Table Talk: December 10

Party food

By
December 7, 2009

Entertainers, take note: Kim’s back this week for a discussion of sips, snacks, and apps (appetizers, that is).

Bring your links and suggestions too.

The discussion took place right here, on Thursday, December 10, at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her weekly live chats. Join us most Thursdays!

 Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel - Dec. 10, 2009(12/10/2009) 
9:38
Kim ODonnel: 
Coming up at the top of the hour -- an entire hour devoted to holiday party sips, apps & snacks. Join us for the merriment!
Thursday December 10, 2009 9:38 Kim ODonnel
10:03
Kim ODonnel: 
Hey everyone! Frosty morning here in Eureka Springs. It was something like 16 degrees when I woke up. Youch! Is it tundra-like in your neck of the woods? Winter sure has come early this year. Let's distract ourselves with talk of holiday mixing & mingling, shall we? Today's hour is all about party snacks, apps & sippy-poos. Your ideas & questions on all topics welcome, too. Let's roll!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:03 Kim ODonnel
10:05
Kim ODonnel: 
Tomorrow night (Dec 11) is the first night of Hanukkah. For your pleasure, a few goodies to try: Jelly doughnuts and potato latkes
Fun stuff even if you don't celebrate the holiday...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:05 Kim ODonnel
10:05
[Comment From Tyrone Tyrone : ] 
Cocktail weenies : in or out?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:05 Tyrone
10:06
Kim ODonnel: 
Hmmm. There just seem to be so many other interesting party vittles out there. Le'ts hear what the gang has to say...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:06 Kim ODonnel
10:06
[Comment From Deb S Deb S : ] 
I'd say it depends on the crowd. Weenies are in here when its family, out when i want to impress.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:06 Deb S
10:06
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Weenies - in, but only if you can justify by having children at the party.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:06 Linear Girl
10:07
Kim ODonnel: 
I think it'd be fun to try doing them with locally made sasuage and rolling your 'weenies' in puff...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:07 Kim ODonnel
10:07
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
It's been chilly here in California, waking up to freezing temps near the beach. I love tapas. I love small bites of food and good drinks - can't wait to read what everyone is eating and making.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:07 Linear Girl
10:08
Kim ODonnel: 
I love small bites, too, Linear. Been thinking about pakoras -- love to make these for a party. A lot of work, but guests can pitch in...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:08 Kim ODonnel
10:08
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
My kids LOVE the cocktail franks in crescent roll dough! They think that's classy. ;-)
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:08 GirlScoutMom
10:08
[Comment From Deb S Deb S : ] 
We're making bacon wrapped dates. Dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped with bacon and pan fried.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:08 Deb S
10:09
Kim ODonnel: 
Whoa! Sounds decadent, Deb S. Who's hosting a party this year?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:09 Kim ODonnel
10:09
[Comment From Tyrone Tyrone : ] 
What's everyone's most retro party snack? Anything my folks would have eaten in the 50's or 60's that I wouldn't know about?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:09 Tyrone
10:10
Kim ODonnel: 
Well, there's Chex Mix, seasoned with soy sauce (or is it Worcestershire?), peanuts and then heated in oven...that's always a goodie. Onion dip!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:10 Kim ODonnel
10:10
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
I took hot dogs from our CSA and wrapped them in a pretzel dough - they were delicious
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:10 maukgirl
10:10
Kim ODonnel: 
Well done, Maukgirl! Tell us more about that pretzel dough.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:10 Kim ODonnel
10:11
Kim ODonnel: 
Here's the link to 2 old-school dips, slightly healthier than usual: Queso, without the Velveeta & Onion Dip, without the Soup Mix:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2007/02/hold_the_velveeta_queso.html
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:11 Kim ODonnel
10:12
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
I love rumaki, but haven't made it in ages.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:12 GirlScoutMom
10:12
Kim ODonnel: 
Is rumaki with water chestnuts or scallops? Can never remember...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:12 Kim ODonnel
10:12
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
ohh - the flourless pb cookies I mentioned last week - my gluten free friend thought they were great.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:12 maukgirl
10:13
Kim ODonnel: 
Awesome! Check out these flourless chocolate meringue-y cookies:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2008/04/meeting_the_flourless_chocolat.html
