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Updated: Nov 29, 2022 165 Comments · by

Coffee Break: Instant Dutch Oven

Coffee Break

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black dutch oven / pressure cooker combination from Instant Pot

It's nearing the “most wonderful” time of the year, readers — so if anyone is thinking about a) Thanksgiving meals, b) Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, or c) holiday gifts, this new gadget might be worth noting.

It is a combination Dutch oven / pressure cooker, from Instant Pot, and available only at Williams & Sonoma. As they describe it in the product description:

Now you can create the same succulent flavors of cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven with the speed and ease of the Instant Pot. This exceptionally versatile machine features an enameled cast-iron inner pot that lets you braise, slow cook, sear, sauté and warm food – in the unit, in the oven or on the stove. The tight-fitting cast-iron lid has a self-basting grid on the underside that helps keep food moist and tender while the large LCD screen lets you easily monitor cooking progress. Ideal for oven-to-table use, the Dutch oven has a generous capacity that accommodates family-size meals and entertaining.

Nice. We primarily use our Dutch ovens for bread as well as soups, and I can see how having more control over temperature and time would be a good thing. I also kind of like that you can keep an oven free for other projects — and that it hopefully doesn't make the entire kitchen as hot as a less efficient oven does.

The Instant Dutch Oven is currently available in black and white (red looks like it is sold out) for $229 at Williams & Sonoma.

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Psst: some of my other favorite cookware is here…

Sales of note for 9.30.24

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. Anon

    If you’re talking to a guy (tense work exchange) and he uses your first name in every sentence, I feel like his intent is to belittle. But why do I feel that way? [And is there some other explanation for this?] Is it some throwback to how you don’t use first names of people who outrank you (like as a kid, grownups called me Missy but I didn’t get to call them Sue or David but Mrs/Mr Lastname)? I wouldn’t be asking, but it was like once per sentence over several minutes.

    • Anon

      There was another conversation/thread about this recently! The consensus was that it’s a power play and objectively annoying. I think people recommended using his name back.

      I think it’s a weird condescending thing but not sure why.

      • Anonymous

        Overall I agree. I have a direct report, female, who also uses my name a lot through and it’s just the way she talks. So ymmv.

        • Anon

          I agree, Anonymous. That’s a good point, Anonymous. Good for you, Anonymous. *pats head*

          YES, it’s condescending!

        • Curious

          I think in certain Indian languages or cultures it’s respectful or kind — there’s a subgroup of my Indian colleagues and friends who do this when they are most being kind and building rapport.

    • anonshmanon

      It feels sales-y to me. I think it’s a strategy that salespeople are trained to use, to create a connection or make the customer feel seen. I’ve also seen it recommended in the context of networking, and helping yourself to remember another person’s name. But yeah, it’s super weird when used too frequently!

    • Anon

      When you know, you know. I have a last name that is really obvious when someone is saying it to be an a**hole (They put heavy emphasis on the first syllable in a way that’s exaggerated but still has plausible deniability). There is no other explanation and your gut is right.

    • Vicky Austin

      I’d trust your gut in the situation you describe. It could definitely be a sales-y tactic he’s using or an idiosyncrasy of his speech patterns, but I bet your read is correct and he’s being rude and intimidating on purpose.

      • Anon

        I think it’s sales-y if it isn’t tense.

        Yes, Vicky, that sounds good. You always have such good ideas, Vicky. I’m feeling a little peckish. Vicky, what do you want to get for a snack?

        vs

        Well, Vicky, I bet you think that that is a good idea. But, Vicky, I think you are just totally wrong. Really, Vicky. What did you think you were doing there, Vicky. I used to like working with you, Vicky. But, Vicky, I just can’t believe that you did that.

    • Anonymous

      Yes, trust your intuition on this. If you feel like he’s trying to belittle you, he probably is. My emotionally abusive ex-husband who I have to co-parent with uses this tactic, even in emails!

    • Anon

      It’s a way of asserting power over you by implying the person is on good enough terms with you relationship wise to refer to you intimately (by your name) even tho they haven’t asked, and your relationship isn’t actually there. It’s possibly also a tactic to deliver a little bit of a threat- that the person using your first name knows you well enough to exploit your weaknesses, or help you if you remain on their nice side etc.
      Use his name back the next time this happens. Make it a personal policy respond in kind or tell him to stop beating your name to death, and be just bored enough with his talking that he realizes his tactic isn’t working.

    • helloanon

      I used to deal with opposing counsel who did this (always men). It became a running joke in my office. We would take bets on how many times they would say my name during a call. Totally took the steam out of their attempt at a power play, even if they had no idea we were secretly laughing about it.

  2. Anon

    Ughhh. I started a fight with my boyfriend over something silly and small. I have a history of feelings-dumping and ranting off all my feelings immediately when they come up, and I’d gotten so much better about not doing so. But I’ve been quarantining due to COVID exposure for 5 days and my anxiety levels are up, and something small set me off. Any commiseration or others who do this? I always feel like a crazy toxic person whenever this happens and then feel internally even more impulse to try to double down on why my feelings were justified to compensate for it.

    • Anonymous

      Why are you quarantining for 5 entire days due to exposure alone? These seems like overkill and wholly unnecessary if it created anxiety for you.

    • Anon

      My advice is to feelings dump on someone else, even if it’s us, and to drop it with your boyfriend after he’s told you it’s too much for him. Everyone has their limits. And no, you do not need to loop back around with another dump to justify the first one.

