12.23 - Christmas Present to Myself

I don't usually buy myself anything at Christmastime-- but this time around, I wanted to give myself something I had been wanting for a very very long time. Kansas City BBQ!

I went to a work conference in Kansas City, MO about three years back and I fell so much in love with their bbq that I had dinner at the same restaurant two nights in a row (the two days I stayed there-- ha). If I had stayed there longer, we all know what would have happened.

Anyway, after thinking about it for the past few years, I finally decided to order myself some good ol' KC barbecue. I didn't go overboard and get one of the $200 packs that serves 6-8 people. Instead, I restrained myself and chose the featured holiday item that serves 2-3 and was on sale for $50. It came last week, and I was screaming and dancing around like I had just won the lottery.

It came in a beautiful styrofoam cooler with their logo stamped into it, and the bags of food were surrounded by dry ice (which I burnt myself on, of course). Sadly, the cooler was misleading because the food was quite lacking compared to the picture below. *sigh* Oh well. It still fulfilled my craving, and it was absolutely delicious. Not as delicious as if I was sitting in a Jack Stack restaurant, but good enough. :}

So, in summary, I got myself Kansas City bbq for Christmas because:

• it's got the best smoked flavor
• the sauce is wonderfully tangy and not too sweet (just how I like it)
• it's known for its "burnt ends," which are the ends of the brisket and are the most unbelievably moist and delicious pieces of bbq ever!! (haha)

I hope you all have a joyful and blessed Christmas full of yummies galore! ;)

12.18 - Kindred Spirits

My giving, earth-loving coworker just walked over to me right now, holding a lone Popeye's drumstick wrapped up in a thin napkin, and shoved it in my face. Please keep in mind that I am at my desk, surrounded by a computer, office supplies, and important papers. I am not at a kitchen table, cafeteria counter, or picnic bench.

I gave her a crazy look and said, "No thank you, I'm not hungry." She then proceeded to give me an even crazier look back, told me she got it from the mailroom downstairs, and said, "Take it!" *sigh*

So I took the drumstick, imagined her taking a piece of chicken from one of our mailroom coworkers, walking all around the office with it and even on the elevator just to bring it over to me . . . and I proceeded to eat it quickly at my desk before anyone else could see me. :\ This is what I get for becoming kindred food-loving spirits with someone at work.

12.09 - Popcorn Points

First, I love specialty popcorn places-- particularly Garrett or Nuts on Clark in Chicago. I especially love them at Christmastime.

Second, the older women at work like to take advantage of the fact that I'm "young and energetic" by asking me to go on popcorn runs for them when it's freezing outside. *sigh* They know I'll do it in a heartbeat.

Third, someone openly called the (ahem) office popcorn fairy "anal" for putting out designated scoops. What up? It's all about flavor protection and sanitation, thank you very much.

Fourth, cheese popcorn is so absolutely delicious it's almost frightening. Caramel ain't a bad runner-up either.

12.02 - Big Problem

I can't watch the Food Network without wanting whatever is on.

Last night they were featuring plain, old-fashioned potato chips. I don't even like potato chips. But just moments ago, I ate a bag. Now I want to buy a 5 lb. bag of spuds and fry up my own potato chips at home. :\

The image below doesn't help. When I click on it and the image is all up in my face, I secretly wish I was in a giant vat of potato chips. *sigh*