Daily Archives: February 9, 2010

Dear Mr. Bad Blake

Posted on February 9, 2010 | 1 Comment

The actor that played you in Crazy Heart deserves the Oscar, just as he deserved the Golden Globe and SAG awards. You even made me like actor Colin Farrell, for a moment at least. I agree that the relationship between you and Tommy Sweet should have been fleshed out more because the relationship between Bad/Jean was pre-destined.

One thing you might have done is re-kindle my interest in acoustic guitar. I’ve already figured out one of your songs and will work on others. And I’m a rank beginner, not like actor Jeff Bridges, who plays “The Weary Kind” on youtube.

My husband found the movie tough and a bit sad. It is, but I knew that going in. I went for the story and the music and was not disappointed in the least by either. And with Robert Duvall and the songwriters/singers, this is a film I’ve waited for with great anticipation and every hope was realized. Thanks, Otis. Cheers from a transitory Texas gal.

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Simone “Simca” Beck

Posted on February 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

One of the historic trio that propagated French cooking in America (a trio that included Julia Child and Louisette Bertholle), her recipes were taught to us in cooking school. I loved her lettuce timbale and chocolate cake. My favorite teacher, who went to Gourmet and after the magazine closed, where?, was Paul Grimes who used to spend summers in the south of France with Simca and neighbor Julia Child.

When I took on my one-month unpaid culinary apprenticeship in Mendocino, CA, I was working with chefs Margaret Fox and Chris Kump (son of the cooking school owner). I’d spent all my savings on cooking school and renting a car and luckily a waiter had a sublet for me for the month. It was very cold at night and my cabin had no heat, broken windows and a privy lock (hook and eye) for security. My funds were spent on $5 a day for wood for the stove that burned out around 2-3 a.m.

My solace was one book I bought at a used bookstore in Ft. Bragg for $8, Simone Beck’s “Simca’s Cuisine.” That’s what I read when it was light enough to read. Now it’s in storage but I looked it up for a reader who commented on Cassoulet (because that’s in the book) and new, it’s going for $817.19 on Amazon!

Let’s all try to make a version of cassoulet before Spring. How about it? I’m willing if you are. There’s a site that provides all the traditional ingredients online, or make up your own. As for me, Simca’s Cuisine is in storage a half a country away so I’ll have to punt. Happy cooking, Dee

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Tools

Posted on February 9, 2010 | 1 Comment

They’re so important. My dear husband put a different spin on tools, for me. They are tools. He is a physicist and software engineer. A computer is a tool to do what he needs to do. It’s not an end in itself.

I always knew that having the right cooking tools is important. That is vastly different from having every gadget on the planet. You don’t need a strawberry huller, mushroom scrubber or corn silk remover. For those three issues here are my tips: paring knife; damp paper towel; and your hands.

Your hands are the best tool in any kitchen. I spent a good deal of time researching cooking books for you, and writing the essential pantry collection. I’d spend more time writing a tool collection if anyone had read the first two posts.

Husband James spent six months establishing a woodworking toolset for our 7 year-old nephew. I’ve spent 30 years establishing my kitchen and most of it is in storage, a heartbreaking fact as it’s been nearly a year now.

Research the best things for your kitchen. Fewer is better! Good knives, a few electric devices and good pots and pans and you can do anything, even in a small apartment. OK, I’ll get to work on it but you have to read it! Cheers, Dee

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AWOL

Posted on February 9, 2010 | 1 Comment

Yes, I’ve been gone but have made this a daily task so took a few days off, like I will again this weekend as we’re trying to get away for the first time in a couple of years.

Preparing to get away is going to take more time than the entire weekend on vacation! Prep the house, instructions for the dog, planning and packing and my husband knows nothing of it, only that his clothes are packed and passport is in place as he walks out the door.

One time we spent a night at a 1930′s CCC cabin in a forest. It probably burned down in the 1993 fires. It was the only one with electricity (one dim yellow bulb and a coffee pot). We had mice running around then something big and he wouldn’t let me get out the flashlight because… he didn’t want me to see how big this critter was!!!

I digress. We had a small charcoal grill, bought a stove, brought an air mattress, sheets, down comforter, food, kitchen utensils, cooler full of juices, water, bacon, eggs, you name it. I spent 24 hours packing for a 12-hour vacation. Hubby was amazed I made it through the night with all the critters as he was secretly waiting for me to signal STOP and go to a hotel. All said, I was a good sport and we never did that kind of trip again.

As a foodie and somewhat thrifty person, if we need to stay somewhere for a week, especially for work, I like a place with a semi-kitchen, like a Marriott Residence Inn. For longer term, Europe offers better options than the US ever does, like SACO with full housing and w/d in a flat with room to move around in. For a quick weekend I like a newer Holiday Inn Express (they don’t tell you about the newer ones) because it has a 1/2 frig so I can stock juice and something for breakfast and eliminate one meal out, and it has a safe for the laptops and passports.

So, yes, I plan on being AWOL for the weekend so offer you kind wishes for a happy St. Valentine’s Day and have many ideas so will be corresponding as they emerge. Cheers! Dee

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Interesting People

Posted on February 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

If you’re young and perhaps unsure of how to plan your future, talk to people. I remember when I was 16 on a beach in Florida, a dad spoke to me about how he planned his future. He asked me what I wanted to be and I didn’t know. He said he could have been a doctor or lawyer, but they only deal with problems. He chose to be an architect to realize peoples’ dreams. I’ve remembered that for a long time.

Most people don’t give a darn about their interns, I know I didn’t as they were just another weight on me. I should have been better and became better as a consultant and, on weekends, as a lead volunteer.

Today, my cooking only fulfills my husband’s dreams, and sates the appetites of our guests. We have the luxury of meeting interesting people all the time and savor the camaraderie and knowledge gained.

If you want to cook, find the finest chef and try to apprentice in his/her kitchen. If you want to do anything else, find the best and try to get an internship there. Before that, take the right courses in school. Challenge yourself. Math and science are the roads to success these days. Push yourself and after college/grad school you can choose what you want to do.

And if you’re in college or high school, surround yourself with interesting people. Don’t be in one group. And when you consider getting married……. that’s another post. Cheers! Dee

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