Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

There's nothing like having ox tail stew for the first time, a long-neglected cut of meat. A dish for only those with Patience and Fortitude, it takes at least two hours to simmer and some degree of social boldness to pick the meat off the bones.


Also introducing for the first time, Emergency Company Noodles:

As usual, headcount was entirely uncertain until hours before dinner, and as usual, I feared bellies would leave still hungry. So I whipped up some seafood chow mein, aided by the use of Korean instant ramen. The package yields al dente ramen noodles (decent level of hi-gluten flour), one packet of red hot seasonings, and one packet of dehydrated vegetables -- all helpful ingredients in a pinch. I enhanced by adding shrimp (sliced lengthwise to double the quantity); dried shrimp, dashi, shiitake mushrooms (to add flavor); and baked tofu strips (to add bulk).

The result? Empty plate, hopefully full bellies.