Steffani Cameron

Words for hire. Canadian, so… funny-ish? West Coast. Foodie. Oxford commas are a hill I’ll die on. Traveller. Anti-Nazi, pro-science.

In 2015, I sold everything to travel the world for over 4 years. I stopped 3 months before the pandemic. 25 countries in the Before Times? Worth it.

I share photography, tasty things, & cooking tips. I'm also political, left-leaning. Victoria, Canada.

And I swear. A lot.

#politics #yyj #travel #food #cooking #writing #writer #photography #canadian

Public Key

npub1zc6gweftz57ff4mtmducr6x60w2f6trmqsvsxeng8483n4z5hv9s83kj9v

NIP-05 Address

snarkysteff_at_mastodon.online@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqspvdy8v54320y56a4ak7vpard8h9ya93asgxgrve5r6nce632tkzcprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wdmksetjv5hxxmmdqyghwumn8ghj7mn0wd68yv339e3k7mgqah5h4

Publishing to

relay.noswhere.com

nostr21.com

relay.nostr.band

Author Public Key

npub1zc6gweftz57ff4mtmducr6x60w2f6trmqsvsxeng8483n4z5hv9s83kj9v

Show more details

Last Notes

2024-08-25 01:56:31

I fucking loved the DNC this week. I'm bummed it's over. I wrote a long post about it, including links for a dozen or so speeches you can watch, if you've missed them.
I've always liked the DNC, but this is the first time it's truly moved me. #dnc #kamalaharris
https://open.substack.com/pub/nomadnomore/p/dnc-2024-and-the-emotional-hangover

2024-07-28 21:00:43

- reply

@npub1ezl…22vy Ha, noted. Okay. So, sounds like they're more of the boy band kinda genre than an actual rock band?

2024-07-28 19:35:17

- reply

@npub1ezl…22vy okay, so, i listen to ONE SONG by them, what one do I listen to that makes me go "why are these guys so underappreciated?"
what song?

2024-07-28 18:30:32

The more stuff I’m diving into, the more fun Spotify’s random songs are proving to be. Finding some classics from my youth.
Ain’t listened to Ned’s Atomic Dustbin in a long, long time.

2024-07-28 03:20:45

There’s a kid at the beach in her jammies. 😂
I remember being 3-4 and the folks deciding the compromise between us getting to bed at a decent hour and then having a life was us being in pajamas so we could be summarily plonked into bed at night’s end.

2024-07-27 22:34:44

Kinda disappeared after surgery, huh? Kinda felt like I got my life back. I definitely pulled back from social media in general.
Been walking a ton. Cooking.
Tackling long-neglected projects. Rediscovering myself, really.
And one thing I’m finally doing is writing.
I love writing, being a writer, and having writer’s block is the most soul-crushing thing ever.
Also? Fell in love with music again.
I enjoyed writing this. I hope you enjoy it too.
https://nomadnomore.substack.com/p/on-finding-oneself-between-the-beats

2024-04-28 05:00:38

Hey, #glutenfree people, this is getting shared in my Facebook group and looks incredible. Apparently there are some dairy free suggestions too.
But ooh, it looks great. #food #gf
https://theloopywhisk.com/2024/03/26/gluten-free-chocolate-babka/

2024-04-04 19:23:07

If YOU want to buy ESTABLISHED PLANTS so you have a plug-&-play garden with less of a learning curve, then go you!
You buy that shit, man! Plant those plants!
Insta-food-garden? Fuck, yeah!
Don't you let ANYONE shame you for taking shortcuts that get you planting & growing your food. However you get that hobby started, let it empower you!
These "plant seeds, not seedlings" people are HARMING the grow-your-own-food culture.
Whatever gets you gardening is a beautiful thing. Just grow it.

2024-04-03 19:20:00

Learned a new trick that's apparently an ancient Mexican trick for cooking tamales:
Put river rocks in the steaming water.
This way, as your tamales (or whatever) steams, the clattering of the rocks tells you there's still enough water for the job.
When the rocks stop rattling, you've run out of water and things will burn soon.
I know I'll be throwing some rocks in the dishwasher for this little hack!
#food

2024-03-29 18:36:54

- reply

@npub1wq9…w3rr oh, come on. Ha. :)

2024-03-12 11:11:36

Eric Carmen died. I want it on record that his is the best version of All By Myself, not just because he wrote it, but because he clearly felt it when he recorded it.
Hell of a songwriter. And I’ll always love “Make Me Lose Control.”

