On the Importance of Diners

What defines a Diner?  Growing up in New York, specifically on Long Island - diners were everywhere and everyone had their favorite.  More often than not, a Friday night at the movies led to me and my friends at the Syosset House Diner for a late night snack.  I even wrote a story about it - but I can't seem to find it.  We had our favorite waitress and the owner always greeted us warmly and most of the time by name.

Heading to a diner after church was a big treat, too - but that didn't happen all that often.  It was nice to be able to get breakfast at any time at the day.  There are no good diners near the launchpad and the few that are around are not good "New York Diners."

What constitutes a diner?  Ed Levine from Serious Eats offers a list (via kottke).

1. Operating hours - if it ain't open 24 hours, it ain't a diner.
2. A common menu - and it better go on for about 50 pages
3. A democratic reception - see my note above, a warm "Hiya Fellas" is essential
4. Quick service - too often, the diners around here have lines, why?
5. Low price point - again, non-NY diners didn't get this memo
6. Seating - I'm a booth kinda guy, especially if they have one of those jukeboxes
7. Familiarity - again see my note about having a favorite waitress and them knowing what you want before you order it
8. All-occasion places - anytime you go there, you don't have to be there for a reason, you're there for good food
9. Parking - have some
10. Culinary anonymity - you don't need to know the name of the guy making your eggs, in fact you may want to just take it on faith that he knows what he's doing

On Bagels

The Brave Astronaut Clan is on Long Island this weekend for some Christmas visiting with the family.  I have long said - there are no good bagels outside the New York area (despite that it might be an urban myth - I'm pretty sure it's the water).  The clan will certainly stock up on our way out of town before heading home to the launchpad.

In case you were wondering, I am not alone in my thinking.  Here's an article from the New York Times Magazine.  And here's a shameless plug for the best bagels in the New York area - if you need one, you've got to go see the Boss.

Vacation Cereal Ahead!

Today was the last day of school for LBA and SoBA.  In August, the Brave Astronaut clan will head north to the wilds of Maine for our first real summer vacation in some time.  A while back, LBA and SoBA asked for some sugary, cereal at the grocery store (yet another reason why I don't like to go to the store with them).  I explained that we tend to eat just a few cereals on a regular basis and that cereals like Cap'n Crunch and Fruit Loops were clearly considered "Vacation Cereal" and not to be consumed except on special occasions.

So, there is certain to be the purchase of a "vacation" pack of small cereal boxes in the near future.

To help with the selection process, BuzzFeed very kindly rated 27 cereals from worst to first. My comments in italics.

27. Grape-Nuts - Post
Cerious talk: What is there to say about Grape-Nuts? You don’t even go into eating Grape-Nuts thinking that it’s a good idea. You know from the get-go that it’s not going to be pretty. I mean you’re basically spooning ROCKS into your mouth. But we all make mistakes, and we’ve all made the mistake of eating Grape-Nuts. Sure it has “100% of your day’s whole grain” and sure grapes are good, and maybe nuts are good, too. But TOGETHER? No. No, Post. This is where we draw the DAMN LINE. You eat Grape-Nuts when you literally have nothing else to eat and even then you STILL regret it.
Never a cereal I would willingly eat

26. Wheaties - General Mills
Cerious talk: Anyone who has ever eaten Wheaties has probably questioned why the HELL this is the food choice of Olympians everywhere. Let’s be honest, Wheaties are wack. They are plain as hell. You might as well eat cardboard for breakfast, it would probably taste the same. And I think we’ve ALL felt the disappointment after eating a box of Wheaties, not suddenly turning into an Olympian, and realizing we just ate cardboard for breakfast.
I am the Brave Astronaut - not the Brave Athlete. I never was into the Wheatie.

25. Raisin Bran - Kellogg's
Cerious talk: Like WHO THE HELL at Kellogg’s thought to take BRAN FLAKES and throw raisins in them? Like TWO WHOLE SCOOPS OF THEM!? The only redeeming quality about this cereal is the fact the raisins are covered in sugar. At least this cereal promotes bowel movements so you can get it out of your body as fast as possible.
Um, I admit to liking Raisin Bran.  So do the boys. We just don't talk about the fact that they're bran flakes - or that I put sugar on the cereal. and use whole milk.

24. Special K - Kellogg's
Cerious talk: Special K is the equivalent of a wet blanket… in your mouth. You eat it thinking it’s going to be great because of all the commercials and then you find yourself thinking, “This is it???!!!!” It’s a major letdown and no amount of freeze-dried strawberries could make up for it. And to make matters WORSE, you’re hungry again in 20 minutes. NO THANKS, SPECIAL K.
Not one I'm interested in either.

23. Rice Krispies - Kellogg's
Cerious talk: Eating Rice Krispies is what we imagine eating air to feel like. It’s nothing. These little rice krisps dissolve in your mouth leaving you with the flavor of sour milk and broken promises. They draw you in with their cute mascots, but that’s about all they have going for them. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the fact that these little babies can be turned into Rice Kripsie treats, they might’ve been dead last.
A popular selection at the Launchpad, this one deserves better.

22. Cheerios - General Mills
Cerious talk: You know what doesn’t taste good? Baby food. You know what babies eat a lot of? Cheerios. Cheerios are the cereal you mundanely eat over and over again hoping that the next handful will somehow taste better than the last. But the problem is that it never does. It never tastes better. It always tastes the same. And it always tastes like a letdown.
Still used daily at the Launchpad in snacks for LBA and SoBA

21. Corn Pops - Kellogg's
Cerious talk: Have you ever been eating an ear of corn and thought, “Wow, I would love some of this with milk.” If you have, maybe Corn Pops is for you. As far as cereals go, this is subpar AT BEST. Little to no flavor, weird texture, and no sense of fulfillment after eating. Basically, it’s not the WORST but it’s certainly not the best.
Corn for me, is savory, breakfast cereal, it's not.

20. Chex - General Mills
Cerious talk: Chex is gluten-free. That’s all it has going for itself. If you’re on that paleo diet, eat this. If you aren’t, UPGRADE YOUR BREAKFAST.
Chex is what you eat when you don't have Life. And it makes a fine snack mix.

19. Trix - General Mills
Cerious talk: Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids with low standards. There’s nothing quite fulfilling about this cereal. You have so many expectations when it pours out into your bowl, but those damn flowers and watermelons (I don’t even know if that’s what those are) are a cerious letdown. You can have ‘em, rabbit.
The lowest on the list of the vacation cereals.

18. Honeycomb - Post
Cerious talk: How true is this statement: “Me want Honeycomb”? Because sure, it seems appealing, but this fluffy comb-shaped cereal falls flat when it hits the milk, just like it does when you put it in your mouth. It’s good if it’s all you have, but you don’t ever want this to be all you have.
I went to C.W. Post University and still am not interested in this cereal.  I'm pretty much a Kellogg's man.

17. Cookie Crisp - General Mills
Cerious talk: Listen. We’re all here for a sugary cereal. BUT SOMETIMES, it can be taken too far. Cookie Crisp is what your mom let you eat when she finally gave up. If you have Coooooookie Crisp for breakfast, you should’ve just eaten an actual damn cookie.
I'm not ashamed to admit that I've eaten cookies for breakfast.

16. Cocoa Pebbles - Post
Cerious talk: Cocoa Pebbles are fine. Like whatever. They get super soggy real quick, and let’s face it, you’re just trying to get to the chocolate milk. If you’re in the market for a chocolate cereal, it’s better to go with Cocoa Puffs.