    • Anonymous

      That sounds like major overkill just for exposure? Are you super anxious in general?

    • Anonymous

      I think you apologize by doing the work to get better. Which means therapy.

  3. Anon8

    Please tell me I’m not the only one feeling extremely broke lately. A combo of not reigning in the online shopping habit I picked up over the pandemic, plus inflation, plus the holidays has me feeling the brokest I have in ages. Can anyone relate? What is your plan to get back on track? I’m trying to do a no-buy outside of holiday gifts and trying to not order takeout at all.

    • Z

      Absolutely me too. I gained weight over the pandemic and was miserable squeezing into clothes that didn’t fit, so decided I’d rather buy clothes for the body I have now than starve trying to get back into my old clothes. This has been expensive.
      I also have been getting too much takeout.. but cooking is exhausting sometimes.
      I don’t have a plan to get back on track but need to make one ASAP.

      • Anon8

        Oh yeah, none of my winter clothes fitting has been a major downer and terrible for the budget too!

    • Anon

      Omg SAME. I feel like I get takeout once a day, am constantly online shopping (but it all feels necessary? like I need new workout clothes and business casual clothes?), etc. It’s so hard though because I feel like so out of control with it that I don’t even know where to start. I’m also just so overwhelmed and throwing money at the problem (like takeout instead of cooking and buying a whole new wardrobe) is calming.

      What are other people’s plans??

    • Anon

      We’re about to plunk down the remaining payment on our trip-of-a-lifetime coming up this January, so I very much feel this. It will be a 5-figure trip which is a first for us. I’m SO excited and I know it will be worth it, but man my bank account is hurting. It doesn’t help that we got a forecast today that our year-end bonuses (fiscal year ending next summer) will probably only be about half of target. I’m telling myself that I can still shop on Black Friday bc I need to take advantage of the sales….but I’m trying not to go overboard!

        • Trip-taking OP

          South Africa! A few days in Cape Town, a few days in the Winelands, and 4 days on safari. Going on safari has been my dream vacation since I was probably 7. We saw a flight deal to Cape Town and jumped on it!

          • Anon

            Jealous!! Have the best time! Please share your itinerary and tips when you get back. It’s on our agenda for 2025 when I turn 40 :)

          • Anon

            Also not trying to be snarky because I have totally spent five figures on a trip before, but when I was pricing this out it was looking more like it would be in the range of $5-7k for two for about 10 days over there, especially if we could get a decent price on flights. Are you staying in really luxe safari lodges that cost like $1k/night? Just wondering if I need to wildly adjust my budget expectations.

          • Trip-taking OP

            Yes, the safari portion of the trip is where we’re splurging. I think it’s $1k/person/night. After doing more research it seems that that is the cost for the lodges where you can trust that they’re supporting conservation, using ethical practices, giving back to the community, etc. it’s certainly possible to do it cheaper, but that piece was really important to me personally. The Cape Town/Winelands portion of our trip cost is tiny in comparison!

      • Anon

        I give you extra, unnecessary permission to feel great about spending money on your dream trip. I am also spending 5 figures, but it my spend is on dental work which is not covered by my dental insurance. What I am trying to say is that I encourage you to embrace all the joy of how you are choosing to spend your money.

    • Vicky Austin

      Yeah, I’m feeling the squeeze too. My husband picked up our grocery order the other day (I usually do) and sent me a picture captioned “THIS WAS $70???”

      Sigh. At the moment, I have no plan except to tighten up my meal planning.

    • Anon

      I think we all need to cut ourselves some slack right now. It’s the holidays. Everything is on sale and this is when I plan to splurge.I want to buy everything I need for my new apartment, clothing/accessories and gifts while still enjoying myself with a few dinners out with my SO. Then come January, it will be a completely different situation.

    • Sybil

      Ugh yes. I’ve felt extra broke the last few months and realized that I got too used to the child tax credit payment last year, and then early in the year we got bonuses, and between that extra money and inflation, it’s like I don’t remember how to spend within our normal budget. Next month is extra check month and I’m using that to catch up and then doing a very austere January.

    • Anon Elder Millennial

      Same! The yogurt we buy every week went from $6 to $12. Our usual takeout order went from $35 to $55. I used to be able to buy a pair of shoes if I wanted to on a whim, or a couple of hardcover books and not really notice it but now if I do that the credit card bill at the end of the month is scary. My cat has also been having health issues and the vet bills sting. I also increased retirement contributions to take advantage of the down market and while that’s good in the long term, my money isn’t going as far as it used to and this is making me FEEL broke (even though I’m definitely objectively not).

      I decided that I’m not shopping for anything that is not absolutely necessary for myself, and cutting back on take out, coffee out, lunches out as much as I can. The latter has been the biggest struggle because I’m just really tired and stressed from work and The State of The World. I also used to sometimes send laundry out when I was really stressed and I haven’t been doing that.

    • anon

      I feel like I’m spending money left and right. Basic things like gas and groceries are a lot higher than a year ago. We can absorb it, but it’s noticeable. A huge chunk of my family has fall birthdays, so my spending on gifts from September through December is significant. Work has been insane, so we’ve been relying more on shortcut meals, which add up after awhile. We’re not dining out much, but when we do, it’s awfully expensive and I’m not sure it’s really worth it.