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:13 Kim ODonnel
10:13
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
rumaki is chicken liver & water chestnuts, wrapped in bacon.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:13 GirlScoutMom
10:13
Kim ODonnel: 
Right, right. Talk about retro!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:13 Kim ODonnel
10:13
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
retro - fried onions from a can out on the olive tray was a staple at my earliest (1960s) memories of family gatherings.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:13 Linear Girl
10:13
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I've been planning a party (now cancelled) to celebrate Christmas Eve with the Italian style seven fishes (I read about it somewhere, not quite sure). I was going with a pan-Oceanic theme rather than Italian, including seared scallops (thanks, Hank, for pictures), shrimp in green sauce, caviar, steamed clams and some soups. Maybe I'll still have a January party because I just want the food. What's your favorite drink with seafood? I'll have wine, but what about cocktails?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:13 Linear Girl
10:14
Kim ODonnel: 
Linear, I'm all about rum drinks w/ seafood. A mojito, a rum & tonic, nothing too sweet -- but it takes you to warmer times/climes...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:14 Kim ODonnel
10:15
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
yup, my Mom used to make rumaki for parties. That's how I got to know it. But my kids & husband don't do liver...more for me! :-D
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:15 GirlScoutMom
10:16
Kim ODonnel: 
This reminds me -- if you're into chicken liver, I've got a killer recipe for pate. I'll try to dig it up. I only make it at this time of year.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:16 Kim ODonnel
10:16
[Comment From Tyrone Tyrone : ] 
thanks for the ideas, everyone. I'll see if any of my peeps have had those retro snacks before. The chex mix thing sounds great.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:16 Tyrone
10:16
Kim ODonnel: 
Hey Tyrone, are you entertaining some this month?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:16 Kim ODonnel
10:17
[Comment From Tyrone Tyrone : ] 
Nah, but I'm tired of bringing the same old stuff to holiday parties with relatives, time to try something different.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:17 Tyrone
10:18
Kim ODonnel: 
Baked brie is seriously retro. Ever done one of those?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:18 Kim ODonnel
10:19
Kim ODonnel: 
Oh, I'm also fond of making smoked fish rillettes at this time of year. It calls for a pound of butter, which is whipped, seasoned with a bunch of shallots and lemon, then folded with smoked & poached fish. I'm partial to doing it with trout. It keeps for a while and is great to have for guests during this time of year.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:19 Kim ODonnel
10:20
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
What are pakoras?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:20 Linear Girl
10:21
Kim ODonnel: 
Oh man, Linear, they're fried veggie fritters, in a chickpea batter.
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A192100
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:21 Kim ODonnel
10:21
[Comment From Deb S Deb S : ] 
what about great things done with vegetables? So many of my nibbles are meat and cheese focused. How about something other then "the veg tray"
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:21 Deb S
10:22
Kim ODonnel: 
I hear you, Deb S. Have a look at these apple salsa & brie crostini:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/seasonedgreetings/2005/12/entertaining_ca.html
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:22 Kim ODonnel
10:22
[Comment From maukgirl maukgirl : ] 
Combine 2.75 c flour w 2.25 tsp yeast, 1 tsp sugar. Gradually add 1 c + 2 tbs hot water. Let rise 35 min. Punch down and knead until smooth. At this point I wrapped them around the hot dogs and let them rise 20 min. Boil 8 c water add 1/4 c baking soda and 2 tbs sugar. Cook each hotdog for 30 seconds on each side then transfer to baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 20-25 min
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:22 maukgirl
10:22
Kim C.: 
Kim, do you have a recipe for the smoked fish rillettes?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:22 Kim C.
10:22
Kim ODonnel: 
Yeah, I'm searching for it. it's in a weird place, which may mean it's time to repost in an updated template. Hang on one sec!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:22 Kim ODonnel
10:23
[Comment From Tyrone Tyrone : ] 
Hmm, baked brie, isn't that just slipping it in the oven for a few, then serve w/jam and crackers?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:23 Tyrone
10:23
Kim ODonnel: 
Tyrone, lots of folks cover the wheel in puff pastry. Anyone have a good recipe?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:23 Kim ODonnel
10:25
Kim ODonnel: 
ok, here comes the smoked fish rillettes:

