Ask Me Anything: Make These Things From Scratch Right Now!

Plus: Tips for beating jet lag, how to choose a watermelon — and what I cook when I cook for my dogs.

Happy Monday! We usually do our Ask Me Anything post on Friday, but we’re opening it up to everyone this Monday because your questions were so good.

When I say Ask Me Anything, I mean anything. In previous weeks I’ve talked about the single greatest sandwich in the world, given advice on doubling or tripling recipes, and discussed whether I’d drive a car that smells like french fries.

Please leave your questions for next week in the comments below. Normally, only paid subscribers can do that, so think about taking the plunge! Remember that a portion of all proceeds from Spilled Milk subscriptions goes to World Central Kitchen, which is currently making a difference in Maui and which helps feed people all over the world.

Links!

A lot this week.

• Here’s where you can find information about my herb blends.

• This is the trio of barbecue rub, mop and sauce recipes that I mentioned.

• Want to watch Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen?

• My glasses frames are from Caddis, and my microwave is a Gaggenau.

• Finally, here’s my microwave corn hack.

This week’s questions

Michael: 

A few things I make from scratch that really pay off - garam masala, curry powder mixes, Chinese five spice, barbecue rubs, barbecue sauces, paprika (so delicious and sweet when home made), mayo, yogurt, ricotta, lacto fermented pickles. A few more that I can't remember. I find these DIY project well worth the effort in terms of flavor.

James: 

How do you season beef ribs that you’re barbecuing, and how do you keep them moist tender and juicy? 

Mary Jo: 

What do you do to adjust to time changes when traveling? How much time do you allow from flight arrival to Being able to work?

Collet: 

My husband and I are traveling to Western Massachusetts the first week of October, Cheshire to be exact. We are staying at a high school friend’s B&B. She has given us some great ideas for what to do and where to eat. But I was wondering what your thoughts were on places and food not to miss on our 3 day visit. Thanks.

Ralph

AZ, Where’d you get those frames? 

Connor: 

OK, WTF kind of microwave is that? 

Steph: 

Have you ever tried making corn in the Instant Pot? Perfect every time. 

Pam: 

How do you choose a good watermelon at the store? 

Mia: 

Jose Andres is selling dog food. You’re a dog lover, right? Do you cook for your dogs? 

Evan: 

When does it start getting cool enough in Minnesota to light a fire in your living room? 

Dawn: Good popcorn toppings?