15. Apple Jacks - Kellogg's
Cerious talk: Apple Jacks is what happened when Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch had a baby and it came out looking like neither of them. Sure, it has its moments of deliciousness, but overall, the flavor gets boring after a while and the colors are ANYTHING but appetizing.
Eat an apple before the Jacks

14. Quaker Oatmeal Squares - Quaker
Cerious talk: Oatmeal Squares is what happens when your dad starts dating again and his new girlfriend starts infiltrating your cereal cabinet. We get that oatmeal helps reduce cholesterol, but if you have bad cholesterol, you probably shouldn’t be in the cereal game. NEXT.
This has also appeared at the launchpad - we don't mention that it's good for you.

13. Honey Nut Cheerios - General Mills
Cerious talk: Honey Nut Cheerios is the hotter, younger sibling of the Cheerios family. It tastes way better than the cardboard alternative, and it *can* help lower cholesterol. With that said, it’s still a little plain and is a cereal for those who can’t afford another cavity. Bee happy, bee healthy.
We tend to stay with the original - though the multi-grain Cheerios have appeared of late.

12. Honey Bunches of Oats - Post
Cerious talk: Honey Bunches of OHMYGOD why does this taste so good? This cereal is unexpected. We’ve all seen the commercials and thought, “Yeah, they pay those people to say it’s good.” But do they? DO THEY? After eating HBOO, you might not think so anymore. Shit is GOOD. The only way it could be better is if the crispy flakes didn’t get soggy within four minutes. Post, work on this will ya?

11. Fruit Loops - Kellogg's
Cerious talk: This bright ring-shaped cereal is a little on the basic side, but it’s a classic cereal that isn’t going anywhere. It’s the Julia Stiles of cereal: No one has a strong opinion about them, but no one hates them.
Another prime vacation cereal candidate

10. Krave - Kellogg's
Cerious talk: Although this is a newer cereal to enter the breakfast game, it’s one we don’t ever want to be without again. Sure, it has a dog food appearance, but once you put it in your mouth, you’re transported to chocolate euphoria.
I've seen it in the grocery store, I've contemplated buying it, but haven't pulled the trigger, yet.

9. Frosted Flakes - Kellogg's
Cerious talk: Like that anthropomorphic tiger says, this cereal is pretty damn gr-r-reat. Like whoever at Kellogg’s thought to just dip corn flakes into frosted sugar deserves a Nobel Prize. Breakfast game-changer-r-rrr.
The original vacation cereal.

8. Cocoa Puffs - General Mills
Cerious talk: Cocoa Puffs is the supreme chocolate cereal. Its chocolaty puff balls are seriously addicting and when you’re finished, you have a whole FUCKING BOWL of chocolate milk. You know it’s an addicting cereal when you have a crazed bird as your mascot who needs just one more bowl to survive.

7. Lucky Charms - General Mills
Cerious talk: Lucky is pretty damn lucky he added those charms to his cereal, or else it wouldn’t have even made this list. The dried marshmallows are what MAKE the cereal so enjoyable. Let’s just cut to the chase and make the entire cereal ALL marshmallows so we don’t have to manually pick them out ourselves.

6. Cap’N Crunch - Quaker Oats
Cerious talk: If you start your morning off with Cap’n Crunch, you’re doing something right. It’s fuckin tasty and when you add those berries to the mix, you’re going to have the best day of your lif — OH WAIT, NEVER MIND BECAUSE YOUR MOUTH IS NOW FUCKED WITH SCRATCHES. Would’ve been in the top five, but your palate never fails to bleed when you eat this one. Thanks Cap’n.
Possibly the #1 "vacation cereal" for LBA

5. Frosted Mini-Wheats
Cerious talk: Frosted Mini-Wheats is THE cereal you’d wanna settle down and start a family with. It has a sweet side but is also loaded with fiber and whole wheat — BEST OF BOTH CEREAL WORLDS. Oh, and don’t even get me STARTED on the other flavors. Omg.
Another cereal that is part of the regular Launchpad lineup

4. Cinnamon Toast Crunch - General Mills
Cerious talk: It’s the taste and orgasm you can see. This cereal is basically wheat rectangles covered in cinnamon-flavored sugar. If you want more from a cereal, you’re pretty fuckin' ungrateful.
This is in the top five of LBA's Vacation Cereals and it has crossover appeal, it has appeared at the launchpad.

3. Reese’s Puffs - General Mills
Cerious Talk: Not only is Reese’s the best candy like, ever, Reese’s Puffs is just as equally mind-blowing. It’s exactly what you think it is: candy for breakfast. You were the popular kid if you pulled this bad boy out of your cabinet the morning after a sleepover.
Nope.  If I'm going to eat peanut butter cups, I'm eating peanut butter cups.

2. Life - Quaker
Cerious talk: Life is LIFE. Not only does this Quaker dude make BOMB oatmeal, he magically found a way to make such a simple cereal into a tasty DELICACY. Not to mention every flavor of this cereal is the shit.
I'm moved that possibly my most favorite cereal in the world is #2 on this list.

1. Fruity Pebbles - Post
Cerious talk: Of course Fred gets fucking pissed whenever Barney steals his Pebbles. These colored rice flakes are THE BEST it gets when it comes to cereal, not to mention the greenish HEAVENLY milk you get to reward yourself with once you’re done. One cereal to rule them all.
Sigh

Roy Rides Again!

I have always been a big fan of Roy Rogers.  For some reason the pickles on the fixins bar are irresistible. And the fried chicken is really, really good.

There used to be a lot more of them around.  In fact as the number of stores began to dwindle - I wrote to the corporate offices to find out what was going on.  I came home from work one evening to find a message on my answering machine, with a long apology from someone in the corporate office.  It was a bit surreal.

My Roy Rogers intake these days is mostly limited to the rest areas on the New Jersey Turnpike.  But evidently, according to this story, the chain is trying to claw its way back.  I look forward to its triumphant return.

About Food

Today is Good Friday, the day on the Christian calendar that we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as we prepare for Easter Sunday.  It is also a day where Christians are supposed to fast, and of course, refrain from eating meat.

Here's a list I saw a while ago, for you to peruse while your avoiding that pepperoni pizza you want for pizza / movie night tonight. My comments in italics (Via BuzzFeed).

1. Chocolate milk was invented in Jamaica.
See here.  Chocolate milk is a big favorite of LBA (not so much SoBA) and the Brave Astronaut.

2. Before 2013, the biggest buyer of kale was Pizza Hut. They used the kale as a garnish for their salad bars.
Well that just makes me want to eat it even less - article.

3. Some Canadian dude invented the Hawaiian pizza.
Something else I don't want to eat.

4. Pepperoni was invented by Americans.
Illicit meats, really?  

5. The most shoplifted food in the world is cheese.
Mrs. BA could likely get picked up for this.

6. Sylvestor Graham invented Graham crackers to help suppress sexual desire.
C'mon, I give these to the boys in their school snacks.  I'm not ready for that talk yet.

7. It’s estimated that the New York Harbor once was home to half of the world’s oyster supply.

8. At the time, Ellis Island and Liberty Island were known as Little Oyster and Big Oyster, respectively, because of that.
And there is no amount of money in the world that would get me to eat an oyster hailing from New York Harbor.

