I will admit this right up front, I love to look at Food Porn, all those luscious pictures that wonderful people post on sites like Foodgawker http://foodgawker.com/ and Tastespotting http://www.tastespotting.com/ . Love to read the recipes with exotic ingredients that make simple, everyday foods POP. Ache to try stuff like Creme Brulee with star anise, or maybe some scallops with Brown Butter. But, the reality is, I don't cook like that. I make some very basic foods, and don't really venture into the exotic, unless it's for potlucks, or covered dish affairs. Then I can get away with trying new dishes, without having to commit an entire meal to it. And since I'm a lot more adventurous than my other half, at least in trying new foods, well, let's just say that for the Mon-Friday cooking, I stick with a very limited menu. And, that's really not all that bad.
I make stuff like Taco's, Chile Verde, Salisbury Steak, Spaghetti, Patty Melts, roasts and steaks on a very regular schedule. With the occasional foray into casseroles, like the family favorite, Enchilada Casserole, or maybe a Tex Mex casserole or even Lasagna. I can do all those dishes without having to think about recipes or timing or... I've been making them for so many years that there is no mystery, no challenge, no surprises. And I'm sure there are many others out there who also do the mainstays and only venture into exotic dishes on special occasions.
And all of that doesn't mean I don't like to cook with gusto or verve or to try new stuff, cause I do. When I make Spaghetti, I'll serve it up for my spouse, just the way he likes it, but for myself, that's a whole nother chapter. I'll experiment, toss the cooked spaghetti in a pan with some EVOO and chopped garlic and a sprinkling of freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese and some fresh black pepper. Totally divine. If I have shrimp, I'll toss them in the oil for a minute, add a little butter and spritz of white wine or vermouth and then add the spaghetti. Or maybe just add in a little asparagus or fresh veggies. It amazes me how versatile a simple noodle dish can get.
So, if you get caught in the rut, are sick to death of cooking the same old thing, try just changing up what you are eating. It really doesn't take that much more effort and best of all helps you out of the rut.
Here are a couple of pictures of my fruitcake, wrapped in cheesecloth, dunked in bourbon and ready to sit and wait for Christmas.
I make stuff like Taco's, Chile Verde, Salisbury Steak, Spaghetti, Patty Melts, roasts and steaks on a very regular schedule. With the occasional foray into casseroles, like the family favorite, Enchilada Casserole, or maybe a Tex Mex casserole or even Lasagna. I can do all those dishes without having to think about recipes or timing or... I've been making them for so many years that there is no mystery, no challenge, no surprises. And I'm sure there are many others out there who also do the mainstays and only venture into exotic dishes on special occasions.
And all of that doesn't mean I don't like to cook with gusto or verve or to try new stuff, cause I do. When I make Spaghetti, I'll serve it up for my spouse, just the way he likes it, but for myself, that's a whole nother chapter. I'll experiment, toss the cooked spaghetti in a pan with some EVOO and chopped garlic and a sprinkling of freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese and some fresh black pepper. Totally divine. If I have shrimp, I'll toss them in the oil for a minute, add a little butter and spritz of white wine or vermouth and then add the spaghetti. Or maybe just add in a little asparagus or fresh veggies. It amazes me how versatile a simple noodle dish can get.
So, if you get caught in the rut, are sick to death of cooking the same old thing, try just changing up what you are eating. It really doesn't take that much more effort and best of all helps you out of the rut.
Here are a couple of pictures of my fruitcake, wrapped in cheesecloth, dunked in bourbon and ready to sit and wait for Christmas.
For more recipes please check out http://sidsseapalmcooking.blogspot.com/
All about food. *giggle*
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