"Shake and Bake" refers to the nickname given to the state of California, which it is not only named for, but it is the state flower for :) California is often referred to as "Shake and Bake, USA WELL DUH!...lol, FANNA WHO IS Hysterical laughing at herself for FORGETTING THIS FACT about Callie! See I am afraid to TRY any Poppy for breadseed because what if someone sends one they THINK is safe and it isn't? JASMINE, I ACCIDENTLY TYPED THE WRONG NUMBER! All is WELL it WAS Margos I was working on and since I believe I meanted the gift she gave me it was clear it was just a slip of the finger or brainwave or something along those lines..... Lisa I stayed up last night til 5:00 am or would that be stayed up this morning til? Oh well, which ever that is what I did. It is just a matter of me bring ODC and can't stop until I feel HAPPY with the results....lol!!! WOW you all are sending in some REALLY REALLY good stuff!!! Wendy, thanks for my GIFT...I will be on a CHOCOLATE high tonight, haha! That was so sweet of you to think of me, thanks again. I am actaully taking a breather at this minute to eat supper then I will get back to the seeds. :) Fran I will go ahead and post #11 thread!

A couple of notes because the rest is going to be rather long and involved: Lynda, I have the Vitex marked for you and in your baggie! And thank you for the marigolds! They will be very interesting with my others! Dessie I would be more than happy to receive your little helper's seed packets! I think it's great! Wendy Try some Chai Spice tea, it works wonders in helping clear up colds and flu. I always add a dollop of honey to help sooth the throat. It's a staple in our house and really does help. Alright, here is my take on this.. I can understand how many were hoping that the two swaps would not coincide, but, we all knew there was a fair chance of that happening. For myself, I know that I continued to update my list, even well after Patty's swap's mailing deadline. I did my updates using the same method we did for Patty's swap- using an updated date. Even had I not, I knew there was a good chance the two swaps would overlap. I joined this one knowing full well- according to the guidelines posted for it- that I may NOT receive as many as I sent in. That I would receive as many as were sent in FOR me, up to five packets of the SAME item. I recall there being some issue with this and a member who became very rude in their comments about this fact. Yes, my package from the What's Left swap is in the second batch to go out. No, I did not keep strict record of what I sent to those who were in the What's Left swap. I did keep better records of what I'm sending for this swap. I also know that a lot of people will be sending in baggies of seeds marked as extras- not dedicated for anyone, but to add in when it's seen those items are on someone's list. No, these may not be some of the rarer or more exclusively wanted items on someone's list. But if someone has some of those rarer or more specific items to share, I'm sure they would have put them into your baggie before they mailed. So, I don't see that anyone would be missing out on anything. The only way I could see having updated one's list further as complicating Patty's swap would be if someone had removed things from their list. Updating and adding items would not have conflicted. Because if there were any extras of what you were wanting, Patty would have included them. So, I guess I'm not really understanding how there is such a need to update the lists just because one is in both swaps. If I receive duplicates, wonderful! Because the things on my list are things I want! If I don't receive something on my list, then no one had it to share. If I receive so many of something that I can't plant it all, then I can bless someone else by offering it up for a trade. So, perhaps I'm being dense here, but how would one not receive something sent in specifically for them (up to FIVE packets of the same item!) that was on their wants list in this swap? Everyone has the chance to see your wants as posted and you have had the option to add to that list, as many including myself have this whole time. The only thing I could really see the two swaps happening almost simultaneously possibly affecting would be one's have's list. I'm sorry, I don't mean to upset or offend anyone. I'm just honestly trying to understand why this is such an issue. So please don't take this as meaning to offend or as pointed to anyone in particular. This is just me trying to understand why so many are upset about this. If you prefer to email me privately and help me understand it, I would be pleased with that and please do! Perhaps there are aspects and issues with this that I'm not readily seeing and should consider. I don't want to keep the thread off track by my question becoming a debate here. Perhaps there can be some adjustments of dates if this swap happens in the late summer or again next winter, but for this year it is as it is and personally, I'm really enjoying it! Nancy, I hope you don't decide to drop out, because I know that I should have at least a couple of things from your list, perhaps more. But I'll respect your choice and be your Garden Buddy either way :) Fran, you have a real job ahead of you and I don't know how those like you and Patty do it! Leave me hosting my "pair em up and let em go" or true RR type swaps! I think those of you that host this kind of swap are awesome! Angela, you have been a wonderful help to Fran and all of us in this swap! I know the time it can take to code pages like that, though updates are easier once the initial work is done, and I want to say THANK YOU for the time and work you are putting in on this swap for everyone's benefit! Kathy~ heading off to stuff more little baggies and envelopes.

