h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The squirrel anecdote came from a book called "Ghosts of Vesuvius," which ties together the collapse-column phenomon in volcanoes with the same phenomenon in the World Trade Center attacks. It also look s at shock-cocoons, which provide islands of safety even at the center of a collapse.

*adds "Ghosts of Vesuvius" to reading list*

That sounds really interesting.

you've been busy in here

That happens, sometimes.

I was typing that recipe... do you know what a roux is by any chance?

nope

I shall add the instructions for that too.

you should know that I'm not a good cook

just make sure you keep stirring and you don't let it burn or go lumpy

Done typing the recipe.... and about to send it to Cal, since I don't have your email.

I'll get Cal to pass it on to you

Let's see, a roux contains paprika, cayenne, and flour, among other things. Yes, yes, it most definitely makes sense to stir it so it doesn't burn.

I have a perfectly cajun cookbook, and I've enjoyed the recipes I've made from it, but I haven't gone to it in ages. When I want hot, spicy food, I go for either Tex-Mex or Indian.

Which cookbook is that, Paul?

It's called "Cajun cooking," compiled by Judith Feguson, published by Gallery Books in new York. It's not new (1989), and the binding is spiral.

The names of some of the recipes are intriguing: "Backbone stew," "Chicken and sausage jambalaya," "Crawfish etoufee," "Gingersnap pork chops," "Gumbo z'Herbes," "Maque Choux," "Oreilles de cochon," "Red bean ands red pepper soup," "Sweet potato and sausage casserole" (my favorite ), and "Syrup cake." There are a few others, as well. It's basic and clear.

All of those are familiar, except the syrup cake.

The River Road cookbook series are popular, here.

I'm not necessarily loyal to my regional cuisine. Boston baked beans and corn bread and chowder are nice treats on occasion, but I have no trouble sampling foods from lots of different countries and regions.

Just for sheer ease of preparation, you can't beat chilis and pasta dishes. I keep ground meat in the freezer, along with chopped green veggies. The spices in the spice drawers are basically alphabetical, and the rice and pasta are easy to get to. I don't like to waste time when I'm cooking.

I like different types of food as well. My latest "experiments" were with Thai cuisine.

Usually, I multi task when I cook.... a bit of laundry, television etc.

Amber and i BBQ tofu. Goober didn't grease the foil or anything the tofu was wrapped in so it stuck to teh foil. I go tto spend that time doing "Well i knew that!" it was still tasty but it stuck to the foil. Hit the mall and found $70 TV trays on sell, plus 10% off cuse they were a floor desplay and another 10&% cause we had to wait awhile so someone could find the manger so we could get the display discount. we still made out like bandits. You or do i ge teh details tomorrow?

It was a mostly quiet day at home, while Mike was at work .

LOL well i was off today anyway. I was actually surprised no one tried to talk me into working today. Serouisly i'll be celeibrating tomorrow PAY DAY!