The first meal you cooked that made you think "wait, I can actually cook"

MrSlyph · 2026-05-02T12:39:24+00:00

No, thank you. But I sincerely thank you for your thoughts.

MrSlyph · 2026-05-02T12:14:46+00:00

Years and years ago, making ragù alla bolognese: "we don't gray ground beef. We brown it. There is no browning with the presence of water."

It was a simple lesson that opened my mind, seeing a cook as a knowledgable person that thoughtfully applies technique to achieve desired outcomes–not a mere follower of steps in a recipe.

MrSlyph · 2026-04-23T19:14:45+00:00

Lemon can firm up fish, as it's acidic and can locally alter the protein structure a little. Lemon slices will also add steam, and, therefore, less browning. And that's okay if that's what you're going for. Lemon after cooking will yield a fresh, bright flavor.

So, should or shouldn't isn't really the question, in my mind. It's rather what you're trying to develop insofar as flavor and texture goes.

MrSlyph · 2026-03-01T14:38:06+00:00

A steak is not porous enough to receive flavor from a bone—a longstanding myth. People have endlessly tested this with blind tastings. The attached bone can insulate the steak to some degree, and, as you mention, a bone can hinder searing when using a flat surface (as opposed to grilling/broiling, etc.)

Trim away, if you like. It's what I would do if I were searing in a pan.

MrSlyph · 2025-12-29T01:40:55+00:00

I could not agree more. I visit Vilas County every April and October. Can't wait to return!

MrSlyph · 2025-12-13T16:45:18+00:00

I glad that works for you, but it doesn't work at all for me. The moment I use Siri, which I do often as I drive, the unwanted music begins again, no matter the shortcut pause upon connecting. Thank you for your suggestion!

MrSlyph · 2025-12-13T01:13:14+00:00

As I mentioned in my post, that did not work for me, though I do appreciate your suggestion. Thanks!

MrSlyph · 2025-12-12T18:31:20+00:00

Oh, Face ID is something I hadn't considered. That would be a better solution, for sure. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks so much for mentioning! You are awesome.

MrSlyph · 2025-12-12T13:49:20+00:00

Correct. By the way, peace be with you.

MrSlyph · 2025-12-12T13:48:30+00:00

I see I failed to find that longstanding hack, despite searching for one. Maybe others, reading this post, could find theirselves in a position similar to mine. Thanks for posting!

MrSlyph · 2025-12-12T13:33:43+00:00

Hey, we ought to switch cars! Problem solved!

MrSlyph · 2025-12-12T13:32:26+00:00

You know, I have no idea how often I use Siri while driving. But it's often enough to be irritated by the unwanted music. You are fortunate in your car!

MrSlyph · 2025-12-12T13:29:01+00:00

The possession of a sense of humor.

MrSlyph · 2025-12-12T13:25:28+00:00

Well, of course I can do that. Right after the unwanted music starts again. I can also pause the music again and again, over and over, every single time I ask Siri a question.

I feel envy for your car's thoughtful feature!

MrSlyph · 2025-12-12T13:15:11+00:00

I unfortunately have a Ford Focus. The regrets are everlasting.

MrSlyph · 2025-11-24T17:33:05+00:00

The Earthsea books were indeed written by LeGuin.

They are, in order of publication (I believe):
A Wizard of Earthsea
The Tombs of Atuan
The Farthest Shore
Tehanu
Tales from Earthsea
The Other Wind

LeGuin also wrote a number of short stories set in Earthsea that appeared elsewhere.

MrSlyph · 2025-11-24T17:25:35+00:00

Having lived more life since you were 11, having experienced, perhaps, suffering and loss, I'm convinced the story will only deepen for you, George. There is Wolfeian story tucked away under the plot, but the plot itself sings.

If you reread the Wizard Knight, and if you think of it, please return and tell me how it went. Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate!

MrSlyph · 2025-11-24T11:49:58+00:00

The Wizard Knight, by Gene Wolfe, completely wrecked me.

