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Saturday Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 12:59:36 PM EST
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    Saturday Open Thread | 49 comments (49 topical)

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    Reading (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:06:13 PM EST
    my book on molecular gastronomy, I was very surprised to learn that you can freeze eggs.  When you thaw them they "perform" like normal eggs.  Just shell them first, put them in a plastic container.  Cover them with plastic before covering with the container lid (The added plastic prevents freezer burn).

    Then my husband reminded me that egg donor clinics freeze eggs all the time and thaw them and make children.

    Oh yeah.  Eggs are pretty amenable to such things.  I guess it's not that surprising at all.

    When you say "shell them" (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by Radiowalla on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:50:30 PM EST
    it sounds like they are hard-boiled already.  Do you mean crack them instead and freeze the raw eggs?    Either way, I'll await the report of your first soufflé.

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:25:10 PM EST
    I mean remove the shells from the raw eggs and combine, say, a dozen egg whites and yolks together (or I suppose you could separate the whites from the yolks) and freeze.

    Parent
    Moi, I'm an egg yolk (none / 0) (#20)
    by brodie on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:36:02 PM EST
    guy (on those few occasions when I buy eggs).  Far more nutrients in the yolk, according to the nutritional source we always rely on, and it's good cholesterol provided they are soft boiled and not fried or scrambled.

    The whites are also harder on the digestion.

    So, elitist contrarian that I am, the whites are tossed and the prepared yolk part is consumed.

    Parent

    Well (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 10:22:49 PM EST
    Don't hold your breath, because it'll be a cold day in h*ll before I attempt a souffle.

    But hey, you can make a baby with a thawed egg, why not a souffle?

    Parent

    You can do it! I made a corn souffle last with (none / 0) (#47)
    by Angel on Sun Jun 28, 2009 at 08:50:27 AM EST
    without a recipe.  Just make sure you beat your egg whites til they're almost stiff and FOLD them into whatever else you are using.  In my case it was fresh corn off the cob sauteed with peppers, onions, some spices, plus salt and pepper in a butter and olive oil mixture.  You can add a little shredded cheese if you like.  Saute all of that, let it cool down (if you don't the egg whites will melt), then fold the egg whites in.  Put it into a greased dish with some depth so it will form up the sides.  Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes depending on your altitude.  I was in high altitude so mine took only 20 minutes.  

    Parent
    I thought the whites (none / 0) (#10)
    by Fabian on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:37:44 PM EST
    suffered from freeze damage...

    Maybe not?  After all, most freeze damage is caused by ruptured cell walls - and an egg is a single "cell".  I might try freezing a couple and see if I can still fry them or if the whites still whip up.

    Parent

    Yup! (none / 0) (#13)
    by nycstray on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:14:05 PM EST
    I was buying them frozen for the Dot (and egg partaking kitties) pastured/frozen. They have the egg shell whirred in because that's how 'we' like them for the pets. The farmer did ship whole frozen for awhile, shells cracked of course, but it didn't matter. Right now, we are getting them fresh weekly, but if I get towards overload, I'll prob just freeze them and grind the shells to add to the pet food.

    I've actually had my fridge set too cold  and had the end of the cartoon farthest back freeze. Yes, I used the eggs :)

    Oh, btw, thanks for mentioning your classes. I had been looking around about getting certified in nutrition, and got side tracked on the search. When you posted the other day, it reminded me to look at State schools in CA. Between State and the CC college that's by the cabin I'll be living in, looks doable without debt!! {big grin}. And I can start online classes here if I'm delayed getting out there :)

    Parent

    Good for you (none / 0) (#18)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:27:24 PM EST
    We unfortunately don't have an undergrad nutritional science program at UW.  They're speaking of creating one, but it'll be too late for me.

    I'm not the graduate school type, since I don't enjoy speaking in front of crowd/classes.

    Parent

    Yeah, I've pretty much given up on any grad ideas (none / 0) (#26)
    by nycstray on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 05:26:06 PM EST
    I just want knowledge and some sort of valid certification. I was originally thinking about going back for ECE, but not if I'm going to live in CA. If I stayed here, I would still consider it, as I have a better handle on how things are and know people who have done it. But it's a lot to take on.

