If Islay single-malt can be a thing for snobs while tasting like smoked leather, rauchbier can be a thing. I’m not sure I’d make it my thing, but that’s okay.

Either America’s Test Kitchen or Cook’s Country published a mashed potato recipe that called for simmering the potatoes and garlic in the cream, then mashing with more milk and butter if needed. This results in potatoes that are exactly as rich and delicious as they sound like they would be. I don’t see why you…

For the record, right-to-work laws are designed to gut unions by denying them dues. For established unions, there is some cushion and it’s easier to get employees to join when most of their colleagues are already in, but in un- or newly-unionized workplaces, it becomes a much larger hurdle. Right-to-work laws are…

Literally, by definition, not WASPish at all. 

Yep! I blame the non-GMO people for this nonsense.

It sort of depends on the meat. I wouldn’t want a cold Reuben, for example. I think I’ve had most types of deli meat other than bologna and its derivatives in hot sandwiches, and since the quality of the meat is good — Boar’s Head or don’t waste my time — the sandwiches are fine. These are sandwiches meant to be…

People, avocadoes can be frozen! WHOLE! As long as they are ripe, you can just wrap in plastic, bag, and toss ‘em in. Or halve, slice, dice, mash — pretty much any way you would serve an avocado, you can freeze it, as long as you take care to seal tightly against air and/or sprinkle with an acid, to prevent…

This is where a Costco membership is a big win. Unless you’re in a crazy neighborhood that gets hundreds of kids, why not get a variety-pack box of either salty snacks or mini cookies (the Nabisco box)? You’re spending about the same amount of money on the 150-count bag of candy that you’re going to give out 2-3…

If anyone finds themselves stuck in the greater Phoenix metro area, look up Cornish Pasty Company and fill your belly. They have traditional options as well as some very, dramatically, ridiculously not traditional offerings, but they’re all tasty.

McSorley’s Old Ale House in NYC? Claims an 1854 founding, but is more likely to be from the early 1860s; it also claims to be the oldest Irish bar in America.

What’s next, an “Irish Week” where the technical is a baked potato?

Wow the greys responding to me are assholes. 

The author appears to be based in Oregon, so not sure how you’re going to taste-test Wawa or Sheetz.

Start by cooking them separately and that worry goes away! I like The Kitchn’s method for basic lentils (which is essentially to cook until done with some basic aromatics and no salt), and then I spice ‘em and add them to whatever I am working on.

Perhaps you’ve only had cider as a mulled or spiced warm beverage? It is delicious like that, but the base juice is not flavored in any way. It’s like (very slightly) thicker, richer-tasting apple juice.

Of course we’re spending more on candy this year, prices are up significantly from last year.

Yes, and I think this is also a regional difference — you would never see that accepted as cider in the Northeast.

If this came in near/at closing time, could it be that an employee was saying “make it yourself, b**** I am off the clock”?

I just did a test order using the pickup menu from my local PF’s and 2 appetizers, 4 mains and 2 desserts, plus drinks, can be at $133 without alcohol. Add in a beer or two and it’s easy to get there. A family of four with kids old enough to order a regular meal could enjoy a single night out per month and make this…

One of the cab companies in my town bought a bunch last year that still have the paint job, antennas, spots and bumpers. I think some of them still have the grill lights. One of them, based on the distinctive paint job, was a county mountie of our county. If it wasn’t for the “Taxi” light on top, I wouldn’t know the…