2024-03-09 19:03:24

So, I’m taking a break from writing for a living because I’m & burnt out & I want to focus on me.
But I was asked by an editor to write this.
I’m not a fan of this title. “Small changes” makes it sound easy but it is an entire lifestyle change that I kept expanding on over the course of 4 years. Year 1, I lost 35 pounds, next year was 30 pounds. Then 25, & last year was 20 pounds.
So, clearly staying consistent pays off, with mindful changes.
Anyhoo. Words for you!
https://www.eatingwell.com/how-i-lost-110-pounds-8606674

2024-02-18 19:52:13

So last night I made my first great gluten-free bread and I’m shocked it’s such a “real bread” experience. Soft, airy, spongy, toasts well.
The recipe is from a Facebook group, and is brown rice, sorghum, tapioca, potato, and cornstarch. My allergies mean I doubled the potato starch and nixed the corn — so, potato is the dominant ingredient here.
I made my first sandwich and got emotional about it because I wasn’t sure I’d ever love sandwiches again. But… yay. 🤗🥹#food #glutenfree
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/954/216/726/493/712/original/d3efa12398595674.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/954/216/870/987/420/original/4b07abf25f4460b1.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/954/216/913/481/417/original/d2b42aed759d58c8.jpeg

2024-02-09 12:18:28

This is crazy.
A deer defends a bunny from a hawk attack — and then goes mental and apparently kills the hawk.
I’ve never seen something like this before. Apparently deer will respond if they hear a human baby crying, etc, so it’s possible something in the rabbit’s cries just triggered the deer.
https://youtu.be/T3daEXYe19g

2024-02-08 05:15:19

Turning my first loaf of failed gluten free bread into bread crumbs.
Always turn failed bread into bread crumbs. Make schnitzel, be happy.

2024-02-06 23:45:22

A complete stranger took my Kitchenaid mixer on, fixed it, and delivered it back to me, all for a $20 tube of degreaser and some thanks.
Repair Cafes are amazing, and they're all around the world -- look in your community for a Repair Cafe for things you can't fix.
I'm so thrilled. It was a gift from my stepmom and my brother did an idiotic job of packing it when he shipped it to me, which broke shit.
Dude not only repaired things, but fabricated a new knob for me.
Most humans are good.

2024-02-06 20:37:27

Smart toothbrushes got hacked. TOOTHBRUSHES.
Jesus, just because it CAN be a smart device doesn't mean you should USE it.
Every smart device you own is another point of vulnerability in your life.
I have trust issues. I prefer not-smart.
https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/three-million-malware-infected-smart-toothbrushes-used-in-swiss-ddos-attacks-botnet-causes-millions-of-euros-in-damages

2024-02-05 18:00:52

I am slowly reaching burnout phase on social media. There are so many angry people all the time. On every platform.
And then there are always-online-people who feel the need to engage constantly when maybe they should dial that back.
God knows I have a bucket of online faults and flaws, but it all comes back to just being online too much.
Between now and the end of the year, I’m gonna try to get the fuck off the internet a lot more. There isn’t much that’s healthy about this these days.

2024-02-03 20:04:19

Some dude on Bluesky is telling me that the movie Rocky, in 1976, was:
“…a purely formulaic underdog story for the masses portrayed by the simplest of antagonists - boxers. Lower and middle classes could relate to the theme, were inspired and moved by it.“
Buddy, it wasn’t formulaic •50 years ago•.
It took the underdog story to a place it had never really gone to. It CREATED the genre.
It’s like calling 48 Hrs just another buddy cop movie WHEN IT WAS THE FIRST ONE to be a success.

2024-01-31 21:06:19

- reply

@npub1c5l…llq0 Here's hoping. I would love to see BC get in the landlord business and open up 10,000+ units of non-market housing throughout the province. We really need radical new housing ideas that are already successful in the rest of the world.

2024-01-29 04:14:39

- reply

@npub1cfr…8g0l it’s only a harmless rock if you don’t get in its way. Geese, on the other hand, will find you. I see your point but still.