    Luckily, I have a few things I'm passionate about, so I can go off in another direction. I certainly don't want to carry some of these tuition debts! Oy.

    Me speak in front of people?! Uh, NO! I got around it when I was teaching by how I handled my first class. I basically want to do one on one and small groups, which I'm ok with.

    Parent

    Last week Sheldon Whitehouse (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by andgarden on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:06:49 PM EST
    gave a very good and wide-ranging defense of progressive Constitutionalism" and Sotomayor.

    Maybe I just like it because his quotes Marshall form McCulloch:

    A constitution, to contain an accurate detail of all the subdivisions of which its great powers will admit, and of all the means by which they may be carried into execution, would partake of the prolixity of a legal code, and could scarcely be embraced by the human mind. It would, probably, never be understood by the public. Its nature, therefore, requires, that only its great outlines should be marked, its important objects designated, and the minor ingredients which compose those objects, be deduced from the nature of the objects themselves.


    See, for example, the California Constitution. (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by oculus on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:08:42 PM EST


    Parent
    I think it's fair to say (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by andgarden on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:14:06 PM EST
    that California neither has a constitution nor constitutional government. At least, not in a form recognizable to Americans.

    Parent
    California has both but both don't (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by oculus on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:17:35 PM EST
    work very well.

    Parent
    The Soviet Union (none / 0) (#6)
    by andgarden on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:22:28 PM EST
    also had a "constitution."

    Parent
    Did you see the news story though: (none / 0) (#7)
    by oculus on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:24:17 PM EST
    appellate court overturns "not guilty" verdicts re murder of newsperson.  Who says there is no justice in Russia? (snk)

    Parent
    In Russia, "not guilty" (none / 0) (#8)
    by andgarden on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:25:34 PM EST
    overturns appellate court!

    Parent
    Yawn (5.00 / 5) (#9)
    by Steve M on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:28:41 PM EST
    Arbitration hearing all week long.  Totally exhausted today!  Little girl climbing on my lap wanting to steal the computer from me, yelling KEYYYYBOARDDDDDD!

    I am yawning too but only (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by oculus on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 01:42:57 PM EST
    because I am absolutely convinced I need to live in New York City or London due to need for unrivalled cultural enrichment opportunities.  

    Parent
    Hmm, maybe I should hang on to my apt (none / 0) (#14)
    by nycstray on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:17:08 PM EST
    when I move and we can "share" it. It's a great deal (currently under 600mo) and Only one subway stop from "the city". Easier hop to London than from the WC also!  ;)

    Parent
    Bottom line: would I have to leave (none / 0) (#19)
    by oculus on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:30:48 PM EST
    Lincoln Center before the end of the opera to make the subway or train home?

    Parent
    Bottom Line (none / 0) (#22)
    by CoralGables on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 04:00:53 PM EST
    one subway stop no. If one train stop I withhold judgment.

    Parent
    Nope, subway runs all night (none / 0) (#24)
    by nycstray on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 05:12:37 PM EST
    I've ridden it home at all hours from things including Shea and Yankee Stadiums. I tend to ride later alone during the summer vs winter, but always plenty of folks coming and going at night. LC would be an express down to 14th and then 3 stops to my place :) It's an active place for socializing, but I live a couple blocks off the main activity area. I'm nicely surrounded by churches, day care and schools so the nightlife can't really do much around me ;) When I worked in the Times Square area, 20 minutes to work. 7 minutes from my place to Union Sq Green market :) And there's also one in my park about 6-8 blocks away.

    There's a car service right around the corner that I've been using for years. Flat rates, so if you use them over a Taxi, you aren't paying for traffic etc. By car, it's not as direct as subway. The car service is great as they PU in all 5 pretty quickly (5-7 minutes is the usual wait). I've used them to truck rescue Dals around {grin}.