· Posted by: hnwillis z8 SC (My Page) on Thu, Nov 29, 01 at 15:22 Ya'll gotta be some of the funniest people. After going through the ordeal of many a gardenia suicides, I decided it was time to plant them outside (great humidity and heat-Z8 SC). I hate to say this but two years ago I planted 2 gardenia plants on the northwest side of my house. They have been doing just fine. They are just at 2-3 feet tall. I have pruned them together this past sprng into a low hedge next to my white picket fence. I have planted the trimmings amongst a groundcover of Gerbera Daisies in a 24 inch plastic pot that I also planted a 10 ft crooked willow tree on the southside of my house. I also put some trimmings into small pots with cheap Wal-Mart garden soil. To my surprise, they have taken root and are growing like crazy. I put one particular cutting into a pot by itself to be able to bring in the house. I left it outside all spring and summer (it rained constantly when I first planted them). This one stayed in 5 inches of water/dirt for 2 months. I have brought the sole potted plant into my sunroom and placed it inside a miniture greenhouse. I doesn't seem to be growing like it did outside. I'm really thinking that it likes to be outdoors in humidity, heat and southern exposure. Go figure? So from 1 pruning of two plants I have successfully propagated 10+ little ones. I can't wait until they bloom. Also, the main idea for planting them outside is that my neighbor has a 10 ft tall, 7 ft wide "gardenia bush" that is heavenly when it blooms. I have taken pictures of it because people don't believe me. I know she doesn't do anything special to any of her plants. One thing we do have in common is acidic clay soil which our azaleas and camellias seem to thrive on. · Posted by: bedou z10 Ft. L. Fl (My Page) on Fri, Dec 7, 01 at 1:15 Its 1:09 in the morning. My laughter must have woken my husband up, so I suppose I should put the kettle on! From a nude plot of land in Ft. Lauderdale, I have tried to fill it up with fragrant choices. Yes, Gardenia included. Its yellow leaves tend to give me a good contrast against all those green ones that are flourishing. Alas, they tend to fall off, so I just use them as mulch where they land. Time to find something else! I certainly shall not spend time agonizing over it, from what you have all said. Oh well, I had such high hopes!!! Joanmary · Posted by: fpogoda 5 N NJ (My Page) on Mon, Dec 17, 01 at 12:21 Just wanted to be sure regarding the indoor gardenia temp. issue: is the optimum temperature 70 degrees during the day, then 55 degrees at night? Thanks · Posted by: yugoslava 6 ) on Sat, Dec 29, 01 at 20:56 I have been fairly successful with azaleas and rhododendrons and wonder if it would be possible to keep gardenia dormant over winter and bring it out in spring, plant it among rhodos and leave it until it gets cold. I have admired gardenias from afar for the longest time, but I knew indoor conditions in the winter were not the best, so I have never had one to call my own. Would it be possible to keep gardenia cool over winter as I do with my fig tree and brugmansia? The scent is absolutely intoxicating! One word about people who live in warm or coastal areas. You have no trouble growing tropical plants which we can only see when we take tropical vacations for which we have to pay dearly. I live in Great Lakes Region with short seasons but we all dream of exotic plants growing luxuriantly indoors. Which is why we fret and fuss endlessly. · Posted by: Jenn z9/19 SoCal (My Page) on Tue, Jan 8, 02 at 10:16 This has to be the funniest thread I've ever read at the GardenWeb. I laughed so hard I could hardly talk and had tears in my eyes!! I printed out the whole thread to share with other pour souls who have tried to grow Gardenias according to all the best recommendations, only to watch them wither away. We have a Gardenia growing on a slight slope in alkaline clay soil under a Japanese Black Pine tree. It gets mid-to-late sun. It gets watered whenever we run the lawn sprinklers. It isn't the most prolific plant we grow, but at least it's alive and produces some blooms for us each year. The success is probably due to the fact that my husband is the one who cares for it, and he is not a by-the-book gardener... he just waters whenever he thinks the lawn needs water, feeds it when he remembers (I think the last time was about 2 years ago), etc. LOL!!! · Posted by: Rosalie 5-6 salt lake (My Page) on Wed, Jan 9, 02 at 11:30 this thread is hilarious! and now famous -- a link to it is posted at the garden party forum, so some of us have wandered over to check out your battles -- i believe i will stick with xeric types -- no chicken dances for me -- thanks for the laughs! and good luck to all -- rosalie · Posted by: ccl38 8A Savannah, GA (My Page) on Thu, Jan 17, 02 at 15:59 I too have had trouble with vetchii. Mine was so large and so heavy with blooms I decided to prune it. We couldn't get past it down the walk. Once prunned it went into a decline and it has never been the same. I have another variety that I rooted about three years ago from a large bush growing at the edge of the swamp near where I work. It is mostly in shade, never gets watered and would probably measure 5 feet, and it has those huge saucer size blossoms and smells wonderful. I don't shake a chicken so I guess I must have held my mouth right when I planted it. They are my favorite plant. For me it is a pass along plant. I root them all summer and give them to anyone who comes along and wants one. · Posted by: Joanmary_z10 z10 Ft. L. Fl. (My Page) on Thu, Jan 17, 02 at 19:23 cc 138 you must have 'the magic touch'Well done, and I say that with honest envy. The question is, are you ready, willing and able to produce 75-+ rooted cuttings from a 'proven' specimen with the right karma, one for each of the above postings, to restore our faith in this plant and to bring aid and comfort to all of us who have been brought down by this picky, picky plant? lol!!! Joanmary · Posted by: Lily 5 IL (My Page) on Fri, Jan 18, 02 at 21:16 I got a Gardenia "Veitchii" last January as a gift, loaded with buds. Looking for culture info I found this thread. Aftering reading everyone's experience, I thought I was going to kill it for sure. I held my breath when I was anywhere near it. I misted it daily and then decided not to mist after my hard water left ugly mineral stains on the leaves. More then half of the buds dropped and it refused to bloom indoor! It got a lot of half yellowed leaves before I dragged it outside in late Spring. It thrived outside and bloomed! In the mean time I got hooked on orchids. I started using the leftover orchid