In my continuing quest for culinary mastery of Kraft Cheese and Macaroni, I have reached a stage in which said mastery is seemingly within my grasp, yet forever elusive. It has become rather frustrating, yet for some reason, the pursuit of this mastery is irresistible. I liken it to the bug and the bug light concept. The bug sees the bug light, and simply can't resist being drawn towards it, all the while knowing that death is imminent. In much the same way, I am so close to achieving complete mastery of Kraft Cheese and Macaroni preparation, yet it's the final step, which I will get to in a minute, that does me in every time. But even knowing that I will be once again foiled by the final step does nothing for my resistance to trying.
Seriously, people, this is not something at which to laugh. It has been a long, hard journey towards striking just the right balance with macaroni and cheese. The first step was simply realizing there is no other boxed macaroni and cheese that compares to Kraft Cheese and Macaroni. Period. The competition is laughable, at best. I discovered this shortly after my dear wife began helping (demanding might be a better word) me to engage in a more frugal lifestyle. Some corners, I learned, just can't be cut. One such corner is quality boxed macaroni and cheese, for there is simply no substitute for Kraft unless it's strictly homemade. I now demand nothing else but Kraft when my wife goes shopping for groceries, and while she probably rolls her eyes and shakes her pretty little head behind my back, she also figures that if spending a few extra pennies on the good stuff will make me happy, than I'm a pretty easy fix. Whatever.
The next step was a painful one. You see, with three children in the house, one learns very quickly how to be quick and efficient in virtually every facet of life. Multitasking isn't just a desirable trait when raising multiple offspring, it's a necessary survival skill. This, of course, includes the ability to churn out meals in mere minutes. In my efforts to accomplish this feat, I began to realize the time-saving advantage of scrapping the measuring cups and spoons for the so-called "scant-measure" logic. Adding a quarter cup of milk to the macaroni and cheese no longer meant taking out the measuring cup and measuring, but rather just dumping what I estimated to be a quarter cup of milk into the pot. Sweet. Nice time saver. No more measuring the butter, just scoop a hunk out of the butter tub and toss it into the mixture.
Well, I soon realized just how crappy the macaroni and cheese tasted. It was either too runny, or too chunky (from the processed powdered cheese and not enough milk), or one of several other such maladies. Thus, lesson #2...ALWAYS measure the ingredients exactly per the directions for mac and cheese perfection! Hey, these Kraft folks have been doing the mac and cheese thing for years. They know how exactly how much butter and milk to add to the final product, and there's no room for cutting corners. As proof to my argument, my wife hasn't quite followed in my footsteps when it comes to precise measurements, and the kids know it. She'll even admit her mac and cheese isn't as good as mine. It's all about following the recipe.
So what exactly is this elusive last step to which I have alluded? Actually, it really has nothing to do with the overall final taste. Rather, it's about that damn white foam which forms on top of the boiling water while cooking the pasta (any pasta, actually - not just macaroni) and always boils over unless tended to constantly. I am not knowledgeable enough to know where this foam comes from, or why pasta seems to produce it. What I do know is that it's a nuisance, to put it nicely. A big pain-in-the-ass, to put it not-so-nicely. I've learned that if I blow cool air on the foam as it approaches the boiling-over point, it will recede for a short time, but it doesn't take long to return to the boiling-over point. So how the hell do you stop this stuff? What's the answer????? Anyone???????????????
I will continue to reach deep within my inner-Kraft-Cheese-and-Macaroni-yen until I discover the hidden mastership of this art. I will not fail. And when I succeed, it will be a glorious day. Until then, I shall press forward in pursuit of knowledge.