    Oh, and we gots LOTS of good food here. Whether you go out or want to buy to cook.

    Yes, I'm spoiled apt wise! My LL is a complete angel, and everyone else here is very low key and non-stress causing. I'm on the top floor, or as my long time UPS guy says, "the penthouse", lol!~  Even though I moving to the cabin, I'm still not too keen to give this place up, and may not. My friend on the second floor moved upstate, but had her sister move in. She's back now due to her partner's daughter going to the "Fame" school.

    Parent

    I'll take it... (5.00 / 2) (#44)
    by of1000Kings on Sun Jun 28, 2009 at 04:48:13 AM EST
    I'm an artist, though, which generally means I'm probably not a great tenant (broke and fairly cluttered--a nice word for messy, as well as most active in the creative hours of 1-5am)...

    I guess that's why we (artists) have to have our own buildings...no one else wants to live around us...

    Parent

    Remind me. Why are you moving to (none / 0) (#30)
    by oculus on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 06:58:37 PM EST
    a cabin in No. CA.?  

    Parent
    I thought you were weighing (none / 0) (#39)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 09:15:21 PM EST
    a NYC move awhile back.

    Parent
    Not exactly weighing. More like dreaming. (none / 0) (#43)
    by oculus on Sun Jun 28, 2009 at 12:19:59 AM EST
    This is in the same category.

    Parent
    All drained. (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by nycstray on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:22:45 PM EST
    My camera and flash batteries, that is. {sigh}. Well, at least the sun doesn't set until late so I can still get everything shot today before it becomes meals.

    We had a flower preview at our CSA today. Man, are they beautiful! I brought home a couple bunches (farmer brought extras) so I could photograph a variety. I think I'm going to like fresh flowers :)

    I was coordinator today. So glad the weather decided to act like it's supposed to. I think I may even have a "healthy glow" now :)

    For a change of pace from (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by brodie on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:45:55 PM EST
    the 24/7 MJ Marathon on cable news, TCM today is having a day devoted to major Hitchcock films.

    My favorite of them all, on later, is Notorious.

    North by Northwest is probably #2, coming up this evening.

    Later on is Rear Window, featuring Grace Kelly in one of the sexiest kisses ever put on film.

    Great film artist though he was, Hitch had some unfortunate character flaws, as I read recently, which usually emerged in some peculiar and negative form against at least one actor-victim per film.

    Tippi Hedren in The Birds probably got the worst treatment, having to endure an entire week, much to her great surprise and horror, of having live birds thrown at her and tied to her clothing.  What you see on film in the attic scene is mostly not acting but reacting.  Disgusting abuse of an actor, but such was his power back in the day.

    "I'm an advertising man (none / 0) (#23)
    by andgarden on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 04:02:57 PM EST
    , not a red herring[!]"

    Seriously, I love most of the color Hitchcocks. Vertigo is a masterpiece.

    Word is that TCM is up in HD, and should be filtering out to the cable systems in time. Not yet, I'm afraid.

    Parent

    Ohhhhhhh! Thanks for the heads up! (none / 0) (#25)
    by nycstray on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 05:16:38 PM EST
    I'll be on Yanks/Mets later, but I may just have to flip over to the game periodically, as I would love a Hitch night! And I have about 8 gigs of editing to do. Movies are so good for that (so are sports, but this is dif!) :)

    Parent
    I love The Trouble with Harry... (none / 0) (#46)
    by of1000Kings on Sun Jun 28, 2009 at 05:12:09 AM EST
    on entertainment value it may be Hitch's best movie...

    I'm cracking up the whole time I watch it...

    Parent

    Poppy Reprieve (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 05:32:16 PM EST
    Obama is ending the US policy of opium poppy eradication in Afghanistan. Pisses too many people off at great financial expense and the results are negligible.

    Now if he only applied that thinking to the Drug war in the US and MJ in particular we would have consistent logic.

    Boo Hoo Gates (none / 0) (#28)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 06:39:56 PM EST
    If I were you, having the CIC tell me No about something I had got him to agree to previously would make me quit my job.  Just an idea you might want to give some consideration!

