Strangely enough I've learned that a strong cup of tea actually has more caffeine than a typical cup of coffee. But I agree there is a generational divide because it's only the younger ones in movies Ive seen hawking coffee.

I generally use two tea bags in a cup. That's why I'm down to my last two bags. If I'm going to drink black tea I want it to have big flavor. 

Red bull just makes me feel sick, and not in a good speedy way.
While in Germany we could buy concentrated caffeine in a little bottle from the apothecary over the counter. I thought I might kill myself with that stuff. Fifteen drops in a glass of water was like a full pot of strong coffee. But alas, I survived.

Caffeine and nicotine are only one atom off, you know ...

Yeah I am aware of that Thrash. it might have been one of your long lost posts from wherever but I remember that fact from some quite a long time ago and even researched it, enough to be able to say that particular internet trivia question is most likely true.

I said it years ago; yes ...
... I also explained how and why

And I've seen the chain. But have no chemistry background.

I can't decide what to have for dinner ...

I prefer Monster over Red Bull

Ill take one of the "blue ones" (low carb) and add a squirt of black cherry Mio Energy. It helps counteract the sleepy effects of these fucking painkillers (which don't do much for pain. They should be called "brain fuzz pills" cuz that is all they do)

I only really like tea with honey. Except peppermint tea. Peppermint anything is the shit.

I'm addicted to mint ...

I can't stand Monster or Rockstar, except the green citrus flavoured Rockstar. The normal one is awful. I do like Red Bull, though. And I used to love Mississippi, which seems to have only been available in the late 90s in Spain.

CFT: tonight I make stew.

I'm doing that tomorrow ...

Tonight is the Xmas party I have to perform at where I work the majority of time ...

I need to get groceries soon.. ive been living off blueberry waffles and only have two left.

See? Syrup.... Mommy...

No stew last night. Nobody had cooking gas then, or today. Hopefully tonight. Oh, the joys of living on a tiny island.

Electric crock pot!

Bubbling cauldron ...

No gas last night, finally got some this morning. FFS.

Quest for Fire !


"My tribe have estranged themselves and we are lost ... without civilizations tools surrounding us" --Copper Wimmin

Stew stage 1 complete.

Did you flour the meat?

Nope, so far I just caramelized the onions, pumpkin, and garlic. But yes, I always dredge and brown the meat.

Makes the sauce much thicker and richer, but if you use beans in your stew they do too.

It isn't required to brown the meat that way, it is still good even if just cut up and boiled.
Skipping a step as it were. But I like the extra attention. Gives the stew a more full bodied flavor.

Dredged and browned is WAY better than not. And I don't generally use beans in my stews.

A variety of beans and lentils included makes a really good stew.

Try it sometime. At least try a little barley. That thickens the soup too.

I said it years ago; yes ...
... I also explained how and why

You explained that to me once, a few months back.

I'm addicted to mint ...

so am I.



CFT: I love this thread. I had no idea I should dredge the meat for stew!!!!
LG Cooking, 101 !!

Dredged and browned is WAY better than not. And I don't generally use beans in my stews.

... yet, you use pumpkin?

Yeah wtf?

Pumpkin is a great add-in. I use it in chili. I use it in a lot of sauces, actually.

Not a lot, and I dice it small, then caramelize it with the onions before adding the garlic. By the time the stew is cooked, it's melted completely and just adds a little texture and sweetness.

Ahhh, I can see that ...
I'm just not a big fan of pumpkin ...

I like it fine, but would definitely not want an overpowering pumpkin flavour in a beef stew. But as a minor ingredient, it works nicely.