Table Talk: February 4

February festivities and food

By Kim O'Donnel

February 2, 2010

• E-Mail to a friend
• Print Friendly

This week, Kim O’Donnel led a conversation about February festivity feasting: Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, the Lunar New Year, etc.

The chat took place right here on Thursday, February 4, at 10 a.m. PST, 1 p.m. ET.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, is writing a cookbook for people trying to eat less meat. Every Thursday, she brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her weekly live chats on Table Talk.

Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel - Feb. 4, 2010

(02/04/2010)

  

Close

9:45	Kim ODonnel:  Happy February! There are lots of reasons to celebrate this month with food. Join us at the top of the hour for the dish. Thursday February 4, 2010 9:45 Kim ODonnel

10:04

Kim ODonnel:  Ahoy! We've got a busy month ahead. The fun begins this Sunday, Feb. 7, with the the Superbowl, not just the biggest TV event of the year but possibly one of the biggest snacking events. (Although the impending Superbowl Superstorm predicted for the mid-Atlantic this weekend could hamper those plans). Lunar New Year is the following Sunday, Feb. 14, then on Tuesday the 16th, it's Mardi Gras. All kinds of reasons to celebrate & eat some really fun chow. What's on your agenda? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:04 Kim ODonnel

10:05

Kim ODonnel:  Oops, and I almost forgot, Lunar New Year this year is the same day as Valentine's Day, which we'll devote to next Thursday, 2/11 -- food/romance/lusty food, the whole nine. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:05 Kim ODonnel

10:05

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Hi! Well, I have my husband's birthday--tomorrow. That's one of our big Feb. events. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:05 Jeanne in Seattle

10:05

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Jeanne! Please send birthday greetings to your sweetheart. What's on your menu? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:05 Kim ODonnel

10:05

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Oh, and Mardi Gras. I really love to celebrate that--just because it's fun! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:05 Jeanne in Seattle

10:07

Kim ODonnel:  Mardi Gras is always a good excuse to yip it up. Here's a link to a piece I did on Calas, rice fritters with a very interesting history: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2007/02/rice_fritterfry.html Thursday February 4, 2010 10:07 Kim ODonnel

10:09

Kim ODonnel:  In fact, anything w/ rice is a lovely way to pay tribute to the African-based culture of New Orleans. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel

10:09

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  He usually asks for German chocolate cake. Not my favorite, but it's his.... And Chinese food. That's his favorite. Am thinking of jioza this year. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:09 Jeanne in Seattle

10:09

Kim ODonnel:  Jeanne, I think I've got a lead on a gyoza recipe. Hang on. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel

10:10

Kim ODonnel:  Here you go, Chinese dumplings: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2007/02/athome_chinese_dumplings.html Thursday February 4, 2010 10:10 Kim ODonnel

10:10

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Getting ready to be snowed in this weekend (in DC) and am thinking a little baking might be nice - make the apartment cozy and smell nice. It has to be on the healthy side of things and pretty easy since I'm not a big baker. Maybe muffins? Ideas/suggestions? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:10 Lizka

10:11

Kim ODonnel:  Lizka, I can't believe you guys are going to get socked again with snow! do I dare tell you that it's like spring here today in Seattle? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:11 Kim ODonnel

10:11

Kim ODonnel:  but back to your question....let's mull this one... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:11 Kim ODonnel

10:11

Kim ODonnel:  Ooh. Have you ever made Lulu's cookies? http://trueslant.com/kimodonnel/2009/09/09/a-keeper-of-an-in-flight-snack/ Thursday February 4, 2010 10:11 Kim ODonnel

10:12

[Comment From jen maiser jen maiser : ]  hi, kim. any ideas for a way to make a new orleans style rice dish with brown rice, or is that too earthy-crunchy for the flavors of new orleans? we get local brown rice, so i would love to figure out a way to incorporate. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:12 jen maiser

10:14

Kim ODonnel:  I know that brown rice very well, Jen Maiser! take a look at the Calas recipe -- this is such a fun one -- invite a crew over & have calas and coffee together. And yes, for dinner, I think you could get away with using brown rice in jamabalaya. do you have access to okra at this time of year in the Bay area? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:14 Kim ODonnel

