Sippi Lovin'

It has been three weeks since we last addressed food on our blog. In that time, Michelle and I have eaten out twice, both times in a novel setting. During our brief Hurricane Vacation, we played tournament-style poker with my major professor, Dr. A., and a few friends at his humble abode. After delivering warm cookies, fresh from our oven, and cold Michelob Amber Bach, straight from the liquor store, but before I took everyone's money, Dr. A. treated us to a large pepperoni & onion Mazzoli's pizza. Somewhere in the middle of that mess, Dr. A. broke open his liquor cabinet and flashed his bartending skills. We sampled vanilla & hazelnut martinis, peach margaritas, and snifters of scotch. This was in addition to the Sapporos a classmate of mine brought. We were told it's a Japanese beer and I guess he should know...being Japanese and all. (Michelle wants to add that I'm a better poker player under the influence.)

The second eatery we ventured into was a place that had intrigued me for months. Ward's is a fast food chain, found only in Southern Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Something about it reminded me of the A&Ws of old. Sure enough, they did serve a tasty & effervescent root beer homebrew, but the food left much to be desired. Michelle ordered the Lil' One and I ordered the Big One combo, complete with fries and a drink. We were relieved to find the burgers weren't McDonald's or Wendy's rip-offs, but chili cheeseburgers just aren't our thing. Furthermore, the chili had some kind of mystery mustard/mayonnaise sauce drizzled over it. (Michelle has just asked me whether that might have been the cheese and I'm not entirely sure what to tell her...that should raise some flags.)

This brings the grand total of *Restaurants visited* to 15. It turns out we forgot to mention earlier that we had eaten at Wu's Restaurant just before school began the first time. (Michelle reports that the buffet was just ok, but the egg rolls were great.)

Mazzoli's - 1 large pepperoni & onion pizza $16.00 (*free to us)
Ward's - 1 Big One combo & 1 Lil' One $6.80
Wu's Restaurant - 2 buffets & 1 drink $15.00

Moving off in a different direction, allow me to share with you a delectible bread recipe Michelle & I recently stumbled upon. In an effort to be upfront, we must admitt that this is only our second attempt in Hattiesburg and while the first loaves were better suited to be door stops, this recipe turned out wonderfully.

1 pkg. yeast
2 cups warm water
1/4 cup Cane syrup
1/4 flax seed
1 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. wheat bran
2 cups white flour
3 cups whole wheat flour

If anyone is serious about trying this recipe, Michelle says not to call us, instead, "You can comment on the damn blog." Seriously though, if you have any questions, feel free to ask away.