water (rain water with 1/4 strenth of fertilizer and a drop of Superthrive/per gallon) to water the gardenia. It's been growing like crazy! Now it's back in the house in front of my south facing window, and in bloom! It's in a 12" plastic pot and about 2 feet tall. Maybe it's the rain water or the superthrive, but there is definitely hope for all gardenia lovers! · Posted by: Jenn z9/19 SoCal (My Page) on Sun, Jan 20, 02 at 13:40 So that's the trick... "water with leftover orchid water". Why don't the gardening books say that?!? LOL! · Posted by: Lali z9, 18, So Cal (My Page) on Mon, Jan 21, 02 at 15:16 I can't believe how long this topic has gone on for. It is sooo hilarious! Anyway, I'm trying my first attempt to grow gardenias. I put them in the backyard (northern exposure) with ferns and azaleas, so I'm hoping they will be ok. Now that I've read this post, I'm really really really skeptical that they will bloom or even live by my hand. Thanks for the laugh! Lali · Posted by: freesias Z9 ) on Tue, Feb 19, 02 at 23:35 Oh My GOD! I just planted THREE 1 gal. 'Veitchii' gardenias in my front yard mixed border. I have a feeling, my are gonna DIE on me. I am definitely not touching these guys! Will water once every couple of weeks. THAT'S IT!!!! · Posted by: susan_CA z9 CA ) on Sun, Feb 24, 02 at 16:05 What a great thread! Gardenia culture is such a thrill of success/agony of defeat experience. Anticipating an unknown failure rate, I bought 6 'Veitchii'! The two planted directly under a tree (where I wanted to sit) and northern foundation exposure died. The two planted in eastern foundation exposure with shade mid-day on bloom copiously all summer. The two planted in western foundation exposure, where light tree shade relieves afternoon heat after 4pm do almost as well. All get composted manure in early spring, pine needle mulch, half-strength chelated minerals whenever leaves begin to pale or MirAcid if I think of it, water from sprinkler system early a.m. (including on leaves) daily in summer in the hot, dry central valley, and have FAST drainage. The two that died were in locations with slower drainage and more shade. The only year I had some bud drop was the year we had a late, wet spring, but they bloomed fine all summer. I have seen specimens in full sun in the central valley; they bloom well, but leaves & blossoms show sunburn damage. So I'm going with the sun/shade, wet/dry, feed/not theory. · Posted by: jxnphx Zn9 AZ (My Page) on Fri, Mar 8, 02 at 0:42 Oh my, oh my! The woman at the nursery said I could have an indoor gardenia in my east-window-garden (morning sun, high level of light the rest of the day), but it sounds like she forgot to tell me I'd need to install a swamp for it, as well. I certainly have plenty of heat for it, here on the low desert. I may be joining the ranks of the guilty gardenia group: I'm not likely to "mist" the miserable thing, nor am I likely to change my habits in on-going care (I am sadly irregular about watering and feeding my only other plant--a low-maintenance Madagascar Palm--dracena). I prepared the soil well enough though (a standard potting soil mixed with half-again as much peat moss), I placed the plant "high" in the middle of the pot, added a layer of peat moss on the top, and covered it all with some additional organic mulch, watered it in with an "acid" feeding, and set it above a large, relatively deep saucer with plenty of water for evaporation. I may have misunderstood the nursery lady's comment about the roots, though, because I removed a great deal of the soil from the root ball and treated the roots with hormone before placing it in the new pot and soil mix. I read in the messages above that this plant may not have liked that messing about with its roots. I believe I'll acquire one of those devices that gives a reading of the humidity, to see just how dry my window garden area really is. We'll see what happens. While I may be capable of sustaining this thing's life for a short while, after reading all of this, I'm not planning on much success with it. I tend to move on to other projects, and I'm afraid the poor thing will have to shift for itself more than it is constitutionally capable. Of course, reading about the success of those who largely ignored their gardenia gives me some hope. That's more my style. At least I have a good excuse for turning the AC down to 70 starting in April. I just don't think the local power usage police are going to understand it when I tell them that my astronomical power draw is necessary for the health of a plant. This is going to be expensive emotionally and monetarily. Who would have thought a trip to the nursery would result in such bondage? · Posted by: Joanmary_z10 z10 Ft. L. Fl. (My Page) on Fri, Mar 8, 02 at 13:16 Oh, what a wonderful laugh this has been! My poor old gardenia is there in Florida, with no one to care for it, depending on the sprinkler system to 'do its thing' and I have no clue what is happening to it. However I have my dark moments when I can see the Christmas lights decorating its bare twigs come December! Taking it that I will be using its twigs as mulch sometime soon, I have bought as a replacement, the African Gardenia. Now I wonder if this is in the same category? Here's to Gardenias who can take neglect!! · Posted by: jxnphx Zn9 AZ (My Page) on Sat, Mar 9, 02 at 15:31 I discussed my newly acquired gardenia issue with my elder sister who, smirking, told me it would probably do me good to have something to worry about. I can only think she was being complimentary about my faultless children and long-ago departed harpy of a wife. She herself has a half-dozen off-spring who provide her with plenty of heart-rending despair. Just in case she was being a smart-ass though, I bought my plant an ultrasonic humidifier which pumps 2.6 gallons of water vapor into the air each day, and I hurried to the used book store and increased my holdings in James Lee Burke (setting: southern Louisiana). I suppose I could have picked up some Faulker, as well, but he's so damned hard to read. I can't stand Tennessee Williams. I am thinking that a few dark and decadent thought-waves might make the gardenia feel a little more at home here in the bright, parched protestant