WAITING

Yeah, sitting here Christmas Eve...waiting for my dough to rise. Waiting..waiting..I mean come on..Santa has come and gone. And I am still waiting. However, I have tried to make good use of my time by:

1. Making caramel corn...part of Christmas presents for people as well as the perfect late night snack for myself
2. Making a cup of tea...although when am I NOT doing this
3. Listen to Christmas music...still trying to get in the spirit...sadly
4. Printing off an ultrasound picture for my mom...one of her last presents.

And hopefully, one day, I can go to bed. Something that sounds so nice...especially considering I will have a 6:30 wake up call in the morning. Oh the joys of deciding to make Christmas morning breakfast. Seriously...what was I thinking??

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

CLAUSTROPHOBIC

You know that suffocating feeling...where you feel your actual life depends on just getting one deep breath of fresh air...well, that is how I feel. Maybe I should actually do some deep breathing...But to be honest, this is how I have been feeling for a while now. And it all has to do with this blog. Don't get me wrong. I love my new domestic hobbies. So much! Problem is...being a "domestic diva" is just such a small part of who I am. I get tired of writing about just aspects relating to crafts and cooking. I don't know how these people do it, only writing about one aspect of their lives day after day. I just don't think I am cut out for that. Monotony is my greatest enemy. And frankly, I am all out of air...or words. Part of me wishes I could create post after post of cute crafts and amazing recipes. Or that I loved these things so much that I lived and breathed ideas. I absolutely adore all those cooking and style blogs out there.

However, reality is...labels can be kind of limiting. Being known for one skill, or in my case a "martha stewart wanna-be" is not all-encompassing like I thought it might be...far from it. Instead, it is actually restricting. If I am spending my time focused on crafts and cooking and cleaning...then, in turn, that means I am NOT spending my time with friends, or learning to scuba dive, or whatever else I might want to be doing. I initially liked the challenge of becoming a domestic diva...because it was so far from what I would have ever labeled myself. I liked that it was new. I liked that it was difficult for me. And I honestly like cooking and crafts more now than I did when I started...but I am realizing that what I really want to write about are those things PLUS all the other things I love too. I probably have too many interests...from travel, to eating exotic food, to reading, to anything and everything else. I like variety...probably more than anything else. Someone just told me, actually yesterday, that I seemed like I get bored easily. And I will admit - this is true. It doesn't mean I am incapable of keeping friends or commiting to things, but just that in my day to day life I must have adventure. I must have new activities, new scenery, new people to keep me interested and engaged in my surroundings. This is a tough to keep up...but thankfully, I am also easily entertained, so the simplest thing may be all I need. This is also what makes sitting at a desk everyday so painful for me...like actually physically painful. (or that could be how un-ergonomically I sit in my chair)

All this to say, I think I want to give my blog a makeover...slowly because I am super busy right now..I have procrastinated way too much with Christmas presents, but maybe I can get it ready in time for the new year. Not to worry...cooking and crafts will continue...but probably in less quantity because I will be living in Cambodia in February. Who knows what crazy stories I will have to share then...

ANSWERS AND EASY MAC

I found my latest want. It is a book about baking science. It brings back fond memories of chemistry freshman year. Ok, maybe not fond memories, but definitely memories. It may be a little more intense than I am wanting, but it finally answered one of the questions I wondered a while back...what is the difference between dark and light brown sugar? Apparently, the difference is that dark brown sugar is made with molasses. However, in North America, the amount is so small that it really makes no difference. So thankfully, next time I see a recipe that specifies light or dark, I can rest assured that it doesn't matter what type I have on hand. I also tried to answer the question about flour, but apparently, instead of just two types of flour, there are apparently 50. And with this one, I think I am now more confused than less...

Now the only problem with getting this into cooking (down to the science of it), is at no point do I want to become a food snob. Not just with what I make, but especially with what others make. I enjoy most food, and if I start understanding the minute things that set apart cookies...will I still enjoy my grandma's tried and true recipe? Now part of me would love to take a sip of soup and be able to name every ingredient and amount..not from memory, but from taste. However, along with that skill, I think comes a curse. If I refine my palate, will I still be ok with eating easy mac for lunch? I mean the thought of having to fix gourmet lunches all the time is not worth it. I like my quick fix meals. I like prepackaged food. I even like tv dinners. I don't want to give up my poor taste. So I am at a loss for now...

THE PARTY

So the Christmas party last week was a success! It was so fun to see some friends I hadn't seen in a while. And any event that includes a plethora of desserts cannot fail! Here was our 10 days...or 10 desserts:



{1} cranberry apple crisp: the only thing I had actually made before..even though I "messed" it up by adding double the amount of sugar. I tend to forget to half stuff unless I write it on the actual recipe...but with cranberries, I don't think too much sugar is possible...