      • Anne-on

        This. We have had 4 family birthdays between Sept-December PLUS Christmas shopping PLUS kid activities that shut down during covid are back up and running (omg I forgot the cost of doing karate PLUS swimming PLUS the after school program). And then takeout meals/groceries are just more expensive now (as is pet food/gas/heating bills/etc.). My credit card statements are eye wateringly high at the moment. Things will even out in the winter but UGH.

    • Anonymous

      I don’t feel broke. I am. I was already on a bad path and then have struggled with illness for months, which has affected my ability to work (and thus get paid). I am also in limbo as to whether I am getting a giant check from a client who may or may not pay. I am being stricter than usual about holiday spending, ruthlessly shopping (and purging) my closet for a few outfits I can rotate through the winter without hating my appearance, and prioritizing using up the backlog of food in my pantry and freezer (e.g., ate soup at home today even though I really wanted takeout because client lunch out was cancelled last minute). I have also promised myself I will work extra the next 3 months to (sort of) get back on track for 2023, but I am still sick, so we’ll see how that goes.

        • Anon

          You do realize that inflation is not a US-only issue right? In fact, the US is right in the middle of the G-20.

          • Anon

            Right? Not sure how it’s Biden’s fault that many European countries have higher inflation than the US.

          • Anon

            I don’t know why the Faux-News adherents can’t grasp this concept: inflation is a global issue right now; there is nothing the U.S. government can do to stop or mitigate it other than what they’re doing. It is worse other places and I feel fortunate not to be in Europe right now, facing unreal energy prices as winter sets in.

        • Anon

          It’s so confusing to me that people think the President controls the economy.

          Especially when the economy they inherit is the fault of the prior administration, apparently, but the current president himself cannot fix it. The contradiction of “they did it, I can’t undo any of it” is insane.

          • PolyD

            I mean, the solution (maybe) would be price controls and windfall profit taxes, but the people complaining about the current economy probably don’t want those.

        • Anon

          It’s always kind of shocking to me that republican voters don’t seem to understand the economy when they gripe constantly about the economy. You are aware that inflation is everywhere right now? I’m an American living in Europe and my grocery bill is sky high. Not only that, grocery stores have stopped stocking a lot of products (for example Uncle Ben’s flavored ready rice in the packet) because they too don’t want to pay for the markup. The reasons for this include the invasion of Ukraine and continued global supply chain issues because of the pandemic PLUS corporate greed – corporate profits are the highest they have been in decades. We have a global supply chain, a global economy, the US is not experiencing these things in isolation and it certainly isn’t able to dictate worldwide prices. If anything, the republican party of free reign for business is the LEAST likely to tackle high prices (or raise taxes on businesses to support the society as a whole with spending).

      • Anon

        Anon at 3:21 here – clarifying that I do not blame Biden or any politician for this! It’s not sustainable for my wallet but it’s a global issue that no one man can fix. And I overall think Biden has done a fantastic job as President! And I voted Blue for the whole ticket last week :)

    • Seafinch

      Oh, man. This Fall was absolutely brutal. I knew we would be pinched because we put in new windows and decided to cash manage the extra 10K we didn’t finance but then….orthodontics were $2500, then we got a cancellation to get in for a pyscho-educational assessment for my son which was an instant $3500 (both of which will eventually be reimbursed but not yet), then Hurricane Fiona repairs were $1200, and an ancient bill I have been begging for showed up finally a year late for $500, my mother couldn’t figure out how to turn the heat on upstairs, another $150 service call, the windows came unexpectedly without finished trim, $1000. We also got new jobs and new childcare arrangements since August which have impacted costs. Going back to office work is expensive and we have added a couple hundred of kilometers of driving a week when gas is through the roof. I feel like we are absolutely bleeding cash. And yes, groceries have almost doubled, we have three birthdays the six weeks before xmas….I just want to get over it. Our chequing account is running on fumes for the first time in years. I feel your pain!

    • Anon

      Ugh right there with you feeling VERY broke. Our last two credit card bills have been insane. A combination of some unexpected home repairs and paying for spring and summer travel. Hoping to stay on a very strict budget for the next six months and build up some cash reserves so we can hopefully relax a bit in the summer. Also trying to get more aggressive about playing the credit card points game so we can hopefully book our next couple of big trips points. We also get to stop paying for daycare this summer (woohoo!), which should help. But yeah… right now thing are a mess.

    • Anon

      Glad I’m not the only one. A whole bunch of things happened already this month – my phone broke and I had to go get a new phone (and I don’t finance my phone, so it was a $600 out-of-pocket expense); my son needed a bunch of new clothes all of a sudden as somehow everything got outgrown or worn out all at once; we needed a minor car repair; I’ve been having to do limited travel for work and our meal per diem isn’t sufficient to cover the good, fun restaurants I want to go to with my coworkers, so I’ve been coming out of pocket for work lunches and dinners, which I don’t usually do. I also somehow ran out of all my skincare AND all my vitamins AND all my hair products in the same two-week period (how the heck does that happen??) so restocking has been an Expense.

      This may sound weird but I am trying to rein things in starting with our food budget. I hate grocery shopping, and my inclination is to do big shops and not go again for 2-3 weeks, but then I have a tendency to buy too much of some things that then go bad and get thrown out, and it’s a waste of money (and food). I’m doing smaller shops more frequently and watching sales more closely, and that is helping. I also am on a project to cook through the frozen meat in our big freezer before buying any more.

