Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I forgot to mention that I've traveled all over the US and there is GREAT BBQ almost everywhere; just ask the locals. I don't get into the regional thing, I like them all, tomato, mustard, vinegar, sweet, spicy, hot, mild and wet or dry. I will say that I've never had a bad piece of brisket in the city of Fort Worth. Something I can't say about Dallas.

I really like the ATK Family Cookbook for starters. They are a little full of themselves, but their recipes work. They are fully explained and as one grows they can alter or change the recipes to incorporate their own style as it evolves. Ditto the comment about Cooks Illustrated, just join the web site. For bakers I would recommend Baking Illustrated from the same organization.

Many years ago (1970's) I used to go through Montreal on my way to ski in the Laurentians. My favorite restaurant was La Fado or Fadeux at 423 Rue St. Claude in Old Montreal. Does anyone know if it still exists? In addition to great continental food, their wine cellar was spectacular. They also had barrels of brandy and cognac that they had acquired in the early fifties and sold cheaper than the popular brands like Remy and Hennessey. I'd love to know if they are still in business.

I had several nice crystal decanters for years, but never used them. Four years ago we moved and I set up a self service bar in the dining room. I used my decanters on a cart with a mirrored top. They look great! I got some very nice pewter nameplates to hang around them and I filled them up. I have bourbon, scotch, gin, vodka, rum and cognac. When company comes over I direct them to the bar. I also use a crystal ice bucket with silver tongs and a small crystal water pitcher. People make their own drinks in my heavy bottom crystal glasses and only ask me for whatever mix they need. I don't deceive them about the brands; if asked I answer.
Bourbon, Jim Beam Black; Scotch, Famous Grouse; Gin, Bombay Sapphire; Vodka, Sirmnoff Triple Filtered; Rum, Bacardi Select Dark; Cognac, Hennessey. I'm rarely asked about the brands and when I am it's usually to offer a positive comment. This approach allows me to purchase the larger containers which generally offer a better price per ounce. I figure I save at least $600 a year on liquor; more than enough to buy a few decanters if my friends hadn't given me any. By the way I drink all the brands on the rocks or with a splash except the rum. That's with coke or tonic.

I am proud to say that my oldest daughter wasn't aware that mac and cheese was available in a box until her 2nd year in college when she shared an apartment with two other friends and they went shopping. She was embarrased and they were dumbfounded. How could anyone grow up in America and not know about Kraft Mac and Cheese. They bought the blue box, but she later made the scratch version and her friends were converted. Whenever they're in town they come by for the Ina variety that I've been making for a few years. My daughter won't make it, too much grating and Gruyere is very expensive. Tomatoes are optional. I leave them off unless the whole dish will be consumed at one meal.