Blargh and Babble

[trista]

Today is a downish sort of day. There's no particular reason for it that I can figure out. It just sort of is. Blargh.

I am slightly less busy at work today than I have been in weeks. It certainly isn't that I haven't anything to do, but there are fewer things with looming deadlines that have to be done right this second oh my god go go go!,

Comments

[blackbirdshaq]

I can't be arsed to look and see if your dear sister told you to bake or fry, but my suggestion for chili is to bake. And go to the Family Dollar and get yourself a $7 cast iron skillet and season that puppy. I used House Autry self-rising corn meal, but honestly, I think I might just get another brand (like Martha White) next time, because the crust didn't crunch the way I wanted it to. I prefer muffins to a pan, on the whole, but really I'll eat it all.

I have to tell you that the fried cornbread are called hoe-cakes. I have felt a burning desire to tell someone that for a long time. Thank you for giving me an opportunity. Oh, and they're easy - just make the mix like you're going to bake it, then heat up some oil in a skillet (about 1/2 inch as you don't want corn pancakes), and then when it's good and hot, drop in about a 1/4 cup full and when it's got some popped bubbles in the center, flip it over. It's about 1-2 minutes each side depending on how brown you like it. I like 'em almost brown. Best eaten with a bowl of pinto beans. Yum.

Willow won't eat anything unless it has gravy on it or is some sort of ham by-product. I've begged her to eat the stuff I drop on the kitchen floor, but she refuses. Trust me to get a finicky eater!

[blackbirdshaq]

Oh, and also? I use the hell out of some Texas Pete or Tabasco hot sauce for spiciness.

And if you want to go all nuts, get some pickled jalapenos, chop up a few, add them to the pot while it's simmering, and also add a little of the pickling juice. Fantastico.

Another hint - add a couple teaspoons (or several if you're insane like me) of cocoa powder (unsweetened). It is tres yum. And super Mexican. :D

[trista]

Yum! That is all fantabulous advice and information. Thank you!

Also? I had no idea about the hoe-cake thing. Huh. I always wondered what the hell a hoe-cake was.