      Takeout is a killer – the days of being able to feed three people a quick, cheap takeout meal for less than $40 seem to be in the past; it cost us $45 to get burgers and onion rings from Freddy’s the other night! So what we’re trying to do is just eat out once a week, at lunch on Saturday (when we’re out running errands or dealing with sports stuff anyway) and that’s it, and then when we eat out it we try to choose a place where we can take the other half of what we order home and have it for dinner or lunch the next day.

      As for other stuff – happy to read any other tips folks have. I know I can’t control the emergency stuff but I feel like I do need to do a re-examination of our habits, because doing what we’ve always done is costing us money I don’t want to spend.

    • Atlanta Attorney

      I have two strategies from our grad school days that I fall back on when things feel tight. The first is a 6 week spending diet, where we would buy only the absolute necessities and nothing else. We would do 6 weeks because that’s usually long enough to impact an entire credit card cycle no matter when you start. If there was something we wanted to buy but wasn’t an absolute necessity, we’d just write it down and refer to the list at the end of the 6 weeks (shocker – most of the time we didn’t want the item any more). For groceries we wouldn’t be ridiculous about limits what we were buying, but we absolutely used up all the odds and ends in our pantry and freezer, and did things like buying no red meat, lunches of scrambled eggs on toast, no buying wine if we ran out, etc. This is a super effective strategy for a reset but hard to do during the holidays when you have gift and other celebratory spending going on.

      So, the other really effective strategy we use is going to all-cash. Each week we would take an allocated amount out of the ATM, and that was it for the week. Only exception was gas, where pay at the pump is really a necessity. But everything else had to be paid for out of that cash. No on-line shopping, no grocery delivery. You have to go and get what you want, and pay in cash. This doesn’t prohibit non-essential spending, but sets a really firm budget for the week and you have to stick to it. By way of example, let’s say my weekly amount was $400. If I didn’t spend the whole amount I would still get another $400 out the next time, so one week I might spend $250 and the next week $550, but it was still just all cash. We would also do this one in a 6 week cycle.

    • Anon

      Yes!!! It’s nice to read these comments and not feel so alone. Everything is so expensive, and my husband and I in the middle of a pricey move (to a lower cost of living area, thank god). But it’s just a lot right now. Making some lifestyle changes but agree with others, it’s hard when the news is terrible and the budget is tight — where’s the outlet?!

    • Anon

      I have a bad habit of shopping for dopamine. Sometimes I go shopping because I need a little joy and buy something I don’t really need because the rush makes my brain sparkle. That is, until I looked around at my closet, and realized not only is it bloated but it’s not even giving me what I really need. I’ve found I get a similar ‘rush’ by selling the things I don’t wear secondhand on poshmark and craigslist. Money in instead of money out!

      The other hole in my budget is fun meals. I don’t like planning what I eat and want to be spontaneous every day. This leads to $30 here and there for ingredients for prawn curry (yesterday) or tacos (the day before yesterday). The best way I’ve managed to deal with this, because I am indeed basically unwilling to plan what I’m going to eat for the week, is to lean heavily on freezer and pantry items and reduce the amount of fresh produce I buy until the day I’m going to use it. So I stock frozen veg and beans and rice, but I don’t buy much else until I’m ready to cook. And to save whatever is leftover in the freezer, because I’m happy to eat leftovers – but probably not until 2 weeks later.

  4. Anon

    If I’m baking a turkey, is it realistic to also roast vegetables for Thanksgiving dinner? It seems like a hassle to juggle things that need to cook at different temperatures. Maybe they can cook while the turkey rests out of the oven.

    • anonshmanon

      I would preroast veggies the day before and reheat for dinner. But I’ve never cooked a turkey, how long do you rest it?

      • Anon

        Depends a lot on the size. We’ve always done small birds and they really don’t need more than 15-20 minutes of rest, so you have to get the veggies going before turkey is out of the oven. If you have a big bird it can rest for an hour and then you can just cook the veggies while it rests.

    • Nesprin

      How are your baking your turkey? and what veg are you planning to roast?

      if you’re doing the 325x 4 hrs type of roast, your veg will be either carmelized to glorious greasy mush (if root veg+ onions cooked under turkey) or can be kind of dried out.

      I like to do my turkeys 425 for 45 min -> 325 for 1.5 hrs- the 425 heat section makes for better roast root vegetables, but can overcook if you’re not watching carefully. (FYI Brussel sprouts also work really well at this temp)

      The other option of course is that roast root vegetables tend to reheat really well.

    • Anon

      Turkey rests for 30 minutes after cooking, you roast your veg then. Parboil or otherwise prep items that take a long time to roast.

    • Anne-on

      I roast veggies, and bake my stuffing and mac and cheese when my turkey comes out of the oven. I typically do a BIG bird (20-25lbs) so it easily rests for an hour and is still steaming hot when things come out of the oven (those sides take anywhere between 25-45 minutes). I have also served green beans (done stovetop) plus a green salad to start in lieu of roasted veggies. There is SO much soft/mushy food at thanksgiving that everyone really enjoyed a fresher/crunchier option (and that salad was SO easy – bed of arugula topped with beets, goat cheese, pistachios, drizzle of honey/salt/pepper/flavorful oil over top).