(As a side-note, I began typing this post before work yesterday and was unable to complete it. When I got to work, I was told by a co-worker that the white foam could be avoided by adding some oil to the water. Thoughts? I will try this trick next week when mac-and-cheese day comes around again.)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Twitter Malfunction
You may have noticed my newly added Twitter application to the left, which now doesn't seem to be working correctly. I attempted to fix the double "Kevin is" line, and thought at one point that I had, but now the entire thing seems to be awash. I don't know what's going on, and I've run out of time to work on it today, so please accept my apologies for the technical difficulties. Truth be told, you probably didn't really give a rat's behind what I was doing every minute of the day anyway, huh?
Technology. Gotta love it.
Not.
Technology. Gotta love it.
Not.
Huskers 56, Wildcats 28
Last Saturday's 56-28 Husker win against the Wildcats of Kansas State was the most satisfying win of the season, at least from my perspective. Even more so than the previous week's win against Kansas. Maybe it would be more accurate to say it was the Husker's most complete game this year. After rushing for 340 yards, and passing for another 270, it was the first time I felt the Huskers could just about do anything they wanted against a team. The defensive front four are playing absolute lights out football right now. Seriously. They have taken over the strength of this team, and are beginning to set the kind of tone worthy of comparison to the traditional Husker defenses. Constant pressure on the opposing quarterback, no chance of any kind of rushing game out of their opponent, and crushing tackles. For the first time in a long time, it's fun to watch these guys play football. The Husker coaching staff finally passed out the coveted Blackshirts last week, but did so with the warning that said Blackshirts could just as easily be taken away. In other words, the players earned them, but need to play like they want to keep them. This ongoing process of evaluation was a wise move on the part of the coaches, and it showed on Saturday.
Make no mistake, the Huskers are far from a perfect game. Mistakes still abound, as evidenced by the third quarter performance against the Wildcats on Saturday - the Huskers were shut out 7-0 during the fifteen-minute stretch. Still, the Huskers are improving. Penalties are down from where they were, the sloppy play is beginning to get crisper, and even the coaches are learning and improving from past mistakes. Yes, we here in Husker Nation are beginning to see some chemistry on this team and throughout the program, from the Athletic Director all they way to the trainers. It's a beautiful thing!
As a result, the Huskers sit at 7-4 on the season, and would seem well on their way to an 8-4 regular season finish. They are idle this weekend, and will wrap things up at home against Colorado on Black Friday (hmmm...any significance there - Black Friday....Blackshirts...I don't know, just a thought). A bowl game is eminent, and a 9-4 finale is mouthwatering. Looking ahead, there's lots of talk about the possibility of returning to the Big XII title game next year, but I'm going to put such talk off for now, and simply enjoy what I've seen this year. Husker faithful, for the most part, are a happy bunch thus far this season. No need to get into next year just yet.
As mentioned, no Huskers this weekend, so I look forward to putting my feet up and watching the drama unfold in Norman, Oklahoma as Texas Tech takes their campaign on the road. Lots of scenarios to think about in terms of a conference championship should the Red Raiders lose to the Sooners this weekend, which I believe is a distinct possibility. Hehehehe....I love this game!
GO BIG RED!!
Make no mistake, the Huskers are far from a perfect game. Mistakes still abound, as evidenced by the third quarter performance against the Wildcats on Saturday - the Huskers were shut out 7-0 during the fifteen-minute stretch. Still, the Huskers are improving. Penalties are down from where they were, the sloppy play is beginning to get crisper, and even the coaches are learning and improving from past mistakes. Yes, we here in Husker Nation are beginning to see some chemistry on this team and throughout the program, from the Athletic Director all they way to the trainers. It's a beautiful thing!
As a result, the Huskers sit at 7-4 on the season, and would seem well on their way to an 8-4 regular season finish. They are idle this weekend, and will wrap things up at home against Colorado on Black Friday (hmmm...any significance there - Black Friday....Blackshirts...I don't know, just a thought). A bowl game is eminent, and a 9-4 finale is mouthwatering. Looking ahead, there's lots of talk about the possibility of returning to the Big XII title game next year, but I'm going to put such talk off for now, and simply enjoy what I've seen this year. Husker faithful, for the most part, are a happy bunch thus far this season. No need to get into next year just yet.