9. There are 19 billion chickens on Earth.

10. That means chickens outnumber humans 3:1.
Is that why chicken is so inexpensive?  Good old supply and demand?

11. China has the most pigs in the world. They have so many that they have more than the next 43 countries’ pig populations COMBINED.
More bacon please

12. A janitor at the Frito-Lay plant invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Definitely a story of being in the right place at the right time.

13. An 11-year-old invented the popsicle when he left a stick in some soda water, left it on the back porch at night, and found it was frozen in the morning.
His obituary makes no reference if he, too, was frozen after his passing.


14. The technology used for microwaves was created during WWII to track Nazi war planes.

15. The people who built the Egyptian pyramids were paid in bread and beer.
One of the first uses of the "Will Work for Food" signs.

16. At the turn of the 20th century, lobsters were considered “garbage food.” Railroads changed that when they started offering it as a fancy meal on luxury transcontinental trips.
If they're such garbage food - why are they so damn expensive?

17. One of the original owners of Domino’s Pizza sold his share of Domino’s for a used Volkswagen Beetle. Today his portion of the company would be worth about a billion dollars.
Yeah, not so smart.  But then again, the Beetle may taste better.

18. The guy from Tyson’s chicken, Don Tyson, tried to win over McDonald’s for 14 years to put more chicken on the menu. They finally did.


19. Salt may be responsible for the Americans’ defeat of the British in the Revolutionary War. When the war first started, the British stopped importing goods into the states. Consequently, settlers’ supply of cod was rotting. So, they built a saltworks along the coast of Cap Cod. That worked, settlers got their cod, and they eventually won the war.
That's right, George Washington? Not a factor.

20. The ice cream sundae was invented in the late 1800s as a way to get around a law that prevented the sale of ice cream sodas on Sundays.
Followed quickly by the Wednesday is Sunday at Carvel.

21. The first written recipe found in the world was from Mesopotamia and it was for beer.
And still they got all that stuff done?

22. Baby carrots are just large carrots whittled down into miniature versions. They were invented when a farmer got sick of throwing away his less attractive carrots.
I knew this one.

23. Before modern refrigeration, people put LIVE FROGS in their milk to help preserve it.
Ribbit.

24. Honey doesn’t go bad.
And isn't it nice to always have a honey?

25. Astronauts eat tortillas instead of bread in space because the bread crumbs can be problematic.
Mice?

26. In Japan, it has become wildly popular and a “tradition” to eat KFC on Christmas.
That sort of balances with all the Jewish-Americans eating Chinese on the same day?

27. Europeans basically don’t eat peanut butter. They eat about less than a tablespoon a year.
Hey, more for me.

28. In the 1800s, they fed lobster to prisoners and it was considered cruel and equivalent to eating rats.
Stop picking on the lobsters!

29. Ruth Graves Wakefield, the inventor of the chocolate chip cookie, sold her recipe to Nestle and in turn received a lifetime supply of chocolate.
Another poor choice.

30. Ninety-six percent of U.S. households have ketchup.
I don't want to be friends with that other four percent.  Bigger question - is the ketchup in the fridge?

31. That’s more households than those that have salt and pepper.


32. The man who invented Pringles was buried in a Pringles can.
Not from the Onion.

33. One of the founders of Ben & Jerry’s can’t really smell anything, which is the reason why their ice cream is so rich. He suffered from a condition called anosmia.
I was under the impression it was called amnoseia.

34. SPAM is short for spiced ham.
That's nice, still not going to eat it.

35. Technically, white chocolate isn’t actually chocolate.
Yes, yes, I know.

36. Doritos were invented at Disneyland.
How magical.

37. When the inventor of Doritos died, his friends and family tossed Doritos onto his casket.

38. In 1943, sliced bread was briefly banned.
So if something is "the best thing since sliced bread, it's how old?

39. Cheddar cheese is sometimes orange because it’s dyed that way.
Doesn't make it any less delicious.

40. Orbit gum began production during WWII when Wrigley sent all of its Juicy Fruit gum to soldiers overseas. As a result, Wrigley started selling Orbit in the U.S. The gum was discontinued after the war but brought back 30 years later in the ’70s.

It's Brave Astronaut Day

Today we are celebrating here at the launchpad - it's my birthday, again.

Now if I had only known about some of these, it could be an even better day!

18 Free Things You Can Get on Your Birthday (from BuzzFeed)

"Tons of businesses (especially chain restaurants) offer rewards during your birthday week/month; most of them require you to sign up in advance, so don’t wait until the night before to plan out your TOTALLY FREE DAY. And it never hurts to double-check with an establishment ahead of time in case a deal has expired or changed."  I get free pizza from Ella's in DC, a free entree from Hank's, and a free dish from Noodles and Company.

1. IHOP has a program called the Pancake Revolution that offers a free meal on your birthday. (And kids eat free with an adult - and the Brave Astronaut clan likes Breakfast for Dinner - why don't we go there more?) You also get one just for signing up and on your anniversary.
2. Waffle House Regulars get a free meal too.
3. Delta will give you $100 off a trip booked through one of their vacation packages during your birthday month. (This I can get behind!)
4. Cinemark will give you a free concession (read: popcorn) if you sign up for their email list.
5. Starbucks Rewards members receive a free drink. (Oh, I get this one too!) 
6. Or, if you’re more into Dunkin’ Donuts, you can get a free coffee from them. I guess you could always do both and stay caffeinated all birthday long.
7. Get free admission to Medieval Times by joining the King’s Court. (I've been once.  I don't feel the need to return)
8. If you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider, you get a free gift.
9. If you happen to be in South Africa, enjoy a trip on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. (Yeah, next time I'm there)
10. And if you’re in California, snag a trip to Catalina Island. And if you're in California, snag a trip to Catalina Island 
11. Get a scoop from Baskin-Robbins when you sign up for their Birthday Club. Friendly’s offers an ice cream sundae and Dairy Queen offers Blizzards as well. (Never, ever turn down free ice cream)
12. (Although who needs ice cream when you can have FREE DIPPIN’ DOTS?) Sign up for their Forty Below Zero club and taste the future.
13. Missouri residents can receive a free lottery ticket by signing up for the email list. If you’re into that/are over 18. 
14. Get a free gift from Hooters. Apparently it’s ten free wings, but this could vary based on location and availability. Again, whatever you’re into. (I understand their wings are delicious) 
15. Join CVS’ Extra Care Beauty Club and you’ll get $3 on your birthday.
16. And Kmart’s Birthday Club offers $5.
17. If you’re on Foursquare, check to see if people have left tips re: free birthday drinks, appetizers, etc. at your local spots. Or, you know, just ask the bartender (and tip generously).
18. And, since humans aren’t the only ones with birthdays, sign up your pet for Petco’s Birthday Club for special treats and savings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is the day we set aside for giving thanks for what we have.  There are many who don't have a lot to be thankful for - so let's keep that in mind today.  For the past few weeks, LBA and SoBA's school has been collecting canned goods on "Two for Tuesday" to donate to a local food bank to help those in need.

A few weeks ago, I spotted this list on Buzzfeed with the items that food banks need most.

Thanksgiving rocks. It’s a long holiday weekend to spend with family and friends and a chance to give thanks for a life that’s good. Of course, it’s also a great time to think about helping people who might not have enough to eat by donating to a canned food drive that benefits your local food bank. 

