Re: The Cooking Thread - Paleo - Baking - Grilling - Q - Sushi - Whatcha got?

[MSU addict]

So msu addict, how does that thing compare to the CL2085 or whatever it is that I have from Sam's? I am damn tempted to buy it and donate the one I have to my kids elementary school.

The one you have is a better machine.  The build quality will be better, you will be able to get replacement parts for that as long as you own it.  Yours also has a better heating element. They are bragging about an upgraded 860 watts, yours has 1,220 watts on a smaller six ounce smaller kettle - mine is 1,420 watts on an eight ounce kettle.  Yours will have a better motor, a bit heavier wiring, better quality stainless - it is better machine.  Look at wiring that goes to the kettle, yours is wrapped in stainless conduit, that one is just pvc.  In general, you do get what you pay for, yours is a $450 machine versus a $150 machine.  

The Great Northern MSU popper is made in China and they use varying parts based on what they can contract.  Essentially there are no replacement parts available, and they can and do vary in quality.  Great Northern build quality is getting consistently better, better than 10 years ago.  That popper has a 5 year warranty - see the next post.  

The MSU machine is their foundation model, one of their better poppers.  From what I have seen the paint seems to hold up well on GN poppers.  Their stainless steel does not seem to be the best quality, I have seen rust issues.  I have seen a couple of the GN factory themed machines, and they look nice - I have not seen the MSU one in person.  

I would love to see it in person - is that Spartan head on the glass etched, is it painted,  is it a sticker, is in on the inside or outside - to me, these things matter.

As you know by having one, popcorn machines are complicated.  But they do have a heating element, a thermostat and a motor and gearing to stir.  They all make popcorn pretty much the same but more powerful heating elements do matter.  

If I did not have a popcorn machine, I would buy that one.  Simply because it is MSU themed, it looks well done and I don't fret over $140 purchases.  When I was looking for a machine, I bought a Paragon because I love the look of my machine (all stainless) and I was willing to pay for the better quality.  But the MSU theme changes things and tips the balance for the Great Northern, for $140 bucks, I buy it.

But I really like my machine and like you have zero need for two of them.

[MSU addict]

FWIW, here is the text of the warranty

Five Year Limited Warranty

Great Northern Popcorn Company's popcorn machines are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for five years from the date of purchase. Within this period, Great Northern Popcorn Company will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace any components that fail during normal use. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by abnormal or unreasonable use, including any repair or attempted repair by anyone other than a certified Great Northern Popcorn Company authorized service technician, use of replacement parts that are not OEM parts, in addition to incidental or consequential damages. Using this product for anything other than its original intended purpose or altering this product in any way will void this warranty. There is a 30 day limited warranty on all consumable parts including but not limited to glass, doors, hinges, blades, kettles and/or light bulbs as applicable.

If your popcorn machine has a manufacturer's defect covered by our warranty, we will either repair or replace it, at our option, without charge or refund. Such repairs, or items deemed to be eligible for replacement, will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for all shipping costs.

Beyond the initial 30 day period, this warranty does not apply to: A. cosmetic damage, such as broken glass, scratches, nicks and dents; B. consumable parts, such as kettles and light bulbs, unless product damage has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; C. damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, water, flood, fire, or other acts of nature or external causes; D. damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not an authorized service provider of Great Northern Popcorn Company; or E. damage to a product that has been modified or altered without the written permission of Great Northern Popcorn Company. In addition, The original purchaser who has provided proper proof of the original retail purchase and all other requested information is the holder of this warranty.

Please note that repair costs and handling charges may apply if any issue was found to be the fault of the end user. Please be prepared to provide the unit's serial number, if applicable), your return shipping address and a daytime phone number and proof of purchase.

Great Northern Popcorn Company retains the exclusive right to repair or replace, with a new or newly-refurbished replacement machine or part, the product or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.

[WhiteBoyHatcher]

Thank you. Wow you are like a popcorn machine Jesus. I will stick with what I have I guess.