{2} lighter than air chocolate cake: the first cake I have made without flour...I wasn't too sure how this one was going to turn out...


{3} chocolate peppermint cookies: stroooooong chocolate



{4} strawberries: making 9 actual desserts was enough...this was my filler. plus strawberries are my favorite!



{5} key lime tarts: this was in honor of my dear friend and our obsession with limeade chillers from sonic...



{6} lucia bread: this was one of my favorite things I made..not so much because of what it tastes like, but because I remember reading about it in my American Girl dolls books..I had Kirsten and felt like a kid making it. Also, got to use yeast for the first time too...


{7} white chocolate and lemon mousse with strawberries: this one was my favorite and first to disappear...


{8} chocolate chocolate chip cookies: i am still not sure what to write about these. they were pretty hard, but not burned, and chewy on the inside. i don't like them, but my mom did. tough call. and honestly, i am not sure what they are supposed to taste like..but let's just say they are different...


{9} brownies: gotta have this classic...

{10} angel food cake: this made a great pair with #4!

...and that was it. this was A LOT to make. I felt it ended up being a quantity over quality type result. But it was all still edible...and I have learned a lot about eggs. My first time really doing something with them besides scrambling...and thankfully no disasters!!

Now..after pile after pile of dishes..it is time for a break in the kitchen. And back to working on scarves. For those of you in Memphis...you can check them out at Square Beans Coffee Shop in Collierville! (And don't forget my Etsy page) I set up my little area in the coffee shop yesterday which was pretty exciting. Definitely small scale, but fun to actually have something I made displayed and for sale in a store! Now I just need people to buy them!

NEWS

I am so pleased to have made it through the weekend. Months of anticipation and I am proud to say that I have my first half marathon under my belt. And yes, I am hinting at the possibility of future half marathons. I still would like to run one under 2 hours. (did this one in 2:09) But now that I will be living in another country soon...I might just have to take up bike riding, which will probably be my main form of transportation. Tour de France...my new goal. Hah...I probably shouldn't say that just in case.

Regardless, now that I feel much less pressure to run...I can now put that energy into scarves, christmas presents, cooking, etc. Or actually learning to use my camera. The list of things I want to do never seems to shrink. I accomplish one, but add three more to my list.

And now officially, as of this weekend, I can announce that I will be throwing my sister-in-law a baby shower in Jan (well co-throw with my mom)! I can't wait to start planning for this, but realize that I probably need to finish christmas party planning first. I still have to pick a menu for the event. Sometimes I hate making decisions...

YES

I actually finished..well at least got something up on my new Etsy shop!! I am really excited about it! Please check out my scarves! ...Plus more will be coming in the next few days. I have just run out of time to list them today. Just look to the right of this post and you can easily click on my stuff! (I rearranged a few things for your ease) Happy shopping!!

A SIMPLE TASK

Apparently, being in charge of the menu is a more difficult task than I anticipated. Ok. Maybe I refused to listen to the nagging feeling all along, telling me that when it came time to make a food selection, I would be at a loss. Maybe I did know all along. Regardless, here I am attempting to finalize the menu for next week's party...and I am horribly indecisive. What in the world should I make?? I have no clue where to begin...

13.1...THE NUMBER OF MISERY

Only 3 days to go. 72 hours. I wince as I think about that. Since I have been out of town the past two weeks, my training has sort of gone with it. I am, however, proud admist all my running that I prevented my competitive streak from kicking in. I think my body appreciates it too. I really just wanted to have fun with the race, yet I am beginning to think that there is a fine line between being ruthlessly competitive, having fun, and being miserably out of shape. I might be a little too far on the out of shape side. We will see.

So I will be running this Saturday morning, that ominous half marathon, hoping to complete it. The fact that it is a week after Thanksgiving, seems an erroneous decision on their part. Pounds of turkey, stuffing, and pie might just be the things that prevent me from making it those last few miles. My plan for counteracting this is with energy gummies and THE perfect ipod running playlist. (yes, one that includes "Party in the USA" every few songs hah)

Typically, my goal would have been to run it in under 2 hours. However, considering my mindset about the whole thing, my real goal is to just run it...and not die.

A SHIFT

Doing dishes used to be equated as a torturous hell...yet now it is a precious oasis I look forward to in my mundane work day. I was shocked to realize this today at work- that I actually prefer kitchen duty to working on my computer. How I have changed...

THE LATEST

I think I got some trouble with follow through on this thing...all the way back to my "daily scoop" idea which lasted all of a day. I need to quit saying I will write about such and such and post pictures because it never seems to happen.