  5. Z

    I’m new to buying nice knitted sweaters and would like to know more about pilling. I recently bought a cable knit sweater from Aritzia that was about $100 (55% wool, 20% cotton, 25% nylon). I’ve worn it probably 3 times for a few of hours at a time and haven’t washed it yet (t-shirt worn underneath, its a little itchy).
    It is starting to pill under the arms where it rubs against the body, is it normal to have this happen so soon? Does this mean the sweater is actually pretty poor quality? Do I need to get a fabric shaver? Do you have any methods to prevent sweaters from pilling?

    • Anonymous

      The propensity for pilling primarily relates to the kind of fiber involved in the yarn, how the yarn is spun and plied, and then how tightly it is knitted together. Handknits pill, so it doesn’t necessarily mean the yarn is low quality or the sweater is poorly made. It’s really hard to predict what is going to pill, especially when you are buying a fine-gauge sweater since you can’t really see how the yarn is constructed, but in my experience cotton-wool blends tend to be pilly, maybe because the fibers behave very differently (wool is naturally elastic; cotton isn’t). Cashmere is a super short fiber so is always likely to pill, or at least get a fuzzy halo, as the fibers can escape from almost any yarn really easily. Yarn that is not plied or loosely plied tends to pill easily as the fiber can escape from the yarn, loosely knit garments are also more vulnerable. Different kinds of sheep create different lengths of wool fibers, so there’s no blanket rule for wool, but if you know your sweater is made of Icelandic wool, for example, it will likely be more durable (but also itchy). Alpaca and mohair are generally longer fibers, but they also come in different varieties. I personally never have good luck with sweaters made with rayon or acrylic, but since both are man made, I assume it is probably possible to construct amore pill-resistant yarns made from both. Nylon tends to be indestructible. This is a good brief overview written for hand-knitters: https://www.likeitssunday.com/blogs/news/choosing-yarn-that-wont-pill

      TL/DR – You do just need some kind of pill removing device, either a comb, stone, or shaver.

    • Anon

      It’s a consequence of the yarn they chose, not the construction, so not necessarily an indicator of quality. Friction points like under arms and shoulder (if you drive a lot or carry a backpack/purse) will be the first to pill if it’s going to happen. Unfortunately, you don’t really know how a yarn is going to perform until it’s in use as a garment, outside of a few assumptions like “non-superwash wool will felt if you’re not careful”. Pilling is hard to predict and can happen with both natural and manmade fibers.

    • Anon

      Agree with anonymous. For me, and I’m a knitter, anything that feels fuzzy or has a halo – the stuff you want to pet- is going to develop wear pills immediately. At the sides and under the arms. Where it rubs your pants or coat. All those places. Pilling has to do with how many little ends are sticking out, and those ends turn into pills when they rub together.

      If you like fuzzy cuddly sweaters, and I do too, you’re going to have to de-pill, and also just accept some pills as a fact of life.

      It’s all going to pill, even the smoothest, most tightly knit long-staple merino wool, but the fuzzy stuff is going to pill more.

      And in my personal experience, blends with wool, like cashmere/silk/merino or silk/cotton, pill the worst.

      (Omg that was the most epic battle with autocorrect, who is sure I’m talking about pulling or polling.)

    • Smokey

      Buy a fabric shaver, the battery operated kind. They are inexpensive and will make your sweater look like new.

  6. Anonymous

    Do you have flavors or ingredients that are YOUR ingredients – things you always order on a menu if they’re there or want to try a recipe if it exists? Mine are lemon, olives, and artichokes… (maybe we could all share recipes for people’s favorite flavors if something aligns?)

    • Vicky Austin

      Lemon desserts whenever I see them! I am still mourning that Sonic drive-ins never featured the Lemon Pie shake after the spring/summer of 2015. (To be fair, that was a magical time in my life, but still!)

    • Anonymous

      Anything with arugula, I love it! Also, dark chocolate or citrus-based desserts.

    • South American girl

      I love this! Mine are goat cheese, duck, oranges and artichokes, too. My favorite pizza place has a burrata and prosciutto one, topped with lemon zest, that might be up your alley, the lemon adds a wonderful new layer of flavour.

    • Cat

      jalapeno-pineapple (everything from mojitos to pizza)
      olive and feta (bonus if lemon involved)
      dessert – almond-coconut

    • Anon

      Team Lemon here. Lemon desserts, lemon savory dishes, lemon anything except–lemonade, which I cannot stand.

      Greek Chicken Meatballs in Lemon Cream Sauce from little spice jar is my favorite weeknight dinner. My family like it also, but not as much as I do.

    • Anon

      Usually in the summer, but I will order anything that combines lemon and raspberry. And I’m usually a chocoholic.

      I will also order risotto over anything else. Once I see it on a menu, I’m a goner. I make risotto at home a lot, too, but I still need to try everyone else’s.

    • Anon

      I never noticed until my now-husband started calling things [my name] meals based solely on their ingredients. For me, I’m mostly vegetarian out of preference, so its things that have lots of veggies, usually roasted, and/or beans. Specifically anything with cauliflower and/or chickpeas.

    • Anne-on

      Any desserts that involve lemon, berries, or custard (I don’t love chocolate). I will almost always order shrimp and grits if it’s on a menu as it’s not available very often up north and I adore it. Ditto with soft pretzels (ideally with beer cheese!), chopped/whipped chicken livers, smoked fish salad or a relish tray.
      I love smitten kitchen’s recipes as her Russian/Jewish/East coast palate echos what I grew up eating but I don’t have access to many of those family recipes so her blog has been great for me to start to learn to make/recreate them at home.

    • MagicUnicorn

      Ooo, this is an interesting question.

