Episode 8: "Common Threads" Options

[WhataJoke]

LOL oh, suddenly the conspiracy uncovers itself. Are you covering for yourself here? How do we know this is the case? Sounds to me it's like the "suddenly appearing" comment cards or the lying after the fact by yourself for yourself (the Ted Allen syndrome)LOL

Since you can't disprove my allegation, it MUST be true LOL.

Of course I can disprove your allegation. If I was just like Tom all the comments that came after my post would be deleted as well.

LOL

[SivartAlappes]

Thanks, and I dare say you'll get comments on your caveat

yeah. Well, let me know if/when you make it what you think, eh? Sorry for the lack of exact amounts used in it... but I don't measure when I cook.

[SivartAlappes]

Just found this for all the bacon lovers....

Ahh, bacon! That crispy, chewy, salty and sinful cut of pork we all love.

Bacon has disciples far and wide, some of whom devote entire blogs to it. The Bacon Show, for example, posts a daily recipe featuring bacon; the site "101 Things Every Cook Should Cook" has an entire section devoted to bacon. Heather, of the site "Bacon Unwrapped", chronicles her adventures with bacon, and "Bacontarian" brings you bacon-y goodness from around the Internet, while "I Heart Bacon" conducts bacon reviews.

For those who've spent more time eating it than studying it, bacon is cut from the sides, belly, or back of a pig, near the ribs. It's the fattiness of the meat that makes it so yummy. After the skin is cut away, the meat is cured, smoked, and sliced. It can be cooked in a pan on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave, until it's perfectly crisp.

You probably know bacon as the star of the BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, in case you didn't know), and the bacon cheeseburger. But there are so many other ways we can incorporate it into our diets and our lives! Here are 50 ways to use bacon:

1. Make a good old BLT sandwich, of course.

2. Bacon cheeseburgers will make anyone's mouth water. Meat topped with more meat? Perfection!

3. Bacon-wrapped tater tots would go perfectly with that bacon cheeseburger!

4. Roast a bacon-wrapped turkey for Sunday dinner.

5. Make delicious bacon pastry slices.

6. Add a punch of flavor to your creamed spinach recipe.

7. Make your own hot bacon dressing to use on lettuce, cabbage, or even potato salad!

8. Entertaining? Whet your guests' appetites with the bacon-cheese fundido appetizer.

9. Indulge in a bar of dark chocolate infused with the flavor of applewood smoked bacon as a special treat.

10. Maple bacon cupcakes will make your mouth water.

11. And if you liked those, try a bacon chocolate chip cookie with maple cinnamon glaze.

12. It's not real, southern cornbread unless there's bacon grease in it.

13. Visit The Plaid Mushroom's e-shop to smother your lips with bacon lip balm made with real bacon oil, refined from bacon. (The link is to a listing that was reserved for a certain buyer, but contact theplaidmushroom to ask for your own listing.)

14. Join the bacon of the month club to have artisan bacon delivered to your door 12 times a year.

15. The beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina gives us bacon-flavored cotton candy.

16. Enjoy a bacon martini with any meal.

17. Use bacon to dress up your leftovers for a second visit to the dinner table.

18. Whip up a tasty bacon asparagus quiche with Swiss cheese for dinner.

19. Cook bacon into the shape of cups and fill with lettuce and tomato for a breadless BLT.

20. Stay warm by wrapping a giant fleece bacon scarf around yourself.

21. Even if you're a vegetarian and/or keep a kosher diet, you can still enjoy the taste of bacon salt, because, as the manufacturers say: "Everything should taste like bacon."

22. If pork-covered pork appeals to you, you may also enjoy the bacon-wrapped deep-fried hot dog.

23. Trim your holiday tree with joyful ceramic bacon ornaments.

24. Use bacon instead of ground beef in stuffed peppers.

25. Get the morning off to a good start with beer cheese muffins with bacon cream cheese frosting.

26. Impress your guests with deceptively simple bacon-wrapped "crabette" appetizers.

27. A bacon-y take on an Asian favorite: bacon and bok choy potstickers.

28. Weave and bake bacon into edible placemats.

29. Then, use the woven bacon to augment your grilled cheese experience.

30. Or, use woven bacon to cook up an eggless bacon and cheese omelet.

31. Bacon and date appetizers will be the hit of your party.

32. Bacon egg salad croissants put a new spin on an old favourite.

33. Then, have a bowl of bacon ice cream for dessert.

34. Then use an actual bacon bandage to cover your own boo-boos.

35. Or wake up to cooking bacon with the bacon alarm clock, which is appropriately shaped like a pig's face.

36. Add it to your bathroom in the form of bacon-printed toilet tissue.

37. Then, use it to wash up afterward.

38. Bacon popcorn is a deliciously salty, crunchy snack!

39. Try your hand at making your own bacon.

40. Enjoy barbecue-baked beans with bacon alongside your BLT.

41. Cook up a bacon buffet with bacon-topped potato skins, bacon-wrapped shrimp and scallops, bacon-wrapped asparagus, and eggs cooked in bacon grease.