But let me fill you in on my latest endeavors:

1. Photography: I am now the proud owner of Nick my Nikon. I am new at this whole DSLR camera business, but I am so excited to learn how to take amazing, great quality pictures. I started learning this weekend while visiting family in Chicago for Thanksgiving. While we were there, we went to the zoo, so I used this opportunity to practice with different lighting conditions, moving animals, and glass reflections. I basically came to the conclusion that it is going to take a while before I won't be completely frustrated with taking pictures. Just got lots to learn...

2. Party Planning: I have been hard at work for my Christmas party I am throwing with a friend. I finished invitations, and hopefully will (don't hold you breath) post a picture of what they ended up looking like. Now it is full force ahead figuring out food and decorations. Our theme is "Our very own 10 days of Christmas". I am so excited to see it all come together. I think it is going to be SO fun!

3. Holiday Baking: I am coming up with my list of items to bake this holiday season. So far...I am in charge of Christmas morning. I am making more bacon (the kind mentioned in a previous post) and homemade cinnamon rolls. Thankfully, I am not in charge of the big meal. I don't think I could handle that pressure yet. I am possibly making homemade cranberry sauce, but I haven't completely decided...and the rest will probably be cookies and other festive treats.

4. Being Auntie: I found out this past Wednesday I am going to have a nephew! Wesley Duane. I don't know if I am more excited about being the only one in my family to predict correctly or the fact that I don't have to use the mouthful "him or her" anymore. It is a him! I am in the process of a few things regarding this...which you will hear plenty about in the coming month.

5. Knitting: I am in the process of knitting like crazy. I have decided to make scarves and sell them to earn some money in order to go Cambodia (I will be working for a non-profit organization there) in February. Stay tuned for this too..hopefully by the end of the week I will have an Etsy account set up and you can buy them!! Please buy them!!

NEVER

It is finished. The last of my "I'll never (insert action here)"s was completed this weekend. I will never say never again!! I used to pride myself in my firmness of sticking to my resolutions. But now that I am in the middle of half marathon training, moving to another country, and not using my degree. I think it is about time to accept reality. Because, you guessed it, all of those things I said I would not do.

The last promise I made to myself was never to shop at Hobby Lobby again. I know you craft fans out there may not understand my reasoning, because as far as selection, they honestly have the best stuff. So let me explain how I got to this point...

I used to be a frequent Hobby Lobby shopper. I went there all throughout college because it was the closest store to my house and they had all the things I would need for my projects. So I bought most of my art supplies at their store. The problem was that I seemed to always run into trouble. First dilemma was that they have a very generic checkout system that doesn't describe the item on the receipt but just lists the price. This isn't a problem until you want to return a discounted item. Well, I had a lot of returns. And they got away countless times with only giving me half of what I spent. And I could not prove the price due to their sub-par receipt information. Talk about frustrating. Not to mention that the lines in their stores seem to move at a sloth-like pace. This is not ideal for the speedy shopper that I am. To watch the lady in front of me unload her hundreds of tiny bead packages still makes me cringe. Where is the express line at a place like that? So to top all this off, I also got to experience the most annoying and even outwardly rude employees I have ever met in my life. So when I am insulted, ripped off, and slowed down. There is NO way I would EVER set foot in that store again! EVER!

Except this weekend...

I spent the weekend with my best friend in Jackson. We ended up going to Hobby Lobby to look for some Christmas decorations for her new house. To actually go in the store, was not a big deal to me considering I didn't suggest it. The fact that I bought things...that was not as easy to swallow. However, the items I got (for Christmas presents) were so cute I couldn't, even in my determined hate of the store, pass them up. So here I am...giving in to the last thing I vowed I would never do.

In response to all these events, here's my revised "I will never" list (hopefully my trend continues):
I never will to go to Italy
I never will win money
I never will accept a free trip to the beach

Oh, and cooking adventures and pictures from my weekend to come!

SIMPLICITY

I have always considered myself a pretty simple person. My favorite magazine is Real Simple. And my excessive purging habits have helped me achieve this. Yet, I am in the process of cleaning my room. Putting away clothes that have been sitting there clean for over a week. Carving once again a path from my door to my bed. One that has been overridden with stuff. Lots of stuff. As few possessions as I feel I have, the fact that I am going to have to pack up my life in two suitcases has made me reevaluate simplicity. Just take my shoes for instance. I can't take the 30 I own. I thought settling in on just 10 would be a reasonable compromise. But reality is, I only need a few. Not 10. Not 30. And when I narrow down my selection to my top favorites. I am happy with what I have...until I uncover the huge basket of shoes that didn't make the cut. It is just interesting to me that I can live simply until I have to option of having more. My life would really not be that sad if I just had 5 shoes to choose from. Honestly, I have worn the same pair for the last 4 days. I really think I would be fine. But it is hard to give all that up. All that you have worked for and endlessly scoured store after store to find. (For those that like to make fun of my pickiness, go ahead and insert your impression of "Oh my gosh...I love it so much! It is so meee!") Yet how hypocritical if I can give up my life and dreams, and yet can't give up a few pairs of shoes. Will someone just come to my house and take all my stuff??