As mentioned, no Huskers this weekend, so I look forward to putting my feet up and watching the drama unfold in Norman, Oklahoma as Texas Tech takes their campaign on the road. Lots of scenarios to think about in terms of a conference championship should the Red Raiders lose to the Sooners this weekend, which I believe is a distinct possibility. Hehehehe....I love this game!
GO BIG RED!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Husker 45, Jayhawks 35
The Huskers enjoyed a very satisfying win last Saturday after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks. It was a much-needed win, too, for reasons I discussed in my last post. I was extremely thrilled at the play of the defensive front four, as they put lots of pressure on Kansas QB Todd Reesing and were solid against Kansas' rushing attack. All in all, a very good day for the Huskers. Yes, they still have a ways to go, but last week's game was a huge step forward.
Onto Manhatten, Kansas, for a date with the Kansas State Wildcats. This is another one of those sneaky games that could potentially bite the Huskers in the rear if they aren't careful. KSU's head coach was fired last week, but told he would be allowed to finish out the season. One could easily assume that the Wildcats don't have much to play for after a dismal season, and now the news they will no longer be playing for Ron Prince come the end of 2008. And that's why the 'Skers have to be careful. KSU has nothing to lose by pulling out all the stops, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they do just that through trick plays, stunts, etc.
Still, the Huskers have a lots to play for, and we can rest assured Pelini will have them ready to go hard. They will build on a tremendous effort from last week, and begin to exude some real confidence in their abilities. One gets the sense this team continues to learn from game-to-game, and this game will be no different. They will continue to fix their issues, and continue to improve while feasting on the Wildcats. Huskers 38, Wildcats 10.
GO BIG RED!!
Onto Manhatten, Kansas, for a date with the Kansas State Wildcats. This is another one of those sneaky games that could potentially bite the Huskers in the rear if they aren't careful. KSU's head coach was fired last week, but told he would be allowed to finish out the season. One could easily assume that the Wildcats don't have much to play for after a dismal season, and now the news they will no longer be playing for Ron Prince come the end of 2008. And that's why the 'Skers have to be careful. KSU has nothing to lose by pulling out all the stops, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they do just that through trick plays, stunts, etc.
Still, the Huskers have a lots to play for, and we can rest assured Pelini will have them ready to go hard. They will build on a tremendous effort from last week, and begin to exude some real confidence in their abilities. One gets the sense this team continues to learn from game-to-game, and this game will be no different. They will continue to fix their issues, and continue to improve while feasting on the Wildcats. Huskers 38, Wildcats 10.
GO BIG RED!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Huskers vs. Jayhawks
Today marks the long-awaited rematch between Nebraska and Kansas, for it was a year ago when the Huskers visited Lawrence and were handed their worst defeat in history. An ugly 72-39 crushing, which I believe ultimately began the downward spiral of the Nebraska football program. Make no mistake, the program was already teetering on the edge of demise, but such a defeat put it over the edge.
So is today's game about revenge? Nah. Not for me, and according to Bo Pelini, his staff and his players, not for the Nebraska program. I believe there to be far too many motivators today, such that revenge need not be a factor. A win today puts the Huskers on an inside track to finish the regular season 8-4, go to a bowl game, and possibly finish 9-4. That's a sign of some great progress, folks. A win today following last week's debacle in Oklahoma instills confidence into a team that sorely needs it in order to finish strong, and avoid a season-ending three-game skid the likes of which seemed all too common during the Callahan-coached seasons of the last several years. But most importantly, in this humble Husker fan's eyes, is the need for Pelini to secure a signature win. A game he and his team can look back on as the building blocks of re-establishing the Husker football program. The Husker's effort against Texas Tech a few weeks ago nearly fit the bill for such a game, but it was still a loss. A win today against the mighty Jayhawks would give Pelini his signature win.
