mommadeb1 wrote:you need to have something equally offensive smelling to heat up....childish I know...

burnt popcorn

chemvictim wrote:Everything is great, except for my lack of wine. It's fun to discuss heavy subject matter, but one needs fortification.

agreed... we need a time when we can drink and type/discuss!!! when no one has to get up the next day....

bhodilee wrote:burnt popcorn

oh that would do it.... that smell lasts FOREVER!!!

cheron98 wrote:This will change your life:

Cocoa-Butternut Squash Soup
1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter
3 lb cubed butternut squash
2 tsp allspice
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp dried chives
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
28 oz skim milk (yes, skim. or this will be too thick to eat)
2 heaping tsp cocoa powder
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

If you're starting with a whole fresh butternut squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds, then peel it before cutting it up into large cubes.

Melt butter in pot over medium heat. Add squash, allspice, cinnamon, and chives. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until squash begins to soften.

In medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, skim milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Use the stick blender to thoroughly mix and add body - this will be slightly thick when fully combined and should have a thin layer of foam on top.

Slowly pour the milk mixture into the pot, stirring. Continue to cook uncovered, stirring often, over medium heat until a slow boil is obtained and squash can be smushed with the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat. Use stick blender to mash the squash until the consistency is smooth and creamy.

For thinner soup, add more milk. As long as it is skim milk.

Dumb question, if you cook with milk does it kill off the lactose? Cause if I ate that soup I'd have to remodel my bathroom.

mommadeb1 wrote:ok here is another silly question (can you tell I am avoiding doing any work?)

What happened to Lab Rats? Did I miss a post or something?

There was a thread somewhere posing this question. WD stated that the program had to go on hiatus, and that the hiatus was going longer than he had hoped or anticipated, but should be resuming sometime during first quarter.

cheron98 wrote:There was a thread somewhere posing this question. WD stated that the program had to go on hiatus, and that the hiatus was going longer than he had hoped or anticipated, but should be resuming sometime during first quarter.

Thanks, I knew I had to have missed somthing...

bhodilee wrote:Dumb question, if you cook with milk does it kill off the lactose? Cause if I ate that soup I'd have to remodel my bathroom.

Well, she did say it would change your life.

chemvictim wrote:Not to be argumentative or drive the conversation in circles, but I have a question, for anyone who can answer it. I thought that priests (or whatever religious leaders you want) don't have to perform marriage ceremonies, or any other ceremonies, for anybody they don't want to. Is that not the case? Also, can a church lose its tax-free status if it behaves contrary to what the state says is acceptable? I hate the idea of subsidizing Phelps et al, but I'm not sure how it works.

In the next post Cheron says they don't have to. She is correct. When my wife and I got married, one priest at the church wouldn't marry us because I'm not Catholic. The other priest didn't care so long as I promised our kids would be baptized Catholic. Two priests, same church, two views.

bhodilee wrote:Dumb question, if you cook with milk does it kill off the lactose? Cause if I ate that soup I'd have to remodel my bathroom.

No. But you can use Silk in place of the milk, just use lots and lots of it, and instead of the sweetened condensed stuff, just use more Silk and add sweetener (sugar, honey).

This recipe spawned from a fit of "I have nothing to eat. What is in the kitchen that I can throw together?"

chemvictim wrote:Well, she did say it would change your life.

Ha! I had that thought as I was typing it. Seeing as how my last remodel cost me 5 grand and the bathroom is tiny, I'm holding off on this one for as long as possible. Both of my bathrooms are little. 6x8 or something. Initially, I thought, well who cares, what do you really need a big bathroom for. Seven years later, I understand.

bhodilee wrote:In the next post Cheron says they don't have to. She is correct. When my wife and I got married, one priest at the church wouldn't marry us because I'm not Catholic. The other priest didn't care so long as I promised our kids would be baptized Catholic. Two priests, same church, two views.

You should start a protest against the Catholic church for being intolerant of your Protestant views

cheron98 wrote:No. But you can use Silk in place of the milk, just use lots and lots of it, and instead of the sweetened condensed stuff, just use more Silk and add sweetener (sugar, honey).

This recipe spawned from a fit of "I have nothing to eat. What is in the kitchen that I can throw together?"

