3.03.2009

MESSY

Why is it that babies can get away with looks that are just irresponsible in an older person? Chubby thighs and fat creases are adorable on babies. Not so on anyone that can walk and talk. Wearing your food is okay for little kids. But on grown ups is just embarrassing. Anyway, this week's contest over at i [heart] faces is messy. Go there to see more cuteness!


3.01.2009

Flying First Class

There are two expressions I use for things that are exceptionally good, or exceptionally bad.

When things are really bad, they get "hot dog" status--this works especially well for food items. For example, chicken nuggets are the hot dog of the poultry world, fish sticks are the hot dog of the seafood world, and hot dogs are, well, just generally gross (we'll come back to this in a minute).  This can also be applied to non-food items.  Walmart, a great place to get hot dog stuff, is the hot dog of retail.  One of my favorites?--my kids refer to particle board as "hot dog wood."

When things are really good, they get "flying first class" status.  Generally this applies to things that, once you try them, you never want to go back.  Before you tried them, you may have had no clue what you were missing, but now, your life has been forever changed.  Flying first class is the obvious example.  Other examples . . . Eating organic food--seriously, who would have thought that organic apples would just taste better?   Steaks from the butcher--way better. Cottonelle flushable moist wipes--you betcha. Good, sharp kitchen knives, and in general, all good tools--worth the money.  (To circle back, if you are going to eat hot dogs, I recommend the flying first class hot dogs [Nathan's or Hebrew National], or upgrading to brats.)

Tonight we had a "flying first class" experience.  I have a new cookbook, and some of the recipes recommend specific varieties of chocolate from specific vendors.  I ordered some of these chocolates online, and tonight we had an impromptu chocolate tasting.  Chocolate from cocoa beans harvested in Madagascar and the Caribbean anyone?  We compared colors, smelled, listened to the different snapping noises as we broke the chocolate, and swished water and ate small bits of apple to cleanse our palates  between courses.  Words like "fruity," "nutty," "smokey," and "slightly acidic" were uttered.  I feel like door to a whole new world has opened up. 

And, sadly, Hershey's is now the hot dog of the chocolate world.