Ingredients:
1 pound butter
approximately 1.5 pounds fresh trout fillets
approximately 1 pound smoked trout fillets
3-4 shallots, peeled and diced (depending on size)
juice of 6 lemons
Coarse salt, to taste
A handful of chives, chopped, for garnish

Method:
Soften butter until it's pliable, but not melted.

Over low heat on top of the stove or in the oven, place fish fillets in a shallow pan with 1/2 cup white wine, plus a combination of any of the following: cleaned, chopped leek; a few celery ribs, 3 or 4 sprigs of parsley. Liquid should almost cover the fish. You may also add some water if necessary. Cook until fillets are opaque in color. Remove from pan and set aside.

Place in food processor and whip with lemon juice and shallots. Taste.

It should be lemony and shalloty. You may even pucker.

Scoop out of bowl and place into mixing bowl. Break up both poached and smoked fish into flaky chunks and with a rubber spatula, gently incorporate into butter mixture. Taste for salt and add if necessary. Garnish with chopped chives. Best served at room temperature.

Thursday December 10, 2009 10:25 Kim ODonnel
10:25
[Comment From Liz K Liz K : ] 
Kimmy, any ideas for a non-spicy twist on heirloom beans? My tummy just can't take any heat right now.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:25 Liz K
10:25
Kim ODonnel: 
Hey Liz! What kind of beans you got? Talk to me.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:25 Kim ODonnel
10:26
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
My friend makes these stuffed dried apricots that are really nice. She wraps a pecan in blue cheese, stuffs it into a dried apricot then rolls in minced mint. Tasty and unusual. And those pakoras look great.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:26 Linear Girl
10:26
Kim ODonnel: 
The pakoras are a blast. Sometimes I just do the spinach leaves, which make a beautiful presentation.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:26 Kim ODonnel
10:26
[Comment From Liz K Liz K : ] 
I've got the usual suspects -- canellini, scarlet runners, pintos, black beans and a few more -- all from Rancho Gordo, of course.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:26 Liz K
10:28
Kim ODonnel: 
Roast a head of garlic. Cook canellini til tender. In sep. skillet, cook onion and/or leek, carrots, celery, soften. Thyme or oregano. Add to cooked beans, plus lemon zest and the garlic. You'll be happy.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:28 Kim ODonnel
10:29
Kim ODonnel: 
For more veggie options: Don't forget bean purees! At least you're gettting some plant protein w/ those chips and crackers.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:29 Kim ODonnel
10:29
[Comment From Liz K Liz K : ] 
Ooh, that does sound good. And easy. Thanks Kim!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:29 Liz K
10:29
Kim ODonnel: 
Watch that tummy. Canellini beans are so creamy, diff. from other beans. Perfect for this time of year.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:29 Kim ODonnel
10:30
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Liz K - How about putting the beans into soup? I made one last night with white beans, cabbage, fennel and tomato last night. Cook a cup of beans in six cups of water, add 2 cups shredded cabbage about 20 minutes before beans are soft. In a separate pan, saute two slices of bacon (optional but nice) then a diced onion, half a fennel bulb sliced thinly, garlic and fennel seeds. When the onion is soft add a can (15 oz) of tomatoes, cook a little then add to the soup. I also added some cooked pasta rings. It took a little time, but it was simple and good and cheap.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:30 Linear Girl
10:30
Kim ODonnel: 
I love beans thrown into pasta too. Nice idea, Linear!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:30 Kim ODonnel
10:31
Kim ODonnel: 
Who does eggnog in the house?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:31 Kim ODonnel
10:31
Kim ODonnel: 
Here's the recipe I've used in past:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/seasonedgreetings/2005/12/flavor_feature.html
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:31 Kim ODonnel
10:31
[Comment From Liz K Liz K : ] 
Thanks Linear Girl. That sounds good, too. Though I'd pass on the bacon since I'm a veg. Re: Eggnog, that Goopy Gwyneth Paltrow had a recipe today for eggnog popsicles.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:31 Liz K
10:32
Kim ODonnel: 
Eggnog popsicles. Hmm. I guess that's fun in you live in sunny LA in December?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:32 Kim ODonnel
10:33