10:14

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Jen Maiser: I substitute brown rice for white all the time. Will lend a bit of a different flavor, but still yummy! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:14 Jeanne in Seattle

10:14

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Oy - lucky you Kim; I REALLY can't wait for spring. I can't believe it either - the amount of snow we're getting this season is INSANE. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:14 Lizka

10:15

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Thanks for the dumpling recipe. I've been experimenting with converting to gf. I just need more practice on shaping. Mine look like a mess. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:15 Jeanne in Seattle

10:15

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Those look good, Kim - am concerned that I won't be able to find flax seeds at Giant; also "rolled oats", can I just use Quaker Oats? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:15 Lizka

10:16

Kim ODonnel:  You may be surprised -- flax seeds are showing up in conventional supermarkets these days. This is one ingredient you can't omit b/c it works as the binder (these cookies are egg & dairy free). Quaker Oats, yes, as long as they're not instant (too refined). Thursday February 4, 2010 10:16 Kim ODonnel

10:16

[Comment From jen maiser jen maiser : ]  Thanks - I don't think we have okra right now, sadly. I miss it! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:16 jen maiser

10:18

Kim ODonnel:  Jen Maiser, I think you can pull off a gumbo or jambalaya no prob. w/ brown rice. Jeanne's right; the texture may be chewier, but it won't lessen the beauty of the dish. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:18 Kim ODonnel

10:18

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]  @Lizka - banana bread does nicely, and can also be adapted to muffins. Easy recipe. Also, have a "cinnamuffin" recipe that does not require eggs or creaming butter. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:18 Guest

10:18

Kim ODonnel:  Lizka, would also be fun to get fixins for pancakes to make while the snow piles up... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:18 Kim ODonnel

10:19

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Do you guys know about the cookbook, Soul and Spice: African Cooking in the Americas by Heidi Haughy Cusick? It's wonderful. Has all the foods you associate wth New Orleans and the south--'cause it's all derived from African cuisine. It's one of my favorite cookbooks. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:19 Jeanne in Seattle

10:20

Kim ODonnel:  Jeanne, don't know about this one. sounds like I should have it. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:20 Kim ODonnel

10:20

Kim ODonnel:  hey erin, i can't open your recipe -- maybe too long? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:20 Kim ODonnel

10:20

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Lizka: yeah, you can make a bunch of pancakes, freeze them, and then pop them in the toaster when you want one. So easy! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:20 Jeanne in Seattle

10:21

Kim ODonnel:  from erin: For Lizka - "Cinnamuffins": 1/4 cup oil 1/2 cup dark molasses (I use mostly[...] molasses, and a little bit of honey, to make them just a little sweeter) 1 cup applesauce 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. cinnamon (I use closer to a whole tsp.) pinch cloves (don't have any, so I substitute a little nutmeg) 1/2 cup raisins Preheat oven to 375. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin. Mix the oil molasses, and applesauce. Mix together the dry ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir in the raisins. Drop into muffin cups and bake 18-20 min. Makes about 12 muffins. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:21 Kim ODonnel

10:21

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Yes, it's fab. It's one of my "what cookbooks would you take to a desert island" books. I use it all the time. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:21 Jeanne in Seattle

10:21

Kim ODonnel:  desert island cookbooks. that's a GREAT theme for a chat. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:21 Kim ODonnel

10:21

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Pre-made pancakes; what an excellent idea! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:21 Lizka

10:22

Kim ODonnel:  anyone going to a Super Bowl party this weekend? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:22 Kim ODonnel

10:22

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  i second the banana bread idea - easy to make, smells great, and in my case, uses up all the bananas i tossed in my freezer after they were too ripe to eat. i made several loaves during the LAST snowpocalypse here, and my friends greatly appreciated them.... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:22 redweather

10:23

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Erin - thanks for the recipe - that looks excellent; bonus, I am always on the look-out for recipes that use molasses - I really love the stuff Thursday February 4, 2010 10:23 Lizka

10:23

Kim ODonnel:  Erin, is the snow supposed to come to central PA this weekend as well? Heard that this storm could be a whopper... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:23 Kim ODonnel

