Author: Ben Starr

  • Guest Post: Ecuador!

    One of my delightful fans, Alyssa, leads a very interesting life.  She left the comfort and familiarity of her home and country, and moved to a far-flung coastal village in Ecuador to help people less fortunate than herself…and she’s had many adventures along the way.  I originally began interacting with Alyssa when she commented on…

  • 11 Years Today

    11 years ago today, I met Christian.  I’ll spare you the details.  No one would have imagined that two people meeting under the circumstances we met under would still know each other 11 years later, much less be a couple.  But life is funny that way, and fairy tales are just fairy tales. I would…

  • MasterChef 4 recap: Eggs and Salmon (S4E18)

    (PLEASE NOTE: This blog contains the maniacal ravings of a Season 2 survivor with [practically] no inside knowledge of how this season was produced.  It should be treated as opinion only, and isn’t fit to be read by anyone.) We’re down to 6…but are we?  Apparently, the producers are pulling another surprise comeback, but this…

  • MasterChef 4 recap: Family Food and Sushi (S4E17)

    (PLEASE NOTE: The content that follows is entirely from the depraved mind of a MasterChef season 2 survivor.  It should be treated, not as fact, but as opinion, only…and probably not a very sound opinion, at that!) We’re down to 7 for MasterChef season 4.  At this point in my season, Christine Corley and Derrick…

  • MasterChef 4 recap: (S4E16)

    (WARNING: This blog contains the crazed ravings of a MasterChef season 2 survivor who has no inside knowledge of how this season was produced.  Everything in this blog should be considered opinion and nothing else.) Before I begin, I need to address a MasterChef issue that’s been flying around the TV gossip websites today.  These…

  • Cabernet Jelly

    Have you ever had wine jelly?  It’s divine.  And couldn’t be easier to make.  In fact, the hardest part of this recipe is sterilizing the jars and lids, which is easy.  You should do that first, because the jelly comes together VERY quickly once you start. This recipe makes about 4 pints of jelly, or…