      I love smoky paprika, beets, cheese, and anything that showcases bitter chocolate. Probably not all together in one dish, but I’m not totally opposed to trying that combo!

    • Anonymous

      Sage, brown butter, and butternut squash or pumpkin pasta of any sort. That’s my jam. I don’t care that it’s basic.

    • Anon

      Balsamic, goat cheese, lime or lemon (love them both, but they’re usually in different types of dishes).

      For desserts, whatever is fruity and/or custardy.

      For cocktails, definitely lime. For wine, only order Cabernet Sauvignon or bubbly. But, I’m still most likely to get a light beer.

    • anon

      Lemon desserts always and 4eva
      Olive
      halloumi
      roasted veggies
      Really anything that has a greek or mediterranean flavor profile

    • Anonymous

      Basically anything that is heavy on ginger (from a drink to main dish to dessert).

      For desserts, anything lemon.

    • Gail the Goldfish

      Duck. Like I forget I like it because I would never cook it at home (I don’t even know where I would find it), but if it’s on a menu, I remember and have to order it. Also lamb, and anything that has balsamic vinegar in it.

    • Anon

      Lemon, parsley, chickpeas, garlic!

      Also I will never say no to a bolognese at a nice pasta place.

    • Auburn

      My weakness is passion fruit. Cocktails with passion fruit AND egg white? I’m in heaven.

    • Anon

      I would add “capers” to your list of lemon, olives, and artichokes.

      There are a number of things I just don’t cook at home that I crave at restaurants. Tripe (e.g., in menudo, or Chinese hotpot). Bone-in fish. Maybe this is a list of “things that would stink up my kitchen”?

    • In a restaurant, I always pay extra attention if there's....

      I’m always interested if there’s
      Poached egg, squid, game, mushrooms or scallops
      Kale, thai basil, ginger, chili, avocado and coriander
      Cloudberries, rhubarb or blackberries

    • Anon

      I am obsessed with lemon in savory dishes (cream sauces, on pizza, on sushi) but don’t typically go for lemon desserts. My other “will definitely order this” ingredients are mushrooms, coconut, rhubarb, dill, and pecans.

  7. Anonymous

    Those of you who have had Covid recently — what helped and what was your experience? I’m on day 5. My symptoms have been relatively mild except for the fatigue and brain fog. I feel like I should work so I’m not so behind but the brain fog is an issue. My partner (who thankfully is not exposed because he is out of town) keeps telling me to rest so I’ll heal. What helped you?

    • Cat

      Sleep 100%, and guafenisen (sp) – the expectorant ingredient in Mucinex. Fortunately my experience was short lived and I felt normal again by day 6.

    • pugsnbourbon

      We had friends get it recently and the only thing that helped was rest.

    • Anonymous

      The physician assistant I spoke with in a telemedicine visit the last time I had covid suggested lots of hydration, particularly Liquid IV powdered drink mix. She said there’s a lot of inflammation with covid infection, and that would help with it. Also, rest and healthy meals. I got curbside grocery pickup at the tail end of my covid isolation, and having healthier choices like pre-chopped veggies, fresh fruit, pre-made soups, and rotisserie chicken was helpful when I had fatigue and didn’t want to cook or prep meals. Wishing you a quick recovery!

    • Anon

      Dr. Mom here prescribes sunshine for brain fog. I have no idea whether there is a scientific basis for it. One of my daughters had two major surgeries about a month apart and had a hard time shaking the post-anesthesia brain fog from the second until I ordered her, from half-way across the country, to sit by her pool. Coincidence, probably, but ya’ know, a little natural light never hurt anybody.

      • Anon

        It’s probably the Vitamin D. I’ve had similar effects from Vitamin D supplements.

    • Anon

      Rest! COVID recovery is not like a cold or flu you really do need a lot more rest.

    • Anon

      Lately they’ve been saying Paxlovid cuts long COVID risk a bit (because of some pre-print study). I know not everyone can take it though.

    • nuqotw

      Sleep sleep sleep. I had very mild symptoms except for my desire and ability to fall asleep pretty much anywhere.

    • Anon

      Definitely sleep!

      I got it for the first time 3 weeks ago and I’m still sleeping a ton and often feel tired (and still some brain fog).

    • Anon

      Paxlovid. I tried to muscle through, but when my boss said I looked awful and needed to call my Dr. (on a Zoom meeting and I always look like hell on Zoom, so the bar is very low) I realized it was probably worse than I thought. Anywho, the meds took the edge off within about 6 hours and I was much better within 24. The only side effect was a nasty metallic taste for several hours immediately after taking the medication.
      I sounded like an old chain smoker for a week or so. Other than the meds, humidity helped the most. I was lucky (as lucky as one can be while getting COVID) that I got sick in June, so during the worst of it, just stepping outside to breathe the muggy air was helpful.

    • anon

      I had covid back in September, which was also a really busy time for me at work. had to keep working at least 10 hour days. My symptoms were like yours — a little cough/congestion, but mostly fatigue and brain fog. I’d suggest resting. I did “get over” covid, and my busy period ended about 3 weeks after I tested negative, but I had awful, awful brain fog and fatigue once that period ended. It’s been over a month, and I’m still not 100% or anywhere close. Still having brain fog and I crash hard some where between 5-9 pm. It’s not good. I don’t know that more rest during covid would have helped, and I don’t know that this is due to covid alone. That said, I don’t think it’s worth risking a longer recovery by not resting.