[MSU addict]

I did not know this, but the Great Northern Popcorn company is located in Michigan.

Customer service:

Great Northern Popcorn Company
10719 Waters RV Dr.
Gaylord, MI 49735

The machines ship from a warehouse in Mancelona, Michigan.

They actually offer pick-up there.  Which would explain why they have an MSU machine and no other college themed machines.  I am thinking they may be Spartan Owned.

Dammit Goose - check it out.

Great Northern Popcorn is an assumed named filed by DTX International Inc.  
It's CEO is Thomas Gerard he went to Walsh.
It looks like the Principal owner is named Brian Foster, he went to Oakland Community College.

[Guest]

Thank you. Wow you are like a popcorn machine Jesus. I will stick with what I have I guess.

I love the look of that MSU machine but would wager the Spartan head is a sticker.

[Guest]

A little story first and then the result.   Since Christmas I've been slowly working at emptying my freezers.   Having 2 freezers full of meat, fruit, etc for 1 person is silly.  Late last week I took some blueberries out intending to make a pie.  Never really got motivated to do so.   Last night I saw the berries in the 'fridge and decided I better use them or lose them.   I've mixed blueberries into cake mixes in the past with some success so thought about doing that.   When I opened my cupboard a Duncan Hines chewy brownie mix was staring back at me.  So I decided to try that.

I think the berries were just a pint that I had poured into a zip lock and frozen.  When they thawed they were a bit mushy with a lot of juice so I was scared of adding the water called for in the mix.

So -

1 box Duncan Hines chewy Brownie mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup oil
Did not add the called for 1/4 cup water
I mixed those all up and then added
Very wet thawed pint of blueberries and mixed them in well.

Put it in my non stick cake pan and popped it in the oven at 350.
The brownie mix called for 23 minutes.   Because of the moisture
I let them cook for about 30 minutes.  Out on the counter to cool.
Covered them up last night and left them.

Tonight the daughter/SiL and grandkids were over for dinner so I
pulled the brownies out for dessert.   They were insanely good.  Very,
very moist and the blueberries mixed through them added a nice flavor.

Got a family dinner coming up on Easter Sunday so I'm going to try
this one again then.

No pictures since the SiL took the leftovers for work tomorrow.

[Guest]

I did not know this, but the Great Northern Popcorn company is located in Michigan.

Customer service:

Great Northern Popcorn Company
10719 Waters RV Dr.
Gaylord, MI 49735

The machines ship from a warehouse in Mancelona, Michigan.

They actually offer pick-up there.  Which would explain why they have an MSU machine and no other college themed machines.  I am thinking they may be Spartan Owned.

Dammit Goose - check it out.

I just saw this, I'll have to pull in there someday.

The Waters RV drive address is the Waters exit right off I75, Exit #270 so 10-15 miles north of Grayling.

[MSU addict]

I did not know this, but the Great Northern Popcorn company is located in Michigan.

Customer service:

Great Northern Popcorn Company
10719 Waters RV Dr.
Gaylord, MI 49735

The machines ship from a warehouse in Mancelona, Michigan.

They actually offer pick-up there.  Which would explain why they have an MSU machine and no other college themed machines.  I am thinking they may be Spartan Owned.

Dammit Goose - check it out.

I just saw this, I'll have to pull in there someday.

The Waters RV drive address is the Waters exit right off I75, Exit #270 so 10-15 miles north of Grayling.

If I was ever in the neighborhood I would like to check them out.

Unlike Paragon and Gold Medal which are manufacturers, Great Northern is an importer. They have carved a nice little niche importing concession equipment and even as an importer have developed a "brand" per se. They have added a needed measure of consistency with the imported machines and have helped bring down the prices of the Paragon and Gold Medal machines. They have also made them much more widely available. Gold Medal used to sell strictly through distributors and they have had to move away from that business model.

I have a preference for the US manufactured machines, but I do appreciate the expanded choices and the lower price points.

[Guest]

I just saw this, I'll have to pull in there someday.