Thats how I made mine. Chicken Stock, Basil, Oregano, Squish, Garlic, Heavy Cream, Butter. Simple, delicious. Oh, there was a caramelized onion in there as well. Too much actually. Next time a smaller onion.

bhodilee wrote:Thats how I made mine. Chicken Stock, Basil, Oregano, Squish, Garlic, Heavy Cream, Butter. Simple, delicious. Oh, there was a caramelized onion in there as well. Too much actually. Next time a smaller onion.

I considered trying a veggie stock sometime to thin it out a little bit, because it does come out exceedingly thick. You really only need a few spoonfuls to get full. But I never got around to doing that

I also like to dip apple wedges into it and eat it that way. You could probably throw it into a pie crust and bake it, too. It's kind of ridiculous.

polarbear22 wrote:You've all had the CyberPub bouncers on high alert. But no fights broke out. Glad to see that.

So, what did you all drink last night? We opened a Little Vineyards Band Blend. I really like this blend. If only shipping didn't make it an $18-20 bottle.

Triacipedis #2 - it was significantly sweeter than I expected and more than I wanted. I think the next bottle deserves a bit more attention.

I visited Little Vineyards a year or so ago and was underwhelmed. Mayhaps it was a vintage thing or they didn't have the good stuff out for tasting.

cheron98 wrote:If the pro-abortionists get their way, all doctors {who are able} would be REQUIRED to perform abortions, regardless of the doctor's belief in the sanctity of life and when life begins. It's not as though there are a shortage of docs willing to perform the procedure.

I recall reading several times there actually are shortages of doctors willing to perform said procedure in many parts of the country. In many cases apparently one would have to drive several hours to find a willing doctor. Too lazy to go find the links atm.

bhodilee wrote:Dumb question, if you cook with milk does it kill off the lactose? Cause if I ate that soup I'd have to remodel my bathroom.

Dude...lactaid (or generic brand lactase enzyme)

richardhod wrote:

STOP, HATERS!


--- much snipping ---

In the unknown, complex and as yet not-entirely controllable arenas of our natural world we have to rely on practical wisdom (thank you Aristotle), empirical biological observations, and good judgement. The best scientists, and artisans, are humble.

Ah, and it is here that we find the crux of the matter regarding my decision to not buy from biodynamic practitioners. I have no complaints against anyone who makes an honest mistake or relies on the information available at the time. I have made many such mistakes in my day, and expect to do so frequently in the future.

But I do have complaints against people who adhere to a belief despite plentiful evidence against it, and then claim that their product is better than the product of others because they follow that discredited belief. That, to me, is willful ignorance and dishonesty. Maybe I make too much of it and wrongfully assume that others will apply the same thought process toward these things as I do, but that’s my right as a consumer faced with many enjoyable wines – I can choose to not buy from those I feel are not playing it straight.

And by the way – the wine was a Coyam syrah/cabernet/carmenere/merlot/mouvedre blend.

klezman wrote:I recall reading several times there actually are shortages of doctors willing to perform said procedure in many parts of the country. In many cases apparently one would have to drive several hours to find a willing doctor. Too lazy to go find the links atm.

This is true - I have read it as well. Part of the reason for this shortage may be that doctors who perform abortions seem to get harrassed and receive death threats.

mommadeb1 wrote:Thanks, I knew I had to have missed somthing...

The big thread.

klezman wrote:Dude...lactaid (or generic brand lactase enzyme)

Even cheaper: Lactobacillus acidophilus milk. Unless that's what Lactaid has in it? Land of Lakes makes one that I can generally find on special (since no one hardly buys it) for about a buck a half gallon. I prefer Almond Milk though. Unsweetened from TJ's. Delicious and only 40 or 60 calories a glass (I want to say 40).

inkycatz wrote:The big thread.

thanks, don't know how I managed to miss that!!

klezman wrote:I recall reading several times there actually are shortages of doctors willing to perform said procedure in many parts of the country. In many cases apparently one would have to drive several hours to find a willing doctor. Too lazy to go find the links atm.

So let the person drive several hours to abort their child Might make them really think about if this is REALLY what they want to do.

coynedj wrote:But I do have complaints against people who adhere to a belief despite plentiful evidence against it, and then claim that their product is better than the product of others because they follow that discredited belief.