2024-01-29 02:34:40

“How large is it?”
“Well, sir, I’ll put it to you in relatable terms — it has the girth of 64 Canadian geese.”
“THAT BIG?”
“Indeed. Perhaps — I say this cautiously — as many as 68.”
“Alert the media.”
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/836/892/912/561/808/original/ea0ccc86571df77d.jpeg

2024-01-16 19:20:20

Significant weather migraine. Might be getting that big snow dump here in Victoria.
I wouldn’t mind if we did.
Later, a trek for smoked turkey legs & a couple groceries pre-storm. I don’t need much.
I’ve never used smoked turkey legs, they’re not common here. I’m excited to discover why they’re so popular in southern US communities, particularly Black chefs.
They’ll keep fine in the freezer. They’re on for 2 for 1! Love me a post-holiday turkey sale.

2024-01-13 00:46:16

Making something outside my comfort zone (because cabbage) but hey, let's go!
If you're into cabbage and meat and Mexican flavours, this stew from New Mexico might fit the bill.
https://farmersmarketsnm.org/recipes/new-mexican-cabbage-stew/

2024-01-12 00:22:52

- reply

@npub16a3…9dah That's because the rest of the country are ignorant of how icy that tiny dusting of snow gets and how hilly Vancouver is. It's a completely different beast.
Just like how they laugh at us for windchill warnings and shit, but I was at the beach a few days ago in PLUS NINE C and 70km winds and I told a guy "Bundle up, it's cold by the water" as he got out of his car, and he was like "You ain't kidding! I'm from Ottawa and this is a DIFFERENT kind of cold! I feel it right in the bones."

2024-01-12 00:08:57

My next door neighbours are from Brazil and only moved to Canada in early 2023 and have never seen snow. I can’t wait to see them enjoying it. 🇨🇦❤️

2024-01-10 05:24:43

- reply

@npub16a3…9dah I think it is a shelf cloud. It’s a specific kind of cloud. It’s obviously a storm cloud.

2024-01-10 05:16:15

Neat storm ledge-y cloud-y thingie here. (Obviously the correct term escapes me, but I know a rain front when I see one!)
The worst of the storm is over now. This was its last hurrah.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/729/949/212/248/971/original/f4700a28f86959cb.jpeg

2024-01-07 18:53:27

If you’re on the west coast, you should be winterizing all your hoses, etc, today, because the new temperature forecast for next weekend is harrowingly cold.
This is the map from my buddy in the Canadian Coast Guard. It might be -15 in Victoria by the weekend — as well as Seattle, Vancouver, etc. and the snow is coming too.
Get ready today.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/716/175/046/290/533/original/d33dedf7e034d14d.jpeg

2024-01-03 06:16:51

- reply

@npub13k2…tw0p COVID?

2024-01-03 05:49:27

- reply

@npub13k2…tw0p the book, which I got on kindle, has her various flour blends for specific things like fresh pasta and dumplings. Her instagrams of them look insane. Very inspiring. The judges on Masterchef, one was Italian, said they’d never had such good gf pasta.

2024-01-03 05:31:32

- reply

@npub13k2…tw0p sigh! I love that bread. Yeah, there is a woman who was on Australia Masterchef who was celiac and her stuff was incredible. She now has a book, but it’s only in Australia, except for Kindle, so I ordered the Kindle. Has a pasta and bread recipe I’m keen to try.
But flour tortillas, I was gonna try this recipe —
How do you do them with cassava flour?
https://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/gluten-free-flour-tortillas/

2024-01-03 05:12:44

- reply

@npub13k2…tw0p I am going gluten and dairy free to see if it helps with some persistent health issues. Hard decision to make but I’m treating it like a challenge. I just need to find and learn the good recipes for about 5 things.
Already got pancakes and waffles sorted. Need a good “flour” tortilla, a bread, and a pasta recipe. And the time to do it, but I might have that sooner than later.

2024-01-03 03:22:04

I made tostadas again. This whole gluten/dairy-free thing might work out okay with awesome tostadas like this as a fallback.
Base: Spicy avocado/tomatillo mash, then spiced beef, cabbage, pico de gallo, and tomatillo salsa. Homemade tortillas I just crisped up with some oil in the oven on a tray.
I honestly think the crunch of the tostada makes you go I AM BEHAVING BADLY even though this is an incredibly healthy meal with just 2 tablespoons beef on each. #cooking #food
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/689/854/657/121/241/original/7e6bd646feaf4f30.jpeg

2023-12-26 01:49:16

Someone on Facebook chastised me for using 100% lard in my pie crust yesterday.
If your idea of being helpful is pointing out to people that they are, in fact, INDULGING on the most indulgent day of the year:
You were the wienie hall monitor in school, weren’t you?
“You” rhetorically, of course. Because what I really mean is dickweed back there in the Facebook comments. I mean, no one likes you, dude.

