Mom's the Word

The other night Mom invited us over for dinner. No, it wasn't a special occasion or anyone's birthday, it was just a normal evening. It was exciting though because of one reason-Mom was cooking! My Mom doesn't think that she is a very good cook but every time she actually takes the time to do it, it turns out great and this night was no exception.

Mama made pot roast with potatoes, carrots and onions and it. was. heavenly. Not too long ago, I wouldn't have touched this meal with a 10-foot fork, but it's the new me people, and the new me has a far bigger culinary palate than the old me ever did!

It was so nice to sit and have a home cooked meal together. It was cold outside and Mom had the fire roaring and it was just so cozy and wonderful and perfect. The only missing pieces were my sister and bro-in-law, but they were with us in spirit, I know ;).

Thanks Mom for a great meal and for hosting some good family time. 

Did a body good ya know? ;)

Aim

Back to Basics

I have a confession. I haven't really cooked dinner since about the time when we announced that we were pregnant. At first it was because food, honestly, was grossing me out and the thought of touching raw chicken was...barf worthy to say the least.

Then my MIL stepped in and they've been feeding us pretty much every week since. I've become a master at stretching what they give us (which is always more than ample) to three, maybe four days and this includes Blane's lunch at work and our dinner! I know, it's terrible.

So now we're closing in on our seventh month and I really have no excuse (food is good again :) not to cook. Last night I dusted off the apron and made my husband some good 'ole Chicken Katsu. While I was cooking, I realized that I was enjoying myself and my quest to become a good cook was renewed once again. 

It was most satisfying when Blane came home later and scarfed down the chicken. I love it when he likes something that I make! 

Score one for a domesticated wife! ;)

Aim

Tricks of the Trade

I saw this over at Apartment Therapy's Kitchen blog the other day and thought it was genius. Who hasn't struggled with peeling garlic while cooking? I can't wait to try this technique!

I may have to add two of these humongous bowls to my registry just to try this. OR Pap will probably see this and try it with smaller bowls that she has in her kitchen so maybe I'll wait on that until I get her conclusion :). 

Hurry and try Pap!

Garlic <3er out,

Aim

The Barefoot Apprendista

It's no secret that my ultimate cooking idol is the famed Ina Garten, or "The Barefoot Contessa" as she is more commonly known.

I love her and I've learned most of what I know about cooking and all things kitchen-related from watching her shows and reading her cooking books.

I did not "grow up in the kitchen" as a lot of cooks I know have said to me when asked how they learned how to cook. My Mom, bless her wonderful heart, is not so inclined in the cooking arena so I didn't grow up shucking beans and rolling dough like the rest of 'em. In fact, our idea of a special "gourmet" meal was picking out a Lean Cuisine to pop in the microwave.

Oh man, those were the good 'ole days :)

In this past year or so I have embarked on a great cooking adventure. I have learned many things: bring water to a boil and salt before adding pasta, pasta is best "al dente," to "pit" something is to take the seed(s) out of it, it's best to soak washed rice prior to cooking, to "julienne" something is to cut it into long slivers, dicing is larger than mincing, etc., etc. Don't laugh-these are things that novice cooks like me have to learn because they don't come naturally.

While nowhere near Barefoot Contessa status, I think I'm getting better at this whole cooking gig. Here's a sampling of stuff I've made so far...

In the breakfast category we have homemade coffee, some eggs and omelets

For lunch and appetizers-some sandwiches, bruscetta and burritos 

 

Dinner has been lots of Ina's roasted chicken and homemade pizza

Dessert has been a mix of different cakes and cookies.
Obviously, I'll be working on portion control. Haha

Can't wait for the day when I can say, "How easy is that?" when I cook, just like dear 'ole Ina.

In the meantime, I'll be tuning in to The Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network every week!

From my kitchen to yours,
Aim