The Waters RV drive address is the Waters exit right off I75, Exit #270 so 10-15 miles north of Grayling.

If I was ever in the neighborhood I would like to check them out.

Unlike Paragon and Gold Medal which are manufacturers, Great Northern is an importer. They have carved a nice little niche importing concession equipment and even as an importer have developed a "brand" per se. They have added a needed measure of consistency with the imported machines and have helped bring down the prices of the Paragon and Gold Medal machines. They have also made them much more widely available. Gold Medal used to sell strictly through distributors and they have had to move away from that business model.

I have a preference for the US manufactured machines, but I do appreciate the expanded choices and the lower price points.

Sometimes it takes a while for my addled old brain to click but I'll bet you $$ I've been to their Mancelona warehouse.

About 10 years ago I bought a new grill off Ebay that offered local pick up and it was at a warehouse on the east side of M-66 a mile or so south of town. I'll bet you that was them in their earlier days.

[aualum06]

Didn't cook it but it was good.

[Guest]

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[Guest]

Damn some good Pie and Pizza deals in here for PI day.....

Today is National Pi Day (3/14): Here's where to find special pie deals

[Guest]

Last post for Pie Day.

[WhiteBoyHatcher]

Did I buy an air fryer just to cook the six wings I had leftover after I grilled the first six on Tuesday? I'm starting to realize the answer is probably.

[Guest]

Did I buy an air fryer just to cook the six wings I had leftover after I grilled the first six on Tuesday? I'm starting to realize the answer is probably.

Tell me how that thing works. I've been eyeballing one for over a year. Love deep fried but hate the mess and calories.

[WhiteBoyHatcher]

Round 1 went ok. I cooked these on the highest setting (400) for 15 minutes. They were good but could have been a lot crispier. I'll have to do some experimenting.

[DWags]

Golfed 27. Had this in for 20 hours at my buddies in Tennessee. Gonna dig in in about 30 minutes. Go Houston.

[WhiteBoyHatcher]

Looks good. I hope they know what they're doing in slicing it.

[DWags]

Was amazing.

[The Pantry]

Picked up shrimp tacos from Oaxaca last night along with their house salsa and chips. Delicious but had the shits all day.

[Guest]

Picked up shrimp tacos from Oaxaca last night along with their house salsa and chips. Delicious but had the shits all day.

So doubly good.

[The Pantry]

Picked up shrimp tacos from Oaxaca last night along with their house salsa and chips. Delicious but had the shits all day.

So doubly good.

Not really. Didn't get to work until after 11. Good thing I didn't get their spicy salsa or might not be able to sit down right now.

[Guest]

Michigan Maple Day today - so went out and got some syrup. While i was out tried a new honey place. A damned fine looking pint of raw honey for $6. Picked up 4 donuts from my favorite Amish bakery and am now ready to sin. I'll let you know on taste once I try it later today. Also got my pint of Brede's so I'm ready to fry some shrimp up for tonight. A productive day of foraging some local foods.

[Guest]

Every time I open a new jar of Brede's I'm transported back to the kitchen at Grandpa and Grandma's farm. My grandpa used horseradish like people today do ketchup & mustard, I think I may have been the only grandkid that joined him eating it. He always assured me that doing so would put hair on my chest.

[Guest]

Open offer for Swillsters:

I've got 19 coming for Easter Dinner on Sunday so am baking mass quantities tomorrow. If anyone is in the area let me know and I'll set you up with a pie.

Making:
Mixed Berry
Blackberry
Blueberry
Custard

Banana Cake & Filled Cookies for the non pie eaters.

[The Pantry]

Get emails from Honeybaked Ham.  Took a look at their site today.  Yeah, their stuff is expensive but some of the prices blew my mind. $25 green bean casserole? $25 potatoes au gratin? wow

Sides

[DWags]

Put mix directly on prime rib.

Bump.  doing this again tonight.  Wife's goodbye dinner.   3lb prime rib.

[Guest]

Put mix directly on prime rib.

Bump.  doing this again tonight.  Wife's goodbye dinner.   3lb prime rib.