2023-12-24 00:28:34

Recipe: “Drain off excess fat.”
Me: What is this ‘excess fat’ you speak of?
#cooking #holidays #flavah

2023-12-22 16:35:34

I am a notoriously bad sleeper who rarely sleeps 3 hours in a row, but I got 4.5 hours uninterrupted, nearly 7 total, after rejecting that job yesterday.
Feels like I made the right choice.

2023-12-21 21:58:03

- reply

@npub1zxu…83gs it’s not privileged, I’m quite nervous about making ends meet, but I also have a promising second interview lined up elsewhere in 2 weeks, and I’m currently employed, but underpaid and maxed out in debt. But more privileged than some.
But I know what it’s like to get trapped in a job and can’t do that to myself.

2023-12-21 21:48:16

Turned down a job today despite looking for one for so long. It’s been 6 weeks invested, emotionally.
I felt it would be detrimental to my mental & physical health. Bad hours, crammed office, in-office full time, & no guarantee of renewal after 6 months, plus if I was, it’d likely be for highly erratic hours anywhere from 3:30am to midnight, 7 days a week.
The money is good.
The price is not.
So I said no. Here’s hoping there’s a better option around the corner.
And here’s to boundaries.

2023-11-25 02:58:05

Steak and potatoes tonight. Harissa mayo, homestyle air fryer “fries,” and the last of my homegrown tomatoes.
Striploin, medium-rare. Cast iron, and basted with butter as it rested. How to make a $6 steak eat like $30. Seasoned heavily with salt and pepper. #food #cooking #steak
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/468/934/220/486/187/original/c357e89f7fed3be3.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/468/934/465/732/184/original/e1461b98be7f8e53.jpeg

2023-11-22 02:39:33

- reply

Tastes fine to me. :)
That’s my annual turkey envy-in-November scenario sorted out then. Go ahead and eat your turkeys, Americans! #backwardchicken #food
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/451/873/936/766/419/original/9ad0b1a243140e28.jpeg

2023-11-22 01:21:46

This is what happens when you smoke a joint before spatchcocking your chicken.
We’ll see how it goes. (It’s supposed to be done along the backbone but I plunged the knife into its breast bone and realized as I was making the fatal flaw but I had to continue at that point.)
It’s brined well and that should make it tasty anyhow. #food #cooking
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/451/572/703/467/497/original/723861863f4419ab.jpeg

2023-11-19 01:30:34

Baking a tray of granola. It’s a tester. (I have made it before, already tweaked.)
Gonna be my Christmas presents this year. A little bag of sweet oat love.
Maple syrup, cinnamon, white pepper, and “fancy mixed nuts.” I adore the cinnamon and white pepper combination in baked goods. But I use Ceylon cinnamon and Ceylon white pepper so they’re very fragrant and zippy.
Anyhoo, I’ll enjoy gifting this. I’ve given granola before. People love it. #gifts #cooking #food
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/434/622/972/045/895/original/fc15bdf2cdf0862f.jpeg

2023-11-18 23:00:06

I have to report two significant improvements to my pizza!
1) I now remove the parchment paper after about 4-5 minutes — it makes a big difference to the colour and crunch on the crust. (I bake directly on a pizza steel preheated to 550° F for 45 min or so.)
2) I now make tomato sauce with Mutti crushed tomatoes, and STRAIN it over a bowl for 15 min or so before I top the pizza. This stops the “orange soupy sauce” form when cheese melts. Much better!
(Italian sausage #sourdough #pizza.)
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/434/029/706/604/021/original/09e9c7fa3d5e8c66.jpeg

2023-11-18 17:47:45

- reply

@npub1665…k2h5 oh WOW. that isn’t good. Hopefully insurance can help with repairs.

2023-11-18 17:44:36

- reply

@npub16a3…9dah and Canada doesn’t have a guarantee of free speech anyhow.

2023-11-18 17:43:58

I haven’t fled here despite my reduced posting.
Life is chaotic and I’m genuinely overwhelmed. I have almost stopped posting in most places, but Bluesky is where I vent and follow news and shit.
Of late, I finally got extended medical again and I am fixing teeth, seeing physios, etc.
It’s great but EXHAUSTING.
I’ve also gotten in with a non-profit who are going to try to help me radically change my life.
Posting… is very low priority right now, that’s all. It feels like work.

