Jones Soda

Where do I begin? Being a native of Atlanta, I think that the only soft drink we had in the house was Coca-Cola. Coke, Coke, Coke and more Coke. We were such good eaters as children, that we could have coke with our dinner. I have never liked the taste of milk, never drank it when I finished my cereal, and can remember drinking very few glasses of it (...and that was at a friend's house who's mom had put it out with the dinner. I gulped it down and asked for a glass of water so that I could enjoy my meal). Anyway, I'm not sure when it started, but Jones Soda caught my eye in the store. Was it the humorous packaging, the funny names, or the outrageous flavor combinations?

I started purchasing the Jones Soda for a weekend treat for my sons when they were younger. Never knowing how something would taste or look. It always has the great carbonation though that tickles the taste buds. Flavors like Bubble Gum, Strawberry Lemonade, Popcorn (yes, popcorn), and many other combinations have adorned our refrigerator. My brothers have always had a terrific sense of humor and I have always enjoyed giving them funny gifts. My oldest brother, who was a coach, would receive funny neckties to wear at school. My other brother has been the recipient of Jones Soda for Christmas. His wife has been given a few cookbooks over the years as she enjoys cooking, so in a way he benefits too. First year, I gave him some Green Apple Jones Soda. The next year, I received the same soda wrapped in their Christmas wrapping paper. A tradition was soon started as the same soda went back and forth from house to house at Christmas. In 2005, Jones Soda came up with the brilliant "Holiday Pack" which has the following holiday flavors:

Turkey and Gravy

Wild Herb Stuffing

Brussels Sprout

Cranberry

and last but not least, pumpkin pie

I'm sure that the pumpkin pie and cranberry flavored drinks would actually be quite refreshing and delicious. I'd be curious about the other flavors though. This pack managed to find it's way to my brother's house one Christmas. The flavors can only mellow over the years for my great grandchildren to enjoy one day like the finest wines of the world (A bottle of Chateau Lafite 1787 sold for $160,000 at Christies in London). If many years down the road, you see Jones Soda being sold at Christies, you will probably see one of my sons in the audience. The tradition of Jones soda on many weekends and holidays will continue at our house. This Halloween it was Blood Orange Soda. It was actually good.

So next time you are out shopping, be on the lookout for Jones Soda. The children will think they are fun and the adults get the biggest kick out of the humor and flavor combinations. Let me know what flavor you try and what you think of it.

The humble potato

Cooler weather has arrived in Georgia. Yesterday and today have been windy with drizzling rain. Lows have been in the 40's (F). Of course, in a few days, the temperatures may be quite different. This is fall in Georgia. Unpredictable. I did not turn on the heat last night, though it was quite cool in the house. No, I'll wait until I just can't stand it any more. I like a cool house (about 65-68) in the winter, but I know it was colder last night. So, officially, it's time to cook foods in the oven that take a while to cook. I certainly don't mind heating up the kitchen now.

I was thinking of what to make. I have lasagna, spaghetti sauce, and chili in the freezer for next week. I did purchase ingredients to have squash cooked with potatoes, tomato sauce and onions, but decided to wait to make that at another time. I glanced at the HUGE baking potatoes at the store and my decision was made. A simple green salad and a baked potato. I already ate the salad as I was hungry and determined NOT to microwave this huge monster potato.

I washed and scrubbed the potato with "fruit and veggie" cleaner, pricked holes in the potato with a fork, and put it in the oven to bake. About an hour at 400F. It will be worth the wait. I knew that a potato would be warming and filling. Simple, yet satisfying meal. I will top it with real butter (I can't remember the last time I used margarine at all), sour cream, and fresh chopped green onions. I may top it with sharp cheese too.

When I was growing up, there was a place in the fast food court of the malls that had only baked potatoes. They had numerous toppings from which to choose: broccoli and cheese, bacon, beef stew, bar-b-que (no, I never tried that), and numerous toppings that made the simple potato a hearty meal for the lunch time crowd. I think I may have eaten there once, but usually when I eat out, I try and get something that I cannot easily prepare at home. As a side note, I will say that it is much cheaper to eat Chinese food in a restaurant. Many years ago, I made sizzling rice soup, shrimp egg rolls, and two entrees. It was expensive, but delicious. I do have the ingredients for home-made Thai Phad (or Pad) depending on where you live). I'll let you know the success of my second try on that recipe. The first was just OK...not nearly enough veggies for me that time. It can't get any easier than a baked potato. Now, back to the potato..........

My other favorites:

French Fries: of course. That is the name of the blog after all. Nothing like a delicious french fry

Red potatoes: Wonderful as a warm potato salad with lots of bacon. It's October, so perhaps a nice German potato salad with my bratwurst.

Red potatoes: Steamed in their "jackets" served with lemon juice, butter, parsley and Parmesan cheese

Red potatoes: Served cold with a Greek Salad dressing drizzled on top of them.

Greek Style potatoes with lemon, oregano, butter, and olive oil.

Greek Style potatoes with tomato sauce, onions, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Acorn Squash stewed with tomatoes, tomato sauce, onions, and potato cubes.

Mashed potatoes: I like them cooked traditionally with butter, salt, pepper, and milk (or cream)

Mashed potatoes: Mashed with cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh garlic

Sweet potatoes: Baked with butter and cinnamon

Sweet potatoes: Baked into a sweet potato casserole sweetened Southern style with pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon

So many potatoes and different varieties. I can honestly say that I have never had a potato dish that I did not like. I've even made the Danish caramelized potatoes and the Swedish hasselback potatoes.

I remember once when in Switzerland I had a simple lunch consisting of steamed potatoes, pickles, and melted cheese on the plate. I will never forget this Raclette dish. To this day, Gruyere is one of my favorite kinds of cheese.

I have also made the Swiss potato dish called Rosti (depends on which area of Switzerland as to the spelling of the name). Basically, it is a giant potato dish made with shredded potatoes cooked in butter and oil in a frying pan. I have made this quite often.

I certainly drifted away from my original baked potato didn't I? Hopefully, one day, I will make all of the potato dishes I have described and remember to have my camera handy for the photos.

The ONLY potato that I do NOT like is the instant mashed potato.... I could go the rest of my life and not eat those. I think my potato is ready now, so off I go to eat a late dinner.

Mashed potato soup.......

This one would be easy without measurements, because many of us make mashed potatoes from time to time. What started out as mashed potatoes, quickly became potato chowder. I was making the potatoes and was ready to mash them. I decided to leave them very chunky. I added milk and butter, stirring gently. I decided to make it like a baked potato and added sour cream, chives, and cheddar cheese. It was truly a "stick to your ribs" warming meal!!! Bacon bits can be added too. The leftovers were even fine the next day.