So, wait, have they bombed the house yet? Or is it lit up and waiting like a dangerous Christmas decoration?

It's bombed. Burned fine, all the kabooms were neutralized. But I suspect they are very keen to keep people away. Suspect it's lit up and has police guarding it too.

sear and seal in juices

We do all know that this is a myth, right? Searing just makes the outside tastier (and creates fond if you're doing a pan sauce).

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Whether or not you need to add liquid to a slow cooker depends on what you're cooking and how tight a seal the lid is. If it's a second-hand cooker, you'll probably want to add at least as much liquid to qualify as a braise, or wrap the top in foil before you cover it up. Or add veggies that will release moisture as they cook, like carrots or onions.

Burrell, have you ever eaten at the Indian place on Westwood just north of Santa Monica? We should go there some time. It's really good. Plus? Goat.

I LOVE that place. If you're heading south it's on the right, correct? Just south of Ross? Ahbabadala? Or something like that? If you are making plans I'd love to go with you both as K doesn't eat Indian ever. And I miss it.

Timelies all!

All this crockpot talk reminds me that I need to investigate the cookbook I bought a few months back(Not Your Mother's Slow-Cooker Cookbook) for interesting recipes.

Ahbabadala? Or something like that? If you are making plans I'd love to go with you both as K doesn't eat Indian ever. And I miss it.

Aha! You have triggered the name for me--Amhala Dhaba, or something much like that.

If we can fit it in with your pre-Christmas schedule, busy lady, I'd love to.

While I was at the market, Brian raked my leaves. He's SO getting cookies! Swear to god, I love this neighborhood.

My quick trip ended up being two hours because I had to stop to talk to so many people. And then catch up with Brian.

I just had a thought. I'm wearing (currently) a black overbust strapless corset and a gunmetal grey satin ballgown skirt to my cousin's wedding. I had been considering a wrap to wear on top of it indoors, but what about a cape? (I've been reading Jezebel's how to dress for parties without freezing article) I'd have to work out how to actually wear it there, under my winter coat, but it might be kinda cool. I can't decide.

I have a pair of the lined tights she mentions and they are AWESOME.

Aroo?

I throw 1 cup of steel-cut oats, 4 cups water, some maple syrup & chopped pecans in the pot before I go to bed, and leave the lid just a little bit askew (if you seal it completely the oatmeal is too wet), and put it on low. When I wake up in the morning, yummy steel-cut oatmeal! And then I put the rest in the fridge and eat it the rest of the week.

The down side is cleaning the pot, and usually some of the oatmeal burns on the side of the pot, but it's not too bad.