Kim ODonnel: 
And a fun one for hot cocoa, that's got a spicy kick:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2006/12/a_hot_pot_of_sippypoo.html
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:33 Kim ODonnel
10:33
Kim ODonnel: 
I made some of this the other night when Arkansas turned into a tundra. It really hit the spot...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:33 Kim ODonnel
10:34
Kim ODonnel: 
Anyone doing candy & confections this season?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:34 Kim ODonnel
10:35
Kim ODonnel: 
Super easy Chocolate Bark, which makes great gifts & wows the guests...and if you want a challenge, take a look at these Peppermint Patties, which are pretty spectacular.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:35 Kim ODonnel
10:35
[Comment From Deb S Deb S : ] 
maybe some quince paste here. Heidi swanson had a recipe a couple years ago for pear/cranberry jellies, i might do those
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:35 Deb S
10:35
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
I'm going to make "cheater fudge"--y'know, with Marshmallow Fluff. It may not be the real thing, but it's easy & yummy!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:35 GirlScoutMom
10:36
[Comment From Jwolz Jwolz : ] 
I love to make candy with Newman's spicy black pepper pretzels dipped in dark chocolate. So yummy.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:36 Jwolz
10:36
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I'm trying your chocolate bark tonight for a party tomorrow. I like the simplicity (and the chocolate)
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:36 Linear Girl
10:36
Kim ODonnel: 
How can you go wrong with candied ginger, dried cherries & dark choc?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:36 Kim ODonnel
10:37
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Liz K - If you've got it on hand, I'd cook the beans with some kombu to replace the umami of the bacon. Just pull it before adding the cabbage.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:37 Linear Girl
10:38
Kim ODonnel: 
That's a nice idea, Linear, partic. since she's not doing spicy things (I like the smokiness of a chipotle chile). Another idea: A parmigiano rind in that soup!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:38 Kim ODonnel
10:38
[Comment From Jwolz Jwolz : ] 
Another easy favorite is candy cane brownies. Crushed candy canes in the batter, more sprinkled on top of the frosting.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:38 Jwolz
10:40
Kim ODonnel: 
So, it's Hanukkah tomorrow night, as I mentioned at the top of the hour, and then Christmas is two weeks away! We've got a chat next Thursday the 17th, then take off during Xmas week, but back on the 31st for New Year's ideas. Anything you'd like to see covered in next week's chat? Baking? Talk to me.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:40 Kim ODonnel
10:42
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
This is my first Hannukah with the knowledge that I am intolerant of potatoes. What do you think could substitute for potato latkes? It might be fun to experiment.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:42 Jess
10:42
Kim ODonnel: 
Sweet potatoes! Can you do those? Turnips, too...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:42 Kim ODonnel
10:42
Kim ODonnel: 
Or are you just looking for something else fried....
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:42 Kim ODonnel
10:42
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
You could probably do any root veggie in a latke.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:42 GirlScoutMom
10:43
[Comment From jwolz jwolz : ] 
For non-potato latkes: I love a combination of zucchini and carrot.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:43 jwolz
10:43
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I'd be up for winter foods - soups, stews and braises. When we get three nights were the temps dip to 30-degrees, in Calif it's winter. Though I imagine by Christmas I'll be back to eggnog popsicles.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:43 Linear Girl
10:45
Kim ODonnel: 
I heard it's 70 in New Orleans & about the same in Key West, but they may be the only warm spots in the country at the moment! I'll keep tabs on the weather over the week & see if we can oblige. I like the idea, tho, of soup pot stuff..
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:45 Kim ODonnel
10:45
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