2023-11-13 00:15:07

Putting this bad girl in the oven now. Been marinating it in rose harissa, Greek yogurt, a head of garlic, cumin, hot pepper pickle brine, salt, etc, for about 30 hours.
Made a flavour base of onions and carrots and I’ve put 1/4 cup vermouth in. The soaked clay pot lid goes on and for the last 45 min or so it comes off.
The whole thing is just another chapter of fuck around/find out kitchen where I’m just using up what I got. Total experiment. Let’s see how it goes! #food #cooking
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/400/344/817/540/221/original/8e59e5990400dbf6.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/400/345/082/555/624/original/f3c1e7494182aa84.jpeg

2023-11-09 04:17:29

- reply

@npub1ezl…22vy I’m guessing it’s not a thing in Canada, thank god.

2023-10-24 03:32:57

- reply

But do NOT do the warm water trick with dough in a bag.
You need it in a vessel where it’s got room to rise and will be easy to pour out onto your baking scenario for shaping after it comes to room temp.
Thin covered metal bowls are awesome for dough making, and perfect for warming them up in a jiffy for shaping, etc.

2023-10-24 03:30:28

So you had a long day and forgot to take the pizza dough out to come to room temperature. THE HORROR!
It makes a big difference for shaping it and getting nice crust.
But have no fear! Shortcut:
With dough in a covered metal bowl, you can float it in a pot of warm (NOT HOT) water to just take the fridge chill off. Let it sit for 30-45 minutes, then dump it onto your floured parchment for shaping as usual.
I did that with my pizza tonight and had it baking within the hour. Meatza! #cooking
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/287/860/251/841/814/original/394e533807b0ecaf.jpeg

2023-10-22 17:08:49

That freezer burned bread you think is terrible?
Perfect for French toast.
This bread was freezer burned then sat in the open air getting stale for the last two days before I made my French toast.
With no moisture left in the bread, it soaks up the cream and egg mix for French toast. (I add generous salt, a bit of maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.)
In fact, my bread soaked in the egg mix for over 4 hours. These two slices absorbed 3 eggs and a half-cup of cream. #cooking #food
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/279/765/643/631/808/original/73ff8905f70a02f5.jpeg

2023-10-21 19:32:28

- reply

@npub1fql…nma7 okay, this supports my search results too. Tasty.
My friend is residing in Veracruz these days and reports these are her favourite breakfast of late, but I struggle to see the appeal. Might try it sometime.
https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/scrambled-eggs-and-beans/

2023-10-21 19:00:10

- reply

@npub16a3…9dah @npub156h…zws3 I don’t really care about people using content warnings — great. What bothers me is the scolds who get confrontational if you don’t use a content warning.
I don’t feel I’m obligated to use content warnings of any kind, except for violent or sexual stuff, neither of which I post anyhow.
On the flipside, I’m team ALT text all the way.

2023-10-21 18:52:02

- reply

@npub1fql…nma7 I am dubious that I will love it but think I could enjoy it enough to at least freeze some portions. I want to at least try it though.
I always never understood the love for huevos rancheros and now it’s my favourite meal, so I am totally open to it. :)

2023-10-21 18:44:42

Yesterday was a cleaning-all-the-things day and I had a gander at my freezer.
Today, I cleaned out anything in a “stock” context, from cooked bones & raw chicken backs & veggie trimmings, so I’m gonna make stock tonight.
Tomorrow, I’ll make something my Canadian ass has never had — red beans & rice. Got me some ham hock & andouille sausages to use in project “rescue the freezer.”
Already, I’ve portioned a bunch of bacon I got on sale this week. If I pre-cook & freeze, I eat too much, so.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/274/480/429/744/994/original/abcf9e6d306eb038.jpeg

2023-10-17 02:35:03

- reply

@npub18u7…d8up
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/248/020/620/985/263/original/8ff0cc11ccd079a3.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/248/020/839/391/953/original/9436722dbd42f289.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/248/021/010/247/898/original/918ab6fbaf81dde7.jpeg

2023-10-17 01:43:51

Oof! All that work on the weekend paid off. :)
Enjoying the rewards now!
It’s so good. Middle Eastern platter, all homemade, including yogurt.
Bottom left, clockwise: Greek yogurt, hummus, zhoug, seedy lavash-style wheat crackers, roasted carrots w feta, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, in the centre is spiced beef.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/247/819/122/399/860/original/aa2292be31ad6cf8.jpeg