Silvia Davi, chief marketing officer of Food Bank For New York City, told BuzzFeed Life that donations to area food banks, which help feed millions of Americans, are more important than ever because of cuts to federal funding of food assistance programs. Davi adds, “Part of what Food Bank prides itself on is nutrition education and offering healthy foods to those we serve. We welcome food donations low in fat and sodium, high in protein, and rich in all the kinds of good ingredients that you would find in your own homes.” 

She stresses that food banks in New York and around the country are looking for healthy options to make sure individuals and families who need assistance are getting nutritious meals, so we asked nutritionists to weigh in on the best foods you can donate. And don’t forget, their tips for making healthy eating choices around the holidays can apply to you too. 

1.  100% Juice Drinks - Food banks like to have juices on hand, especially for kids, but juices with high fructose corn syrup can be harmful for kids who are struggling to get proper nutrition. Nutrition consultant Keri Gans, MS, RDN, CDN, told BuzzFeed Life, “As long as it is 100% fruit juice it is a healthy choice,” so just make sure that percentage checks out before you donate. 
2. Holiday Foods - Food banks face high traffic around the holidays and need lots of these seasonal staples. Holiday foods aren’t always the most healthy; Gans recommends looking for stuffing mix that’s low in sodium and notes that cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes can be “packed with antioxidants which help strengthen your immune system during cold and flu season.” 
3. Low-Sodium Vegetables - Mixed vegetables are also a good option because they make for more colorful and well-rounded meals. Nutritionist Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN, told BuzzFeed Life, “These are a great donation because of all the vitamins and fiber that vegetables offer!” She recommends anyone using canned vegetables to wash the veggies under cold water to reduce excess sodium, even if the can says “no salt added.” 
4. Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, and Canned Salmon - Gans and Alpert recommend canned tuna, chicken, and salmon because they’re non-perishable and can be added to many meals for a much-needed protein boost. These are three of the most useful items you can give to a food bank. 
5. Unsalted Nuts - According to Alpert, mixed nuts are a great and highly needed source of protein and vitamins. They tend to be more expensive and hard to keep stocked at food banks, which makes them a welcome donation. Unsalted nuts are the healthiest option for your donation (or your own snacking). 
6. No Sugar Added Fruits - Canned fruits and fruit cups are good snacks for kids, high in Vitamin C and nutrients, and keep well on food bank shelves. Gans recommends donating fruits packed in water or fruit juice rather than heavy syrup. 
7. Shelf-Stable Milk - Milk is a great source of calcium and protein, Alpert says, but it’s hard for food banks to buy and manage fresh milk that will go bad in a week or two. Food banks are always in need of shelf-stable and powdered milk that will last a long time. 
8. Whole Grain Pasta - Pasta is a filling non-perishable good that goes a long way, but white pasta doesn’t have a high nutritional value, so try to donate whole grain varieties if you can. Alpert says whole grain pasta is a great way to promote fiber intake. It’s also easy to turn into a meal without too many extra ingredients, so this is a food bank staple. 
9. Canned Beef Stew - Canned beef stew is an all-purpose, non-perishable good. It’s a warming meal full of meats, veggies, and complex carbohydrates. It’s also really helpful if the can doesn’t require a can opener, like this one. Alpert cautions, however, that canned stews tend to be high in sodium, so be sure to also include more nutritious foods in your donation.
10. Brown Rice - Like whole grain pasta, brown rice is a filling and versatile base for many meals, high in fiber and Vitamin B. Boxed rices like this one are easy to store, easy to distribute, and help make meals go further. Alpert also recommends other easy-to-store grains like quinoa, which is “super high in protein, so it makes a great meal option.”
11. Oatmeal - Oatmeal is a healthy and filling breakfast. Because you don’t need a bunch of other ingredients to make oatmeal, it’s a great thing for food banks to keep stocked. “[This is] one of my favorite foods to donate because it is a good source of protein and fiber, leaving one full and satiated for a longer period of time,” Alpert says. “Donate the plain/original flavor to avoid any added sugars. The instant packets are the perfect individual portion size.”
12. Canola and Olive Oil - Canola and olive oils are highly sought after by most food banks. Gans and Alpert note that oil is important for cooking, and these oils provide relatively healthy calories thanks to their mono-unsaturated fats. Because oil tends to be on the expensive side, food banks often depend on them being donated.
13. Peanut Butter - Peanut butter is yet another protein-rich food that’s always in high demand. Just because it’s not in a can doesn’t mean it’s not a great thing to donate to your food drive.
14. Low-Sodium Soups - Like stews, soups are a great way to get all of the food groups together in one hearty bowl. Again, most food banks prefer lower-sodium soups to make sure people seeking assistance are getting healthy meals as often as possible. Alpert says it’s best to “choose soups with a lot of vegetables, as they are higher in fiber which will keep one feeling fuller for longer.”
15. Beans - This is a good high-protein staple that food banks can keep on their shelves for ages. Beans also have the benefits of being filling and maintaining most of their nutrients even when canned. Gans calls them “nutrition powerhouses” full of fiber, protein, and Vitamin B.
16. Low-Sugar Cereals - Gans and Alpert recommend cereals like Cheerios and Fiber One. These are good donations to food banks because they’re high in healthy whole grains and low in sugar, with only about 1 g per serving.
17. Granola Bars and Popcorn - Food banks are always looking for healthy snacks to give out, especially to families with kids. Granola bars are a good choice because they keep well and they’re healthy, as long as you choose brands that aren’t packed with sugar. Gans also recommends popcorn, which is a filling, whole grain snack.

Popcorn at the Movies

As my faithful readers know, Fridays are Pizza / Movie nights at the Launchpad.  Nine times out of ten, after gorging on pizza, both LBA and SoBA follow up with a request for popcorn.  They are, evidently, according to Smithsonian Magazine - doing what has become natural.  From kottke.

Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?
The movie theater's most popular concession wasn't always associated with the movies - in fact, it used to be explicitly banned
By Natasha Geiling
smithsonian.com
October 3, 2013

Movie theater popcorn is a concession stand staple whose scent has spawned marketing ploys and copycat recipes, but movie theaters haven’t always been saturated with the tempting smell of salt and butter. The history of popcorn is vast, and it intersects with movies in the relatively recent past–a symbiosis of taste and place created to save the fledgling movie theater industry from near collapse during the Great Depression . . .

After popcorn made its way to the eastern part of North America, it spread rapidly. Eaters found the act of popping corn wildly entertaining, and by 1848, popcorn, the snack food, was prevalent enough to be included in the Dictionary of Americanisms. Popcorn had literally exploded onto the scene and was available everywhere–especially at entertainment sites like circuses and fairs. In fact, there was really only one entertainment site where the snack was absent: the theaters.

One reason for popcorn’s increasing popularity was its mobility: in 1885, the first steam-powered popcorn maker hit the streets, invented by Charles Cretor. The mobile nature of the machine made it the perfect production machine for serving patrons attending outdoor sporting events, or circuses and fairs. Not only was popcorn mobile, but it could be mass-produced without a kitchen, an advantage that another crunchy snack–the potato chip–lacked (the earliest potato chips were made in small batches in kitchens, not ideal for mass snack appeal). Another reason for its dominance over other snacks was its appealing aroma when popped, something that street vendors used to their advantage when selling popcorn. Still, movie theaters wouldn’t allow the popular street snack into their auditoriums.

“Movie theaters wanted nothing to do with popcorn,” says Andrew Smith, author of Popped Culture: A Social History of Popcorn, “because they were trying to duplicate what was done in real theaters. They had beautiful carpets and rugs and didn’t want popcorn being ground into it.” Movie theaters were trying to appeal to a highbrow clientele, and didn’t want to deal with the distracting trash of concessions–or the distracting noise that snacking during a film would create.