Wags hoping to get the babybackrib some action.

[The Pantry]

Put mix directly on prime rib.

Bump.  doing this again tonight.  Wife's goodbye dinner.   3lb prime rib.

What's in the mix?

[DWags]

Bump.  doing this again tonight.  Wife's goodbye dinner.   3lb prime rib.

What's in the mix?

butter, fresh garlic minced.  Thyme rosemary

[Other Teams Pursuing That]

Put mix directly on prime rib.

Bump.  doing this again tonight.  Wife's goodbye dinner.   3lb prime rib.

Just seeing these photos

[DWags]

Meat really turns out well OTPT.   Just put it in the oven at 500 degrees for each pound you do it for five minutes,  Then, no matter what the poundage, you turn the oven off and let sit for 2 hours.  It's really nice.  It works out no matter how big the prime rib it comes out medium well.  Delidcuousl.

[The Pantry]

What's in the mix?

butter, fresh garlic minced.  Thyme rosemary

Sounds good. Was wondering if there was some horseradish in that

[DWags]

butter, fresh garlic minced.  Thyme rosemary

Sounds good.  Was wondering if there was some horseradish in that

After the cook, I always use some fresh horse radish.  Mixed with a bit of Mayo.  Not in the mix though.

[The Pantry]

Meat really turns out well OTPT.   Just put it in the oven at 500 degrees for each pound you do it for five minutes,  Then, no matter what the poundage, you turn the oven off and let sit for 2 hours.  It's really nice.  It works out no matter how big the prime rib it comes out medium well.  Delidcuousl.

What time do you use for medium rare?

[DWags]

Meat really turns out well OTPT.   Just put it in the oven at 500 degrees for each pound you do it for five minutes,  Then, no matter what the poundage, you turn the oven off and let sit for 2 hours.  It's really nice.  It works out no matter how big the prime rib it comes out medium well.  Delidcuousl.

What time do you use for medium rare?

 I go by the instructions.  It comes out Medium; Medium rare.  Whatever the weight of the prime rib is, you put the oven up to 500, if it's 4 pounds, you coook it at 500 for 20 minutes then shut it off. if it's 3 lbs, you do it for 15 minutes then shut it off.  Then let it sit in the oven for 2 hours, no matter the weight.  It works out to between medium rare medium every time.

[Tim Wakefield]

Meat really turns out well OTPT.   Just put it in the oven at 500 degrees for each pound you do it for five minutes,  Then, no matter what the poundage, you turn the oven off and let sit for 2 hours.  It's really nice.  It works out no matter how big the prime rib it comes out medium well.  Delidcuousl.

Why

[DWags]

Meat really turns out well OTPT.   Just put it in the oven at 500 degrees for each pound you do it for five minutes,  Then, no matter what the poundage, you turn the oven off and let sit for 2 hours.  It's really nice.  It works out no matter how big the prime rib it comes out medium well.  Delidcuousl.

Why

I actually meant medium rare. I’m drunk. I’ve shown pictures on here of the outcome. Sorry. I’m pretty drunk.

[Tim Wakefield]

Why

I actually meant medium rare. I’m drunk. I’ve shown pictures on here of the outcome. Sorry. I’m pretty drunk.

Joining you soon

[The Pantry]

Went for the milk pickup at lunch.  Drove right past Popeye's chicken when leaving.  Place has disappointed me the last three times I stopped there.  Maybe Popeye's isn't actually that bad but that particular location sucks.  Food, service, everything.

Drove another 1/4 mile up Van Dyke and spotted Naruto Sushi.  Knew the place was there but never tried it.  Pulled in and ordered carryout.  Been told the place is usually busy at lunch but today being Monday worked in my favor.  Was out of there in maybe 7-8 minutes.  Spicy Combo lunch special...tuna, salmon, and California rolls.  9 bucks including tax.  Was shocked at the amount of food when I got back to the office.  24 pieces of sushi...enough for both lunch and dinner for me.  Not Kona Grill great but quite tasty.  

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