desert southwest. Although it's only been a couple of days, I'm sure it's looking a little better than when I brought it home from the nursery; but just the same, I'm going to keep my eye on a new leaf that is looking a little yellowish. I don't want my dear sister to have the last laugh. · Posted by: BarbC coastal SC (My Page) on Fri, Apr 12, 02 at 15:53 LOL - I have tears rolling down my face and flooding the den. I have 2 unknown variety gardenias that I bought at HD 4 years ago. Since then, I have done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to them and yet they thrive. They survived the great flood of '99 (were under 6 FEET of nasty swamp/river water and were still green 3 months later when the water finally went away) They were only 1ft tall at the time, so literally had 5ft of nasty black water on top of them. I even had to pick dried toilet paper off them, as the flood had taken the contents of 1000 septic tanks along its path. Those two gardenias and the roses were the only plants to survive that mess. Anyway, once I could finally walk through my yard again (without sinking up to my eyeballs in slimy mud) I dug those suckers up and moved them to my new (dry) house (roses too). They are still there and doing beautifully in full southern afternoon sun. I do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING special to them. I don't even ater then during droughts. Maybe that's the secret? The guy across the street has a couple and he also does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to his and his are even nicer than mine. Perhaps we are killing these plants with kindness? Maybe what they really want is to just be left alone?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by bri29 (My Page) on Thu, Jan 22, 09 at 20:24 There's a Good Eats episode on Ginger on my DVR right now. I'll check it out and see if there's anything good in there! I've not really cooked with ginger much, so I don't have a whole lot to bring to the table on this challenge. I'll see if I can come up with something and turn it into a T&T recipe. Bri -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jcrowley99 (My Page) on Thu, Jan 22, 09 at 21:20 Sigh, I am another person who is not fond of ginger. I'll peek back to see what everyone makes though, and to see what the next cookalong ingredient is. Interestingly enough, even though I don't like ginger, the only soft drink I like is gingerale. Does it count if I make something with that? My husband likes ginger, he also loves curry, and I've never tried a curry I like. I guess opposites do attract. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by karigraphy (My Page) on Fri, Jan 23, 09 at 1:25 I love ginger, especially the pickled ginger served next to sushi. Yum. One of my favorite ginger recipes came from my mother. She won the chicken portion of a BBQ contest with this recipe. My kids and DH enjoy it, too. GINGERED BARBEQUED CHICKEN BREASTS from Mom 1/2 C. ketchup 3 T. worcestershire sauce 2 T. peanut oil 1 T. honey 1-1/2 t. grated fresh ginger 1/2 t. dry mustard 1/2 t. chili powder 3 chicken breasts, approximately 1 pound She used the recipe as a BBQ sauce for chicken cooked on the grill. If baking in an oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wisk all the ingredients together. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brush half the sauce on top of the chicken. Bake for 20 minutes. Brush remaining ingredients, bake for 20 more minutes. I'm looking forward to trying some of the other recipes here, too. The first one I cut and pasted was the Japanese Chicken Noodle Bowl. Sounds like something I would love but only have had in a restaurant. Kari -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sheshebop (My Page) on Fri, Jan 23, 09 at 8:42 OK, I needed a simple recipe, and Sharon's pic of her Salmon with Marilyn's marinade really did it for me. I will definitely be making that marinade. However, I am going to use pork instead of salmon. I love salmon, but hubby is wishy washy. I can't get great salmon here. Therefore, I will make a marinated pork tenderloin. Still thinking about the salads. And Sharon, a picture truly IS worth a thousand words. Sher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Jan 23, 09 at 9:01 Jcrowley you might try that gingerale marinated pork loin recipe I put a link to above. I mixed the gingerale with a bottled marinade and it was easy peasy and didn't taste overwhelmingly spicey, (or believe me, my dad would NOT have eaten it when I fixed it). I am another person who prefers gingerale to all other soft drinks. People know when I'm around they need to get gingerale--it's what I mostly drink. Nowdays I have to do diet gingerale. Here are two appetizer recipes I found while rummaging around my recipe box for something to serve. I am having so much trouble coming up with a dinner menu. Fish or any type of seafood is the logical choice to go with ginger carrot soup, but BF doesn't do fish. I may try Kari's mom's marinade on chicken drumsticks. Gingered Crostini and Pepper Spread (I got this out of some healthy living flyer from my health insurance company ages ago) 1/2 TBLSP olive oil (1.5 tsps.) 1 small jalepeno pepper, minced 1 tsp. mustard seeds 1 oz. package dried tomatoes or 12 dried tomatoes halves chopped 1/2 cup water 2 roasted red bell peppers, chopped 3 TBLSP chopped fresh basil or 1.5 tsp. dried basil 2 TBLSP fresh parsley (I think cilantro would be fab with this) Minced fresh ginger salt and pepper to taste Toast mustard seeds in oil until they pop. Add jalepeno, dried tomatoes and water. Cover and cook until tomatoes are plump. Remove from heat. In a food processor, process roasted pepper to rough puree. Add tomato mixture, process until smooth. Add seasonings. Crostini: preheat oven to 375. Cut 24 slices rustic style bread or baguette. Sprinkle with minced ginger root and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil Bake 8-10 min. Orange Hummus (I think this comes from the cookbook "Enchanted Broccoli Forest" by Mollie Katzen) 3 cups cooked chickpeas 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup tahini 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 tsp. salt (optional) 1-2 TBLSP cider vinegar 3 med. cloves garlic, crushed 1-2 tsp. tamari sauce 1/4 tsp. each: cumin, corriander, ginger, dry mustard, tumeric, paprika Combine all ingredients together in a food processor and process until smooth. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Fri, Jan 23, 09 at 14:35 There's a brunch dish that I've wanted to try for years - "Indian Scrambled Eggs with Fragrant Rice and Minted Tomato Sauce" and I think this thread has inspired me to make it next weekend. There's onions and fresh ginger in the sauce, lentils and curry powder in the rice, and ginger and scallions in the eggs, plus many other spices. It will either be fantastic or disastrous so I'll wait to post the recipe in case it's the latter. A ginger recipe I use often is one posted in 2001 by Linda in Tennessee for a Japanese steakhouse - type ginger salad dressing. I like ginger dressing and it's the best I've tried. BENIHANA GINGER SALAD DRESSING 1/2 cup minced onion 1/2 cup peanut oil 1/3 cup rice vinegar 2 Tbs. water 2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger 2 Tbs. minced celery 2 Tbs. ketchup 4 tsp. soy sauce 2 tsp. sugar 2 tsp. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. minced garlic 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute or until all of the ingredients are well pureed. These beans from Mollie Katzen's "Vegetable Heaven" have the flavor of Jamaican spice mixtures and can be made with either dried or canned beans. We eat this as a main dish rather than a side dish. FIRECRACKER RED BEANS (6-8 servings) 2 Tbs. olive oil 3 cups finely minced onions 2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger 2 tsp. fennel seeds 2 Tbs. minced garlic 1/2 tsp. allspice 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 1/2 to 2 tsp. salt 1 cup dry sherry 2 Tbs. prepared mustard 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tsp. minced chipotle chiles 1 cup water 1/4 cup almond butter 2 Tbs. brown sugar 1/2 cup boiling water About 6 cups cooked small red beans or kidney beans (3 or 4 15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained) Wedges of lime Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over med-high heat. Add the onion, ginger, and fennel seeds, and saute for about 5-10 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, add the garlic, allspice, thyme and 1 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes. Stir in sherry, mustard, ketchup, chipotles and 1 cup water. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes. Place the almond butter and brown sugar in a small bowl. Add the boiling water and mash with a spoon until it becomes a uniform mixture. Stir this into the sauce and cook uncovered over low heat for about 5 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the beans in a 9 X 13 inch baking dish or equivalent casseerole, and pour in all the sauce. Cover with tight-fitting lid or foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, still tightly covered, so the beans can continue to absorb the liquid. Serve hot or warm, with squeezable wedges of lime on the side. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by gellchom (My Page) on Fri, Jan 23, 09 at 16:40 LOL! I meant "2-3 pears." Sorry! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by prairie_love (My Page) on Fri, Jan 23, 09 at 17:02 Well, shoot! What am I going to do with all the pears I've peeled (thought I should get a head start on the peeling, paring, coring)?? LOL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jcrowley99 (My Page) on Fri, Jan 23, 09 at 21:42 lpinkmountain, Thanks for bringing that pork loin recipe to my attention. I missed that when I was reading through the thread. Did you use the whole bottle of Soy Vej? Did you still use the chopped onion? I think I can do that recipe! Yeah. I do have problems with using the marinade as a sauce, but that was another thread! Joanne -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sat, Jan 24, 09 at 10:32 I mixed the marinade and the gingerale until I had enough to cover the pork loin halfway. I marinated it about 8 hours on one side and about 8 on the other. (I put it in before I went to bed and then turned it in the morning). As for a cooked marinade, yeah, I know that is controversial, but I boiled it for a good half hour to reduce it, so I didn't have a problem with it. To me, it was yummy. And me being mostly vegetarian, if I felt any hesitation about a meat product I would not serve it. You could always throw out the marinade and make some more by mixing fresh gingerale and Soy Vey (or any other kind of bottled marinade, or even use the ingredients in the recipe, they sound fab to me), and then reducing it to a sauce. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 7:55 Too many ginger recipes to try so I made the first one on Friday - Chinatown Soy Sauce Chicken from Molly O' Neill's New York Cookbook. I used a double sided fryer breast instead of the whole chicken. The only other change I made was to use 1/2 a star anise instead of a whole one. Even with a half, the anise flavor predominated so I would only use one pod next time. The ginger and garlic permeated the meat and the broth was not overpowering, despite having so many strong flavors. Sides were plain white rice with toasted pecans and fresh spinach sauteed in sesame oil and dressed with rice wine, lemon juice, and light soy sauce (recipe from the same book). It was a nice light ginger-accented meal and the taste was definitely better than my photography. LOL CHINATOWN SOY SAUCE CHICKEN 1 star anise 3/4 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/4 cup dry sherry 1 Tbs. honey 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 slices fresh ginger, smashed 1 chicken (3 1/2 to 4 lbs.), well rinsed and patted dry In a nonreactive pot large enough to hold the chicken snugly, gently boil 1 cup water and the star anise, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove and discard the star anise. In a small bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients except the chicken, and add the mixture to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil; then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the chicken, laying it on its side, and bring the liquid back to a boil. Cover and turn the heat to low. Simmer, basting frequently, for 15 minutes. Turn the chicken to the other side and simmer, basting frequently, for another 15 minutes. Turn once more, this time breast side up, and cook until golden brown, 15 minutes more. Remove the chicken and let cool to room temperature. Strain and reheat the cooking liquid and serve a drizzle over the carved chicken. Serves 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 9:15 The original recipe has you cooking a whole chicken for only 45 minutes?! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 11:13 Yes, but I think the key word is "snugly" because the cooking liquid should cover the chicken about halfway up the sides. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 11:22 It would have to be a scrawny little whole chicken to simmer for 45 minutes and be done. I think you were wise to go with the whole breast. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 13:24 Christine, I wouldn't have been worried even if I'd used a whole chicken. I've made many recipes from "The New York Cookbook" with good results following the directions as written. With a book which won both the Julia Child/IACP and James Beard awards and specifically stated in the preface that every recipe was made and tested by either the author or one of her four assistants, I'd try the recipe before criticizing it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 13:47 I think of this forum as place for the free flow of ideas about cooking. My comments were not meant personally, as I think is clear. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 15:26 I do see that this thread is just for amassing recipes that use ginger, and not discussing each one. My original question actually was to find out if something was left out; it was for information. Then once we were discussing it I just said one more thing. I probably would not have said it about anything but chicken. It's so important for safety to cook chicken long enough. Most people here know to always check, and not go by the time in recipes, but not everyone is equally experienced. Tone of voice is missing in posts, so what sounded good-natured in my mind may have struck others differently. I know I sometimes think there's too much criticiam in some posts, and if I seemed to be doing that, I regret it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 16:09 With so many good recipes already posted, I'm still not sure what I'm going to make next Saturday. But I got a new hunk of ginger.... By the way, what is a hunk of it called? Nancy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by trsinc (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 18:28 I always call it a hand, but that's for the whole thing. You have part of a hand. That's my own personal vocabulary... lol, I don't know if that's accurate. I cut mine up and freeze it so I always have some available. Lars gave me that tip. It's much easier to pound into a paste after it has been frozen and thawed. Thanks Lars! This has been fun! I don't know what I'm going to make yet either but I'm getting there. I think two weeks is just the right amount of time to research, think, then shop and make. Kind of like looking forward to a holiday dinner. :) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sheshebop (My Page) on Sun, Jan 25, 09 at 20:06 Cloudy, I, for one, did not read your comment as a negative. I thought you brought up a valid point, and then complimented the posted for making a wise choice. Hmmmm. I did not read any unpleasant tone at all. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by joanm (My Page) on Tue, Jan 27, 09 at 18:52 I'm ready. I picked Ina's Indonesian Ginger Chicken. It looks yummy. I also went out looking for the Gingerbread liqueur that I found over the holidays. It is seasonal but they still had a few bottles. I will be drinking gingerbread cookies for dessert. Gingerbread cookie 1 part gingerbread liqueur 1 part vodka 2/3 part kahlua 1 part 1/2 & 1/2 Shake with ice and strain into a graham-cracker rimmed martini glass. Yum!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Tue, Jan 27, 09 at 19:26 I'm having to totally revamp my menu due to not being in the mood to entertain and having a ton of food to use up in the fridge. I made soup this past weekend so I'm afraid I am "souped out" this week, so the ginger carrot soup is out. Here's what I'm likely making. Moroccan Vegetable Tagine from Mark Bittman's "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian." It has ginger in the spice mix, I'll post when I can. Then I have roasted eggplant/red pepper dip to use up which I will probably mix with leftover ricotta and feta and some chopped kalamatas and serve as baked pasta. Then a romaine salad with a ginger dressing. If I'm in the mood for wine I have leftover merlot, so no ginger drinks, darn it. But I may have to get some of that gingerbread liqueur for the future! No dessert either. Without company there is no sense in me making anything sweet, I can't eat it up on my diet. If I end up wanting something sweet I have store bought ginger cookies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by trsinc (My Page) on Tue, Jan 27, 09 at 20:37 I keep changing my mind. I'm going to make this some day, at least, if not for the cook along. Although I'm not interested in the carrot and potato spaghetti at the end. HERB CRUSTED CHICKEN PAILLARD WITH HONEY- LEMON GRASS GLAZE Ming Tsai 6 (6-ounce) chicken breasts skin-on (2 for leftovers) 1/2 cup chopped flat parsley 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 6 scallions, sliced 1/8-inch Salt and black pepper to taste Canola oil to cook Wrap the chicken in plastic and pound very thin. Season with salt and pepper. Mix the herbs together on a plate and dredge the chicken with the herbs. In a hot skillet coated with oil, pan sear the chicken golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes a side. HONEY-LEMON GRASS GLAZE: Canola oil to cook 6 lemon grass stalks, finely minced, white part only 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1 large shallot, minced 1/2 cup Riesling or Gewurztraminer wine Juice and zest of 1 lemon 2 cups chicken stock 2 tablespoons lychee honey 1 tablespoon butter Salt and black pepper to taste In a medium-hot, non-reactive sauce pan, lightly coat the pan and sautee the lemongrass, ginger and shallots until soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Deglaze with wine and reduce by 80 percent. Add the juice, stock and honey and reduce by 50 percent. Whisk in the butter and check for seasoning. Puree with a hand blender to a smooth consistency. CARROT AND POTATO SPAGHETTI: 2 large carrots, peeled, cut into spirals with a turning slicer 1 large potato, peeled, cut into spirals with a turning slicer 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 2 tablespoons butter Salt to taste In a large non-stick skillet, add butter and melt on medium-low heat. Add carrots and potato and sautee. Season with cumin and salt. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Keep heat on medium-low or the potatoes could burn. PLATING Place a small pile of the 'spaghetti'. Hide with chicken paillard and glaze the top with the sauce. Garnish with lemon zest. Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Tue, Jan 27, 09 at 21:09 I've just had a change of ideas because I bought some lovely spring onion at the farmers' market the other day and have some little chicken tenders in the freezer. I think I'll make my version of Teriyaki Chicken and stir fried vegetables, using Marilyn's Gourmet Sauce with fresh ginger for the teriyaki. It's a really delicious dish. I had it once in Canada at a restaurant and had to make a copycat recipe so this is it: Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fried Vegetables over Rice For 3 servings..... Ingredients:....quantities are variable 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized strips 3/4 cup green bell pepper - finely chopped 3/4 cup red bell pepper - finely chopped 1/2 cup white part of spring onion bulb - sliced finely 1/2 cup grated carrot (optional) 1/2 cup frozen peas 1 cup fresh or frozen heads of broccoli sliced & chopped 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce for marinade plus more for drizzle over when serving basmati rice - 3 cups cooked (200 grams raw) or 1 cup cooked rice per person 3/4 cup sliced green stalk rings of spring onion - for garnish only olive oil for cooking salt & pepper 1. Put 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce in a small glass bowl and put in chicken pieces to marinate for 30 to 60 minutes. Turn pieces and spoon over sauce from time to time. 2. Chop and prepare vegetables, putting all except green onion rings into a bowl. Put 2 TBS olive oil into a large non-stick frying pan or wok over medium heat and when hot, add the vegetables from the bowl. Stir constantly with wooden spoon until they are cooked enough but not overdone....10 to 12 minutes. Add more oil as needed. Turn off heat and put lid on pan to keep warm. 3. Put water on for cooking the rice. 4. When chicken has marinated, drain and reserve half the marinade, putting the other half of it together with the chicken into a second non-stick frying pan and cook, reducing the liquid and browning chicken pieces, about 10 minutes. Then add the reserved marinade, cooking for a couple minutes more until it has formed a reduced syrup around the chicken. Drain cooked rice, add butter or oil, season to taste with salt & pepper. 5. Spoon chicken and sauce over vegetables, stir and season with S & P. Serve over rice, drizzle with more Teriyaki sauce and garnish with green spring onion rings. SharonCb -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER//// clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Tue, Jan 27, 09 at 21:11 PS Nancy....I forgot to add this....that a hunk of it is usually called ginger root, or a piece of ginger root. It grows well here in our garden but I usually buy it in the market. S. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by dixiedog_2007 (My Page) on Tue, Jan 27, 09 at 21:57 I haven't made up my mind yet on what I am going to make but I guess I better make a decision soon huh? LOL! We are going to a concert with friends on Sat. night so we will have dinner at our house first and then go to the show so I probably won't post a picture until Sunday morning. Everything that has been posted so far sounds good and Sharon that dish looks wonderful! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lindac (My Page) on Tue, Jan 27, 09 at 22:44 I think a gingerbread cookie would be a lovely nightcap. And yes, Cloudy....45 minutes will cook a 3 1/2 pound chicken perfectly....I find most people waaaaay over cook chicken, thereby the frequent plaint "I don't care for white meat, it's so dry." Try it....you might be surprised. Linda C -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Tue, Jan 27, 09 at 23:29 Some great lookin' recipes and ideas here for sure! I don't have any to add to the list as the one or two I had in my files have already been posted. I'll admit that I never used Ginger much until finding this forum but the recipes I have used have been great. I'll have to pass on this first cookalong due to a Birthday Party Saturday night and the SB on Sunday. Saving these recipes for sure....might do something on Friday or the following week and share it with y'all....depending on my crazy work/life in general schedule... David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Wed, Jan 28, 09 at 8:32 Here's the tagine recipe (which I will probably make either in my crockpot of roast in the oven) Pearl Couscous Tagine (from Mark Bittman's "How To Cook Everything Vegetarian" cookbook) 2 TBLSP extra virgin olive oil 1 onion chopped (I'll probably use red for color) 2 cloves garlic minced One 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. ground tumeric Two three inch cinnamon sticks 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots, dates or raisins 1 1/2 cups chopped ripe tomato (about 1 pound whole, preferably peeled and seeded, or drained canned ones) 2 cups vegetable stock 1 cup cooked canned chickpeas 2 med. carrots, peeled and cut into bit sized chunks 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into bite sized chunks 2 zuchinni, cut into bite sized chunks (I'll probably use yellow summer squash, for the color) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 