When films added sound in 1927, the movie theater industry opened itself up to a much wider clientele, since literacy was no longer required to attend films (the titles used early silent films restricted their audience). By 1930, attendance to movie theaters had reached 90 million per week. Such a huge patronage created larger possibilities for profits–especially since the sound pictures now muffled snacks–but movie theater owners were still hesitant to bring snacks inside of their theaters.

The Great Depression presented an excellent opportunity for both movies and popcorn. Looking for a cheap diversion, audiences flocked to the movies. And at 5 to 10 cents a bag, popcorn was a luxury that most people were able to afford. Popcorn kernels themselves were a cheap investment for purveyors, and a $10 bag could last for years. If those inside the theaters couldn’t see the financial lure of popcorn, enterprising street vendors didn’t miss a beat: they bought their own popping machines and sold popcorn outside the theaters to moviegoers before they entered the theater. As Smith explains, early movie theaters literally had signs hung outside their coatrooms, requesting that patrons check their popcorn with their coats. Popcorn, it seems, was the original clandestine movie snack. . . .

Popcorn wasn’t widely eaten in homes, mostly due to how difficult it was to make: consumers needed a popper, oil, butter, salt and other ingredients to replicate their favorite movie theater snack at home. To ease this burden, one commercial product, EZ Pop, marketed itself as an all inclusive popcorn maker–simply move the container over a heat source, and the popcorn pops, completely flavored. After EZ Pop came Jiffy Pop, a famous at-home popcorn product that used the same “all-in-one” philosophy. By making popcorn an easy-to-make snack, commercial popcorn products were able to gain a foothold in the home. In the 1970s, microwave ovens become increasingly common in homes, creating another boom for popcorn: now, families can enjoy popcorn in minutes simply by pressing a button.

As popcorn re-entered the home, traditional associations of popcorn and movies, or popcorn and entertainment, persisted. Nordmende, a German electronics company, even used popcorn to advertise its microwave, purporting it to be a “sponsor of the midweek movie.”. . .

Popcorn is just as economically important to the modern movie theater as it was to movie theaters of old. Patrons often complain about the high prices of movie concessions, but there’s an economic basis for this: popcorn, cheap to make and easy to mark-up, is the primary profit maker for movie theaters. Movie theaters make an estimated 85 percent profit off of concession sales, and those sales constitute 46 percent of movie theater’s overall profits. . . ."

Off to the Grocery Store

Sunday is my day to grocery shop.  Mrs. BA and I always say that we are going to menu plan and I can then go to the store with a better list of ingredients to know what meals we are going to have for the week.  With both of us working - it's hard to know what dinner is going to look like when you come home at 5:30 and nothing is defrosted or ready to go.

But I like going to the grocery store.  There, I said it.  Mrs. BA doesn't like going to the grocery store.  In fact, she's not very good at it.  So it all works out.  I like going up and down every aisle and I love my Wegman's app that tells me where things are and what's on my list.  But that, of course doesn't stop me from buying the "emergency breakfast" or something else that I just have to have.

So it appears that grocery stores have been controlling my (our) minds for years.  From BuzzFeed.

21 Ways Supermarkets Control Your Mind

1. The make you associate the color red with discounts - supermarkets often put red “discount” signs in their parking lots, so you’re familiar with their format before you enter. Once you’re inside, the same sort of red signs don’t always denote a price reduction. But, because of the association you’ve already formed, you’ll be more inclined to buy the product.
2. They make shopping carts extra large - shopping carts, which were invented in 1938, are purposely much larger than the average family’s weekly food shop. This encourages you to buy more food than you need. (I will say that Wegman's does offer a small and large cart - but I always go for the large one.)
3. They put fruit and vegetables at the front - fruit and vegetables are usually positioned at the supermarket’s entrance. Although this doesn’t make sense for the shopper, who will crush their fresh shopping with heavier items later, the fresh smells and bright colours of fruit and veg make you feel positive. Plus, if you buy healthy food at the beginning of your shop, you’re more inclined to spend more on junk foods later.
4. They trick you with math - loose fruit is often priced by the pound, whereas packaged fruit is priced by the item. This makes it difficult for you to work out which is the cheaper option.
5. They pretend their fruit and vegetables are fresh - fruit and vegetables are often displayed in crates to make them look like they have just arrived from the farm.
6. They spray their vegetables with water - vegetables are often sprayed with a water mist throughout the day to make them look fresher. (I will note that at one of the Safeway's that I have shopped at, it's a show - you hear thunder and see "lightning" before the sprayers are turned on.)
7. They use flowers to fool you - flowers are also positioned at the supermarket’s entrance, usually in a more open display than food. This reminds the shopper of being in a local store and makes them feel less overwhelmed by the size of the shop which, in turn, encourages them to spend longer there. (And on those occasions when I have SoBA with me - he will always demand that we buy flowers for Mrs. BA.) 
8. They make you feel really hungry - most supermarkets position baked goods near their front doors. The smell of fresh bread activates your salivary glands, which makes you more inclined to make impulse purchases.
9. They force you to walk everywhere - essential items, such as bread, milk, and eggs, are spread out all over the store in order to make you wander around more. (hey, that's often the only exercise I get during the week)
10. They make you think you're going fast when you're not p they use smaller floor tiles in the more expensive aisles to make your trolley click faster. This makes you think you’re traveling faster, so you subconsciously slow down and spend more time in the expensive aisle.
11. They hide the cheese at the back - dairy products are usually positioned against the back wall, so you have to walk through the entire shop to get to them, encouraging you to pick up more things on the way.
12. They've worked out a sneaky right-left formula - since most supermarkets make you move from right to left, you’re naturally inclined to buy things from the right-hand aisles. The most expensive products are placed there. (Hey, I'm left-handed and I usually work the store from the farthest point back to the front (and do the aisles in reverse - so I'm OK with making suckers out of my right-handed friends.
13. They exploit your kids - expensive items are positioned at eye level, whereas items that are meant to appeal to children are positioned at their eye level. The cheapest items are positioned at the bottom of shelves, as you’re least likely to look there first. (This is one of the main reasons that I really like to grocery shop solo)
14. They make you think things are cheap when they're not - when you’re in a hurry, you’re likely to pick up bargains on the ends of aisles, rather than considering the best-priced options. Supermarkets will rarely place the cheapest products here. (I do like the impulse, end-cap purchase, I'm sorry to say.) 
15. They subliminally suggest food pairings to you - complementary items, such as crackers and cheese or apple pies and cream, are positioned next to each other in order to encourage you to buy more than you intended.
16. They sell meat and fish against white walls - meat and fish is often sold against a white backdrop, as this makes it look fresher.
17. They make things look better so you spend more - visual cues, such as installing wooden shelves and nice lighting, make you more inclined to spend more money on quality products.
18. They paint the walls red to make you stay longer - warm colors grab your attention and and encourage contemplation. Research shows that people contemplate which fruit juice to buy for a long time, so those aisles are painted red.
19. They play music to make you spend more - slow music makes you shop for longer, whereas classical music makes you spend more. Experiments have also shown that playing French music in the wine aisles increases the sales of French wines. (I will say that Wegman's has a really good Muzak system - I often find myself singing along, and I'm not alone.) 
20. They place essentials to encourage impulse buys - everyday items, such as socks and deodorants, are often placed near the registers as you’re likely to pick them up on an impulse, because you’ll need them at some point, even if you weren’t planning on buying them.
21. They appeal to your greedy side - check out lines are often lined with things like chocolate, which you’re likely to pick up as a reward for yourself for doing the shopping.