42. Corn and bacon chowder sounds like the perfect soup to warm you up on the last chilly evenings before summer!

43. Strawberry bacon spinach salad will make you the star of any potluck.

44. Salty bacon will complement the sweet honey dressing in this imitation crab salad.

45. Try poached pears stuffed with blue cheese and baked with bacon.

46. Or try the same combo of flavors in a pear, blue cheese, bacon pizza.

47. Take a look at this bacon-filled quiche. It'll really make your mouth water.

48. See who comes out on top with an action-figure wrestling match between Mr. Bacon and Monsieur Tofu.

49. Smooth caramel topped with crunchy bacon: Does that sound delicious or disgusting? Try it and let us know.

50. Try many other bacon dishes suggested by foodnerd, including bacon fluffernutter sandwiches, bacon cups with macaroni and cheese, bacon-pepper-cheese scones, and more!

I've never SEEN so much bacony goodness in one place!

[Radyms13]

I've never SEEN so much bacony goodness in one place!

Isn't it glorious!!! I truly admire you for trying out for the show--word of advice---read as much as you can here. Many smart, creative people with tons of ideas. You might have to go through tons of stuff but there are some true gems hidden in these boards!

[SivartAlappes]

Isn't it glorious!!! I truly admire you for trying out for the show--word of advice---read as much as you can here. Many smart, creative people with tons of ideas. You might have to go through tons of stuff but there are some true gems hidden in these boards!

So I noticed! I've already seen a couple of food ideas I'd not thought of before.

And a friend of mine is trying to discourage me from trying out saying it's SUCH a hard show to get on. I just wish I could try out in person! But all the open call cities are so far away! I just hope that they put as much stock in the video auditions as they do in the open calls.

[Radyms13]

So I noticed! I've already seen a couple of food ideas I'd not thought of before.

And a friend of mine is trying to discourage me from trying out saying it's SUCH a hard show to get on. I just wish I could try out in person! But all the open call cities are so far away! I just hope that they put as much stock in the video auditions as they do in the open calls.

Go for it!!! The worst thing that can happen is they don't pick you....but you never know....

[SivartAlappes]

The worst thing that can happen is they don't pick you.

Which is what happened both times I tried out for American Idol.

[Radyms13]

Which is what happened both times I tried out for American Idol.

Yea but you tried--that is no small thing.

[SivartAlappes]

You DID??
You are one hot little commodity there.
You do it all it seems.
Are you a boy person or a girl person??

I'm gonna' go check out your video now.
I didn't have time earlier. I got sent home early with pay. wooooohoooo

I like Wilfred!!!

The chances of getting on any of these shows is pretty bleak it seems... but keep on trying sweets.
I like you determination...Just clean up your mess young boy person or girl person

I'm a boy.

And yes, I do indeed "do it all". I sing (have won more singing awards than I care to try counting), I write (I've have nearly a dozen poems published, articles in magazines and newspapers, a film blog on the local paper's site, etc.), I'm a filmmaker (have won an award at a film festival, have had many screenings, am soon getting paid for some music videos, and will be directing a feature film next spring), I cook (duh!), I play chess (many trophies) and numerous sports, I'm currently in my 6th week on a show called The Movie Mob on Reelz Channel, I just got hired to work at a summer camp as a camp counselor,..... yeah.. lots of stuff!

[Pita]

So I noticed! I've already seen a couple of food ideas I'd not thought of before.

And a friend of mine is trying to discourage me from trying out saying it's SUCH a hard show to get on. I just wish I could try out in person! But all the open call cities are so far away! I just hope that they put as much stock in the video auditions as they do in the open calls.

Go for it! What have you got to lose?

Just in the brief time I've spent reading and participating on this board, I've already gained a wealth of information. Much more than I've been able to provide. Take everything with a grain of salt, but take it. You never know when or where that little nugget of wisdom will present itself.

You'll forever kick yourself for not trying.

Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right.
~Henry Ford

[SivartAlappes]

I'm gonna' call you SA as that name has me a
bit ferklempt....What does it mean btw??


Pfffffft I bake cookies......REALLY good cookies I might add

Send some of your poems please.....or links.

kristlkrost@aol.com

I'm not afraid to post my email address.
If they haven't gotten me by now

I'm a dabbler and an addict of poetry.
I read it every day....Since you tried out on
AI ..I am assuming you are way too young for me to flirt with you.....DRATS!
Creative people make the world a better
place..... unless they are exceptionally
messy

1) I just e-mailed you the poem of mine that is being published in an anthology this summer.
2) I'm 24.
3) my "production company" (I use the "" because I haven't officially registered it yet) is called SivartAlappesProductions. As for what it means...
SivartAlappes
Sivart Alappes
traviS seppalA

[Pita]

I'm a boy.