I GIVE IN

A little hypocritical, but I just can't help it. I blame it on Starbucks, where I spend every morning. The one that magically turned into all things Christmas a few days ago. If they play that blissfully, cheery Christmas music, I can't help it if I find myself counting down the days. And not even necessarily to Christmas, but just until the time when I can guiltlessly sing along.

However, I will confess that I have started planning a Christmas party. And in my defense you need lots of time prior to the holiday season to prepare. The inspiration came when I won a cookbook called Christmas Entertaining. Once the proud recipient of this Williams & Sonoma book, I knew that this was fate. I must throw a party!

But I could not imagine doing it alone...so my friend Katie and I will be coming up with invites, decorations, food, the whole nine yards. We decided to go with inviting our 10 closest friends to join us on December 10th. (10 is both our favorite number for a myriad of reasons) The rest is still to be planned, but I am confident our party will be a success. This confident comes, not from my party planning skills, but the fact that I have the master party planner to come to my aid. Stay tuned for ideas, details, and photos.

BACON AND BISCOTTI

I feel as though I have reached a new level in cooking. Maybe all this hard work is paying off. Maybe, just maybe, I am becoming a good cook. It is too early to tell at this point, especially with my roasted red pepper spice incident last week. I mean, how was I supposed to know that that's extremely spicy?? Yet this weekend was the first time that my creations were snatched just as they came out of the oven. I have never experienced such a desperately hungry audience, snatching at the crumbs while I cut. Yet, I consider this a good sign. A sign that, hopefully, I have hope as a domestic diva.

Yet I have a feeling that just as I get good and comfortable in my kitchen, I will be shipping off to another country and using appliances that are far from accurate. Those should produce some amusing stories. One of the specialties in Cambodia is dog. Although, I will probably not be cooking dog, I am sure I will have the opportunity to eat it. I love my pet dog here at home so much (probably too much). So I'm not quite sure how I feel about that at this point. Although, considering eating chicken intestines in the Philippines was no big deal, I imagine I will try it. Dog and fried tarantulas. Man, that doesn't make me sound very ladylike. But my hope while I am there is to learn how to cook like they do. I don't want to just hire someone to do it for me, but I want them to teach me how to do it. I want to be able to walk into the meat market with ease. I don't know if you recall my post about the meat section in Kroger, but I have a little ways to go before I get to the point of handling meat markets. Thankfully, I have been to a meat market before, so I know a little bit of what to expect.

But seriously, this biscotti has been disappearing right before my eyes. The only difference with mine was that I substituted lemon for orange. It was so simple to make, and now a necessary accompaniment to my countless cups of tea. Probably my biggest hit so far...

THUMPER

Kind of a humorous analogy for myself, but as I sit here at my desk, leg fidgeting away...it just happens to be what comes to mind. I don't know what has made this week seem so long, but I have been so antsy every day at work. Those of you that know me, and my love for sitting at a desk...this week as been worse than normal (imagine that). Yet, I am grateful for my job, no complaints for getting a paycheck! I just wish the time went by a little faster...ya know? The time cannot go fast enough no matter if I have work, don't have any, get fire drill breaks, or whatever the case may be. However, thankfully my weekend begins in approximately 1 hour. I can't wait!! I am starting to get in the holiday spirit. (probably part of my problem) And when I say holiday, I am referring to Thanksgiving not Christmas. I give each holiday its proper respect...not like the retail world or radio stations. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I especially love Christmas movies. So much so, that I only let myself watch them once throughout the year not during the holiday season...otherwise they would be regular suggestions for every movie night I have. I think my friends probably appreciate this rule more than I do...

MAYBE I AM BORN WITH IT...MAYBE ITS...

I can't decide what to write today. So I am going to opt out of some long and boring post about the broccoli soup I made or rave on and on about my new cookbook I won. Instead, I am going to fess up. This is what keeps happening to me...I keep forgetting to put on mascara. Seems like it wouldn't be a huge deal. And thankfully today I was wearing a dress so I didn't feel as much like a man. But if I could only use one type of makeup..mascara would be it. So to have full makeup up on sans mascara. It is a very odd look. This has become such a problem as of late that I now have my "unused" bottle of mascara in the bottom of my makeup bag at home, and the one I actually use (around 10 am every morning when I happen to look in a mirror and gasp!) stowed away in my purse. I cannot believe I have become so absent minded...and how many people I have already come across today that have noticed my naked eyes. Granted, there are worse things in life...but I just like to look like a girl. And without mascara...it is debatable. I don't use those crazy brushes or the newest technology...but Maybelline's tried and true. And it works for me...that is when I remember to put it on.