Banana Boat Smores

You can only make so much banana bread.  And bananas are popular in our house - and so is grilling.

Grilled Chocolate Banana Melt
from Tablespoon via BuzzFeed

Ingredients

• 1 banana, peeled 
• 2 tablespoons miniature marshmallows 
• 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips 
• 2 tablespoons Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, slightly crushed

Preparation

• Preheat grill to medium high heat.
• Slice banana lengthwise and slightly open. Place on a rectangle of aluminum foil. 
• Insert marshmallows and chocolate chips into the sliced banana. 
• Wrap banana up in foil and cook on the grill for 5-6 minutes. 
• Unwrap banana and top with cereal. After melt has slightly cooled eat with a spoon. 

OVEN METHOD: Cook in the OVEN at 400 degrees for 5-6 minutes.

CAMPFIRE METHOD: Keep peel on banana; slice lengthwise twice, lift up flap of peel, slice banana and add chocolate and marshmallows as above. Replace peel flap and wrap banana with foil. Let the flames die down before adding banana packets directly to fire. Cook 3-5 minutes, or just until soft and melty. Use tongs to remove from fire. Carefully unwrap and unpeel banana to eat.

Friday's List - Fictional Characters Names

So you think you're smart?  BuzzFeed and Mental Floss wants to know if you know the names of all those fictional characters you grew up with.

1. The Pillsbury Doughboy - real name, Poppin Fresh.  His wife's name is Poppie.  Children? Popper and Bun Bun.  The Fresh family cat and dog are named Biscuit and Flapjack, respectively.
2. The Quaker Oats man is referred to by staff at Quaker Oats as "Larry."
3. Captain Crunch is named Horatio Magellan Crunch.
4. Mrs. Butterworth's first name? Joy
5. Jeff Albertson is the Comic Book Store guy on The Simpsons.
6. The mom from Futurama is named Carol, some say after Carol Brady
7. The policeman who takes people to jail in Monopoly is Officer Edgar Mallory.  Your cellmate in the jail? Jake the Jailbird.  And of course, the man with all the money is Rich Uncle Pennybags.
8. Woody from Toy Story has a last name - it's Pride.
9. On Sesame Street - Mr. Snuffalupagus has a first name - it's Aloysius.  Cookie Monster's first name is Sid.  Guy Smiley is a stage name - his real name is Bernie Liederkrantz.
10. Peppermint Patty from Peanuts? Her full name is Patricia Reichardt.  And the teacher with the speech problem is Miss Othmar.
11. Mr. Clean's first name is Veritably.  Yes, his name is Veritably Clean.
12. If you are formally addressing Barbie, please refer to her as Barbara Millicent Roberts.  If you're looking for Ken in the phone book, you're going to need to know his last name is Carson.
13. The patient with the interesting ailments in Operation is Cavity Sam.
14. The Man with the Yellow Hat (from Curious George) is named Ted Shackleford.
15. Bruce Wayne is of course, Batman.  The Penguin is Oswald Cobblepot.  Wonder Woman is Diana Prince.  
16. A second "Larry" on the list - the bird from Twitter.
17. Mr. Peanut is also known as Batholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe.
18. Bibendum is the name of the Michelin Man.
19. The Queen from Snow White is also known as Queen Grunhilde.
20. Jughead from the Archie comics is of course, a nickname for Forsythe P. Jones III.
21. "Please don't squeeze the Charmin" was the plea from Mr. [George] Whipple.
22. The Church Lady's given name is Enid Strict.
23. Casper the Friendly Ghost's family name is McFadden.
24. His friends call him Geoffrey, but the Toys R Us spokesanimal is known as Dr. G. Raffe.
25. Shaggy from Scooby Doo is named Norville Rogers.  And Scooby's full name is Scoobert.
26. MacGyver's first name is Angus
27. The A-Team's leader's full name is Bosco Albert Baracus
28. Turtle from "Entourage" is Salvatore Assante.
29. Though we never saw all of him, Wilson's full name in Home Improvement was Wilson W. Wilson, Jr.
30. Bull Shannon's (Night Court) first name was Nostradamus
31. The Skipper from Gilligan's Island and Captain of the Minnow was Jonas Grumby, while the Professor was Professor Roy Hinkley.
32. "Sorry, I have just one more question" - Lt. Columbo's first name was Frank.

National Girl Scout Cookie Day!

Today is evidently the first National Girl Scout Cookie Day.  To celebrate, BuzzFeed posted a list of Girl Scout items that are available through eBay and Etsy.

I need to get me some boxes of Girl Scout cookies.  If I don't get some soon - I am sure to incur the wrath of my mother.  A friend from home, who was in my mother's girl scout troop, and now leads her own daughter's troop, contacted me to ask me to contribute to Operation Cookie - which is an effort to send cookies to the troops overseas, something I am happy to do.

Recently, LBA had an Oral History project to do for school.  After some discussion, we decided to write the project on my mother - the project called for the individual to have made a difference.  Both Mrs. BA and I helped LBA with the project, providing him with the answers to the questions as to why my mother made a difference in so many girls lives.

So what's on the list?  And how many of them lived in my house growing up (or were brought through my house by girl scouts on their way to an international opportunity)?  Here's my favorite 10.

1. 1960s Official Girl Scout Camera (etsy)
2. Girl Scout Toiletries Bag and Comb (etsy) - I feel like I saw this growing up
3. 1960s Girl Scout Metal Canteen (etsy) - I'm almost positive one of these was around the house
4. Girl Scout Tie Clip (etsy) - if I wore ties more often (or still used tie clips), maybe.
5. Girl Scout Flashlight (etsy) - again, feel like there was one of these around the house
6. 50s/60s Girl Scout Charm Bracelet (etsy) - my mother had a charm bracelet with at least one girl scout charm on it.
7. Vintage Girl Scout earrings (etsy) - my mother had Girl Scout earrings.
8. Girl Scout Handkerchief (etsy)
9. Girl Scout Thermos (ebay)
10. Girl Scout (Brownie) change purse (ebay)

Later this month will be the seventh anniversary of my mother's passing.  I miss her each and everyday.

It's the Super Bowl!

Tonight will be the greatest food event after Thanksgiving.  The Super Bowl (Super Bowl 47) will take place in New Orleans featuring the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.  Of course, the commercials will (hopefully) be worth watching and evidently Beyonce will sing a little at half time.

The Brave Astronaut clan will celebrate in front of the TV watching the game with little hot dogs, nachos, maybe some chicken wings.  There may even be some Pizza Rolls in the freezer that may make an appearance.

I don't think our spread will rise to this level of complexity - but we will eat well.  Maybe Mrs. BA can be convinced to make a Super Bowl cake again.

Here's a selection of special Super Bowl Slow Cooker recipes for your enjoyment.  I personally like the "Easy Potato Casserole."

