figured this was a good topic to start for people to vent in. Here’s my list: Junk Foods: Doritos Cheese puffs (yeah, the stuff dusted with cheese powder thats like packing material that makes your hands turn orange)...

If you aren’t sensitive to sodium and can find a turkey jerky without a lot of additives (I love the Snackmasters brand), jerky makes a great snack and definitely satisfies the salty craving.

I actually really like green bean hotdish, and I’ve tried to improve on it (fresh green beans, homemade cream soup) and just can’t — it’s got to be canned green beans, Campbell’s cream soup, and...

is yummy, as opposed to the green tea gelato, which is...strange. So even though it’s mostly staples I’m there for, they’re high-end staples at a low price. Also pick up Tom’s of Maine products, some pet...

" fruits, veggies, and meat throughout the year. I’m not a huge fan of jerky and canned fruit. This has also brought about other food additives that may be more or less desirable. But we also happen to live in time when all...

the meat. She would also use a strong flavored meat like sausage, so a little bit went further. Homemade pizza is REALLY budget friendly. You don’t need to use a ton of cheese or processed meats. A big package of flour or...

, but was the first south Asian place in the Twin Cities where I’ve had food that really tasted homemade. (Namaste Cafe is officially Nepalese, but we did notice a bunch of Bengali dishes on the menu. I guess there is some...

-luck and have no idea if they were homemade or purchased). This thread on the L.A. board (http://www.chowhound.com/topics/425084 ) has now set my mind to wandering about what I’ve been missing. The names of the...

to an almost all-Asian clientele, and read through the things in the dumplings in the freezer section. (No, didn’t buy any. Did make some homemade!)

This past weekend, I discovered that one of the merchants at the Union Square Greenmarket sells this stuff, as well as homemade kimchi. Both really wonderful.

I agree. Reminds of the time my husband took it upon himself to explain to a hostess (wife of a co-worker of mine) how easy it is to make homemade salsa, when she opened up the jar to serve it. Ouch. It took a lot of explaining...

Chicken is an optional “ok to offer”, so are rib tips.Sides; should offer fresh cut or at least good quality French fries, homemade coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans etc. And what does NOT qualify? OK, let’s not argue about...

, they tend to be dry once you work your way down to the tip. I had a whole slab and by time i made my way to the tip, it felt like i was chewing on jerky. Jaws were really tired. The brisket just doesn’t measure up to how...