Threw this together on Thanksgiving. Because it’s true.

Feel free to take and use. (Click for bigger version.)

So, among other productivity methods I’ve been trying this month, I also tried the Hipster PDA method, where essentially you use a small stack of index cards with a big clip to keep track of what you need to get done. (Optionally also with the Getting Things Done and 43 Folders philosophies.)

Most people react to this by saying something like, “Seriously? Index cards.” Yes, seriously. You … Keep reading »

For a few months now, I’ve been trying the Inbox Zero method. Basically, the idea is to keep your email inbox empty (zeroed out) so you’ll be less stressed when you check it because you’re not facing down 50-1000 unread messages. So far, it’s been working pretty well for me.

After a while, as with my implementation of the Pomodoro Technique, by the end I was using my own, trimmed version … Keep reading »

It’s been a month since I busted out with the Pomodoro Technique in a productivity boosting experiment. While I think it has improved thing somewhat, there are still some areas I find it a little lacking.

A quick overview in the (quite possible) event you haven’t heard of it. Basically, you:

Choose a task to be accomplished
Set the Pomodoro to 25 minutes (the Pomodoro is the timer)
Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings, then put a check on your task list. … Keep reading »

You’ve probably noticed it’s German/Austrian cooking week here at AwesomeToast. It’s my favorite cuisine, and definetly my favorite to cook. Another favorite recipe of mine is German potato salad. It’s very different from American potato salad, with a sweet vinegar type glaze and is typically served warm. Here’s my recipe:

The Stuff:

3 cups peeled potatoes, sliced. I prefer Yukon Gold or Red potatoes.
4 tbsp of butter OR 4 strips of bacon … Keep reading »

Another favorite Austrian recipe of mine is Griessnockerlsuppe, which means semolina dumpling soup. I’ve tried this recipe several times now and tweaked it to being just right. It only takes about 15 minutes to make and serves 4. Enjoy:

Dumplings (12):

1 cup + 2 tbsp semolina flour (Coarse is better, but anything works, really.)
1 whole egg
1 egg white
6 tbsp. soft butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg

Broth:

2 cans or 16 oz. beef broth (chicken … Keep reading »

Käsespätzle (or homemade egg noodles with cheese) is one of my all-time favorite Austrian/German recipes, and one of my favorites to make. Here’s my recipe!

You’ll want to start the caramelized onion topping first, as it takes the longest.

Caramelized Onions

1 tbsp butter (not margarine)
2 Onions (preferably sweet like Walla Walla, but others work fine too)
1/4 tsp salt

Melt butter in skillet over med-high heat. Stir in sliced onions until they’re covered, then cook for 10 minutes. Stir every 3 mins or so.

Then … Keep reading »

A lot of people ask me, “Your domain is AwesomeToast… but what does that mean?”

This is often a very difficult question to answer, as the definition of awesome toast is complex and varied — only some of which actually relate to toast as it is commonly understood. That said, I believe the following video begins to scratch the surface and gives an effective (and mouth-watering) demonstration of the fundamentals of awesome toast. Watch as chef Daniel Humm creates the grilled … Keep reading »

Tried this today. Didn’t work. It was funny though.