Slow Cooker Baked Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 baking potatoes, peeled and cut into a large dice 
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/2 cup Progresso Creamy Three Cheese Recipe Starter 
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 
• 2 slices bacon 
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives 
• 1 pinch coarse salt

Directions

1. Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a small slow cooker. Drizzle the oil over the potatoes. Cook on high for 3 hours (or low for 6). 
2. Mash the cooked potatoes with a fork. Add the creamy cheese sauce and stir to combine. Add a pinch of salt and cook an additional hour. 
3. In the meantime, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and place on a couple of paper towels to drain. Chop. 
4. Transfer potatoes to an oven-safe serving bowl. Sprinkle the cheese on top and broil for a couple of minutes until browned and bubbly. 
5. Garnish with crumbled bacon and chives. 
6. Serve immediately! 
7. You can always double or triple the recipe for a large crowd, and use a large slow cooker.

California - #31, September 9, 1850

It is appropriate that we have reached California this week.  I am actually in the state, attending the SAA Annual Meeting in lovely San Diego.  I'm having a lovely time and (so far) the conference is informative.  And I had an amazing dinner last night with tableside Bananas Foster.

I have only been to the Golden State a few times but it is a great state.  Being in San Diego with its great weather, reminds me that I could live out here.  But it is also disconcerting to be three hours behind Mrs. BA and the boys back home.

The state of California has the lowest point in the nation, Death Valley, in the southeast, which is 282ft below sea level.  Mt. Whitney (14,491 ft) is the highest point in the contiguous 48 states.   Lassen Peak is one of two active U.S. volcanoes outside of Alaska and Hawaii; its last eruptions were recorded in 1917.

The State of California is the only state to have hosted both the Winter (Squaw Valley in 1960) and Summer Olympics (Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984).  California has nineteen major league sports franchises, more than any other state by far.  If California were its own country it would be the eighth largest economy in the world.

For being the most populous of all the states, it boasts only one native-born President, Richard Nixon.  His presidential library is located in San Clemente, where Nixon grew up.  Also found in California is the Illinois-born Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.  Gerald Ford also spent most of his post-presidential career in California.

The current Governor of California is Democrat Jerry Brown, a true character in American politics. The Senators for California are Democrats Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. The California Congressional delegation has 53 members, the largest of any state.  There are 34 Democrats and 19 Republicans.

• 1st District - Mike Thompson (D)
• 2nd District - Wally Herger (R)
• 3rd District - Dan Lungren (R)
• 4th District - Tom McClintock (R)
• 5th District - Doris Matsui (D)
• 6th District - Lynn Woolsey (D)
• 7th District - George Miller (D)
• 8th District - Nancy Pelosi (D) - also the current Minority Leader and former Speaker of the House
• 9th District - Barbara Lee (D)
• 10th District - John Garamendi (D)
• 11th District - Jerry McNerney (D)
• 12th District - Jackie Speier (D)
• 13th District - Pete Stark (D)
• 14th District - Anna Eshoo (D)
• 15th District - Mike Honda (D)
• 16th District - Zoe Lofgren (D)
• 17th District - Sam Farr (D)
• 18th District - Dennis Cardoza (D)
• 19th District - Jeff Denham (R)
• 20th District - Jim Costa (D)
• 21st District - Devin Nunes (R)
• 22nd District - Kevin McCarthy (R)
• 23rd District - Lois Capps (D)
• 24th District - Elton Gallegy (R)
• 25th District - Buck McKeon (R)
• 26th District - David Dreier (R)
• 27th District - Brad Sherman (D)
• 28th District - Howard Berman (D)
• 29th District - Adam Schiff (D)
• 30th District - Henry Waxman (D)
• 31st District - Xavier Becerra (D)
• 32nd District - Judy Chu (D)
• 33rd District - Karen Bass (D)
• 34th District - Lucille Roybal-Allard (D)
• 35th District - Maxine Waters (D)
• 36th District - Janice Hahn (D)
• 37th District - Laura Richardson (D)
• 38th District - Grace Napolitano (D)
• 39th District - Linda Sanchez (D) - she's Loretta's sister
• 40th District - Ed Royce (R)
• 41st District - Jerry Lewis (R), no not this guy
• 42nd District - Gary Miller (R)
• 43rd District - Joe Baca (D)
• 44th District - Ken Calvert (R)
• 45th District - Mary Bono Mack (R), she's the widow of Sonny Bono.
• 46th District - Dana Rohrabacher (R)
• 47th District - Loretta Sanchez (D) - she's Linda's sister
• 48th District - John Campbell (R)
• 49th District - Darrell Issa (R)
• 50th District - Brian Bilbray (R)
• 51st District - Bob Filner (D)
• 52nd District - Duncan Hunter (R)
• 53rd District - Susan Davis (D)

Facts

• State Capital - Sacramento
• Largest city - Los Angeles
  
• Date of Admission - September 9, 1850
• Area - 163,696 sq mi (3rd)
• Population (2011 est.) - 37,691,912 (1st) (it is also greater than all but 34 countries)
• State Motto - "Eureka"
• State Nickname - The Golden State
• State animal - grizzly bear
• State bird - valley quail
• State flower - golden poppy
• State tree - California redwood
• State University - The University of California
• State Archives - California State Archives
• The State Historical Society of California

Links

• ca.gov - the Official Website of the State of California
• The California Tourism site - Visit California
• Wikipedia 
• 50states.com entry for California
• InfoPlease entry for California 
• California State Guide from the Library of Congress

Prominent Californians- (here's a few lists to peruse, one and two)

• Marcus Allen, football player
• Nuclear Physicist Luis Walter Alvarez 
• Gertrude Atherton, author
• Playwright David Belasco 
• Shirley Temple Black 
• Inventor Robert Bower 
• Dave Brubeck 
• Horticulturist Luther Burbank
• Julia Child 
• Inventor Frederick G. Cottrell 
• Leonardo DiCaprio 
• Joe DiMaggio
• Air Force General James H. Doolittle
• Dancer Isadora Duncan 
• Born in Georgia, died in New York, but California centric John C. Frémont 
• Robert Frost 
• Jerry Garcia 
• Economist Henry George
• Father of the VCR, Charles P. Ginsburg 
• Astronomer George E. Hale
• William Randolph Hearst, publisher
• Actress Mariel Hemingway 
• Sidney Howard, playwright
• Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy
• Jack London 
• George Lucas 
• Inventor of the Laser Theodore Harold Maiman 
• Finder of gold at Sutter's Mill, James Marshall sparking the California Gold Rush
• Aimee Semple McPherson, evangelist
• Marilyn Monroe
• Naturalist John Muir
• Sculptor Isamu Noguchi 
• George S. Patton, Jr. 
• Robert Redford 
• Sally K. Ride 
• Author William Saroyan 
• Leland Stanford
• Lincoln Steffens, journalist
• John Steinbeck 
• Adlai Stevenson 
• Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren 
• The Williams Girls (Serena and Venus)

It's Labor Day

Today marks the unofficial end of summer. Good news - the pool will be open for one more week (and weekend). As is right and fitting, most schools in New York will go back to school on Wednesday, although LBA started back last week. SoBA starts his penultimate year in daycare before following his big brother to his school.

The Brave Astronaut clan had a great Labor Day weekend. I managed to get 18 holes in on Saturday, while Mrs. BA went and picked up SoBA, who was spending some quality time with his cousins. It was a great day for golf and I would love to find more time to play more. On Sunday, we went to the Maryland State Fair and enjoyed some fine fair food. Then today, we enjoyed a lamb roast at my sister-in-law's house. Her husband roasted a whole lamb. I may have been overserved. I found myself needing to take to my bed (from where I am posting this) - so needless to say I am not all that interested in posting a recipe (urp).