MY UNOFFICIAL NEPHEW

I was SO anxious to have a niece or nephew that with both of my good friends that have had children, I have become the unofficial auntie of both- Ella and Josiah. Above is the latest picture I have with Josiah. This was taken this past Sunday at his first birthday party. Turning one is a big deal!

So I also know I have mentioned that I am running a half marathon. The one that I am running is the St. Jude half. You can go here to learn about what they do. And you can also go here to donate money on Josiah's behalf. I am running the half marathon on a team sponsoring him. It is called "gojgo". You can also go here to read more about his family's journey through finding out he had a brain tumor to now.

The crazy thing is...the race is now just a month away. Four measly weeks. I have so many miles to put in before then. Hopefully, I am going to make it!

51 DAYS

My latest domestic venture is happening tonight. A friend has instituted a craft night on Wednesday nights, and this week will be my first week to join them. I am excited as I will a) get to be crafty, b) won't have to sit at home in my room and knit all night, and c) hopefully I will get some Christmas presents done and out of the way.

Yes, you heard right, if you are close family and friends, expect some handmade gifts coming your way this year. I seem to always get myself in trouble by doing things like this, because making gifts takes me significantly longer than just popping into Target. And when I start thinking I can make everything instead of buying it, yep, that is when I end up underneath a pile of yarn, paper, and art supplies. It happens every so often. I take on more than I can actually do. Hopefully I will learn moderation one of these days. It is just easy to get carried away, especially when you know you can make such and such item yourself.

However, with these new domestic projects underway tonight, don't expect pictures anytime soon. I want my presents to be a surprise. Just gotta wait 51 days...

WEEKEND UPDATE

This weekend was a much needed break from the predictability of my life in Memphis. I need those sort of trips every now and then. And what better place than Franklin, TN. I would highly recommend a visit there for any holiday. They have festivals for every season. It ends up being something akin to what you would see on Gilmore Girls - so fun! This weekend, I made it to Pumpkin Fest. I also came home with a few items from my trip...several were very domestic.

1. I got a Cambodia travel book..very helpful in learning about the country I am headed to!

2. I got some tea. Well technically it isn't tea, it's an herbal infusion drink, but it is amazing. It is one of those that, gasp, I don't add milk and sugar to. It has its own distinct and delicate flavor with this really cool after-taste that needs nothing added to it. I love it! It is called Cool Mint Tisane.

3. My favorite purchase by far was a splurge purchase...mainly because I try not to buy anything considering I am just part-time right now. But I couldn't resist...I got THE cutest apron from Anthropologie. That happens to be my favorite store, but unfortunately I am not the demographic they target. I need a few more digits in my income for shopping sprees there. Nevertheless, I pretended I had tons of money to spend and bought this..



So not only did I come away with some great items. I also bought one more today...another cookbook. This one was recommended to me by my friend Allyn, who I stayed with this weekend. She is one of the best cooks I have ever met. And hopefully this cookbook will be the last one I purchase...



So let me just tell you what I got to eat this weekend...
For dinner, a Polish recipe with sausage, onion, and tomato roasted with balsamic vinegar and other aromatics. For breakfast, chocolate croissants...and the most AMAZING bacon I have ever tasted. Seriously unparalleled.

I can't leave off Halloween. I did finish my outfit. The theme for the party I went to was "creepy enchanted forest". I was a creepy tree and here is a photo. You can't tell very well from this photo, but I also made my hair a nest and have a black bird in it too...

TOO BUSY FOR BLOGGING

So I know I promised no marathon post...but I ran out of time this week. So in effort to fit everything in, this post will be rather concise. And I will try to keep my quirky anecdotes to a minimum. Darn, right?! Hah.

So I left off on Friday...after completing my meal. The rest of the night was spent making these creations...


This was the first time I got to bake with my friend Heather. We had so much fun trying to make our pumpkin cakes somewhat resemble the cover of Southern Living. What they don't tell you: Twisting and shaping caramel hurts! My hands were bright red after just a few leaf and vine creations.


I wasn't done with cooking though...this last weekend I also made Creme Brulee. I had to make do without a torch, so I broiled mine instead. Not as pretty once complete, but still tasted amazing! However, I don't know that I will ever be able to eat it in the same way...now that I know the ingredients. I figured it was bad for you, just didn't realize it was SO bad I gain weight just thinking about the recipe. Sigh, if only...if only bad food was good for you. That would make my french fry obsession so much better!


