Comments cmalberg has made

  • Happy cast iron

    I was thrilled to see so many suggestions for cast iron in the comments. I use cast iron almost exclusively for everything from braising to broiling. One of the most convenient uses is to use your pan to defrost. The iron conducts ambient heat very well, so put whatever it is you need thawed on the pan. It will thaw out much quicker than if you just placed it in a bowl on the counter and uses a lot less energy than the microwave.

    Last but not least, a little trick I learned at work. If you have a gas range with a pilot, you can melt butter by just placing it in a skillet over the pilot. Prep the rest of your things, and the iron will pick up the small amount of heat coming off the pilot leaving you with melted but not hot butter.On Umbra on green cookware posted 1 year, 1 month ago 12 Responses

  • Why Internal Combustion?

    It seems to me that the true answer to the energy crisis, so to speak, is to encourage the development of technology that goes beyond the internal combustion engine. We appear to be stuck using technology that, by all rights, should be obsolete. The human race hasn't had such an issue of technological stagnation since before the Enlightenment.On Umbra on diesel hybrids posted 1 year, 3 months ago 16 Responses

  • Nettles

    I must say, if you can get out while the stinging nettle is still young (oh, around 3 inches max) they go wonderfully in salads, adding a nice nutty, alfalfa flavor that you can't quite get anywhere else. Also, the high vitamin A and iron content is quite nutritious, and nettle has long been used in specialty women's health teas. Just quickly blanch them in a hard boil and then dry on a towel. The heat breaks down the chemicals responsible for the burn, and the gentle rubbing with the towel helps remove some of the spines.

    However, use caution. As we know, nettles grow near water, and it is important that you verify that this water is not contaminated by pesticides and herbicides, not to mention fertilizers. Just know your area before you pick.On Got weeds? Reach for the food processor, not the lawnmower posted 1 year, 6 months ago 8 Responses

  • why should they have to tell us?

    I hate to be the one to say it but this falls in the category of consumer responsibility. In no way should a restaurant be required to say "Here's your menu, and by the way this has so many calories/fat/etc." The only one who has any real affect on your diet is yourself. So stop whining because your burger was high fat and they didn't tell you (did you think to ask?) and ride your bike to work. You need to attend your own health rather than expecting someone else to do it for you.On 'Men's Health' uncovers some real whoppers posted 1 year, 10 months ago 5 Responses

  • meow

    I agree with all those below who said to get a cat. It doesn't really get much easier or more natural than that. Realistically, all you are doing by moving the mice to rural areas is exposing them to dangers such as raptors, coyotes, and an increasing number of feral cats and dogs. Go down to the local shelter and adopt a couple cats. If they aren't already, get the cats spayed/neutered. Two birds with one stone, as they say.On Umbra on live trapping posted 2 years, 1 month ago 28 Responses