I like birthdays. I just do. Celebrating only you. For just a short period of time. You are special. I think my desire for a special day comes from being only one of seven kids. It feels good to be thought of. Get a cake of your choosing, which was almost always strawberry. Invite over a few friends. Play silly games. Do you have a favorite birthday memory? What’s your birthday dessert choice?
I realized that when we have guests it's easy to become a social eater. It's an easy way to interact, and it seems to relieve some of the pressure to entertain your guests. I do love food, and I love experiencing new foods. So I try to be careful. Do you have an "eating out game plan"? Please share it with me, so we can learn from each other.
The recipe for "My Favorite Cookies" is, in fact, my favorite cookie recipe. The recipe began the way many of my favorites do: I found a recipe I already liked, then added a little of this and substituted a little of that. When I do figure out a recipe and it becomes a favorite, I rarely change it. I might make a new recipe inspired by the first, but the first won't change.
Do you have an all-time favorite recipe? What is it?
I like making meals with fresh ingredients. I love going to the farmer’s markets and picking up their latest harvest. BUT sometimes I don’t have time to go shopping even at the local store let alone wonder around the market. I do have plenty in my pantry, though. This week I tried to use just vegetables I already had in the fridge. I added a few extra pantry items I don’t use often either. What do you make when you use what you have on hand?
I love having friends over for a grilled sandwich night. It makes for a relaxed evening with simple delicious food. I sauté some onions, slice up an avocado, and cut a tomato. Of course, we always have a variety of cheeses and bread. If I want to fancy it up, I get out the onion jam and fresh pesto or other spreads to add to the mix. What’s your favorite sandwich topping?
This time of year holiday recipes are everywhere. I love a good fall apple pie especially when it's made from my grandmother's apples. What recipes do you like to pull out in the colder months? Is there a holiday you really love cooking for– Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas?
"Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” -Alan D. Wolfelt.
This statement resonants with me. Maybe that’s why food is such a big part of who I am. I can show love in a way that makes sense to me without being over the top to people I’m just getting to know. And with family, close friends, and my true love, I can show them the deep love and joy that cooking and sharing food brings.
Do you agree that food is symbolic of love? What are your thoughts?
A friend was telling me about another friend who won’t divulge her recipe when asked. This got me thinking. How do I feel about “secret” recipes? I am always happy to share my method and ingredient list, unless I bought it. That’s when I laugh and say, “It’s a secret.” Now you know my secret.
What do you think of the idea of a "secret" recipe? Do you share your recipes when a friend asks? Post your comments here.
Shopping for food is cathartic for me. I think it always has been. Seeing different kinds of vegetables, sauces, cheeses, and salts inspires me to cook new things and reminds me of old almost forgotten favorites. I could go from the local produce stand to any supermarket to hidden ethnic food store all day and be happy-- of course, I'd have to snack on my finds all the while, but then I'd be happy.
Does shopping for food make you happy or do you find it stressful? Where do find inspiration for your meals? Let me know your thoughts.
I'm so grateful for your support. Please use this space to ask me questions or share your cooking stories. I can't wait to hear about what you're up to in the kitchen.
I’m Amelia. I'm a vegetarian that loves cooking almost as much as I love talking and eating. I’m excited to help you bring creativity back into your kitchen and options into your life.
Not sure when egg whites are whipped? Need some help cutting corn off the cob? Click the link and watch a quick video for help.