Enough about french fries and wishful thinking though, got to stay on track...so back to what I have been doing. I, also, as of tonight, made my first journal/planner. Monumental, for sure! I am hoping to learn enough about it to start selling my designs. So here is my very special, first stab at any sort of book making.


I just wanted a simple, small planner to keep everything straight. Nothing to big or bulky, but just something to write down random commitments and things I need to do.


And that is it for now. I am headed out of town for the weekend..and depending on the sucess of my halloween costume/what I look like, I just might, possibly post some pictures...I am "making" that too..or at least attempting. But I have lots to do since I am leaving to go out of town in the a.m. and have yet to start on it....

SALAD AND DESSERT

So here I was, so determined to write a blog each day this week. Unfortunately, my schedule has pretty much eliminated that possibility. So to do a little backtracking... Just pretend this is Tuesday. Granted, that is the last thing I want to do during the work week...back track. But bear with me..

So one of the other things that I made on Friday was my first vinaigrette. Sometimes I think that the more challenging, the better. But ultimately, my aim is to not make the most complicated meals, but simply to understand how to make anything starting with the most basic ingredients and building from there. This means that I make a lot of my meals from scratch. It isn't for the bragging rights of cooking from scratch, but rather, I want to be given basic ingredients (flour, sugar, oil, eggs, and salt) and be able to create countless things. I don't want to depend on the convenience of store-bought items, when who knows what will be available, especially as I am leaving the comfort of the United States and my dear Super Targets. Cooking and grocery shopping will be taking on a new meaning.

So my salad dressing took only 4 ingredients (oil, dijon mustard, vinegar, and salt/pepper) and I made it in only 5 minutes. Talk about painless! I can't wait to expand from the simple one I made and try other variations of it.

Last for this particular meal was my fruit crisp. It was made with apples and cranberries. It made a really large pan but considering how much I love any sort of fruit dessert, I figured it was worth it to make it all and not half the recipe. And now, several days later, I am not regretting my decision in the least. Even though it is dessert, I would definitely eat it any time of day...breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, etc. (Pictures to come...sorry forgot my camera today)

SOUP

So it all began Friday...

The pressure was on because for the first time I was cooking for company. Not close friends or family members who will still love me if I accidentally poison them, but, no, this had to be a meal to impress. We had a family friend come over for dinner that was visiting from out of town. One of my good friend's mom. The problem with me being in charge of the meal was that our guest was the same person that has always inspired me with her knowledge of cooking. She lived in Italy for several years, and knows all these amazing ways to prepare foods. The pressure was on!



I decided to make a winter squash soup with Gruyere croutons. My special touch was making the bowls from acorn squash. It has gotten cooler here, so the fall theme fit perfectly. The soup was relatively easy to make. Cutting the squash, however, was not so simple. Once again my arm strength was challenged. (Note: definitely cook the squash before attempting to cut, because even after they were partially cooked, they were still hard to cut)

All in all, this portion of the meal was a success. A lot of it was guessing. I sort of combined two recipes, and using the squash as a bowl was risky. I had no idea how durable they would be as bowls, and if they would be cooked well enough to eat as you go. Could have been an interesting scenario if they leaked soup all over the table. I braced myself for the worst, but luckily, it worked out perfectly. I definitely breathed a deep, deep sigh of relief after the meal was over and all had been tasted. Cooking for company is a stressful ordeal, especially when you are making something for the first time.

MY STRATEGY

...because I have cooked SO much recently.

This week's blog posts are dedicated to the many things I made this weekend. If I were to combine them all to one post...it would be way to long for reading pleasure. So in order not to drive away my readers with inordinate amounts of gory details, each day will be devoted to one of the items that was on my menu this past weekend. And already, Monday through Friday, I have something to write each day. I think this sadly denotes my obsession with cooking. I tend to get this way when I first discover something I really enjoy. Similarly, when I realized my love for tennis, that resulted in playing for 7 hours straight one time. Thankfully, I have such great friends that put up with these quirks of mine. I still owe my friend Julianne for that lengthy tennis game! So brace yourself for my marathon cooking weekend...

POWER TOOLS

I want a cordless drill. I did not trust myself to actually use it tonight to hang my new wall art, but how cool and tough does having and using your own drill sound! I say...fierce! That is my kind of hobby. I like thinking I am super tough..and a cordless drill would help my cause, because my skinny little arms just don't seem to do it. Although, in my defense, I lifted about 100 40lb. boxes at work today. Gotta keep up with those architects. Hah. Not a usual part of my job description, but let me say, I am glad I have been doing some weight training lately. Otherwise, that could have been, potentially, very embarrassing.



