Home Cookin'

What is SHOULD look like!

Quite often, I'll see something on either Food Network or the Cooking Channel, and think to myself "I'm going to try and make that".

This past weekend, I was watching a show that featured great bakeries around the US...and the idea to make my own bagels was born!

I thought..."how difficult could it be?  It is only 4 ingredients, and I've been successful with my past baking adventures.

The first batch, to be honest, were giant, dense, hockey pucks!
In making bagels, you have to boil them prior to baking.  I knew when they sank to the bottom of the pot during boiling that I was in trouble!
While the taste was not too bad, the texture and density left something to be desired.

So, I decided to try again...a few hours later.
The second batch, while nowhere near perfect, were actually much better than the first.
They floated during boiling (score), and came out of the oven actually resembling bagels (woo hoo)!
They were still a little dense, but I think I'm on the right track.

So, until my next cooking inspiration hits from TV, I'll keep trying to perfect my bagel baking skills.  Maybe there's a bakery in my future...who am I kidding, I can barely get out of bed by 8am!

Occupy Chicago arrests

Occupy Chicago overnight arrests

130 persons were arrested on Saturday night in Chicago after they refused to leave Grant Park after it closed.  This same scenario happened the previous Saturday evening.

In the Chicago Red Eye today, one of the protestors was quoted..."This is an attack on the core of what it means to be an American Citizen.  We condemn gross violation of the human rights of those arrested."

REALLY??!!??

Now, I'm not going to delve into my opinions of the Occupy Everywhere protests.  But seriously, come on people! 
Anyone that lives in Chicago knows that ALL PUBLIC PARKS CLOSE AT 11PM.  Also, the protestors were warned by police twice each evening prior to making the arrests.  They were given plenty of notice, and knew exactly what was coming.
Just because you are trying to protest a cause you believe in doesn't mean that you can get away with breaking the law!  How the hell is this a gross violation of your rights? 

No matter where you are a citizen, you are expected to follow the laws set forth by that community.  If you choose to break the law, you face the consequences.
I can't believe the idiocy of the person quoted in the paper.  Just because you don't get your way, it is a violation of your rights...GEEZ, grow up you spoiled brat!

What are your thoughts?

Purple spirit day

Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. 
Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. 
Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 20 as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are.


In honor of the kids who are no longer with us.  
I am continually saddened by the number of suicides due to bullying.
I was bullied back in the 80's for being different and effeminate in rural South Carolina.  It was hell on earth, and I could not get out of there fast enough.
Today, it seems the bullying has gotten worse, and some youth are having trouble dealing with the stress.  And, many of them don't have the option of leaving, or have a support network to help them work through it all.
Let's all do our part to help our troubled youth...let them know
IT GET'S BETTER!

Gadhafi dead

Breaking news...

Moammar Gadhafi has been killed in a raid in Libya.  This brings an end to more than 40 years of tyranny and terrorism.
Perhaps I've seen too many movies...but, I can't help but wonder, was our government involved?
I mean...we've heard the tales of how we snuck in, under cover of darkness, and dispensed of Osama Bin Laden.  Who's to say that we weren't involved in this situation...it seems very similar to me.
But, If the US is involved, I don't necessarily think that is a bad thing.  We need to stop tap dancing, and pussyfooting around. 
For far too long, everyone has been afraid to say or do anything for fear of pissing off someone, or some faction.
This man was a dictator that murdered nearly as many people as Osama Bin Laden.  Whoever was involved in this slaying...this bringing of justice...I say BRAVA!

Farewell Sweet Carson!

Farewell sweet Carson!

Miss you already!


Carson Kressley was eliminated from Dancing with the stars last night!
While it wasn't a shocking elimination, he will surely be missed.
Truly, his technique was pretty darn awful...but he was quite frankly the most entertaining of all the contestants.  
Honestly, I'm surprised that Chaz Bono is still on the show as well.  But, I'm happy that he has enough fans and supporters to keep him around week after week.  I dare say he won't be around much longer though.


But, back to Carson...I'll truly miss his spirit and freedom on the show.
I'm sure some people are bothered by his overt femininity out in middle america...but, I can honestly say that he makes me feel proud to be a gay man...
KEEP ON PRANCIN' CARSON!

American entitlement

I recently took a vacation to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

It was the most beautiful place!  Old San Juan is just gorgeous, with the old buildings, forts, and the gorgeous Caribbean sea as the backdrop.

I was fortunate enough to stay at the Ritz Carlton in what's called the "resort area" of San Juan.

Of course, the Ritz Carlton is beautiful and well-appointed.  The staff at the hotel, and really all over the city, were so friendly and accommodating.  Not to mention, the men in San Juan are DELICIOUS!

But, one thing that really bothered me was the way some of the American visitors were treating the folks working at the hotel.  I witnessed some terribly obnoxious behavior towards the hotel staff.  

There were many instances that I wanted to walk up to someone and slap them. I was embarrassed at the level of rudeness and entitlement they were displaying.

I mean, come on, just because you are on vacation...and can afford to stay at the Ritz, doesn't mean that the employees are your personal servants.

Maybe it's my upbringing...I grew up in rural South Carolina, in the 80's.  I was taught that you always say please and thank you, and that things aren't always going to go your way.  So, I am always shocked at how some people think the way they act is ok.

I'll definitely return to San Juan.  But, perhaps next time I'll stay at a more moderately priced hotel...along with the "little people".

Marilyn Monroe visits Chicago!

There is a new art installment on Michigan Avenue...
Forever Marilyn.
She has already caused quite a bit of controversy...and I really can't understand why.


Some people are complaining that it is vulgar and distasteful...
REALLY!?!  This is distasteful?  I'll bet you think the Kardashians would be fun at bible study too, huh?


What IS distasteful is how some men are acting underneath her skirt. Come on guys!  
You're businessmen in downtown Chicago.  Control yourselves and stop acting like drunken fratboys at a Cubs game!


I think it is beautiful...and the many visitors to Chicago are flocking to check out Marilyn.  Maybe that was the whole point...create a controversy so that people would come visit, and spend money.  Ahh, marketing at its' finest!

What are your thoughts?  Do you think this sculpture is a thing of beauty?  Or, is it in bad taste?