Q: (From the FML) "I know that the recipe states that the food should be
poured into ziploc sandwich bags and that the excess air should be squeezed
out.  Does anyone know the reason for this?  Would the excess air somehow
contaminate the food or is it to save space?  I've been wondering since
having all those bags scattered about the freezer is a bit frustrating and
I thought it would be nice to be able to use those Gladlock sandwich
containers instead"
 
A: As an old vet friend of mine once said, sometimes you have to go to the
horse's mouth for the answer and sometimes the horse's butt.  Luckily, I
can answer for both....
 
Originally, I had the air removed for three reasons: 1) to reduce the
oxidation of the fats (helps retard spoilage), 2) to save space in the
freezer, and 3) because the Chicken Gravy can be heated in the bags simply
by dropping them (unopened) in hot water.  I hate the loose bags as well,
so I simply store all of them in a large ziplock which keeps them from
scattering about.  One person I know stores them in a small box, which
would do the same thing.  Others pour the gravy into ice cube trays to make
individual servings.  Some pop the cubes out and wrap in foil; others leave
them in the tray until needed.  I have purposefully not meddled in the
natural "evolution" of the preparation and use of Bob's Chicken Gravy
because what works well for one may not be as efficient to another.  Over
the last year, MANY methods for the preparation and storage of the recipe
have been posted, and I suggest you scan the FML archives for further
information.
 
There is a lot of animal fat in the recipe which will slowly oxidize (or
turn rancid) with exposure to oxygen.  Any storage method which reduces
oxygen exposure is acceptable; just fill your sandwich containers to the
top and squeeze out as much air as possible and you should be ok.
 
Q: "I heard you have a lot of ferret books....which one do you recommend
    most?"
 
A: None and all. Or (if you prefer) all and none.
 
Each time I think I have finally obtained a complete collection of ferret
books, I discover yet another one.  Recently, I found two copies of a
small 1977 booklet which I have NEVER heard about before.  Not long ago, I
discovered a late 1800s volume in the Library of Congress that has never
been referenced in any ferret literature.  I have heard a rumor that there
is a Russian ferret book, but have not yet confirmed it's existence.  Most
ferret books (and booklets) are published in English, German or Spanish,
but there are a few in other languages.  I own copies or originals of ALL
ferret books I am aware of, which includes all those listed in current
ferret literature, and am constantly searching for more.  Leads are always
appreciated.
 
As for recommending ferret books, historically I have refused to do so on
two grounds; 1) people on the FML can take things too personally and
interpret the clinical review of a book as a personal attack, and frankly,
I'm not paid well enough to put up with the crap, and 2) unless a book
makes a really BAD blunder, I see no reason to point out the minor
imperfections.  Thus, I have only recommended NOT buying two volumes;
Dustman's 1998 "Ferrets!: For Today's Pet Owner From the Publishers of
Ferrets USA Magazine" because of an edited picture of a ferret stalking a
chicken, and Siino's 1999 "The Essential Ferret" because it is a complete
rip-off of Shefferman's 1996 "The Ferret: An Owner's Guide to a Happy,
Healthy Pet."  Other than that, I have kept my mouth shut and my opinions
to myself.  I DO recommend you BORROW a copy of any book BEFORE buying it
and review it for yourself.  Most can be obtained through your local
library via interlibrary loan.
 
Bob C and 16 Mo' Bookish Bozos
[Posted in FML issue 3005]