So what you see photographed here is another attempt to actually put something up on my walls. Like I have stated, I am horrible about taking the time and money to decorate my room. So since my beloved Jim (from my favorite show of all time - The Office) poster came down, I needed to put something on my bare walls. And yes, I know you may be thinking I am a little old for a boy poster on my wall...but I have legitimate reasons I promise! Ones I will not bore you with now...


So I learned tonight, finally, after my completed window had been sitting in my room for a week, how to actually hang something on a wall. I learned about wall anchors, hangers, screws, and last but not least, cordless drills. It was interesting to actually use some of my education and know what the walls are made of, how thick they are, about how far the studs are located, etc. Not that any of that is of real significance, but hey, at least those pieces of information related to something in real life. Not like learning all those complex math equations or the periodic table.

Now let's just pray that there is not an earthquake, like the one that is predicted here in Memphis, because that window above my head...probably not the best placement. (Insert Dave impression right here...for those of you that know him) Anyways, I am just thrilled to have something on my walls...and best of all, something that didn't cost a penny!

QUESTION OF THE HOUR

I was sitting in Panera for lunch today, eating my half and half. Half sandwich and half soup. Perfect for this new fall weather we have been having. I am still getting used to the frost found on my windshield every morning. And I am definitely guilty of driving my car before my windows have completely cleared. I normally end up hunching over the steering wheel, peering out of the small area that my defrost clears first, and then haphazardly making my way out of my neighborhood. This is probably one area my patience needs to be improved...at least for the safety of all nearby trashcans and mailboxes.

So my order at Panera, every time, without fail, is none other than their tomato and mozzarella panini and broccoli cheddar soup: my faves. (I admit I can be a creature of habit) But today, the soup was unusually thin. Now as I have so well trained myself, I have these observations and immediately have these domestic diva type thoughts that follow. This is quite unlike my past reactions where the thoughts would leave just as quickly as they appeared. Now I ponder such problems with a domestic solution in mind. Mine today: What would make this soup thicker?

My immediate response was...add flour. I took this from a problem I had with my gravy the very first night that I cooked. However, I was not confident in my answer. And I knew that adding flour could be tricky. So today, after lunch, I decided to look up the "technical" answer too that question. Here's what I found...

TALENT TAKES TIME

This is something that I have to remind myself every day. I want to think that because I have now cooked 5 or so meals, that I should be an expert at some culinary technique, not at everything, but at least at something. Certainly I could just mince garlic like a pro. Yet sadly, even that still needs improvement. What is evident, not just with cooking, but with anything, is that it takes time to become good at something. Except for those exceptions. Gotta watch out for those people that just seem to have a knack for some skill. But for the most part, us "jack of all trades" need time and practice to become great. This weekend, I got to go to a Memphis Star Search talent competition for a friend's birthday. It was very entertaining and some of the talent blew me away. They were only 17 or 18 and the way they played the piano, harmonica, or sang was amazing. Granted, I realize natural talent is involved, but you know that it has still taken hours of practice to get to a level worthy of competing. (Side note: I was excited that Jakeem Sprinkle, my vote, won people's choice! He is going to be the next Usher..sigh) But this is something I notice everywhere I look. At work, I am amazed at what an architect knows about detailing custom millwork. Then I remember, he has been doing this for thirty years. It took time. I came across a jewelry designer setting up her collection in a store the other day, but it took her ten years to get to where she is. I think about all those amazing cooks that make gourmet, amazing dishes and can seem to tackle any culinary endeavor. That took time. What I need, is not initial excitement or motivation, but endurance. The ability to continue "practicing" my domestic skills until I get to the point where I can do something exceptionally well. That just may take a lifetime on the domestic front...I can see it now. I will be 80, bent over, can barely see, but will jump up and down, possibly break a hip...for finally..finally I learned how to mince garlic.

YOU SAY POTATOES...I SAY...

What in the world do you do when you end up having 8 pounds of potatoes in your possession? My solution: Make mashed potatoes! ...and every other recipe that has to do with potatoes.

I am actually sitting here typing, eating some of my mashed potatoes I made this afternoon. I think I am going to have potatoes coming out of my ears by the time I finish all them. That phrase always makes me think of my childhood doctor visits. My pediatrician had a habit of telling me, while looking in my ears, that I had potatoes growing in there. I believed him. Sad to say my gullibility has not changed too much since then. Granted, I can look at that particular incident now with a little perspective and realize he was probably talking about needing to clean my ears and not actual potatoes growing in my head, but at the time...I was just a little unnerved.