And yes, I do indeed "do it all". I sing (have won more singing awards than I care to try counting), I write (I've have nearly a dozen poems published, articles in magazines and newspapers, a film blog on the local paper's site, etc.), I'm a filmmaker (have won an award at a film festival, have had many screenings, am soon getting paid for some music videos, and will be directing a feature film next spring), I cook (duh!), I play chess (many trophies) and numerous sports, I'm currently in my 6th week on a show called The Movie Mob on Reelz Channel, I just got hired to work at a summer camp as a camp counselor,..... yeah.. lots of stuff!

Yeah, but can you do laundry and make a dinner, huh? Huh?

I kid! I kid! You'll learn that about me.

I wish I could sing. So does everyone who has ever had to listen to me. So right there, you're on my "You Go Boy!" list.

I watch movies. Does that count for anything? No? I didn't think so. Phooey.

I was an English Lit Maj., not that you'd know it from any of my posts.
*violent rolleye*
Minor in Psych. THAT comes in handy.


Chess? Is that like checkers?
See? I kid!

I volunteer in my kids' classes. Might that count as having some positive interaction with the future generation? Please, oh please, say "yes".
*Prays*

Oh, and I like to cook. I love everything about it. I like smells, textures, tastes, chemistry, colors, the feel in my hands, the countries and people food represents. I am a MomCook Julia Child taught to cook on Saturday afternoons, while on PBS.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. *nod*

[sfekty]

Welcome aboard!
I thought using beef fat to flavor the tofu was pretty brilliant but I completely understand your assertation. Why cook it in beef when card carrying Vegan/Vegetarians won't eat it and us meat eaters would perfer meat. I think it simply comes down to the nature of the challenge. It was a random thing yelled out so they could use it in any way they liked as long as it was featured. Also the term "perplexed" was supposed to be relivant to the dish and Tofu that tasted like beef would perplex me a bit. And I do enjoy tofu. But I'd also probably enjoy rubbing A1 on a cow and taking a bite out of it so go figure.

And I agree with you. Tofu does get a bad rap as it is pretty much a blank slate where a cooks skill can really shine interms of the flavors imparted to it. Richard really impressed me in that challenge.

I can see someone who has a tight budget using tofu instead of beef. With food prices going up, tofu flavored with beef is an alternative.

[helencrump]

Cut bacon strips into thirds.
Wrap bacon around the chicken liver, secure with a toothpick. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes.

I know this as an incredibly savory appetizer called Rumaki . . . add a water chestnut, dip in soy sauce . . . absolutely to enjoy and have more!!

This post has been edited by helencrump: May 2, 2008 - 10:04 PM

[helencrump]

I thought liver was supposed to be good for you?

(I hate the stuff, so I know next to nothing about it)

Actually, liver is incredibly good for you, as it's chocked full of iron . . . a trademark of many innards (for wont of a better word). But it's also full of fat. So, you balance.

[helencrump]

Oh moderation---have a few, you just can't eat the whole plate. I love beef liver with plenty of onions and bacon!!!

Oh, yes, I had liver and onions growing up, but my mother overcooked the liver, hence shoeleather.

So, I got to something else, as an adult . . . simmer beef or pork liver mildly in V-8, being careful not to overcook the liver . . . a little pink in the center is not a bad thing. Incredibly tender and tasty . . . in fact, rather sassy!!

[Pita]

I know this an an incredibly savory appetizer called Rumaki . . . add a water chestnut, dip in soy sauce . . . absolutely to enjoy and have more!!

You are most correct, Mah Dear! Southern Ladies, of my Momma's sort, wouldn't dreeeeam of having a bridal shower or house warming or cocktail party without it.

I came across the Devil/Maybe Angel Thingie a few years ago and my Momma thought she had a child prodigy! Bragged to ah-ull thuh uhthuh Ladyfolk een kine. Mmm. Hmm. *knowingheadbob*

Botches stole my stole my idea, too.

[Radyms13]

I know this an an incredibly savory appetizer called Rumaki . . . add a water chestnut, dip in soy sauce . . . absolutely to enjoy and have more!!

Keep reading, my whistling friend, I got to the water chestnut but not the soy sauce---thanks! Oh and now I know it has a fancy name I will impress friends and family!!

[helencrump]

What kind of flower? Roses? Daisies? Buttercups?

[skulking off in shame, now]

Hey, stop it, dogabone.

I was biting my tongue not to respond with the zinnias, but you blew the bloom off that perennial.

Nonetheless, that recipe is incredibly different, and I will try it. But I need to know how much cream cheese to use.

[Pita]

Oh, yes, I had liver and onions growing up, but my mother overcooked the liver, hence shoeleather.

So, I got to something else, as an adult . . . simmer beef or pork liver mildly in V-8, being careful not to overcook the liver . . . a little pink in the center is not a bad thing. Incredibly tender and tasty . . . in fact, rather sassy!!

Marry me.

Good Lard. You are about the fifth person I've proposed to this week. Not that you wouldn't have been first. Plllease. It's just that I didn't come across this little tidbit before all my other proposals. I'ma first come, first proposal kinda Gal. Just know that about me.

I love V8. check.
I love liver. check.

What's not to love?

This post has been edited by Pita: May 2, 2008 - 07:51 PM