But never fear, faithful readers. Google has come to the rescue (again). Some time ago they launched Google Recipe View. You can plug in any ingredient (something you have on hand and may not be sure what to do with it), or search for a recipe for a favorite dish - and get lots of different options to make.

I hope your Labor Day weekend was good and fall will be here before we know it.

Dining in DC - Escargots

Pretty much if escargot are on a menu, I'm going to order them. I love them. I am probably one of the only people you know who owns sets of snail shells, escargot trays, plates and forks. Back in the beginning of May, the [poor excuse of a] Sunday magazine in the Washington Post published a list about the best places to get escargot in the DC area. I have eaten at three of the five on the list. See? I told you. Now escargot are not for everyone. But that's fine, more for me. Do you think they are serving them in the hospitality tent at the US Open?

1. Bistro D'Oc - it's across the street from Ford's Theatre and it was the location of a celebratory dinner for the Brave Astronauts and the OSGs a few years back.
2. Bistro du Coin - also the scene of a Brave Astronaut celebration (I think it was an anniversary dinner) again with the OSGs.
3. Le Refuge - haven't been here, yet. But flambeed escargot might just get me there.
4. Le Vieux Logis - I used to walk past this restaurant on my way home from the Metro when I lived in Bethesda. While I haven't had their escargot, I had them at La Miche, up the street, where in fact Mrs. BA and I held our rehearsal dinner the night before we got married, which has unfortunately since closed.
   
5. Mannequin Pis - this great restaurant was the stop for a few years after Christmas tree shopping. It's very unassuming but the food (the mussels are the standout) is outstanding.
   

Butterless Apple Crumble

We were very honored to have a celebrity at the launchpad last evening. Upon arriving for dinner, she and her husband had stopped to secure pie for dinner. So, it was Chicken Delicious for dinner and [keep your fork, there's] pie for dessert. It's possible that SoBA had four pieces of pie. (I shudder at the thought of my grocery bill when he hits the teenage years). On a related note, we will have dinner guests tomorrow night - wonderful friends who are here visiting DC from the retirement locale of New Mexico. I think slow cooker roast beef is on the menu for then.

I came across this recipe a while back and thought, really? no butter in the crumble? what's the point. But the fine folk over at Chocolate and Zucchini seem to know what they are talking about. I don't know if Kim [or his wife Maggie, for that matter, who makes a fabulous crumble - one I have only read about - but it reads as very delicious] would agree. Enjoy this variation!

Butterless Apple Crumble

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces, about 3/4 cup) flour (I use spelt flour)
• 100 grams (1 cup) rolled grains of your choice (oat, spelt, wheat, rye, quinoa, rice, barley... or a mix thereof)
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) rapadura sugar
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) unrefined blond cane sugar (you can use the combination of unrefined sugars that you prefer, or just one)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon mango powder (at Indian markets ; substitute the spice of your choice)
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) oil (I use a bottled blend of four organic oils)
• 1.5 kilos organic apples (3 1/3 pounds, about 8 medium), preferably a mix of varieties, some that keep their shape when cooked, some that don't
  

Serves 8.

Make the crumble topping up to a day in advance: in a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients from flour to oil, and stir well with a fork to combine, making sure all of the dry ingredients are moistened by the oil. If making in advance, transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge.

On the day of serving, preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Peel the apples in alternating vertical stripes so that you retain some, but not all of the peel. Quarter and core the apples, then cut into smallish chunks.

Arrange the apple chunks over the bottom of a baking dish (the one I generally use is a 25-cm or 10" square) and sprinkle evenly with the topping.

Insert in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping golden brown, checking regularly to make sure it doesn't darken too much (if it does, cover loosely with a piece of parchment paper).

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. You can bake the crumble a few hours in advance, and reheat slightly before serving: if the oven was in use for the main course, I'll just put the crumble in the cooling oven while we eat. The leftovers are fantastic straight out of the fridge the next day.

It's Draft Day

As you read this, I am likely putting the finishing touches on my fantasy baseball team. For the past few years, I have been the "owner" of a fantasy baseball team. I have done OK, primarily from my pitching. It could be said I am still in a "rebuilding" phase, having inherited the team from another individual. I would really like some speed (base stealers) and a little more home run production. Hopefully I will score some of that tonight.

In draft news, I spotted this article in the Washington Post a few weeks back. I would so be up for the idea of a Meat Draft. I could even "stomach" the high price (the meat is standard priced at $9.50/lb.) with the idea that one would get a wide range of meat cuts. The guys who run the meat draft find really good cows. If you are interested, talk to them.

Rene Verdon

While much of America is surely wiping off some melted cheese from their shirts after yesterday's Super Bowl parties (I had actually intended to post some of my favorite Super Bowl recipes myself), it seems somewhat wrong to post an obituary for classic French chef Rene Verdon, while the smell of hot sauce still lingers in the air.

Verdon was the White House chef during the Kennedy years, before leaving quite publicly after a rift with the Johnson family. Evidently Lyndon and Lady Bird's tastes were, um, a little more, um, let's say basic, from Jackie Kennedy. Read the obituary linked above (from the Washington Post) and you will see what I mean.

Many say that Verdon inspired many Americans to try French cuisine in their homes. My mother was one of those people so inspired. Here is a Verdon recipe used for a luncheon at the White House to honor Princess Grace in May 1961 (taken from here).

Strawberries Romanoff

• 1 cup vanilla ice cream
• 4 cups halved small strawberries
• 2 tbsp each curacao and Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 tbsp confectioner’s sugar
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Candied violets or mint leaves
  

Place ice cream in refrigerator for 30 minutes or until soft enough to smooth easily with the back of a spoon.

Meanwhile, place the strawberries in large bowl. Pour curacao and Grand Marnier over berries; stir gently to combine. Let stand for 30 minutes.

In large chilled bowl and using electric mixer, beat whipping cream at low speed for 45 seconds or until slightly thickened. Add sugar and vanilla; increase speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes, or until thick.

In large bowl, stir softened ice cream with wooden spoon until soft. Using rubber spatula, fold dollop of whipped cream into ice cream. Add remaining whipped cream and fold gently until well combined.

Into each of chilled glass dessert bowls, spoon enough strawberries to just cover bottom; top with large dollop of cream mixture, then divide remaining berries, and any juices, among bowls. Distribute remaining cream equally. Garnish each dish with candied violets or mint leaves. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

Tips: If strawberries are large, cut into quarters. Candied violets can be purchases at most upscale grocers or cake decorating shops.

Bread Maker Recipes?

Well dear reader, it's your turn to give back. I recently acquired a bread maker from a friend and am looking forward to giving it a workout. However, it did not come with a recipe book. There is a basic bread recipe in the instruction manual, but I would love to see your favorite bread maker recipes. Specifically, I would love to have a cinnamon raisin bread recipe to make for the boys.

For those of you with bread makers, send those ideas along. Here's a recipe I got from the same person who gave me the bread maker. It is for pizza dough, though I don't know if I will make it - it would disrupt the flow of pizza / movie night on Fridays.

Pizza Dough (Bread Machine)
from CDKitchen
Serves/Makes: 2 crusts | Difficulty Level: 2 | Ready In: 1-2 hrs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  

Directions:
Place ingredients in pan in order listed or as directed per machine instructions. Select white dough cycle. Makes two 12 inch regular crusts or one 16 inch deep dish crust. Top with desired toppings and bake at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until crust is light brown.