10:24

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  I LOVE banana bread, but I am an avid banana eater, so I don't have enough at that stage to make banana bread right now. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:24 Lizka

10:24

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  (sorry about that last recipe) And, Lizka, you could put ginger in them too. I have some candied ginger here that I am looking to use up. I'd probably start with maybe... oh, 2 tablespoons minced fine. And about the snow: not really coming up here. We should get 6-9 inches. *pouts* Thursday February 4, 2010 10:24 Erin

10:25

Kim ODonnel:  Geez, Erin, that "nothing" would be considered a major storm in Seattle! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:25 Kim ODonnel

10:26

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I make a multigrain bread that uses molasses--it's really good and hearty! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:26 Jeanne in Seattle

10:26

Kim ODonnel:  Here's a fun recipe for good ole crumb cake: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2008/02/neighborhood_crumb_cake.html Thursday February 4, 2010 10:26 Kim ODonnel

10:27

Kim ODonnel:  and apple coffee cake: http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A107286 Thursday February 4, 2010 10:27 Kim ODonnel

10:27

Kim ODonnel:  i love a lil coffee cake when the weather outside is frightful... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:27 Kim ODonnel

10:27

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  Hi everyone, I'm hosting a Super Bowl party at my house this weekend. Could care less about football, just love having friends over and food. :) Thursday February 4, 2010 10:27 Danielle - Portland

10:28

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Danielle! What do you have on the menu? here are two updated twists on old dipping classics -- Queso & Onion Dip -- http://blog.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2007/02/hold_the_velveeta_queso.html Thursday February 4, 2010 10:28 Kim ODonnel

10:28

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  I'm totally all over that apple coffee cake! Thanks, Kim! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:28 Erin

10:28

Kim ODonnel:  it's a goodie -- and freezes really well, too. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:28 Kim ODonnel

10:29

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Kim, shoot--you should do a cookbook of all your WP recipes. Every single one looks great!! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:29 Jeanne in Seattle

10:29

Kim ODonnel:  Ack, Jeanne, that's a long story. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:29 Kim ODonnel

10:29

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  As for the SuperBowl... I'm going to make a lasagna, and have chips with dips and cheese. The kids love "special" meals that involve roaming around the coffee table, making up their own chip toppings (I'm going to have a hummus, guacamole, and salsa - nothing too crazy). Ah, the snow. I'd like one, big, gargantuan storm for us to play in - up until now, it's been dustings. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:29 Erin

10:30

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I have a terrific recipe for banana oatmeal muffins. Seriously--these are the best muffins you will ever eat. I will dig up and post later. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:30 Jeanne in Seattle

10:30

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Now that I'm thinking about it, I might have a non-Superbowl Superbowl party. All the food and convivialness of the party, without the Superbowl. I think my family and neighbors would love it. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:30 Jeanne in Seattle

10:31

Kim ODonnel:  I love this idea. Or you could put the TV on mute! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:31 Kim ODonnel

10:31

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  I've got several things on the menu, a friend of mine (my cooking co-hort) is bringing a pasta, bean soup that is fabulous and there's a brie appetizer, some fresh baked bread to go with the soup, toasted garbanzo beans (these are fantastic!), and I'm going to take a stab at making red velvet cupcakes with beets instead of the dreadful food coloring. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:31 Danielle - Portland

10:32

Kim ODonnel:  wow, Danielle, quite the spread. Let me know how the red velvet turns out -- I have a very reliable recipe from James McNair but always resort to using the dye. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:32 Kim ODonnel

10:32

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Any tips for toasting garbanzo beans? I've tried before, and from what I remember, it didn't go so well. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:32 Lizka

10:33

Kim ODonnel:  It's my understanding that beans need to be really dry before going into a very hot oven. Danielle, do you have insight? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:33 Kim ODonnel

10:33

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Ooooh, Danielle! Care to share details on the toasted garbanzo beans? Those sound snackalicious. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:33 Erin

10:33

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  Exactly, non-super bowl! We have enough people coming who are interested in the game, so turning on mute won't work. But, I do look forward to seeing all the crazy commercials. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:33 Danielle - Portland

