Passing Grade

[stoutfellow]

The chicken poblano... I can't call it a failure; it doesn't taste bad at all. But it isn't exactly a success either. It's just rather bland.

I'm not sure what went wrong. After the prescribed period of baking, the sauce was still thin and overliquid, and the cheese topping hadn't completely melted. I gave it a few extra minutes, to no particular effect.

Perhaps it will improve after sitting in the fridge overnight.

The coconut cake I am now eating by way of dessert is, fortunately, excellent. The fact that I had no hand in its making may be relevant.

Ah, well. There's much to be thankful for anyway.

Comments

[sunlizzard.livejournal.com]

You know, you've commented several times about dishes that haven't come out quite right from your oven. I wonder if the oven isn't registering the correct temperature, or if it's inconsistent or has "cool spots."

It might be worth your getting one of those oven thermometers--invest in a *good* one--and check not only the center, but an upper shelf setting, a lower shelf setting, etc. Also make sure that the gasket around the oven door is in good shape and sealing properly.

You can adjust for nearly any oven quirk. But first you gotta know what it is.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

You may well be right (although there were hints that something was wrong even before it went into the oven). I should get an oven thermometer. (Marie Callendar has started recommending using one on their dishes to make sure they've reached the right internal temperature.) Another item for the list.... Thanks.

[sunlizzard.livejournal.com]

Oooooo, Marie Callendar! Best frozen dinners EVAH. How I miss them, but with my diet restrictions, they are totally off limits now. *weeps* My favorite was the Fettucini Alfredo--plain, not with icky broccoli--and the garlic toast on the side. Sooooo good...and about triple my fat content allowance for the day!

Oh hey, know what to do with that slice of garlic bread? Microwave it for 20-25 seconds, just enough to partly defrost it. Then slice it in half lengthwise (side-wise? ummm... you make two very thin slices anyway) and put the them in the toaster. Yup, toaster, even though it's buttered on one side. Watch it closely so it doesn't burn; it comes out nice and crispy, much better than just microwaving it. Mmmmm nom, nom, nom.

Heh. I'm listening to the high school 4-A state semi-finals game, between Goddard (Em's school) and the hated, despised, detested, ultimate arch rival, Artesia. And Goddard is kicking backside! 42-7, with about 9 minutes to go. Heee! We'll be going to the state finals and stinky Artesia is going home!