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Posts Tagged ‘#cooking’

Kitchen Capers

Something weird happened to me today.

I had some time to kill while waiting for Chloe to finish her spa treatment (a.k.a. grooming). I avoided the bookstore at all costs and decided to walk around a kitchen store instead. I figured I’d be safe here. I’m not a big cook. I am easily intimidated by small appliances I don’t know how to operate. I couldn’t tell you the difference between a grater and a zester. I have no baking skills whatsoever. And yet, I have a fully stocked drawer of measuring spoons and cups, a wide variety of peelers, strainers, and slotted spoons, and a plethora of dishtowels, pot holders, coasters, and trivets.

Basically, I went in to browse with no guilt, no culinary needs, and no clue. So, it surprised me to find so many COOL THINGS  in that store!

OMG! Where do I begin??!! I saw the prettiest multi-taco holders and a Taco Carousel with a matching set of spoons for Taco Tuesdays. Who knew there was a dedicated carousel for tacos? My mind was blown. I was drawn to the mortar and pestle bowls for the next time I make guacamole. Side note: I’ve never made guacamole in my life! But, now I want to so badly.

I found special glasses that promise only “tears of joy” while chopping onions Only $24.95. I passed, but they looked like the real deal.

And who knew there were six different kinds of peppermills?!

I considered buying a delicious whiskey peach marinade, but I decided to stick with my Lawry’s Sesame Ginger sauce instead.

Everything I saw looked so nice, and I wanted to start a registry for myself. Is there such a thing as one for empty nesters? There should be!

I walked over to the cookbook section, and started to recognize those warm feelings I have when I get to the bookstore. That’s when I realized it was time to get the hell out of there.

What sorts of stores do you get those warm feelings? How do you stop yourself from a little retail therapy?  

XO,
Elisa

P.S. Okay, I admit it, I bought a cookbook.  🤦

My First Charcuterie Board

Full disclosure: This photo is not the charcuterie board I created. This is a stock photo.

I wish I had taken a photo of the one I made when I hosted book club at my house.

Picture this: three different kinds of cheese—gouda, goat, and brie and two different types of crackers —water and Ritz. Who says it has to be fancy, right?! I also put out little jars of raspberry fruit spread for added sweetness. Then, my board needed fruit, so I washed off some grapes. At first, I picked the grapes off their stems, but then I realized it would look nicer if I put them out in small bunches. It’s a good thing I had more grapes.

I added a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine, and voila…my first charcuterie board was born!

I was proud of myself for a few reasons. First, I wasn’t supposed to host book club that night, but my friend who was going to host had COVID. (We missed you!) I happily volunteered to host instead, but I didn’t have much time to plan what to serve. I knew I could find some things at Fresh Market, and it turned out to be a fun shopping experience. I loved checking out the cheese section, the different jams and other items I could have selected. In the interest of time and money, I decided to make this one simple. But I still remember the excitement I felt that I could put a nice board together without a ton of work.

Second, I usually depend on my husband to help me decide what to serve and how to arrange it. He is generally in charge of the food when we are entertaining because he has a vision. He knows what to make and how it should be arranged. These things stress me out, so I’m okay leaving it in his capable hands and doing the dishes afterward.

We all have our strengths.

But I climbed out of my comfort zone, and it was a big hit!

Finally, knowing it worked out when I tried something new is refreshing. I’m not always confident in my cooking skills or hosting duties. But I will definitely make a new board soon. It is much more fun to do than the spinach dip I am most known for. I’m happy to make the spinach dip, but there isn’t much variety to it. The boards are a chance to be creative and experiment with new foods. Maybe I’ll add olives, pepperoni slices, or mini quiches next time. The possibilities are endless!

And next time, I’ll remember to take a picture. 🙂

Do you make charcuterie boards? How about those new butter boards? Please leave me some suggestions in the comments. 

XO,

Elisa

Dinner for Four

My son, Andrew, has eaten dinner at his girlfriend’s house many times in the past year. From what I hear, her mom is an amazing cook. She not only serves the main meal like filet or pork loin but also a plethora of side dishes to choose from. She also makes homemade bread and desserts which she often generously sends home with Andrew to share with us.

A few things here. In my house, side dishes are typically a canned vegetable or applesauce. I’ve always had trouble with side dishes. To me, side dishes are for Thanksgiving dinner, not Taco Tuesday. Also, it takes me a while to make the main course and side dishes mean more work and more dishes to clean.

Second, I’ve never been much of a baker. Sure, I will whip up the occasional batch of chocolate chip cookies and, of course, hamantaschen on Purim. When we have company, I like to buy dessert and the local bakeries (and probably the fire department) thank me for supporting them.

Recently, I decided to invite her for Shabbat dinner. I asked Andrew to set the bar a little lower for me and set expectations accordingly. I cannot compete with her mom and definitely don’t want to. But, I can certainly pull off a Friday night dinner. I will make her the food of our people – brisket, sweet and sour meatballs, and push myself to make a side dish of honey carrots (fancy, right?!).

One question – does sweet kugel count as dessert? I hope so.

I enjoy a good challenge such as having a special occasion to cook. They are only 17 so this isn’t a dinner that means anything more than wanting to spend more time with them. And in the end, I hope it is my conversational skills that will win her over where my culinary ones likely will not.

And maybe – just maybe – she will bring home a few pieces of kugel for her parents to try.