And when they charge more for their wines not because the wines are necessarily better, but simply because they are biodynamic. We went to a winery last year in Niagara area (remember klez? who was that, Tawse?) that was BD, and klez asked the dude why their prices were significantly higher than similar wineries in the area, and the guy could only say "Because we are biodynamic". Not because he could cite medals or accolades for their wines that would denote a higher quality product. Just because they are BD. I have a problem with that. Of course, we did not find this out until after I had already purchased two bottles. The wines were good, sure, but not good enough to justify the higher price.

coynedj wrote:This is true - I have read it as well. Part of the reason for this shortage may be that doctors who perform abortions seem to get harrassed and receive death threats.

Yeah, and I have a problem with that too. While I don't agree with the practice, it is their right to do so. It is not an option I personally would choose, nor would I advocate. But if a doctor wishes to perform it, they should be allowed to without fear of death threats.

cheron98 wrote:So let the person drive several hours to abort their child Might make them really think about if this is REALLY what they want to do.

that's a great point. Abortions should never be easy, available at the swipe of a card, but only after extensive conversation, thought and medical advice. Yet... it should be equally difficult, not by accident of location.


Some great posts up here today, all of you!

cheron98 wrote:This will change your life:

Cocoa-Butternut Squash Soup
1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter
3 lb cubed butternut squash
2 tsp allspice
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp dried chives
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
28 oz skim milk (yes, skim. or this will be too thick to eat)
2 heaping tsp cocoa powder
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

If you're starting with a whole fresh butternut squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds, then peel it before cutting it up into large cubes.

Melt butter in pot over medium heat. Add squash, allspice, cinnamon, and chives. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until squash begins to soften.

In medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, skim milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Use the stick blender to thoroughly mix and add body - this will be slightly thick when fully combined and should have a thin layer of foam on top.

Slowly pour the milk mixture into the pot, stirring. Continue to cook uncovered, stirring often, over medium heat until a slow boil is obtained and squash can be smushed with the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat. Use stick blender to mash the squash until the consistency is smooth and creamy.

For thinner soup, add more milk. As long as it is skim milk.

chocolate soup?!!! wow, sounds fascinating to try. is it savoury still because it's just cocoa?

richardhod wrote:chocolate soup?!!! wow, sounds fascinating to try. is it savoury still because it's just cocoa?

It has a good mix of savory/sweet. Very satisfying

cheron98 wrote:It has a good mix of savory/sweet. Very satisfying

Graat, thanks! Squash is a bit sweet too, which will make it interesting!

BTW, I'm no great cook, but can I ask someone to make a suggestion for me?? I don't like the idea of condensed milk, on principle. Comes from a can, and there has to be a natural thing that it's trying to replace. Any thoughts? More proper milk, cream, or something else? I'm not experienced with soups, but I know that all natural is the way I want to go.

richardhod wrote:Graat, thanks! Squash is a bit sweet too, which will make it interesting!

BTW, I'm no great cook, but can I ask someone to make a suggestion for me?? I don't like the idea of condensed milk, on principle. Comes from a can, and there has to be a natural thing that it's trying to replace. Any thoughts? More proper milk, cream, or something else? I'm not experienced with soups, but I know that all natural is the way I want to go.

you could probably just do heavy cream.
condensed milk is just reduced and heavily sugared.

Or since I never know where you currently are, double cream would be good. ideal even

richardhod wrote:Graat, thanks! Squash is a bit sweet too, which will make it interesting!

BTW, I'm no great cook, but can I ask someone to make a suggestion for me?? I don't like the idea of condensed milk, on principle. Comes from a can, and there has to be a natural thing that it's trying to replace. Any thoughts? More proper milk, cream, or something else? I'm not experienced with soups, but I know that all natural is the way I want to go.

It was what I had in the kitchen at the time You could probably replace it with heavy cream and honey, tasting it to your desired sweetness level.

Basically, the milk/cocoa mixture that you add in should taste like... well... chocolate milk. Really rich chocolate milk.

cheron98 wrote:So let the person drive several hours to abort their child Might make them really think about if this is REALLY what they want to do.

richardhod wrote:that's a great point. Abortions should never be easy, available at the swipe of a card, but only after extensive conversation, thought and medical advice. Yet... it should be equally difficult, not by accident of location.


Some great posts up here today, all of you!

I am thinking some of the places it's more difficult to find a Dr to do an abortion are the same places where those that need them don't always have the means to get there and bear the added expense.

In an ideal world there would be extensive, non biased conversations and medical advice, but this is not an ideal world.

