Soda Pop

A faithful reader from NYC recommends this. 
And it's in LA, kids--

TMI

In the past week two acquaintances have told me more than I ever wanted to know.
I stress the word, acquaintances.  Family, friends, fellow bloggers, I will listen to--whatever they want to tell me.
But ya gotta draw the line somewheres.

Scenario #1: Details regarding the disintegration of  a marriage, the infidelities on both sides, the dirty little details. 
Scenario #2:  Breast augmentation gone awry.
(What? I wanted to ask.  Are we in some kind of outtake from the Real Housewives of New Jersey?)

Now, starving reader, I have pondered the genesis of these two events.  Why?!?!?  Why?!?!
And after much contemplation I realized, because I didn't offer them any food to put in their mouths, to stop the terrible onslaught of overly personal information.

To help you avert similar disaster I recommend:
withdrawing all potent potables.
Offering food that requires concentration and attention.
Like chicken wings.
Or tostadas.
Or nachos, with a very spicy salsa.
I'm just sayin'

Man of the Moment

 Dear Mr. Colbert:

Thanks for reminding us, "'whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers.'"   I like your brand of Catholicism. Chapeau.

Looking for helpful tips

Faithful readers:

I've got this brilliant kid living in the center of the universe who can do plenty of clever things, but not cook. I'm wondering, what's your favorite little-to-no prep meal?  Really, anything
to add to the repertoire of cereal, sandwiches, quesadillas and ramen.

I look forward to the suggestions!

Nuts about Walnut Oil

A dinner party or two ago, a dear friend brought this as a hostess gift.  Normally, I am not a fan of fussy oils or vinegars, so it took me some time before I picked this up to use.  And what a surprise! A toasty, nutty flavor just terrific.

The next dinner my friend attended, I used the recipe right on the bottle for the salad dressing:



4 tbls roasted walnut oil
1 tbls balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
dash of salt. 

Simple and delish.