    Parent
    Sounds Good to Me (none / 0) (#38)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 09:06:41 PM EST
    Gates should quit, if he were a real man. The indignity of it all...

    Parent
    I think you've reinforced a desireable (none / 0) (#40)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 09:17:55 PM EST
    dream theme for me tonight.

    Parent
    Josh is on his way home (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 06:52:04 PM EST
    Very hungry now and eating his way along Interstate 10.  His mom has recognized that it is beer:30.  Our president has decided we are no longer making war on poppies but hasn't fired any militarytorturers yet or told them to shove off yet.  There is always tomorrow.

    Have a great evening! (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by Fabian on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 07:50:15 PM EST
    My son is eating shell peas, snow peas and snap peas.  Farmer's market today!  I have currants for jelly.  

    Parent
    I just made a nice vegetable soup for hubby. (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by Angel on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 07:57:24 PM EST
    Used leftover veal shank bones, chicken broth, onions, celery, carrots, fresh corn off the cob, zucchini squash, tomatoes, basil, lots of spices and a little salt 'n peppa and a teaspoon of sugar plus TLC.  It's tres yummy!

    Parent
    People who cook...sheesh (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 08:14:31 PM EST
    When I dated, once upon a time, I used to look for men who could cook. I couldn't find one I wanted forever though who could cook.  But I tried.  One of my cousins who is a nurse found a man who can cook, likes to cook, and does.

    Parent
    One of my favorite movie quotes (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 08:11:00 PM EST
    Paul Poitier-Kittredge says rich people love "a fancy pot of jam". From Six Degrees of Separation

    Parent
    Heh. (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by Fabian on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 08:31:15 PM EST
    I'm not doing "fancy".  I just beginning to learn to make jelly, which is really simple, but not easy.

    It's just math: Take X cups processed fruit or juice, add Y amount of pectin and Z cups of sugar.

    If you don't add enough sugar or pectin, then the jelly doesn't set up.  I took advantage of this to make "cherry sauce" by shorting the sugar.  It thickened nicely without adding corn starch or corn syrup.  

    Parent

    I'm fascinated and attracted (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 08:54:18 PM EST
    to interesting jams and jellies.  I have contemplated learning to make some, probably even ruining some :)  Anyhow, have noticed that I can't pass up an intriguing jelly or jam or tapenade or pesto.  I think I'm realizing that it has to do with the fact that even though I'm not a good cooker (my neices words after trying to deal with my cooking for a couple of days) I can usually find a decent loaf of crusty bread :)

    Parent
    Jellies, Jams & Preserves (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by CoralGables on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 09:57:11 PM EST
    Be careful, being attracted to jelly could get you in a jam making it hard to preserve your marriage.

    Parent
    Made strawberry jam (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by caseyOR on Sun Jun 28, 2009 at 04:57:13 AM EST
    The weekend before last a friend and I made strawberry jam with luscious, succulent Hood strawberries. It tastes just like fresh strawberries. My entire share of the finished product is going into the cupboard, to be brought out in early January when I am oh so tired of winter.

    And next month we'll be cranking out both raspberry and marionberry jam.

    I love toast and jam. : )

    Parent

    All this jelly talk (none / 0) (#48)
    by CoralGables on Sun Jun 28, 2009 at 09:25:09 AM EST
    just gave me a Sesame Street flashback singing with my daughter (accompanied by James Taylor). Originally written by 5 year old Sally Taylor (daughter of James Taylor and Carly Simon).

    JellyManKelly

    Parent

    Perfect (none / 0) (#49)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jun 28, 2009 at 11:44:55 AM EST


    Parent
    personally (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by skippybkroo on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 07:14:38 PM EST
    i am supporting sleestak for pennsylvania senator next year.

    The Democratic Change Commission: Anyone find... (none / 0) (#16)
    by lambert on Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 03:24:25 PM EST
    where the meeting was held -- and what happened? Anybody show any videos?

    Saturday Open Thread | 49 comments (49 topical)

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