but they can reduce yield and lead to stunted growth due to their feasting on the nutritious and delicious sap in the plant. I want to get rid of the buggers.
We have of late been attempting to fill our pantry (metaphorically speaking, since we have no actual pantry to speak of) when we can with chemical-free goods from local, sustainable sources. (The dogmatic slumber that has taken over after having once ingested much of Wendell Berry's and other contemporary agrarian types' work has recently been reawakened by a second reading of The Omnivore's Dilemma. We'll see how long it takes for me to fall back asleep.) So, I hesitate to take the advice of the plumber who woke us up this morning to fix the shower: just sprinkle the plants with insecticide. Hmph. I'm sure he is right that his friend grows tomato plants 10 feet high, perhaps as a result of protecting them from the aphids that are chomping on mine, but that ain't gonna happen in a pot on a porch.Nonetheless, I will attempt to engage in a bit of local sustainable agriculture on my back porch rather than give in to the all-too-easy solution of chemical overburn. I read that mint is a natural repellent to aphids. Fortuitously, we started growing some mint (along with basil, oregano, and rosemary) in pots on the porch as well. Not-so-fortuitously, the mint has yet to produce very much. And there are a LOT of aphids on my tomato plants. I just put some mint seeds at the base of my tomato plants to see what will happen.
I also read that lady bugs find the aphids quite the delicacy. So, now to search for lady bugs. If I can get a colony of them going on my porch, hopefully that will take care of my tomato plant munchers and yield decreasing horrors.
Being reminded from my plumber friend, who thankfully pointed out the aphids to me, that I need to be more husbandly toward the plants under my care, I underwent a closer inspection of our herbs. I found this fat worm half-buried in our basil-mint planter.
I'm not sure what he is, but I'm pretty sure he's been getting his gushy bulk from my basil plants. You can see below that some of the leaves have been eaten in half, while others are riddled with holes.
The seed package says to thin out the plants after they've grown a couple of inches, but I really want to keep them all. The classic paradox: in order for there to be maximum potential yield for the plant, sometimes potentially productive parts need to be taken away. The parts are sacrificed for the whole. Utilitarianism in the garden? I prefer the phrase biotic holism myself.That reminds me...I need to go kill that fat little worm.
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