2023-10-15 18:08:20

- reply

@npub18u7…d8up well, it is. You eat proper fat, you’ll feel full and satiated.
I don’t go to the gym, I don’t “exercise” beyond walking, I don’t eat sugar, I don’t eat processed, but I eat full-fat everything with no concern, and I’ve lost 25-30 pounds a year for 3.5 years now. 🤷‍♀️

2023-10-15 17:44:44

- reply

@npub18u7…d8up for what? :)

2023-10-15 07:50:48

I just stuck 4L of homemade Greek yogurt in the fridge. I can’t wait to see how it tastes tomorrow.
My friend works in Vancouver’s “Greek Village” & his coworkers say to do 2L of 3.25% fat milk & 1L of 33% fat cream. I’m cheap, I guess, & hoping to see if 1L cream & 3L of milk is decadent enough for me. I think it’s about 10% milk fat in the yogurt then.
One thing I have never done as I’ve lost -110 lbs is to eat low fat or skim anything. Full fat. Always.
“Low fat” is a lie. Eat real food.

2023-10-15 05:03:05

- reply

Durrrrrrr… the soup.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/237/275/915/095/052/original/787c61c382b23c88.jpeg

2023-10-14 20:38:20

- reply

@npub1ena…yyv4 that’s smart.

2023-10-14 20:17:07

- reply

@npub1ena…yyv4 no! “Hummus im bassar” is a Lebanese standard — spicy ground beef and onions with lotsa Baharat spice blend, served on top of hummus. This is how I like to eat it.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/235/208/952/137/256/original/5e12818d4f13b3c7.jpeg

2023-10-14 19:50:19

- reply

So now it’s a #cooking day. Hydrated chickpeas, made hummus, got yogurt on the go, will make tortillas, crackers, and soup, as the day progresses.
At some point today or tomorrow, I’ll make Lebanese spiced beef and pine nuts.
I’ll be freezing a lot of what I’m cooking.
The soup will be something I’m trying for reducing food waste. I always use just the tomatoes from canned tomatoes in my salsa. I’m using the leftover juice for a Middle Eastern-style chickpea/tomato soup.

2023-10-14 19:47:20

- reply

The most shocking part of the housesitting gig was the pantry.
Even when I was at my sickest and heaviest, I never ate the shit those people eat.
If your pantry is full of packaged convenience meals, man, I just don’t get it.
Blew my mind & made me realize how radically I have changed my life and how different it is to have a pantry loaded with beans, grains, flours, nuts, and other dried goods, but nothing processed.
It kills me how people spend so much time in the gym then eat like that.

2023-10-14 19:44:25

Hi guys. OOF.
I had the housesit from hell in Vancouver, and cut it 9 days short. I’m back at home.
A HOUSESITTER is not a CLEANER.
Clean your fucking house if you want your housesitter to fulfill the commitment.
Had I’d not had a week of plans, I’d have fucking left immediately. Instead, I borrowed a Dyson and made it liveable for 5 days, then bailed after all my appointments.
Some people need to get a reality check about what a clean house is. Holy fuck, man.
I was so glad to get home!

2023-10-06 05:25:16

- reply

@npub1dsm…793f thanks, Jai. :)

2023-10-05 18:25:45

- reply

@npub1ezl…22vy haha. Yeah, my space tends to shut people up if that’s the case. lol. Yeah, put your thinking cap on. It’s actually a really fun project.
But travelling for nearly 5 years straight and staying with probably over 100 kitchens in that time taught me some creative solutions. :)

2023-10-05 18:24:08

- reply

@npub1ezl…22vy but the air fryer is useful in so many ways. Amazing salad croutons.
I use it for roasting mushrooms for pizza because it extracts ALL the liquid. Takes 8 minutes. Amazing.
You can get incredible breaded stuff too, but the trick is drizzling oil into bread crumbs before you dredge/egg/bread your stuff. I’ve made great breaded onion rings, believe it or not.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/183/805/226/974/039/original/822002ee545ad8fa.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/183/805/435/081/868/original/49844342ef89c91d.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/183/805/695/874/683/original/c8caddcbfe59bc38.jpeg

