A very wise man once said that "it is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems just with potatoes." 'Tis true, 'tis true: You also need gravy.

The problem with gravy is that it's not vegetarian. The possibility of a vegetarian gravy that tastes like gravy has periodically crossed my mind, but I've always immediately dismissed it. Some things are inherently "meaty," and gravy is one of those things. As a result, I don't believe I've had mashed potatoes in over twelve years.

I am an idiot.

If you're looking for a vegetarian gravy, give this recipe a try. For the "2 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth," go with the vegetable broth. I used the Better Than Bouillon Organic Vegetable Base, adding a little extra for good measure. I also left out the balsamic vinegar and mushrooms, and used red wine rather than red wine vinegar. The end result sure tasted like honest-to-goodness gravy to me. It looked like honest-to-goodness gravy too.

If you're not vegan, pour your gravy atop some blue cheese mashed potatoes. They are simply fabulous. And if you're looking for a blue cheese that does not contain animal rennet, try Maytag's.

Any of the Cindy's Kitchen product line. The current Cindy's Kitchen site is practically non-existent, but I found this list of their dressings. You can get them at Whole Foods among other places. Try them and you'll wonder how you ever managed to stomach the stuff you (used to) call "salad dressing."

Or rather, what to put on your salad: Trader Joe's Romano Caesar Dressing. It's vegetarian: The Romano cheese uses vegetable rennet and the Worcestershire sauce is a vegetarian alternative. Yum!

Pan Dulce ( Mexican Sweet bread)
Originally uploaded by NoNo Joe.

To my great surprise and pleasure, I have located a source of Mexican pastries in New Hampshire: El Mexicano Jr. on Wilson Street in Manchester. I haven't had these in, gosh, well over a decade! I wonder if they make them at the restaurant, or if they purchase them from a bakery. If the latter, maybe there's a chance of tracking down some FRESH flour tortillas!

Thanks to NoNo Joe for making this photo available. I was too busy enjoying my tasty find!

A while back I blogged about my introduction to mead. It is an acquired taste, but one I find pleasant to have from time to time. Unfortunately, Wine Society apparently cannot be bothered to acquire it for its customers -- I've asked on several occasions with the answer ranging from a vague "maybe" to a look of annoyance. So what is a mead-drinking, Southern New Hampshire dweller to do? Head south of the border to Harrington's in Chelmsford where they not only regularly stock mead but don't seem put out by doing so!

If you're going to give mead a try, might I also suggest you pick up some Kelpie Seaweed Ale:

Prior to the 1850's there were many Scottish coastal ale-houses which brewed their own ales, these ales were made from local malted barley which was grown on fields fertilised with seaweed. This environment gave the barley a very specific flavour which we have recreated by the inclusion of fresh seaweed in the mash tun.

In addition to the seaweed (bladder rack) harvested on the Argyll coast we have used darker malts roasted by ourselves. Kelpie is a rich chocolate ale which has an aroma of fresh seabreeze and a distinctive malty texture.

Like mead, the first sip is rather striking, but then it's quite good. Really. And, if nothing else, it makes for interesting conversation.

A while back, someone commented that Sleeman Unibroue might be discontinuing Terrible. I had emailed the company about it and just heard back:

First I would like to apologize for the delay in responding you. Also, allow me to thank you for you interest in Unibroue products.

In response to your inquiry, the rumor you heard is false. We will not discontinue this product! We hope that you will continue to enjoy your favourite!

Cheers!

Chantale Milburn
Sleeman Unibroue Inc.

Excellent news!

Maison des Futailles' Sortilège: A blend of maple syrup and Canadian whiskey. Not overly sweet and very, very smooth!

That's right, two What to Drink entries in one week! You see, a couple of weeks ago I went to Harrington's in Chelmsford, Mass. If you take your beer seriously, if you're always on the lookout for a great microbrew or import, if the thought of drinking a Miller or a Budweiser fills you with disgust and horror -- assuming your brain can even fathom the possibility -- then it's WELL worth the drive: To my knowledge, there is no equivalent in New Hampshire. (If I'm wrong, do please leave a comment!)

As I discovered the last time I was there, Harrington's has at least one guy on staff who REALLY knows his beer. He spent a fair amount of time going over their offerings and gave me some great recommendations based on what I had already selected. Thanks to him, I learned about Berkshire Brewing Co's Coffeehouse Porter. He also indicated that, contrary to a rumor I heard, there is no indication that Unibroue is dumping Terrible (Harrington's had plenty of it BTW). Alas, for the life of me I cannot remember his name. The next time I go down, I'll see if I can figure out whom I spoke with, write down his name, and blog it because you should talk to this fellow if you really want to know what to drink.

Now on to today's recommendation, Stone Imperial Russian Stout:

a dark decadent beer that is one of the most lauded brews in America. Rated as one of the top 10 beers in the world on the two most popular beer rating websites, Ratebeer.com and BeerAdvocate.com, it certainly does have a following. "There's no question that Stone Imperial Russian Stout is revered among enthusiasts," states Stone CEO Greg Koch.

I agree! Definitely add this one to your list!

What can be better than an awesome, dark, decadent beer, you ask? An awesome, dark, decadent beer that comes from a brewery that embraces RSS. Stone Brewing Company has three feeds: two for information/updates and one for a vlog! What more could a geeky beer aficionado ask for?

I really like porters, and I really like coffee. So imagine my delight when I came across Berkshire Brewing Co's Coffeehouse Porter.

This dark ale combines the taset of real organic coffee with out popular Drayman's Porter. The robust coffee flavor comes vis a special coffee extract made for us exclusively by Dean's Beans, New Salem, Ma.

I tried it yesterday. Great stuff!

Xingu Black Beer.

EXPLORE THE HEART OF DARKNESS

An opaque, full-bodied black lager with mild bitterness. Extravagant treacle and anise aromas. Rich and creamy, well balanced sweet notes and hints of tartness with exceptional mouthfeel, in two words: Black Silk. Imported from Exotic Brazil.