After my last blog post someone reminded me that giving lavish gifts to co-workers can quickly become a matter of obligation, not enjoyment. I should know this from my own experience. A few years ago we had something of a baby boom at work, and I took to knitting a blankie for every new arrival. I knew I was in trouble when a co-worker came to my desk and said, "I'm pregnant. Where's my blankie?" That's when I retired from the blankie game and started getting sleepers at the baby outlet store instead.

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I thought earlier this week about foods I used to enjoy that now make me cringe. Some examples:

Jolly Rancher candies

Just about any Halloween or Easter candy, come to that

That dried chicken soup with the flavor pearl. We used to fight over who got to drop the pearl into the pot. I wouldn't touch it on a bet now.

Processed cheese. Lord, the number of those "roofing tiles" I used to eat due to an addiction to grilled cheese!

Anything with fake fruit flavors.

My palate has become more demanding, and I'm glad. It's turning me away from the fake, prefab stuff I used to eat and to fresh, natural foods. That's both healthier AND better-tasting, IMHO.

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I'm planning to make a pot of chicken soup in the next couple of weeks. I learned how to make gorgeous chicken broth (simmer instead of boil for clarity, throw in a whole onion with skin for color). What I'm trying to figure is this: If you add noodles, rice or potatoes, they become mushy during storage, particularly in the freezer. I'm wondering if quinoa or Israeli couscous would hold up better?

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Some friends of mine are going to New York City next month. They told me they were going to try to visit Chelsea Market, home of the Food Network. They said that if they did they'd get me a bunch of pictures. I told them that if they could corral either Bobby or Alton for me, I'd really be grateful!

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One last episode of Chopped, and then off to beddy-bye. At least tomorrow is Friday!