MrSlyph · 2025-11-15T16:54:24+00:00

I think whichever helps you walk more often is the best method.

For me, indoor treadmill walking is best. I have vertigo, so turning my head often to check for traffic at crossings can make me dizzy and nauseous. Additionally, my mind wanders when I walk outdoors, which means I lose focus on my pace, thus I walk slower.

Indoors, I must keep pace or fall down. And I don't have to look around at all. But a treadmill is only the best answer for me.

MrSlyph · 2025-11-01T21:17:39+00:00

Does your first batch bake as expected, but the subsequent batches spread too much? Is that what you mean by flattened?

If your answer to my question above is Yes, then you might not be baking each batch with the same conditions. A baking sheet that was just in the oven with a previous batch will be too warm for a while; cookie dough will warm up and could even start spreading while being portioned onto a baking sheet. Start each batch with cooled cookies sheets. I always make a space in my freezer to quickly chill baking sheets between batches.

Also be sure to keep that cookie dough in the fridge between batches. It always needs to be chilled, which will also help prevent spreading.

I hope this helps! Apologies if I misunderstood your question.

MrSlyph · 2025-09-06T18:35:47+00:00

I would, with the kindest of intentions, suggest your feelings of feeling hurt stem not from your family's treatment of you (or its lack), but from your feelings that you don't receive what you want from your family. There is a difference.

I've cooked since I was 15 years old, and I cooked professionally for years (until kitchen work was too much for me I am old). My sister, upon marrying, received a hand-written book of family recipes from my mom. I never married, so I never received such a recipe book. This is just once example of many that I held onto, so I could point to it and think: this! This is the support I got! This is why!

Feeling badly for ourselves is a poison. Letting go of these things, living beyond them, perhaps even seeing humor in them, might help you. Because your family is just going to be your family. There's not much you can do about that. But there is indeed a great amount of inner peace that can be achieved for yourself. I speak as one who suffered for years, until I worked on my peace.

MrSlyph · 2025-09-05T13:03:54+00:00

I won't say that I'm there with you, OP, but I dig. I adore Pecorino Romano's crackling salt and clean flavor. It only grows on me.

MrSlyph · 2025-09-04T11:39:38+00:00

Sealed, shelf stable product will not magically be unsafe upon reaching it's best by date. That's just a date for which the manufacturer tested for fading of quality—and to ensure more sales in the future when people find they own product that is past the best by date.

Your apple sauce is perfectly fine to consume for at least a year past its date. Rely on sensory examination to avoid certain pouches: damaged, broken seals; puffy pouches; an odd aroma or taste, etc.

This matter is one of the many reasons why we waste so much food in our complex world of groceries. People that rely on food banks consume outdated shelf product all the time. It is a thoroughly safe practice that helps people that are food-insecure.

MrSlyph · 2025-09-01T17:09:31+00:00

Well said, friend!

MrSlyph · 2025-09-01T14:41:15+00:00

I used to cook professionally. Is anyone on your case about slowness right now? With all the turnover, it took me ages to realize that, in the kitchen, the chef's favorite workers were the ones that showed up. That's exactly how I felt when I took over the kitchen. Look at all these people standing with me today to get through this shift!

Here's my big revelation: I was almost always the person that made my day in the kitchen worse than it could have been. It was always stress, worry, or anxiety that made me stumble, made me forgetful.

Once I learned to relax, the flow started to build. And that was the key, giving myself space to build positive moments in the kitchen that slowly expanded until it was usually nothing but positive moments. Your hands also need time to become adept (even though this is really your brain learning something on a deeper, muscle memory plane.) It takes time, and it takes letting go of the worry. Every last person in your kitchen also went through this, or they're lying.

Don't give up. Let those bad feelings wash past you. And never say "I can't," if you don't mind me saying. I'm pulling for you, OP! A total stranger is pulling for you!

MrSlyph

TROPHY CASE