What about holiday drinks? My SIL is having the family shin-dig this year, and I'd love to bring something pre-mixed and festive..?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:45 Erin
10:46
Kim ODonnel: 
Eggnog? Sangria? Let's see, what else...Hot cocoa, that you reheat, then spike...?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:46 Kim ODonnel
10:46
[Comment From Deb S Deb S : ] 
I've heard punches are big again
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:46 Deb S
10:46
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
Any festive non-alchoholic drinks for the lightweights?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:46 GirlScoutMom
10:47
Kim ODonnel: 
GirlScoutMom, check out link earlier to the spiced cocoa. It's dazzling w/o the booze.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:47 Kim ODonnel
10:47
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
We make candy every year. Peppermint bark, toffee from this site with fleur de sel, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups, candied orange peel...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:47 Jess
10:47
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
It's fun to bring to parties and give out to friends.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:47 Jess
10:48
Kim ODonnel: 
Homemade candy is super festive. I love bringing as a gift to a party. You got that right.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:48 Kim ODonnel
10:48
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Usually we leave a bottle of something out in the snow, *ahem* - but Sangria? Isn't that more summer-y?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:48 Erin
10:48
Kim ODonnel: 
Wait. What about mulled cider??
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:48 Kim ODonnel
10:48
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
Can't do sweet potatoes either. But do you think turnips would be good? Not too strong?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:48 Jess
10:48
Kim ODonnel: 
Turnips/parsnip & carrots, with plenty of grated onion, of course...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:48 Kim ODonnel
10:49
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
I love the zucchini and carrot combo idea - thanks jwolz!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:49 Jess
10:49
[Comment From renee renee : ] 
for non potato latkes here is a link http://meghantelpnerblog.com/2009/12/10/shalom-to-the-latka/
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:49 renee
10:49
Kim ODonnel: 
Thank you, Renee! Love all these ideas...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:49 Kim ODonnel
10:49
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
AH! Cider! Poifect... thank you!
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:49 Erin
10:50
Kim ODonnel: 
I don't care for it, but lots of folks are into mulled wine, too...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:50 Kim ODonnel
10:50
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
Thanks renee! I appreciate having a recipe.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:50 Jess
10:50
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
If you can do mulled cider while people are coming over it smells great.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:50 Jess
10:50
Kim ODonnel: 
And you can do the cocoa for the kiddies....
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:50 Kim ODonnel
10:50
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Ramos gin fizz: Whip five egg whites and one cup of heavy cream in the blender. Add 5 (or less, to taste) heaping tablespoons of superfine sugar (or confectioners in a pinch). Juice of half a lime, half a lemon, 15 dashes of orange flower water and 4 oz. of gin. It's like drinking a citrus cloud. This is my family recipe and it's been a part of every holiday that I can recall. Watch out, though, they pack a serious punch.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:50 Linear Girl
10:50
Kim ODonnel: 
Yowza, Linear. I may need to give this a whirl...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:50 Kim ODonnel
10:51
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
I remember going to my cousin's house every year and they did non-alcoholic apple cider with oranges studded with cloves and cinnamon sticks etc. in it. The smell was heavenly.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:51 Jess
10:51
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Oh, and also some crushed ice. I forgot that bit.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:51 Linear Girl
10:52
Kim ODonnel: 
