Does Evil Dwell In Your Icebox?
The refrigerator is the third most important technological achievement of the 20th century, trailing only computers and television, according to a recent survey for Frigidaire.
But if you look a little more closely, it also could be the breeding ground for the end of civilization as we know it.
More than half (56 percent) of the people polled by Tupperware said they have food in their refrigerators that’s so old, they can’t remember what it is.
“The seemingly innocent icebox may house the vilest of leftovers - now morphing into an unstable, radioactive isotope,” warn the Whirlpool applicance people.
OK, so they’re exaggerating just a bit. It’s all in good fun, for their “America’s Most Disgusting Refrigerator” contest. The winner will receive a new refrigerator, range, dishwasher and microwave, along with $1,000 cash. Microwaves go to another four runners-up.
To enter, send a photograph or five-minute videotape of your fridge in all its grungy glory, along with a 100-word description of its contents, to Whirlpool Grossest Refrigerator Contest, P.O. Box 9569, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Entries must be received by Aug. 31. For complete rules, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the same address.
Java script
Wine buffs long have had access to numerical ratings for various vintages, thanks to such publications as the Wine Spectator. Now coffee connoisseurs can find the same thing on the Internet at GreatCoffee.com.
The Web site (www.greatcoffee.com) includes scores on a 100-point scale for almost 500 coffees courtesy of Coffee Review magazine, with more added each month. Many are available for sale through the site.
Sample review, of The Roasterie’s 1999 Guatemala Antigua Organic (among the top picks with a 93 rating): “An almost symphonic coffee with floral notes at the top, wine and dry fruit in the middle and smoky pungency at the bottom.”
Cream and sugar with that?
Market update
While we list produce available at some of the major area farmers’ markets each week inside IN Food, there are others worth seeking out as well.
The Colville Farmers Market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs and baked goods from local growers each Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m. at Hawthorne and Elm streets. For information, call (509) 675-1133.
Also in Colville, the Northeast Washington Farmers Market provides produce along with craft items each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Highway 395 and Highway 20, on Main Street.