Imagine4vr wrote:
Here's are basic more specific directions:

1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon bacon salt

There ya go, I fixed it for ya ;)

cheron98 wrote:And when they charge more for their wines not because the wines are necessarily better, but simply because they are biodynamic. We went to a winery last year in Niagara area (remember klez? who was that, Tawse?) that was BD, and klez asked the dude why their prices were significantly higher than similar wineries in the area, and the guy could only say "Because we are biodynamic". Not because he could cite medals or accolades for their wines that would denote a higher quality product. Just because they are BD. I have a problem with that. Of course, we did not find this out until after I had already purchased two bottles. The wines were good, sure, but not good enough to justify the higher price.

I don't understand the "I hate biodynamic wines because they cost more" argument. If you like the wine buy it, if you like it but you can't afford it, well there are an awful lot of wines in that category, at least for me. There is plenty of scientific evidence that biodynamic is BS. There are so many "free market" advocates on this forum that I can't believe people here hating biodynamic wines "because they cost more". Who cares, caveat emptor, there are many non biodynamic on the market that are way overpriced too.

edlada wrote:I don't understand the "I hate biodynamic wines because they cost more" argument. If you like the wine buy it, if you like it but you can't afford it, well there are an awful lot of wines in that category, at least for me. There is plenty of scientific evidence that biodynamic is BS. There are so many "free market" advocates on this forum that I can't believe people here hating biodynamic wines "because they cost more". Who cares, caveat emptor, there are many non biodynamic on the market that are way overpriced too.

I'm with you there. people have many reasons for overpricing their wine. Just compare the taste with what you're prepared to spend!

Re biodynamic.. the principles may be rubbish, but I hear that many French wineries improove when they go biodynamic. I suspect it's less the suspect theory and more the accompanying factors that go with it, that they remove pesticides and return to working with the earth, soil and terroir better.

Any recommendations for a small office shredder? Hopefully under a few hundred bucks, but understand we're a law office so go through a lot of paper, and I picture someone (namely me) sitting there trying to feed a 10-15 sheet one and ... that'd take forever. I guess it wouldn't all have to be shredded but ...

mommadeb1 wrote:I know this is the wrong place, but cellarthief.com has Fonseca port....yummmm

Indeed. What in particular do you like about that one, inquiring minds like to know?

Over on WTSO, you can now find

Cockburn Quinta Dos Canais Vintage Port 2007

edlada wrote:I don't understand the "I hate biodynamic wines because they cost more" argument.

No, you missed the point. It's not that I hate BD wines because they cost more. I hate when a winery charges more simply BECAUSE they are BD - when that is their only reason for charging more. That isn't a sound enough reason to me for raising their prices.

Also, I should clarify further. I do not hate biodynamic WINES. I have tried a number of BD wines that are quite tasty. It's the practice that I think is hooey.

cheron98 wrote:No, you missed the point. It's not that I hate BD wines because they cost more. I hate when a winery charges more simply BECAUSE they are BD - when that is their only reason for charging more. That isn't a sound enough reason to me for raising their prices.

Also, I should clarify further. I do not hate biodynamic WINES. I have tried a number of BD wines that are quite tasty. It's the practice that I think is hooey.

that's because you live in a location where obtaining unicorn horns is easy and cheap... think of the logistics and cost involved for them! and then you have to AGE all of that stuff...

hmm, maybe I should go into business of supplying all those horns-o-poop to BD wineries? I don't believe there is a current source of supply. I think they all create their own... and since you don't actually need to bury it in the same location it's used... I could make a fortune!

joelsisk wrote:that's because you live in a location where obtaining unicorn horns is easy and cheap...

I know, it's just so magical here. There's fairy dust on everything, and rainbows every day

bhodilee wrote:Even cheaper: Lactobacillus acidophilus milk. Unless that's what Lactaid has in it? Land of Lakes makes one that I can generally find on special (since no one hardly buys it) for about a buck a half gallon. I prefer Almond Milk though. Unsweetened from TJ's. Delicious and only 40 or 60 calories a glass (I want to say 40).

I think that's called yogurt, or even Yop. If you're getting "fancy" (i.e. Lebanese or Turkish or Greek) then it's kefir.

Lactaid is a pill or solution containing active lactase enzyme, that handy little protein that your intestinal epithelium has declined to produce for you.