So I made three things today...garlic rosemary mashed potatoes and gnocchi with basil pesto. (Yes, basil pesto counts as the third thing. I am giving myself all the credit I can for cooking 3 hours today!) But I am starting to think my chicken piccata started a bad chain reaction: cooking Italian food...and more Italian food...and even more Italian food. I have a feeling that is all I am going to make for a while. I think...since I really should have the complete experience and education, I should take a quick, little trip to Italy. Study the cuisine. Maybe take some lessons there. If only..

Anyways here is a photo of my gnocchi. I am really excited as you can tell by the photo that I successfully made something that I can't even pronounce. I looked up the pronunciation but I keep forgetting...Another reason to head to Italy...get the real, genuine pronunciation.



I didn't photograph the mashed potatoes because they were rather bland looking, but really, really good. I have never been a huge fan of mashed potatoes, but those babies won me over.

However, here is the final complete product of my gnocchi.

OOPS

Sauteing is not my strength..or so I found out last night. The fire alarm was just a few puffs of smoke away from emitting its shrill warning. Its warning for me to step away from the stove and give up my cooking. Thankfully, an open window, and quick thinking from my mom saved all our ears from that annoying sound. My dog reacted much like he used to for "taco night". He ran to the back of the house and whined by the door. Apparently I scared everyone last night. It honestly was a miracle I did not burn something. Actually let me clarify...because I did, in fact, burn something. But I meant it was a miracle I did not start a fire. There is a difference...and I am trying to grasp at any bit of optimism I can! Oil, wine, butter, and a burnt pan...all haphazardly poured and splattered around the burner.

Dinner was chicken piccata. I had my first taste of capers, and learned what they actually are. This was my first stab at Italian cooking...my favorite type of food. And this was also the closest I have been to ruining the entire meal. Apparently having frozen, thicker meat means longer cooking time. So much so, that all my oil and butter in the bottom of my pan sizzled, cooked, browned, burned, and then smoked. I had to start over in a new pan to get pan sauce that wouldn't contain charred bits of butter. However, after it was all said and done. It looked and tasted a lot better that I was expecting. And I have discovered that sauteing is WAY faster than roasting. I beat my time by a landslide last night. I had eaten, washed dishes (even including that burned pan) and cleaned everything by 7:15. Just in time to head out to spend the evening with friends.

It was just so great to be back in the kitchen...and I was ready to make dessert if only I had more time. Something to cover up the smoky smell that still permeates my house...which still smelled just as strongly this morning. Oops.

THE ART OF ADDITION

So I had a lengthy weekend. Not just two days but four. All this time off from work has honestly been...nice. Granted when I get my paycheck in a couple of days, I may not be saying the same thing. However, one of the things I love most about weekends is breakfast. It is always different from my rushed, grab what I can, eat in the car sort of breakfast I find myself eating during the week. This weekend, with a friend, I made "melt-in-your-mouth" pancakes...per the Bisquick box...and scrambled eggs. There are no photos of myself and Hannah as we cooked because a) who wants an early morning photo published on the web and b) i need a camera! Now I have made pancakes before but never realized the "difference" that it makes to add vanilla and sugar to the standard pancake recipe. Apparently this is what creates that melt in your mouth quality. Did they melt in my mouth? No. I had to chew. Did they taste any different? Not that I could tell. Although I don't suppose I have the most refined taste buds. But the idea...brilliant. That is my goal. Knowing what to add to change a recipe and having the skill to combine different ingredients. Experimentation. Creativity. All with a successful outcome. Not like the combination Buddy makes for spaghetti in the movie Elf. I don't want to repulse others with my conglomerations. And not combinations akin to meatloaf or goulash (don't know how to spell that). Those sort of meals kind of gross me out. The ones where you empty the contents of your fridge in a pan and heat. No thanks. Mystery meat...mystery meal. Who honestly wants mystery when it comes to food??

TRIED AND TRUE

I think one of the best things you can do in the kitchen is rely on the trusted recipes from people you know, which is what I did last night. Three cheese manicotti...my friend Katie's tried and true recipe. For the first time, I had no cookbook to follow, but rather in-person instruction from my personal manicotti expert. The results: complete success and an almost empty pyrex. I can't tell you how much fun cooking is to me..especially with friends. It is probably my favorite hobby as of now. And recently I just haven't had enough time to cook regularly, however, since I am now (as of this week), working half my normal hours, I just might be able to squeeze some more culinary adventures into my week. Then again...I am also behind in my half marathon training. But just you wait...all I need is some extra time to catch up to all the other domestic divas' out there. I already have a list of projects I want to start. At least you can't accuse me of be under-ambitious. Hah. I seem to approach things the way my grandfather does...110% in. Problem is I have about 10 things I am approaching that way. Hmmmm....

Anyways, here's some documentation of last night...

The most domestic divaish photo taken so far (as shown above)


The manicotti expert and I


And finally...another dear friend, Hannah, joined us for dinner!