Citrus cloud. I love the idea of drinking a citrus cloud. will there be sun behind?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:52 Kim ODonnel
10:53
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Well, in California we often sip them in the sun on Christmas, but with all that citrus (and gin) you feel the warmth of the sun down to your tippy-toes.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:53 Linear Girl
10:53
Kim ODonnel: 
Gin makes me mean, but I might have to make an exception for this...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:53 Kim ODonnel
10:54
Kim ODonnel: 
Anyone doing gingerbread houses? Or people?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:54 Kim ODonnel
10:55
Kim ODonnel: 
Here's a GF recipe for Gingerbread cut-outs:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2007/12/a_merry_cookie_for_all.html
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:55 Kim ODonnel
10:55
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Do they make juniper vodka? I'm not a vodka consumer but it seems like they've got every other flavor. Maybe you could take regular vodka and soak juniper berries in it for a few days (weeks?) for fauz-gin.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:55 Linear Girl
10:56
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Make that faux-gin. Just thinking about fizzes makes me slur my speech.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:56 Linear Girl
10:56
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
I won't be attempting gingerbread houses for a while, but people are on the list. The little people in this house LOVE to decorate cookies, I've discovered...
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:56 Erin
10:57
Kim ODonnel: 
Oh, that's gotta be so fun, Erin.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:57 Kim ODonnel
10:58
Kim ODonnel: 
Juniper vodka. Haven't heard. But infusions are hot right now. It's worth exploring.
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:58 Kim ODonnel
10:58
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Kindof off-topic, but food/kitchen related: my hands are shot. What are you using to keep your hands/cooking/prepping areas clean, while also taking care of your skin? a soap with moisturizer in it?
Thursday December 10, 2009 10:58 Erin
11:00
Kim ODonnel: 
Wah -- join the club! This weather is killing them. Burt's Bees has a garden salve that I've considered. I have been lathering them up at night in a deep moisturizer, but still looking for something. Good question.
Thursday December 10, 2009 11:00 Kim ODonnel
11:00
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
Erin, me, too! I'm gonna need new skin for the holidays! I like Satin Hands from Mary Kay, but it's not heavy-duty enough. Ahava is great at night, but too strong a scent for the day for me.
Thursday December 10, 2009 11:00 GirlScoutMom
11:01
Kim ODonnel: 
Shea butter is really heavy & good for night repair, but during the day stuff is still an issue.
Thursday December 10, 2009 11:01 Kim ODonnel
11:01
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
It seems that every time that I lotion up, I'm turning right back around and washing my hands before prepping something. Never ending. I've tried wearing gloves at night (over conditioned lotions), but... ick.
Thursday December 10, 2009 11:01 Erin
11:02
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I just keep using Lubraderm lotion. Little to no scent and seems to help immediately. Some days, though, it seems like nothing helps.
Thursday December 10, 2009 11:02 Linear Girl
11:02
[Comment From GirlScoutMom GirlScoutMom : ] 
Avon used to have "Silicone Glove"--stayed on no matter what.
Thursday December 10, 2009 11:02 GirlScoutMom
11:02
[Comment From Jess Jess : ] 
I've been using olive oil. You gotta watch not getting it on your clothes but I try just rubbing it on the back of my hands.
Thursday December 10, 2009 11:02 Jess
11:03
Kim ODonnel: 
Actually, sesame oil (not toasted) nourishes dry, crackly skin.
Alright, we are out of time. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. Next week, the 17th, we'll tackle something seasonal --wintry or holiday, or both -- either way, it'll be tasty. Take care, til next time!
Thursday December 10, 2009 11:03 Kim ODonnel
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Table Talk

Kim O’Donnel is a trained chef, nationally recognized online food personality, and a longtime journalist. She is the author of a new cookbook, The Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook.

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Table Talk: November 17

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