Tag Archives: food hacks

Costco food court hacks

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Burnt My Fingers

Last week Costco opened in Albany, with fawning media coverage worthy of that wedding at Madison Square Garden. We did not brave the crowds (there were long lines and a full parking lot) but are very familiar with Costco from … Continue reading →

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Poppyseed hot dog bun hack

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Burnt My Fingers

You want to make a Chicago-style hot dog in your non-Chicago kitchen but you lack the essential poppy seed bun. What to do? You could order S. Rosen buns from Vienna Beef at a somewhat elevated price, or you could … Continue reading →

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Recipe: Hotel Room Salt Salmon

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Burnt My Fingers

Hotel Room Salt Salmon (Shiozaki in Japanese) is an easy, elegant and potentially fatal entrée you can prepare anywhere you have access to a mini-fridge, packets of salt and sugar, and a microwave. Why fatal? Because you do need to … Continue reading →

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In-N-Out is giving away free salad dressing!

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Burnt My Fingers

If you’re lucky enough to be located near an In-N-Out burger place, ask when you pick up your order if you can have a few packets of their burger sauce. They keep them under the counter. Instead of responding “why … Continue reading →

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Recipe: Sautéed Zucchini with Shaved Fennel

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Burnt My Fingers

Sautéed Zucchini with Shaved Fennel was another hotel room hack. I had a fat green squash, a bulb of fennel and some dried herbes de provence. What would happen if I combined them? The fennel adds sweetness and the h … Continue reading →

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Let’s make a tea-smoked chicken!

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Burnt My Fingers

I’ve long wanted to make a tea-smoked duck at home, though decided early on it would be smart to start with tea-smoked chicken because of the cost factor. I am tempted by the birds hanging in the window when I … Continue reading →

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Recipe: Jello Cookies

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Burnt My Fingers

I had orange jello cookies on Halloween in the dining hall at Skidmore College and was inspired to research the recipe. Jello cookies are basically sugar cookies with Jell-O powder added in for color and flavor. Settled on this from … Continue reading →

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