cup pearl couscous Note: I'm also probably going to add peeled and diced butternut squash. Put oil in a deep skillet with a lid over med. high heat. Add the onion and cook until it softens, about 5 min. Add the garlic, ginger, and other spices; cook, stirring often until fragrant, about 2 min. Add the dried fruit, tomato, stock, chickpeas, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, etc., and a large pinch of salt and a good amount of pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover and cook until the vegetables are just tender. (The dish can be made ahead to this point, cooled, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring it to a simmer before proceeding.) Add the couscous and cook until al dente about 10 min. It should have a stewy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot or store, covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and then reheat. Notes: sounds like this is like most pasta dishes--tastes best the next day. Since I'm serving this with pasta, I am not going to add the couscous and all that broth--I'll do mine in the crockpot or roast in the oven. Ginger Vinagrette (from the same cookbook) 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped in a blender 1 TBLSP sherry vinegar (I will use rice wine vinegar) 1 TBLSP freshly squeezed lime juice 1 TBLSP water (I might use more sherry vinegar, as it is mild) Salt and freshly ground black pepper (Optional) 1 large shallot, minced (I might use some scallions I have languishing in the fridge) Note: with this vinagrette, I might add just a drop of honey for my taste. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Jan 28, 09 at 10:37 I haven't had much time for the forum, lately, but the time I've spent here I've missed this thread until today. We're going out of town Sunday, so I don't know if I'll have time to participate completely. I'd like to do the dinner Saturday night, but the follow up on Sunday I'll miss, and that's at least half the fun. Oh, well. The Firecracker Red Beans that Ruthanna posted looks good. I may try that. So does the couscous recipe. They all sound good, actually. I'll have to research and see, but I don't really have a T&T recipe featuring ginger that hasn't already been mentioned, like the carrot ginger soup and the gingerbread recipes. I might try to do something with tofu. Do y'all think one of the marinades posted above would work with tofu and grilled? I'm thinking of trying something like that. Sally -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by susytwo (My Page) on Wed, Jan 28, 09 at 10:52 This is a favorite of my DS. Gingered Spaghetti Squash Cut a spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and place face down in baking dish with a few tablespoons of water. Bake in 375 oven till strands are "al dente" (~45 minutes). Spoon strands out carefully and toss the hot squash with 2 TB butter, 1 TB honey and 1/2 TB minced ginger. Salt and pepper to taste. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Jan 28, 09 at 14:10 I have a question about that red bean recipe, Ruthanna, or anybody. Do you have a suggestion for a substitute for the dry Sherry? I don't have more than a couple of tablespoons left, and don't want to go buy some at this time. I found this recipe in one of my cookbooks I just might try tonight, as I won't have time to do it on Saturday. It's from Vegetariana, by Nava Atlas. I'll let y'all know if it's a winner or not. Gingered Rice and Apple Stuffed Squash 2 medium acorn or butternut squashes 3/4 cup raw brown rice 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari 2 tablespoons butter 1 small onion, chopped 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and slicd 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans 1/2 cup light cream or milk 1/4 cup dry red wine 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, more or less to taste 1 teaspoon good curry powder 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup grated mild white cheese, optional Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 C) Cut the squashes in half, place them cut side up on flat baking sheets, and cover them with aluminum foil. Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until tender. In the meantime, cook the rice with the soy sauce added to the cooking water. (The cookbook doesn't indicate how much water, but it's usually 2 1/2 times the amount of rice, so this would be somewhere around 1 2/3 cups water for 3/4 cup rice???? I'd just follow the directions on the rice package.) When the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the pulp, leaving about a 1/2 inch (1 1/2 cm) shell of pulp all around. Chop the pulp and set aside. Heat the butter in a large skillet until it foams. Add the onion and saute over moderately low heat until it is translucent. Add the apple and saute until it softens, then add the squash pulp, cooked rice, and the remaining ingredients. Stir together and remove from the heat. Stuff teh squash halves with the rice mixture, arrange in lightly oiled baking dishes, and bake for 20 minutes. Makes 4 servings. Sally -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Wed, Jan 28, 09 at 14:23 Sally if it is good it might end up on my family's Thanksgiving menu! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by terri_pacnw (My Page) on Wed, Jan 28, 09 at 15:41 I haven't looked into this thread in a while...with all the recipes here..you could definately have ginger in every course of the meal! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: Cookalong #1 --- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Wed, Jan 28, 09 at 16:40 Sally, I have only used the sherry when I've made it but if I didn't have any on hand, I'd probably substitute 1/4 cup of dark rum and 3/4 cup of water for the sherry instead of a different variety of wine. I did the C+P to bring this thread back... Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #2------------------GARLIC Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #1 --------------------- GINGER clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Nov 9, 09 at 8:48 I have to go to work...will try to work on this from there...or when I get home. Nancy