We're nutty about our research

[missdiane]

One of the times my job is cool. I get to hear first hand about stuff like this:

Rutgers researcher bringing new crop to N.J. (and joy to Nutella lovers everywhere)

I'd heard a few years ago about the meeting with the Ferrero Rocher folks with Bossman and it's great to see that things are moving along nicely. Bossman is Tom Molnar's co-Project Director on the hazelnut project they have with our department. They'd better make sure to note this deal in the impact statement for his research this year. If he doesn't, I'll email him to ask if I can edit it in before submitting it to USDA. By the by, these hazelnuts are smaller but they taste excellent. 

Typing "Ferrero Rocher" always makes me giggle, though. When I was working at the Verizon call center over 15 years ago, I remember this woman with a strong hick accent yammering on about how she loved..and I am not exaggerating her speech "them thar FERRAHH ROACH-ERS." It took me a few beats to figure out what she was saying and it was hard not to giggle.

In non-work news, I'm having Thanksgiving this year with Emily and her parents down the street from me. I'm looking very forward to it since it's been several years since I've had Thanksgiving with anyone. That and I'll get to cook stuff to share which I'm excited about.

Comments

[threecee]

Yum! You get to try new produce, too?

Nice to have people to cook for on Thanksgiving. Especially if you don't have to do ALL of the cooking.

[missdiane]

Sometimes, yes! For our conference, I asked a county agent if she'd bring some apples to put in the grab bags and she brought a TON of these gigantic apples called suncrisp. They were pretty good!
http://terhuneorchards.com/suncrisp-apples/

Last year at this time I attended a celebration of the breeding programs which was fun. The NJ oyster and scallop ceviche was amaaazing and I got to bring home leftovers
http://breeding.rutgers.edu/rutgers-250-breeding-celebration/

I'm hoping someone from our blueberry/cranberry research center (Ocean Spray pays US royalties) will come by with some yummy NJ cranberries. They're huge, almost like cherries and sweeter and flavorful. Former Bosslady has gone down and picked blueberries which are fabulous.

One of the other county agents has dropped by with corn, peppers, potatoes and earlier this spring some Jersey strawberries. The berries are SO good but you have to use them quickly as they go overripe faster than any berry I've had.

[veganhothead.livejournal.com]

I love hazelnuts but sadly I'm allergic. Any idea where this hick was from?

[missdiane.livejournal.com]

If I remember correctly, she was in Kentucky. We did customer service for 26 states.

Stinks that you're allergic. What about chestnuts? Bossman is researching those. We also grow kick ass blueberries, cranberries and tomatoes.

[veganhothead.livejournal.com]

I've never been to Kentucky.

I think chestnuts are okay. Damn, now I want blueberries and chestnuts.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

Good to hear that you are having a Thanksgiving with friends. it's the best. it sounds like you and Emily are back on an even keel again.

[missdiane.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it was a bummer when she was being distant. It was probably a bout of stress/depression. We've still been going to the gym for several months but lately we've been trying some new exercises (we found some weighted sticks in one part of the gym) because we were starting to slack.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

I'm glad. Everyone needs someone to hang with.