It won't be easy. Quarterback Todd Reesing and his Jayhawks rank right around tenth in the country in passing, and Nebraska's passing defense, depending on which category one looks at, ranks between eightieth and ninetieth in the country. Not good odds. Today's game will have to be up to the front four on the Husker defensive line. Frankly, they will have to play lights out defense, and make Reesing's day a living hell. Pressure, pressure, pressure. And then some more pressure. Get the idea? The Husker secondary just isn't talented enough to defend a pass-happy offense without the help of the front four. It'll be interesting to see what Pelini has in mind in terms of schemes and trickery. He'll have to be spot-on in order to contain the Jayhawks.
Unlike last year, I have been willing to predict a few Husker losses. I have laid down my pride and become more realistic. I predicted three of the four Husker losses, and score-wise, I wasn't all that far off. I say that because what you're about to read you might just find laughable. I have a good feeling about today's game. I think Pelini has something in mind, and he picks up his all-important signature win. The Huskers upset the Jayhawks today, and begin putting the pieces together to put Nebraska football back on the map. Rock chalk Jayhawk? Not in Lincoln, and not today. Huskers 42, Jayhawks 32.
Jeff, I'm awaiting your reply!
GO BIG RED!!
So is today's game about revenge? Nah. Not for me, and according to Bo Pelini, his staff and his players, not for the Nebraska program. I believe there to be far too many motivators today, such that revenge need not be a factor. A win today puts the Huskers on an inside track to finish the regular season 8-4, go to a bowl game, and possibly finish 9-4. That's a sign of some great progress, folks. A win today following last week's debacle in Oklahoma instills confidence into a team that sorely needs it in order to finish strong, and avoid a season-ending three-game skid the likes of which seemed all too common during the Callahan-coached seasons of the last several years. But most importantly, in this humble Husker fan's eyes, is the need for Pelini to secure a signature win. A game he and his team can look back on as the building blocks of re-establishing the Husker football program. The Husker's effort against Texas Tech a few weeks ago nearly fit the bill for such a game, but it was still a loss. A win today against the mighty Jayhawks would give Pelini his signature win.
It won't be easy. Quarterback Todd Reesing and his Jayhawks rank right around tenth in the country in passing, and Nebraska's passing defense, depending on which category one looks at, ranks between eightieth and ninetieth in the country. Not good odds. Today's game will have to be up to the front four on the Husker defensive line. Frankly, they will have to play lights out defense, and make Reesing's day a living hell. Pressure, pressure, pressure. And then some more pressure. Get the idea? The Husker secondary just isn't talented enough to defend a pass-happy offense without the help of the front four. It'll be interesting to see what Pelini has in mind in terms of schemes and trickery. He'll have to be spot-on in order to contain the Jayhawks.
Unlike last year, I have been willing to predict a few Husker losses. I have laid down my pride and become more realistic. I predicted three of the four Husker losses, and score-wise, I wasn't all that far off. I say that because what you're about to read you might just find laughable. I have a good feeling about today's game. I think Pelini has something in mind, and he picks up his all-important signature win. The Huskers upset the Jayhawks today, and begin putting the pieces together to put Nebraska football back on the map. Rock chalk Jayhawk? Not in Lincoln, and not today. Huskers 42, Jayhawks 32.
Jeff, I'm awaiting your reply!
GO BIG RED!!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Jinx?
It was nearly twenty years ago that my brother and I set out from Lincoln to Ames, Iowa, to see Metallica in concert. With tickets in hand, we began our northeasterly trek with no clue as to what would be our fate. All we knew is that we had Metallica tickets, we'd never seen Metallica before, and we were going to have one hell of a good time! As we approached Des Moines, about halfway to our ultimate destination, our spirits were dashed. My truck began making funny noises and losing power, and the engine finally blew. There we were, on the side of the road, with no prayer of seeing Metallica that evening. I ended up footing a $150 bill to get a tow back home, and have been waiting ever since for a chance to see Metallica again.
