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• 09.02.08
  The Dodge & Graham Horse and Pony Jamboree: Part 2 BBQ, fish, grilling, pork | (15)

  Here's a man who really knows how to massage his meat. A barbecue in North Carolina isn't really a barbecue unless some part of a pig is being cooked, and the Horse and Pony Jamboree did not disappoint.  Dodge (actual first name), the better other half of the HPJ, created an intensely flavorful pork shoulder, jazzing up a traditional Carolina vinegar-based marinade and mop with fresh and dried anaheim and poblano chiles.  He'd also planned some spicy pan-fried black bean cakes and some kind of amuse bouche that involved lemongrass-flavored shrimp wrapped in dough and fried.  I was skeptical, but as ...

  Tagged: barbecue, barbeque, BBQ, beans, canon, carolina, chef, fish, outer banks, pastry, pork, powershot, sanderling, shellfish, shrimp
  
• 07.21.08
  Cheap Ass Monday: Cheap As Free cheap ass, grains, legumes, veg/vegan | (28)

  I am BACK. A gaping wound IS NOT ENOUGH TO STOP ME. I've never had a cut deep enough that it healed from the inside out before; even though it's clearly knitting together underneath and is no longer seeping, it still looks like I have an open gash in my hand. Grody. Dinnertime! Aside from a side salad this meal should be practically free, because all the ingredients should already be present in your well-stocked pantry.* Plus, it makes so many leftovers that the cost per meal is probably, like, $0.17. (I haven't done the math yet, but I'm sure that's pretty accurate). ...

  Tagged: beans, cooking, culinary, food, inexpensive, italian, pepper, spanish, spices
  
• 06.16.08
  Cheap Ass Mondays: Re-inventing a Clichè cheap ass, grains, legumes, veg, veg/vegan | (27)

  Do you listen to Aimee Mann? You should, she's really good. I have spoken. For the second installment of Cheap Ass Mondays, I bring you variation #999,999,998 on rice and beans: Mexican-ish stuffed peppers. Can you really have a feature called "Cheap Ass Mondays" without featuring rice and beans at least 30% of the time? I'm still new here, but I'm guessing you can't. These peppers appeared regularly on my table back in my vegetarian days (August 6th and 7th, 2000). Yes, I was once a vegetarian, for about four years. It will come as ...

  Tagged: beans, budget, canon, cheap, cooking, dinner, food, grains, mexican, powershot, vegetables
  
• 03.18.08
  tacogate ‘08: tasty pico and inauthentic refried beans legumes, sauces, veg | (18)

  I know you're all watching American Idol right now. Why does Jason Castro force us to love him, with his dreadlocks and blue eyes and charming goofiness? Part Four in the series goes back to basics: pico de gallo and refried beans. Every time I have people over and bring out this pico there's a minor riot, which never ceases to amaze me - and sadden me, have we become so inured to Tostitos salsa? Will future generations know nothing except Pace Picante Sauce? Fresh pico only takes 5 ingredients and a little chopping. Do it for the ...

  Tagged: beans, canon, cooking, dips, food, salsa, vegetables
  

...as of late

• You are so not off the hook
• 2008, Over and Out
• Weekend Frig: Yes, I am 12 Years Old
• Waiting for Santa
• Waterloo du patisserie, deuxieme
• Waterloo du patisserie, le premiere part.
• Cheap Ass Monday: Cuddle up with a big bowl of Cheerios
• I didn’t have a single drink, ocifer.