My Dirty Little Secret
I just wanted to confess something to you guys…
Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while know that I’m a novice at cooking, that I make mistakes like shredding cabbage for tacos instead of lettuce. But since we must eat to survive, eating out is too costly, and my in-laws don’t invite us to dinner every day, then I have been forced to practice the art of cooking.
Since I’m up late at night working, I often have “Iron Chef” or “Top Chef” on Bravo on. I’m fascinated by the fact that these people can come up with amazing food right off the top of their heads. For me, cooking involves carefully measured ingredients, timers, and hours and hours of chopping things. But by watching these shows, I’ve learned that you don’t have to stick by the book, you can just use your sense of taste and what you think would taste good.
So here’s my dirty little secret - I LOVE COOKING! Yes, I can’t believe I’ve said that, and 2 years ago, cooking was like torture to me. But now, I’ve allowed myself to not get stressed over it. It has become less of a chore and more of an artform, a way to express myself through food. Although I still use recipes, I’ve learned to go off on my own. Even with recipes, I know when I can add a little splash of this or a dash of that to make it better.
I’m always working to make myself better, though I think it annoys Dave when I keep on asking him, “How is it? Can I make it better? Was it better last time?” Maybe I should just have a comment card for him to fill out after he eats.
So yeah, if I wasn’t so busy working, I’d be a cooking fiend! As it is, I really only get a chance to cook something interesting about once a week…
same here… i have a nice new kitchen (we moved to a townhome a couple weeks ago), and i’ve only made 3 things since we’ve been here… averages out to 1/week. i still use recipes, too, but almost always improvise because i never have all the ingredients on hand. cooking is fun, once you don’t stress yourself over it. have you tried making any Filipino food yet?
I remember you used to post pictures whenever you made something… or at least, I think you took pictures of a cake once. But it was a long time ago.
Anyway, Iron Chef rocks. The host is weird though, he tries to be too much like the original guy on the Japanese version. I know it’s for tradition, but he should really just be himself. Besides, he’s hot and he sort of ruins it when he overacts (and on purpose, too).
When you do cook, make more than what you need then freeze the leftovers for another day.
Let me know how that comment card thing goes. I usually get a “it’s good” but when I offer to make it again, I get the “it really gave me indigestion” comment back.
Good for you! Now where’s the adobo?
Your food looks good! I know it is hard to make time to cook. I’m usually the primary cook of the home. If you ever want some recipes, I’m willing to share them with you.