10:33

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  I ended up baking the garbanzos for longer than they state in the recipe Thursday February 4, 2010 10:33 Danielle - Portland

10:33

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  I'll dig up the recipe... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:33 Danielle - Portland

10:34

Kim ODonnel:  red velvet, at your service: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2007/02/red_velvet_valentine_bride.html Thursday February 4, 2010 10:34 Kim ODonnel

10:34

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  And yes, you need to dry them well. Pat dry with a paper towel. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:34 Danielle - Portland

10:36

Kim ODonnel:  Are the Oscars this month or in March? I can never keep track. That's another fun reason to snack it up. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:36 Kim ODonnel

10:36

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  ah, yes - that would be something I didn't do. Maybe I'll try that again this weekend too. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:36 Lizka

10:36

Kim ODonnel:  I have a fun new popcorn topping -- gomasio, or seasoned sesame seeds. You can buy it already mixed, or make it yourself. Just make sure to toast the seeds. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:36 Kim ODonnel

10:38

Kim ODonnel:  I think we should have a chat celebrating the return of daylight saving time in March! Yes, folks, it's only a month away. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:38 Kim ODonnel

10:38

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  Here's the recipe, I believe I used less olive oil too. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Simple-Roasted-Chickpea-Snack/Detail.aspx Thursday February 4, 2010 10:38 Danielle - Portland

10:38

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  yum! i have been on a popcorn blue-streak! i usually eat air-popped, but just started doing it on the stove again, like my mom did when i was little..... so good! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:38 redweather

10:38

Kim ODonnel:  This is a reallllly good topping, redweather, and you'll get some extra nutrients from the sesame. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:38 Kim ODonnel

10:39

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  Oh daylight savings, that's a lovely thought. There should be a party just to celebrate that. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:39 Danielle - Portland

10:39

Kim ODonnel:  I'm with you, Danielle. It's March 14 this year. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:39 Kim ODonnel

10:39

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I think the Oscars are March. Also, my husband grew up with his mom sprinking mac and cheese mix on their popcorn. She would take the bag, sprinkle contents on popcorn and then use the pasta for something else. We do that with the organic mac and cheese mix Thursday February 4, 2010 10:39 Jeanne in Seattle

10:40

Kim ODonnel:  Very similar idea to vegans sprinkling nutritional yeast on popcorn... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel

10:40

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  Thanks for the red velvet recipe, I don't have one that I love in particular, so maybe I'll tinker with this one using the beets. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:40 Danielle - Portland

10:40

Kim ODonnel:  It's a really reliable recipe, Danielle. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel

10:40

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  My parents did the mac and cheese sprinkle too. Yum! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:40 Danielle - Portland

10:40

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Ever since she was tiny, we've made brown rice balls rolled in gomasio. So good! That's a nice snack to have around. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:40 Jeanne in Seattle

10:41

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Oscars are Sunday, March 7th. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:41 Erin

10:41

Kim ODonnel:  Speaking of Oscars, did y'all hear that Food Inc. has been nominated? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:41 Kim ODonnel

10:41

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I meant, ever since my daughter was tiny. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:41 Jeanne in Seattle

10:41

Kim ODonnel:  how long do the rice balls keep, Jeanne? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:41 Kim ODonnel

10:41

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  who has a loved popcorn brand or source? i thought all kernels were created equal, until i recently bought an off brand bag of kernels at Shoppers..... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:41 redweather

10:42

Kim ODonnel:  oh yes, corn kernels can go rancid. If you want to try something zesty, order the corn from Rancho Gordo -- fun treat, made from heirloom corn. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:42 Kim ODonnel

10:42

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  Oh.... just looked at that cheese dip recipe. SO nice to see something without that horrid velveeta in it. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:42 Danielle - Portland

10:42

Kim ODonnel:  yes, that's a fun one! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:42 Kim ODonnel

10:43

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  yay to food inc! what a great film! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:43 redweather

10:43

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  I love using our air-popper and spray the hot popcorn with olive oil (using one of those misters), then sprinkle either Old Bay or good parmesan cheese into the bowl. Yummy. And, I usually end up purchasing our popping corn from the Boy Scouts (nephew). Thursday February 4, 2010 10:43 Erin