2023-10-05 18:19:47

- reply

@npub1ezl…22vy I did a pretty major rethink of my kitchen just to accommodate one, thinking it would be great for my health.
Wound up making a little custom pot rack for over my counter and putting a couple bakers’ racks in my living room, because my kitchen is a tiny galley with literally ONE DRAWER, so storage is a fucking disaster. I keep the air fryer in my cupboard.
But this was the best project I’ve never done. The pot rack was $20 in hardware bits.
Ignore my mess. Real time. :)
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/183/787/038/444/557/original/cf321ce5a6964080.jpeg

2023-10-04 23:35:21

- reply

@npub1ezl…22vy air fryer! I have used some pickled pepper brine with garlic and buttermilk before. It’s great.
You need to up your air fryer chicken game maybe. :)
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/179/365/813/029/338/original/0c915a5005fd2e18.jpeg

2023-10-02 01:17:51

You know vinegar + milk = buttermilk in a pinch?
But I just made a big batch of pickled HOT peppers & thought “hey, let’s make SPICY buttermilk” & make biscuits.
Well, 2 tablespoons of hot pepper pickle brine, 220 ml milk = 1 cup of “buttermilk.”
If it’s not quite curdled enough — depends on your brine — add a splash of white vinegar.
But if it’s hot enough, you should get a spicy note all through whatever you’re baking.
I made cheddar & chive biscuits. So good!
#cooking #food
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/162/777/423/396/783/original/20ec6543183a7e45.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/162/777/670/609/728/original/9cd9877bdfe92c7e.jpeg

2023-09-19 18:04:17

- reply

@npub18u7…d8up probably! At the end I strain it like this. The whey I use in everything from baking to brining chicken.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/093/130/919/635/977/original/ef606e1e0cd28366.jpeg

2023-09-19 04:57:05

- reply

@npub18u7…d8up uh, you’re welcome for the time I took to type that. Anyhow, good luck.

2023-09-19 03:59:57

Making some Greek yogurt. I’ve increased my fat content. I now use 3:1 of 3.25% fat homo milk, and 18% fat table cream.
It’s pretty dang good. True full fat (11%) Greek yogurt would be 2 litres of whole milk and 1 litre of 33% whipping cream.
I may try that sometime. I’ve done 2.5 litres of whole milk and 750ml of the 18%. I think it’s about 6% or so fat? Not bad. Nice and creamy. It’s a start. :) #cooking
I don’t feel guilty about fat in yogurt. It & eggs are my biggest protein sources.

2023-09-11 02:39:46

I’m not even trying to pretend this is a balanced meal but it’s what I’m craving.
It’s garlicky, salty flatbread, Greek yogurt, blackened corn, and chicken I’d brined in buttermilk, garlic, and a heckin’ lot of jalapeño for about 36 hours. (Air fryer.) #cooking #food
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/044/189/465/021/510/original/e3a519a168b69a51.jpeg

2023-09-10 20:11:30

- reply

@npub1mvs…35k5 I did not like the yogurt compared to buttermilk though. Go for it if you want. Still needs liquid aside from yogurt tho. Too thick.

2023-09-10 17:59:49

It’s waffles & bananas this morning.
I used whey & yogurt instead of milk, out of curiosity. Liquid affects crust tremendously. That should be obvious, but I suspect not. I’ve used yogurt and whey in muffins before, deliciously tender.
Waffles, so far, I find best results are full-fat buttermilk, for a crispier exterior. (3.5% fat.)
So, this is not the crispy waffle I seek. Yummy tho!
Toasted walnuts & maple syrup. And a sprinkle of salt. Makes all the difference. #food #breakfast
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/042/144/816/851/252/original/f290a200e7ea1b3a.jpeg

2023-09-10 02:15:36

- reply

@npub1x30…upec I had pizza with egg in Italy and Romania.

2023-09-10 02:15:35

- reply

@npub1x30…upec I had pizza with egg in Italy and Romania.

2023-09-10 01:37:24

Sausage and eggs for dinner, but make it #pizza.
Calabrian chili sausage, tomato sauce, cheese, eggs, basil, and #sourdough crust.
#food
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/038/282/389/654/363/original/5cd91353b2ca93c6.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/038/282/624/519/518/original/2689bd491df82a4b.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/038/282/806/848/317/original/bf55233fdea2e288.jpeg

2023-09-09 02:58:51

Sundown tonight.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/032/943/784/532/337/original/c4dde9ae3c2780f2.jpeg

2023-09-09 02:57:11

- reply

@npub1u0r…92zh get cracking! I use a pizza steel at 550° F.
https://alexandracooks.com/2020/05/01/simple-sourdough-pizza-a-step-by-step-guide/

2023-09-09 01:55:38

- reply

@npub1u0r…92zh Thanks, Virgile. :) it’s such an enjoyable food to make. It’s a great recipe, if you cook with sourdough?

