Archive for June, 2007

Bad, Bad Blogger

June 28, 2007

I’ve been a little lax in posting lately, but there’s been quite a bit going on in my real life (vs. my cyber life). I met my editor for the first time, I signed my contracts, and I’m planning my trip to the Museum of Glass in Corning, New York to learn more about how companies like Pyrex and Corningware played a role in the casserole’s popularity in the United States during WWII.

I’m already overwhelmed by what I’ve found in their online catalog, but post-research I’ll head up to Lake Ontario to relax. (Read: get really sunburned and drink beer out of a koozie.)

Fry It Up

June 24, 2007

When I go to Coney Island, I eat everything. If a half-rotted crab washed up on the beach, as long as it could be battered and deep fried, I would probably eat it. So yesterday, I ate everything at Coney Island (save any half-rotted, deep-fried crabs) then walked to Brighton Beach and ate everything there. Then, on the way home I stopped for mint-chip gelato. One day of that is fine, right? Right. Except I just had a ginormous brunch at Brooklyn Label and am going to a barbeque later. I imagine I’ll soon be replacing all of my waistbands with elastic.

Deep Thoughts on Dessert Casserole

June 21, 2007

People often ask me if I’ll include dessert casseroles in the book, and my answer is always no. As far as I’m concerned, any dish that would qualify as a dessert casserole would probably also qualify as an already-established dessert like a cake, a crumble, a pie, etc.

Take Rice Krispies Treats, for example. They are more established than something like Rice Krispies Casserole, because even if you add some nuts and chocolate chips to the mix, it’s still a pimped-out Rice Krispies Treat. If anyone wants to refute this point, I’d love to hear it in the comments section.

Sexy, Sexy Casserole

June 21, 2007

Check out Sex Advice from Casserole Bakers at nerve.com, featuring Yours Truly and a few Casserole Party competitors.

To Quote the Backstreet Boys…

June 19, 2007

I want it that way.

Starchy Goodness Abounds

June 19, 2007

Friday night my friend and I created a new casserole: cauliflower and potato au gratin. I’m sure there are plenty of recipes out there for something similar, but ours was delicious, completely vegetarian, gluten free, and did I mention delicious? I have to admit it wasn’t the prettiest casserole I’ve ever made, but I’m working on that. When I do, maybe I’ll post the recipe.

Somebody Stop Me

June 18, 2007

I cannot tear myself away from the Food Network. Giada in Paradise, The Next Food Network Star, and the freaking Food Network Challenge is candy castles! I’m exhausted and I have two articles due tomorrow, but all I want to do is watch the Food Network… forever and ever. Until Rachael Ray comes on of course, then I shut that shit off.

The Twilight Zone

June 17, 2007

OK, not exactly twilight, but the world is a very different place in the morning. Since returning from my trip, I’ve had a hard time sleeping late. I never quite recovered from Netherlands time, which is fine, because getting up at 7 in Amsterdam is like getting up at 1 in the afternoon on the East Coast. And I used to do that— often. I’ve now found a happy medium and wake up around 9 every day. Fine. I’m actually more productive when I get up early. Go figure.

Anyway, I’m going to The Meatwave today and wanted to pick up a nice cut of steak and some sausage, but at 10:00 on a Sunday none of the meat markets in Greenpoint are open. I’m going to blame it on Sunday and not this crazy time we call “morning.”

And so it begins…

June 15, 2007

…the real casserole crazy, that is. Today I will attempt two brand-spankin-new casseroles. All I have are the basic ingredients in mind. Full report on Monday.

Comfort Food

June 14, 2007

When most people hear the word “casserole” they think comfort food. For many, it evokes the memory of home, mothers, grandmothers, etc. But when you don’t have someone to make a casserole for you, it goes from comforting to work. So, when I need comfort food (and God, today I really need it), I tend to go for a nice, juicy hamburger. Yum.