Tonight is the night, and I hope I haven't jinxed myself. For the concert is in Omaha, another northeasterly trek, though not nearly as far. I'm pretty sure....nevermind, I'm damn sure if things go awry on the automotive front this evening, I will hitchhike my way to Omaha. I'm NOT missing this concert, I promise! I still have my ticket to that show lo so many years ago, and I had thought about digging it out today just for nostalgics sake. But I've decided to forgo nostalgia. I'm letting the past go, because tonight's concert is all about making up for lost time. Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight is Metallica or bust! Rock on!!
Tonight is the night, and I hope I haven't jinxed myself. For the concert is in Omaha, another northeasterly trek, though not nearly as far. I'm pretty sure....nevermind, I'm damn sure if things go awry on the automotive front this evening, I will hitchhike my way to Omaha. I'm NOT missing this concert, I promise! I still have my ticket to that show lo so many years ago, and I had thought about digging it out today just for nostalgics sake. But I've decided to forgo nostalgia. I'm letting the past go, because tonight's concert is all about making up for lost time. Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight is Metallica or bust! Rock on!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sooners 62, Huskers 28
Ouch. And I thought Missouri crushed the Huskers. That game was bad, but what happened in Norman, OK. last Saturday was beyond comprehension. If you hadn't already heard, the Sooners quickly took their opening possession down the field for a touchdown. The Huskers took the field for their first possession, and were intercepted on their first play which resulted in a Sooner touchdown. Next series, another turnover, another Sooner touchdown. Ballgame. And not even five minutes off the clock.
The Sooners rolled to 35 first-half points en route to a final 62-28 blowout. The biggest job of the season for first-year head coach Bo Pelini has been to keep this group of Husker football players from losing confidence. The task will be especially important this week as they prepare to host a pretty decent Kansas football team. There's still a bunch to play for, including a bowl game. Heck, if the Huskers win out, and they have a good chance of doing so, they wind up with an 8-4 season. Not too shabby considering the debacles of the last few years. Even if they lose to KU on Saturday, and meet expectations by beating Kansas State and Colorado, they still can boast about a 7-5 season. Much improved, and something to build on while practicing for a bowl game and then looking at Spring practices. But all of this will depend on how this group responds to last Saturday.
I have a good feeling about it. I truly believe in Pelini's abilities as a head coach, motivator, and leader. The Huskers will rally under him, and they will be ready for Saturday. I will post my prediction a little later in the week after watching how practices go over the next couple of days. In the mean time, I offer this: I very much feel sorry for the Sooners when they visit Memorial Stadium in Lincoln next year. 'Nuff said.
GO BIG RED!!
The Sooners rolled to 35 first-half points en route to a final 62-28 blowout. The biggest job of the season for first-year head coach Bo Pelini has been to keep this group of Husker football players from losing confidence. The task will be especially important this week as they prepare to host a pretty decent Kansas football team. There's still a bunch to play for, including a bowl game. Heck, if the Huskers win out, and they have a good chance of doing so, they wind up with an 8-4 season. Not too shabby considering the debacles of the last few years. Even if they lose to KU on Saturday, and meet expectations by beating Kansas State and Colorado, they still can boast about a 7-5 season. Much improved, and something to build on while practicing for a bowl game and then looking at Spring practices. But all of this will depend on how this group responds to last Saturday.
I have a good feeling about it. I truly believe in Pelini's abilities as a head coach, motivator, and leader. The Huskers will rally under him, and they will be ready for Saturday. I will post my prediction a little later in the week after watching how practices go over the next couple of days. In the mean time, I offer this: I very much feel sorry for the Sooners when they visit Memorial Stadium in Lincoln next year. 'Nuff said.