10:43

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  They keep as long as you would keep rice in the fridge. Maybe a week? This is one of the lunches she brings to school. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:43 Jeanne in Seattle

10:43

Kim ODonnel:  I love this idea, Jeanne. Do you fill the rice balls w/ anything? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:43 Kim ODonnel

10:44

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  We use one of those crank-turned stove top poppers. We cook the popcorn in coconut oil and then sprinkle truffle salt on top. Yum. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:44 Jeanne in Seattle

10:45

Kim ODonnel:  Ooh. Just remembered this Indian-spiced popcorn from cookbook writer Monica Bhide: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/mighty-appetite/2009/02/oscars_night_nibbles.html Thursday February 4, 2010 10:45 Kim ODonnel

10:45

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  We don't stuff them with anything anymore. We used to stuff them with umeboshi plum, but she doesn't seem to like that now. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:45 Jeanne in Seattle

10:46

Kim ODonnel:  Chili is always a fun snack for gatherings, partic. with this east coast snow on the horizon. What's your favorite chili? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:46 Kim ODonnel

10:46

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Gotta run to a meeting. Thanks all for all the great suggestions; GREAT chat. See you next time. :) Thursday February 4, 2010 10:46 Lizka

10:47

Kim ODonnel:  Thanks, Lizka! Hope to catch you next week for our Val/Romance/Aprhodisiac fest. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:47 Kim ODonnel

10:47

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Going to a potluck Superbowl party - two rooms one for the fans and the other for the partiers. I'm bringing Prosciutto rolls from Jim Lahey's My Bread cookbook. And, for what it's worth, I'd bring Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone to a desert isle. Though I'd hope to have the complete works of Barbara Kingsolver, JK Rowling and JD Salinger as well (somehow). I could eat anything as long as I've got exciting fiction. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:47 Linear Girl

10:48

Kim ODonnel:  Linear, it's been a while -- welcome back. The idea of 2 rooms for Superbowl is a GREAT idea. How have you found Lahey's book? Been wanting to dive in. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:48 Kim ODonnel

10:48

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  We make that Obama Chili recipe that started making the rounds on the Internet when Obama was inaugurated. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:48 Jeanne in Seattle

10:49

Kim ODonnel:  meat or no meat? I really like white chili w/ ground turkey... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:49 Kim ODonnel

10:49

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Favorite chili to date is "Love's Chili" from The Vegetarian Compass. Heavy cinnamon overtones with a lot of tomatoes. I was surprised how much I liked the combination. I prefer it over rice, with some cheese and diced avocado (w/lime and salt). I need to make some more of THAT! Oh yeah, and cornbread - with or without chilies - on the side. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:49 Erin

10:50

Kim ODonnel:  I use cinnamon in my chili, too (wait til you see the cookbook in Sept!) Do you use black beans or somethin' else? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:50 Kim ODonnel

10:51

Kim ODonnel:  And if you wanted to take "chili" theme in a New Orleans/southern direction, hoppin' john is a great choice. Black eye peas make me happy any day. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:51 Kim ODonnel

10:51

[Comment From jen maiser jen maiser : ]  Y'all, I have to take off but in case anyone doesn't know, Kim deserves a HUGE congrats for finishing up her book and sending it off to the publisher. Can't wait to get my hands on it in September! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:51 jen maiser

10:51

Kim ODonnel:  Aw. Thanks Jen! Yes, the book will be on sale Sept. 14! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:51 Kim ODonnel

10:51

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  Yes, cornbread is a must with chili. I always add creamed corn to mine to make it really moist. I like the idea of cinnamon in chili, sounds interesting. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:51 Danielle - Portland

10:52

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  I've loved the book. I've been making the basic bread since it appeared in the NYT, and making some variations of my own, but this is terrific because it's got instructions for baking the rolls and some other shapes not suited to the "oven within an oven" standard. I'm wanting to try his salt-water variation, but I'm a little concerned about the health of our local sea water. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:52 Linear Girl