    • Anon

      I had it this past summer and on the advice of my pharmacist relative, who works in a university hospital, I took 5 mg of melatonin a night for four nights, to help me sleep and because there’s some (limited) evidence that melatonin can help with Covid recovery. I also drank one Emergen-C packet in water a day, and in general, tried to drink a lot of fluids (green tea with honey was a fave beverage). I tried to get some outside time every day, but did not exercise for two weeks (even just going for a walk) because I was so wiped out. I drank a lot of homemade smoothies vs. eating because my throat was sore/irritated, but the vitamins in the smoothies also likely helped.

      Honestly, as others are saying, rest is the best medicine. I also did not get very symptomatic – I have had bad colds that were worse – but Covid did something to my body I had not experienced before; it’s hard to describe but I just felt like it attacked my immune system at some fundamental level that was really profound, and it took my body awhile to recalibrate itself. And I was fully vaxxed and boosted when I got it, so I don’t know how it would have been if I hadn’t been vaccinated.

      • Anon

        Yes, melatonin is a good idea. It has anti-inflammatory properties. I haven’t had Covid yet but have taken it when I’ve had other viruses and it seems to help.

  8. cooking for one

    What is your favorite shakshouka recipe?

    I’ve never had it. It looks wonderful. Hoping it will be a great easy dish to add to my rotation. Since I will be cooking just for myself, I hope that it re-heats well…. not sure if eggs do well reheating….

    • Anon

      You can make the sauce ahead of time and then use a smaller pan to poach your 2 or so eggs in the sauce. No need to cook a whole large pan at once.

      • Vicky Austin

        I’m going to try this next time. Even cooking for two we usually have leftovers, but reheating them yields eggs cooked within an inch of their lives which I hhhate. Thanks Anon.

    • Anonymous

      I don’t think eggs do reheat well, unfortunately. I would only cook as many eggs as you’ll be eating in one sitting, and then save leftover sauce to cook later with new eggs.

    • South American girl

      I don’t follow any recipes, but I like a chunky sauce. I sauteé some cherry tomatoes in the pan before making the actual sauce and add them right after the eggs, for different textures. Also, use different spices, not just pepper. Paprica (essential imho), cumin, cinnamon… (and cilantro, but I don’t think that is traditional). And break your eggs in a separate bowl and add them at the same time for even cooking. I find the time it takes to break the second one makes a difference. Agreed that it’s a perfect use for pre-made (home made) sauce.

    • Anon

      My son (teen who’s into cooking) made it himself once, then made it with a jar of shakshouka sauce and the jar was pretty much just as good. In case that’s an option for you. It’s like jarred pasta sauce – I don’t see a ton of benefit in making my own marinara when Rao’s exists.

    • Anonymous

      Ottolenghi. Personally I love his green version because I have to have green vegetables with every meal but red is also excellent.

    • Deedee

      This is not shakshouka but a twist: Smitten Kitchen Eggs in Purgatory. Divine with garlic bread and a salad or roasted veg for brunch, lunch, or dinner!

    • Lots to Learn

      The recipe from Cookie & Kate (on the website). Foolproof and we make it frequently.

  9. Anonymous

    What is the least gross whey based protein powder? I prefer to minimize artificial sweetener but it’s hard to avoid. I’d like to add more protein via shakes and find I struggle to digest pea protein but know I can manage whey. (Also adding protein other ways so don’t need recs for that.)

    • Anonymous

      Try the ones from Clean Simple Eats, perhaps? Lots of flavors and you can buy small sizes. I use those, Optimum vanilla (big black bag at costco), and have used Premium Protein powder (chocolate) in the past – they’re all OK but I have to switch it up. Did not like Alanu Nu but I got confetti or birthday cake something. I switch to powdered peanut butter when I can’t do those anymore. I’ve also heard that Quest has an unflavored one (it’s on the river site).

    • Anonymous

      I am 100% with you on the sweetened and flavored products. Total no-go for me. I buy grass-fed, unflavored, unsweetened whey protein powder from Amazon. There are a few to choose from and I’ve not been able to tell the difference in a smoothie or overnight oats, the two ways I use the product.

    • KL

      I have been using the Orgain vanilla whey protein for years and love it. They routinely run 35% off discounts, so it ends up being relatively inexpensive.

    • anon

      I find a dab of peanut butter added takes away the chalky protein powder taste, especially if you use chocolate flavored.

    • cooking for one

      Honestly, I buy the big bags from Costco when they are on sale, as it gets pricey! Optimum Nutrition gold standard whey protein usually.

      What are you planning to mix it with? I just started upping my protein game too and the vanilla flavor works fine in my classic fruit smoothie (banana/blueberries/mango/greek yogurt/non-fat milk). For me 1 scoop per shake, and I usually only drink half a shake per day.

      When I was making really high protein/high calorie shakes for an elderly relative, using the chocolate flavor worked well for the chocolate protein powder/peanut+almond butter/ensure or premier protein/yogurt/ banana +/- coffee concentrate.

    • Anon

      Optimum nutrition gold standard, but only in the double rich chocolate flavor. It’s barely sweetened at all, and the only one that I can tolerate. All of the other flavors are super sweet, same as every other protein powder I’ve tried. Also, if you look at the ingredients, it doesn’t have a lot of junk. It’s mostly just the whey protein.

