Tag Archives: cooking

The Cold That Keeps on Giving

Jim left for work this morning, only to come back seconds later for his dress coat (why, when it was 77 degrees today?) Then he came back again in a minute, only to get undressed and back in bed, where he’s been for the day. I’ve got it too, have had some version of this cold since Thanksgiving weekend.

I made lunch and took a trip to the store, checked up on a neighbor, RSVP’d to a holiday invitation and ran laundry, and also brushed out the dog, who looks very fluffy and clean. Jim just ordered pizza so I wouldn’t have to make it myself. Hopefully after a good night’s sleep we’ll be better tomorrow.

Top Chef should be on (missed it last night) shortly and I’ll check it out. I’ve been missing it more often than not this season. Delivery pizza overlooking the city, which we haven’t been able to see for the past couple of days due to round-the-clock fog.

Between the Big Three bailout and choice of religious leader to provide the inauguration invocation, it’s been a very political day. Jim’s watching Jim Lehrer in bed and I’m overlooking the lights and putting my random thoughts together on your behalf.

Nanny says it’s going to take much longer than two hours to peruse her books and notes regarding becoming a great cook. If she has the time, I’ll make the time. Don’t worry, you’ll hear about it! Keep that stove and oven working! Dee

Celebrity Culture

I’ve been concerned at the recent lack of talent at Food Network, for good reason. If I want inspiration to cook something (not by recipe) or seek regional cuisines I’ll check out Bourdain, Batali et al on other networks.

Lately Food TV has focused on personality, not talent or ability to do the job.

Unfortunately politics has gone the same way, swayed by the television lights and may the best personality win.

I don’t want a chef with the best personality to win in his/her restaurant kitchen. The best food and service should win, and hold the personalities in check.

Same with our soon-to-be President and Vice-President of either party. We should demand more than a pretty face and good on-camera personality. Where is the meat? The substance? The veg and starch? We need to know about our economy, the environment, global wars and much more.

We have questioned Food Network’s choices for how to run the network (money vs. quality shows) so why don’t we question our presidential choices and their run with a Food Network mentality?

Is Barack Obama Sandra Lee, Dems Lite? Is John McCain Guy Fieri? Who knows. I know you want the Veeps so I’ll wait until you ask before the others are revealed. Let’s hope they’re not the party boys or Paula’s sons.

But in serious cooking and politics, it comes down to what you can deliver. And that’s not just a pretty face.

Cooking for One

It’s no fun to cook for one. But cooking for two or more, and with pets, is a real responsibility. The cook has to be home at certain hours and it takes time to prepare, cook and clean up after family meals.

But I was single for a long time, before I met my prince. Some of my favorite meals include:

-spaghetti alla carbonara (spags with bacon, eggs and cheese);

-basic dry quesadilla with monterey jack and then salsa and avocado on top (if I felt rich that day);

-soups, either Julia Child’s French Onion Soup or Mom’s Mulligatawny;

-stews, Beef Carbonnade or a light veal stew with lemon I haven’t made in years; and

-the old stand-by, peanut butter on toast, standing over the kitchen sink.

While I think of it as a chore sometimes to always try to come up with something tasty and satisfying for Jim, it beats eating alone every night. But when he does go out of town sometimes that quesadilla feeling comes over me and I have to spend $1 on dinner. Ok I had everything but an avocado! But it’s necessary! It’s the “meat” in my dinner. Enjoy cooking for your loved ones. Dee

Cooking is an Art

All art is derivative

Michelangelo had Ghirlandaio
Florentines had studios

Writers had patrons as well

Cooking is an art
Artists experiment

Lawyers have something to sell

Reputations and magazines
Goliaths to sue Davids

The Davids are rising up

We’re helping you sell
Your current merchandise

It’s best you treat us well.

DAC 7/08