From a thread @TorontoJo did about cocktail apps, I made stuffed mini potatoes, basically roast a bunch of mini potatoes, scoop out most of the innards, and replace with an appropriate filling. I did spinach artichoke dip, but that features dairy. Not traditional, but it could work for a gluten free option, maybe a chicken salad type filling?

The extra potatoes made for a great hash the next day too, I roasted extras cause there was some cook's error in the scooping out the middles

It's not considered "fancy" but don't overlook Corelle. Available in pure white, shatter resistant (unless your kiddo drops a plate on the concrete patio), and micro and dishwasher friendly. Gets a bum rap, but user friendly. My mom has been rocking the same set for 35 years, missing 1 plate and 2 bowls due to gravity. Otherwise known as my dad.

The peanut dipping sauce with the summer rolls recipe from Chow is great and very adaptable. I use it with the summer rolls and with noodles. I use sunbatter due to allergies and it works great.

http://www.chow.com/recipes/10641-vie...

Well, if they let us buy booze on Sunday we might go crazy and want to buy a car too. . .

Seriously though, MN has rather restrictive blue laws and a very powerful lobby working to keep them in place. One of the few reasons I'm glad Total Wine is in state now, they support Sunday sales

I one of my clinical instructors back on an internship ruined his driver's license somehow so when out with his wife had her ID and their marriage license. Bouncer did a double take, called the manager, but he was allowed into the club.

Apparently in WI your spouse can buy for you or supervise you at a bar. If you can prove they hare your spouse. He was in his late 20s

The coquettes came with a 4 quart LC dutch oven. I just wanted the dutch oven (it was 95 for a new LC!), but they were part of the "Legumer" set. Also work well for single serve baked mac and cheese. Husband is requesting a personal pot pie in one this winter

I have some mini-coquettes (16 oz) with lids which I have used successfully. Part of a LC set I found on clearance and Williams-Sonoma. Came out like a ciabatta.

Perhaps ramekins with a cover over the entire bunch would work, but I have never tried that particular set up

Sometimes I'll add a splash of Malibu or other coconut rum if I want the flavor more pronounced. A squeeze of lime can help too

I'm a dairy milk girl for most things, but have been enjoying the So Delicious coconut milk shaken with a little pineapple vodka for a "light" pina colada. Also use up the rest in soup/curry. The 6 pack at Costco can be a good price, especially if you get it during a promo (which just ended. . . and I missed it)

We enjoy Brennecke's Beach Restaurant. Casual, great seafood, good drinks. They have a vegetarian menu, but I admit it's not their strength. Right by the beach and reasonably priced

If you are stopping at Trader Joes, grab some of the uncrystallized candied ginger. Helps calm the stomach if a ride is a bit more intense than you were anticipating (looking at you Mission Space in Epcot!)

I was helping one of my nursing home residents into her wheel chair when her knee buckled. I caught her, but her face with bright (BRIGHT) pink lipstick made contact with my chest. I had a lipstick stain on my light yellow shirt. Right over my breast.

It was 10 in the morning. I got some looks during the day

Big Lebowski. No real help on the menu, but you could do a tasting flight of Caucasians

Maybe add some turkey and cranberries to a stuffing mix and bake it up as a muffin?

Agree with the roast them crowd. Drizzle with olive oil and maybe a head of garlic.

I'll blend the roasted tomatoes and garlic into a pizza sauce and then freeze it for later. I don't make a lot of pizzas in the summer, but it's nice to have a "fresh" sauce for winter use

I find I need to add more moisture than most recipes state to get a nice smooth dough. So I typically do 3 whole eggs, 3 yolks for 2 cups of all purpose flour. If it's a dry day, a tablespoon or 3 of water.

I gave up on hand kneeding. The kitchen aid can earn it's counter space. I can tell faster this way if things are going to "work" or not and correct appropriately.

Don't waste your money on the All Clad version.

Get a BB&B 20% off coupon and then get the Calphalon set of 2. An 8 inch and 10 inch for around 40 or less. Nice weight and good feel, good warranty, and I know I can replace them every 5-10 years no problem.

I might be biased because I have the lids from my wedding registry set.

Have you considered quinoa?

It's very rice like in function, yet higher protein and fiber. It could help bulk out some stews or stir fries. My very meat and potatoes mother (who cooks for my 3 squares meat and potatoes father) was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, and with a lot of effort, lost 50 lbs, and now wants me to buy the big bag of quinoa from Costco. And my dad is cool with the texture of it.

I will add the more flavorful elements to the dish which I want to play up in addition to the curry paste. My family has a lower heat tolerance than I do, so I will add extra ginger, garlic, herbs, etc to enhance the flavor of the curry for everyone.

Sometimes when serving, I add a little dab of paste to my dish for me to mix in on my own. Not great, but easier than making my own for now

Marshall's/TJ Maxx/home goods can have excellent deals on cookware if you aren't picky about your color

Good to know about Surf House. It was on our list but we changed things up due to some abnormally rainy weather, but we have family in the area. I was interested, but when traveling with a 3 year old, convenience wins.

Thanks everyone!

Bacon fat has moved to a swing lid jar in the fridge where it has room for more to join it yet a nice wide opening for cook's access. I think I will skip the straining aspect for now on storage, but further research will be on going

Also, had amazing bacon fat fried hash for brunch this weekend. Why did I not do this sooner? And my cast iron skillet has never looked better. Bacon fat, the cure. . .

It's prettier. My LC pieces can go right onto a buffet and I don't have to transfer to another serving dish while keeping things nice and warm. Stainless looks nice and pretty too. With all the "open concept" kitchens these days, cookware is a decor piece for many.

No, but I also have taken out my 2 crisper drawers at the bottom of the fridge for more space to put costco sized packages. It's amazing how much space is wasted around the outside of the drawers. Just don't cover up the air flow vents and it works great. I use the drawers for storing onions and potatoes in my pantry.

Mint tea in the morning, mojito during the afternoon nap!