10:53

Kim ODonnel:  Linear, good report. Lahey is a champ. I also have Peter Reinhart's new book & I can't wait to play. This manuscript business has kept me away from trying new stuff other than my own... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:53 Kim ODonnel

10:53

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  The "Love's Chili" calls for red kidney beans. It's quite tasty. I have a white chili recipe from way back (before ground turkey was readily available)... I should make that up sometime soon, too! (I'm noting September 14th on my calendar... exciting!) Thursday February 4, 2010 10:53 Erin

10:53

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  before i went veggie, my favorite chili was one my brother makes with venison. yum yum! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:53 redweather

10:53

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  BTW, I tried a black bean brownie recipe this last week. Very mild flavor, definitely not a chewy brownie, more similar to Texas Sheet cake in my opinion. I would definitely make again. But again, it's not like a true brownie. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:53 Danielle - Portland

10:54

Kim ODonnel:  Interesting, Danielle. I can't imagine it would translate into a true brownie, but it's always nice to hear of healthy ways to get a snack on... Thursday February 4, 2010 10:54 Kim ODonnel

10:54

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Erin - You might want to try thinly sliced cabbage on it, too, along with your avocados, lime and salt. I started eating "salad" on chili in my college years when we'd go skiing and couldn't afford to buy chili *and* salad for lunch, but it was allowed to "garnish" the chili with items from the salad bar. Now it seems like the best way to go! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:54 Linear Girl

10:55

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  @Danielle, I'd love to see that black bean recipe. Me, I prefer less fudgy brownies. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:55 Erin

10:55

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  @Linear Girl... cabbage sounds AWESOME. I will definitely try that. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:55 Erin

10:56

Kim ODonnel:  I love the idea of cabbage as a chili garnish. Nice one! And more good cruciferous anti-oxidants. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:56 Kim ODonnel

10:56

Kim ODonnel:  Next week, I'll type to you from Miami. Is anyone opposed to an earlier chat time? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:56 Kim ODonnel

10:56

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  What is Peter Rheinhart's book? I don't know his name . . . Thursday February 4, 2010 10:56 Linear Girl

10:57

Kim ODonnel:  Peter Reinhart: http://peterreinhart.typepad.com/ He's got a number of terrific bread books. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:57 Kim ODonnel

10:57

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Kim - are you actually going to the Superbowl???? Thursday February 4, 2010 10:57 Linear Girl

10:58

Kim ODonnel:  No, I'm actually going to have a vacation! Thursday February 4, 2010 10:58 Kim ODonnel

10:58

[Comment From Danielle - Portland Danielle - Portland : ]  Here's the brownie recipe. I think maybe the self rising flour was too much in addition to the baking powder, but maybe that was just me. I'm trying regular flour next time. I also added walnuts. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/kims-midnight-brownies-recipe Thursday February 4, 2010 10:58 Danielle - Portland

10:58

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Kim, will mango smoothies be included with an earlier chat time? (I'm game, BTW.) Thursday February 4, 2010 10:58 Erin

10:59

Kim ODonnel:  Mango smoothies, but of course Erin. And we're planning to dine at Tap Tap, a Haitian restaurant in South Beach that has been a longtime favorite, to talk w/t he owners, find out how their family is doing since the earthquake. Thursday February 4, 2010 10:59 Kim ODonnel

11:00

Kim ODonnel:  My husband & I are going to drive around & visit w/ family for a week. We're looking forward to breeze blowing through our hair... Thursday February 4, 2010 11:00 Kim ODonnel

11:00

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  if you like the breeze, come back to DC! we are about to get plenty of breeze! :) have a great vacation! Thursday February 4, 2010 11:00 redweather

11:02

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Kim, you deserve some serious east coast sunshine and catering. Have a wonderful time! Thursday February 4, 2010 11:02 Erin

11:02

Kim ODonnel:  Hahahahah. I'll pass on that kind of breeze for now, redweather. On that note, thanks for stopping by! Great ideas on how to celebrate February. We neglected to mention Black History Month in this chat, but I've got it on my list -- and hoping we can add to our menu for next week. Take good care -- and stay warm! Thursday February 4, 2010 11:02 Kim ODonnel