The Chubby Gnome: A Study of Spirits: Part 1

Ever since I started cooking professionally I've had a strong interest in cooking with alcohol. In fact I prefer to cook it than to drink it (though I enjoy that a great deal too). Over the years I've compiled a working knowledge of booze, what separates liquors from similar forms, what different nationalities and styles of liquor do to a spirit's taste and texture, as well as how they interact with other foods. Over the next several posts I'll be discussing what I've learned, and hope to condense it all into a useful, workable package to give you a working knowledge of your own, as well as spark some new recipe ideas too.

Gas Station Gourmet: Say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, but they mix a damn fine drink.

At the Fat Kid's behest, I'm tasked with an article on the best thing I've ever eaten from a gas station.

This one is pretty difficult for me. I try not to engage my higher brain functions if it becomes necessary to pick up food at a gas station, and chips, Cheetos, and jerky only come in so many variations.

But the beverages. Oh my the beverages (note- beverage is a very fun and obnoxious word to use). Sodas and juices, energy drinks and cheap booze of all kinds! It's a wonderland of insulin-spiking proportions.

I could spend all day talking about soda alone, but I'll leave that for another time. For now I want to focus on things you can only find (for the most part) at a gas station. Here we go.