2023-09-09 01:34:34

I have an actual weekend off. I get to have recreational time like normal human beings.
But I’ll be spray painting my 2 stools. They’re “gunmetal grey” metal stools, retro, & somehow the paint has failed & I have several growing rust
Totally forgot that WINDY season is upon us. Tomorrow, under 15km breeze, so I’ll paint ‘em before autumn storms roll in.
So it’s delightful to have a couple balls of pizza doughs for easy dinners. Tonight’s: pistachio, red onion, rosemary. #food #cooking
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/111/032/614/171/728/051/original/9f79ce90139f101a.jpeg

2023-09-07 01:52:59

If you’re a food blogger who has ever said “Spanish rice” and “Mexican rice” are the same, you should be ashamed of yourself.
I can’t believe how many Mexican rice recipes are described as Spanish rice.
Spanish rice uses saffron.
Mexican rice is spicy.
Spain was a colonial oppressor of Mexico for hundreds of years and murdered millions.
Stop sounding ignorant. If you don’t KNOW if there is a difference, look it up. #food #cooking #history #intelligence

2023-09-06 21:13:05

I haven’t been posting a lot here or anywhere lately because I’m burnt out & genuinely don’t see what all this — [waves at social media in general] — is providing my life right now except more reason to worry or be angry.
I wish I didn’t feel that way about social media in general but we live in a toxic era, & much discourse about that is itself toxic & negative.
At some point you have to ask yourself what hyperawareness of all the reasons to be outraged or alarmed about life is giving you.

2023-09-01 07:28:21

- reply

@npub15gx…3x7w Not in Italy.

2023-09-01 04:13:28

- reply

@npub1u0r…92zh pizza forever. 👊

2023-09-01 03:17:33

- reply

@npub1u0r…92zh nooooo, never cook it. I just remove it raw from the casing, break it into loose 1/2” chunks — don’t roll it into a tight little ball, if it’s loose it will fully cook and then the fat renders down into the sauce. You want to use a very dry tomato sauce or it gets too soupy. Cook off the sauce a bit in a skillet and let it cool before you dress the pizza. :)

2023-09-01 02:34:57

- reply

@npub1x30…upec hahah. I’m not anymore.

2023-09-01 02:30:56

An attempt at pizza al uovo, I think it is, or pizza with an egg.
Tomato sauce, sausage balls, mozzarella, a bit of onions, and the egg. #cooking #pizza #sourdough
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/110/987/535/359/323/040/original/289435aafcc6eb75.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/110/987/535/602/068/708/original/c53166a6e1d120cb.jpeg

2023-08-29 21:02:05

- reply

@npub1f2m…h630 and blame it I shall!

2023-08-29 17:02:25

In case you need something to blame today, remember that Mercury is in retrograde.

2023-08-27 16:03:09

- reply

@npub18lz…27mx no, it’s a really creepy thing to say. I wouldn’t say that to someone again.

2023-08-27 16:02:43

- reply

@npub1ntm…k8nd It’s air-fried. Not as crispy as it looks because I wasn’t trying to get it crispy, just well-rendered, since it had been marinated so long. You can always take chicken out midway through, let it rest for 20 minutes, then put it back in and it will crisp up better because a lot of steam escapes as it cools. But my air-fried fried chicken looks bangin’ too. Same principle.
When I make it I follow the Serious Eats crispy fried chicken method but just spray with oil, 360°.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/110/962/417/928/405/669/original/04e3d48660e2529b.jpeg

2023-08-27 05:14:26

- reply

@npub18lz…27mx that’s officially the oddest thing anyone has ever said about my cooking.

2023-08-27 01:44:57

Dinner — chicken marinated in garlicky herby buttermilk. Mashed spuds with grainy mustard and chives, and butter glazed carrots.
The marinade was buttermilk, fresh tarragon and sage, 6 cloves garlic, and pickled mustard seed with brine. It was really lovely. #cooking #food #foodporn
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/110/959/032/547/870/447/original/a0d6f9d32aa6ea3e.jpeg

2023-08-26 02:31:55

Why yes, yes, I am making a single serving of apple crumble for myself.
With whipped cream.
https://onedishkitchen.com/apple-crisp/#recipe