Beth wrote:I love that I have the second refrigerator/freezer in the garage so I have room for a big platter of chicken to sit and 'air dry' without touching anything else. My kitchen refrigerator is too crowded with 'stuff' and it grosses me out if I want to put raw chicken in there for fear something will get moved up too close. Out in the garage it sits on an empty shelf, all by itself, and I don't have to worry.
Yeah, Beth, I would love a second fridge for things like that. You know what else helps to crisp up chicken skin? If you poke holes in the skin prior to cooking it (I use a pointed wooden dowel I'd use for making kabobs). Lets the grease run off and thru the skin, making the skin a lot crisper. But, boy, air drying it would be wonderful. I'm pea green with envy over that extra fridge, Beth!
Brian and I went to the grocery together yesterday (he usually hates it when I go, 'cause he says I take too long; you know, checking prices to see if the bigger size is cheaper, etc.; looking at all the lemons in the bag to make sure one or two aren't already spoiled; checking out the local grocery to see what they have (I found an olive bar with different imported black and green olives, some stuffed ones, too; got some with fresh mozzarella cubes and various goodies in it; they even had freshly roasted garlic cloves you could buy in bulk by the pound); checking out the pre-made stuff they offer (bought a half a Muffaletta for us to share for dinner with some gumbo -- perfect, as it was stuffed with an abundance of the right meats, cheeses and olive salad); checking out the salad bar in case I wanted him to pick up some ingredient I could use without a hassle (like a nice fresh lettuce mix for two and not a bag that would get partially wasted).
He uses that little mobile scooter in the store and I use a cart! I photocopied the grocery list prior to leaving home and each time he came back to produce, I would send him off with a block on the list marked so he could get that stuff, as I enjoyed myself in produce where all the stuff mentioned was set up. Once he came to show me he was all filled up so I told him to check out, put it in the car and come back (it was cool outside so no problem). Then I couldn't find him and kept searching for about 10 minutes. A good-looking young worker asked if he could help me find something -- I guess he kept seeing me wondering around -- to which I responded, "Yes, my husband." He howled. After a while I saw Brian riding back into the store; he said he'd checked out again and went to unload. I laughed and said he could've saved me 10 minutes by letting me know first.
My fridge, therefore, is absolutely packed! I cleaned out the two veggie drawers before putting more stuff in them, and Brian was kind enough to wash and dry them for me. I also put in some refrigerator liner in the drawers to keep things fresher longer (allows air to circulate) and also keeps things clean; I think I've had those two bags of liner for over a year. And, I think I told you, I use those "green bags" to keep veggies and fruit fresh longer; they work well for us. In fact, I had a big hunk of fresh parsley in one that had been in there for over a month; the bottom was slimy but the tops were green and dry and still good for use, once I chopped off the bottom. Really like those things...
We used to have a handful of people over for Superbowl (too many and you can't watch the game!) and we usually had arranged for a vacation day the following Monday. The game starts so darn late now that we both find it aggravating. I could deal with a 3 o'clock game or even at 4 p.m. but now I think it starts at 5:30 p.m. That's too freaking late!
Anyway, it'll just be Brian and I for Superbowl but I got all the stuff yesterday for my chili! Yahoo, as we both love it. I'm a no bean girl but I don't get into the "chili wars." And I don't grind my meat either; I hand chop all the meat (I use both chuck roast and Boston butt) into 1/2-inch cubes, and it really makes for a nice texture once it cooks down. My mouth is watering just talking about it. The lady who cleans for me, Lynn, was here today and she's never had chili. I told her I would put some aside for her but she cautioned me that though she can deal with "spicy," she can't deal with hot. She laughed when I told her it's spicy hot!
What are you guys doing for Superbowl? Anyone having a party? What are you cooking?
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