GO BIG RED!!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Huskers @ Sooners
Ahhh, the day has finally arrived. The air is crisp, the leaves are a beautiful mixture of red, gold, yellow, and brown. Another Halloween is in the books and talk of Thanksgiving Day plans as begun to emerge. All of this can only mean the time has come for the Huskers to take on the Sooners of Oklahoma!
True, the once-annual battle between the Huskers and Sooners has lost some of it's luster over the past several years. Really the slide began when former Sooner skipper Barry Switzer left Oklahoma in the late 80's. OU was hit with some penalties from the NCAA, which limited their recruiting, and the program fell from national prominence. This opened the door for NU to gain the winning edge most of the time throughout the 90's. Then, the expansion of the Big Eight Conference to the Big Twelve Conference meant that Nebraska and Oklahoma would only meet every two years (two years back-to-back, then two years off back-to-back). And, of course, Nebraska's fall from national prominence in recent years has meant that if and when the two schools meet, Oklahoma is usually the hands-down favorite to win.
Still, for those of us who have followed the Cornhuskers for decades, the NU-OU battle remains huge. It's a classic rivalry that will never truly die, even if it's faded a bit over the years. The Huskers travel to Norman, OK to take on the fourth-ranked Sooners, and I have a good feeling it will be a great game. The Sooners are a bit suspect on defense, but their offense is something to behold. They have lost one game this year, so they are beatable. Trouble is, the team that beat them was Texas, and Texas is the top-ranked team in the nation. I don't look for an upset today, as I just don't think the Huskers have the horses to go toe-to-toe with OU for four quarters. I'm looking for something along the lines of a 45-28 final in favor of the Sooners.
But then, there's a tiny little nugget of a factor in this old rivalry. During the heydays of this classic battle, it didn't seem to much matter which team was ranked where or how good either team was supposed to be, for it was Nebraska vs. Oklahoma, and all the ratings and hype went out the window at the sound of the first whistle. Will that happen today? Can the Huskers overcome that strange old Sooner Magic? Will the Sooners even need their Magic to win? Anyone even recall Sooner Magic? I'm getting goosebumps - it's Nebraska vs. Oklahoma, it's classic football, it's time!
GO BIG RED!!!
True, the once-annual battle between the Huskers and Sooners has lost some of it's luster over the past several years. Really the slide began when former Sooner skipper Barry Switzer left Oklahoma in the late 80's. OU was hit with some penalties from the NCAA, which limited their recruiting, and the program fell from national prominence. This opened the door for NU to gain the winning edge most of the time throughout the 90's. Then, the expansion of the Big Eight Conference to the Big Twelve Conference meant that Nebraska and Oklahoma would only meet every two years (two years back-to-back, then two years off back-to-back). And, of course, Nebraska's fall from national prominence in recent years has meant that if and when the two schools meet, Oklahoma is usually the hands-down favorite to win.
Still, for those of us who have followed the Cornhuskers for decades, the NU-OU battle remains huge. It's a classic rivalry that will never truly die, even if it's faded a bit over the years. The Huskers travel to Norman, OK to take on the fourth-ranked Sooners, and I have a good feeling it will be a great game. The Sooners are a bit suspect on defense, but their offense is something to behold. They have lost one game this year, so they are beatable. Trouble is, the team that beat them was Texas, and Texas is the top-ranked team in the nation. I don't look for an upset today, as I just don't think the Huskers have the horses to go toe-to-toe with OU for four quarters. I'm looking for something along the lines of a 45-28 final in favor of the Sooners.
But then, there's a tiny little nugget of a factor in this old rivalry. During the heydays of this classic battle, it didn't seem to much matter which team was ranked where or how good either team was supposed to be, for it was Nebraska vs. Oklahoma, and all the ratings and hype went out the window at the sound of the first whistle. Will that happen today? Can the Huskers overcome that strange old Sooner Magic? Will the Sooners even need their Magic to win? Anyone even recall Sooner Magic? I'm getting goosebumps - it's Nebraska vs. Oklahoma, it's classic football, it's time!
GO BIG RED!!!
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