  10. Anon

    Does anyone else lose concentration towards the end of the day in the office because all you want to do is rip off your bra? I’ve done ABTF and I know I’m wearing the right size, but I have a big chest and just cannot stand wearing a bra. I literally want to go home just so I can take it off.

    • Anon

      What is the thing that you replace it with? My larger friends insist that the only thing worse than some bras is not having any. In sweater weather, I think you can get away with whatever comfy thing you wear at home and it won’t look weird.

      • Anon

        You mean what do I replace it with at home? Nothing, I usually wear a loose tank top with a sweatshirt or bathrobe over it.

        • Anon

          Got it — I can’t do that — my girls need support (but of the soft, stretchy variety). Too many stairs in my house to go without.

    • No Face

      That end of the day pain is real. But I got a breast reduction and now I’m freeeeeeeeee from the tyranny of my heavy jugs. Everything is so much easier.

      Can you leave your less intensive work for the end of the day?

      • Anon

        I have thought about this! I also have severe cyclic breast pain that doctors have been trying to treat for years but nothing helps. Their final suggestion was to see a breast surgeon and look into having some tissue removed, with the thought process that less tissue overall = less tissue to become inflamed every month. I’m just scared to have surgery.

        • Anon

          Years ago, I heard from a specialist that a very high fibre diet, a LOT of water, more fibre, and no coffee can ameliorate the pain.

          Ignore if you have already tried this.

          • Anonymous

            I got the same no coffee advice, but mine started many years before I started drinking coffee and is not any different now that I do drink coffee.

        • No Face

          Go see a board certified plastic surgeon ASAP! It is an outpatient surgery nowadays. I stood up, put on my own clothes, and walked out the door within a few hours of arrival! I was back at work the next week. I cannot recommend it enough.

    • Anonymous

      I often pack a bralette when I’m traveling so I can change into it for the trip home — maybe do that for your workday?

    • Anon

      Yes, the more tired I am, the more uncomfortable my bra is. Same with me about well fitting bras and my boobs aren’t massive.

    • Worried

      I find that by the end of the day, the combo of slight swelling/ bloating of body, combined with the wires shifting from all the movement at work, makes me want to take off the bra too. It doesn’t feel the same way it did in the morning!
      I have a non wired sleep bra from bravissimo that fits well, and I occasionally wear it out on weekends for a short walk— I have never before worn a non wired bra for walks, as I’m on the larger side. However with weight loss in my bust coinciding with better non wired options, I may phone bravissimo or do a zoom fitting for a non wired bra that fits similarly. I have always worn underwire bras to work, but I’m thinking in the winter, there may be more flexibility for a non wired under a sweater— I’m just not brave enough to try this yet.

  11. Anne-on

    PSA to anyone who was stalking Soia & Kyo or Mackage for a winter jacket – they’ve both launched their ‘private’ sales via email – it seems like things are marked down between 20-40%.

  12. Anon

    I think I’m the last to know this, but just in case anyone else missed the memo… health insurance will reimburse Covid test purchases dating back to Jan 15, 2022, including the pricey eMed tests people bought for international travel when that was still a requirement. It’s 8 tests per person per month so a family of 4 could reimburse 32 tests/month. We spent an insane amount of money on tests when my husband had Covid in August (took him two weeks to test negative, plus everyone else in our family was testing regularly) and between that and the eMed tests we bought for travel, I just got an insurance reimbursement for over $1k! Definitely helps with the end of year/holiday spending sting.

    • anonshmanon

      adding to this that if you are with Kaiser, it couldn’t be easier to order tests through their website. You order 4 at a time and you just put the address and they ship it.

    • Curious

      Thank you for the reminder to get a bunch more (and refill two prescriptions while I’m at it)!

  13. Anonymous

    I have a high-risk family member and have been limiting my socializing to a very low minimum. I spent time in close quarters with somebody on Friday who developed mild symptoms on Sunday, but didn’t test positive for Covid until today. I just tested negative and no symptoms. What do I do about my lunch plans for tomorrow?

    • Anon

      Your risk is low. Disclose the situation to whoever you’re having lunch with and do what they feel comfortable with. If they’re comfortable, test tomorrow morning and don’t go if you test positive, obviously. But if you’re testing negative and your lunch companion is good with it, I think you’re good to go.

    • Anon

      tell your high risk person and ask what they’re comfortable with. is your lunch with the high risk person?
      honestly at this point I assume everyone is possibly exposed. they may be comfortable with you testing before lunch or wearing a mask or sitting at a long table.

    • Cat

      I would disclose and ask your lunch companion decide whether they’re worried about it or not. I would offer to test again in the morning.

    • MagicUnicorn

      What everyone else said already, and also, if you have any symptoms at all even with a negative test, bow out of lunch.

  14. MeHa

    I have to give my boss some very bad news next week. A study we commissioned has really bad results. It goes against every other data point we have.
    How do I get anything else done while their is all I can think about? Suggestions please.

    • Anon

      I tend to check the work a few times per day to see if something was wrong. After checking it, my stress drops enough that I can convince myself that it is what it is and work on other things. Then, I stress again and check it again and the cycle repeats.

    • Anonymous

      My father in law (who ran multiple different 300+ person organizations for decades) has a phrase – “Good News Keeps.” Meaning, good news can wait, but bad news… bad news I need to know right now so we can develop a plan to fix it/stop the bleeding/brainstorm the messaging.

      My question – why do you have to wait for next week? Delivering bad news sux AND it seems like this is something you might want to strategize about sooner than later.

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