Passionate about cooking

Posted by Jerold Austin

Cooking is my passion and it always has been although I’ve gotten a lot more into it recently since we got direct TV and I now have the Food Channel to watch. I’ve picked up so many great tips just from having it on in the background and to think that I’d been cutting onions wrong all this time! I love that my mother knows so much about Italian cuisine and I’ve been teaching her a thing or two about other cultures, too. She asked me to show her how to make an Indian curry last week and I just about fell out of my chair. My mother making an Inian dish? I’ll always believe ma is the best cook in the world but some of these TV chefs seem to be pretty darn good at what they do, too. It’s amazing to me how they can make something out of nothing and I hope that one day I’ll truly have that ability, you know? There’s something to be said for a chef who can think on their feet.

Working on the Kitchen Again

I don't know what's the matter with me, but I keep wanting to do some more remodeling to my kitchen. I just can't get it the way I seem to want it. This morning I started looking into what I can do to spruce it up a little bit more. I actually starting looking at granite counter tops Tacoma brand. I really do like those.

Now my next biggest project or milestone is going to be convincing my husband I need those new counter tops. The last time we did some remodeling in the kitchen it turned into a one big huge disaster. It literally had our entire house a mess and he just couldn't cope. I knew it was going to be like this, but apparently he had no idea. I think maybe before I plan this new counter top installation, I will wait until he has some business he has to attend to out of town. That would be about the only way I can convince him of it. It would be nice to leave the house with old counter tops and then return home to see it all finished and cleaned up. Who couldn't ask for an easier project than that? Don't you think this would be my best bet in getting this project done? I am open to any other ideas.

One More Piece of Info

I had one more piece of information I wanted to post before getting back to my daily routine was some wonderful information about my cousin. He recently found a new job thanks to one of the best Executive Recruiting firms in the world. I am so happy and not to mention, excited, for him. He has been searching for a job for quite sometime. With today's economy, this is something to really be thankful for. If your wondering how he landed this job then check out A well-respected name in executive recruiting, Spencer Stuart fresh solutions depicts the company's involvement in innovation and progress. Know more about Spencer Stuart's profile here. It might just be the answer you and your family is looking for. Now I'm really getting back to work, I have tons of information I want to post on this site. Check back soon for some great ideas and information I have for you!

Guess Your Wondering Where I Have Been

I haven't been on in a while, so I guess your wondering where I've been. Well first of all let me say, I have had a wonderful trip during this time of my absence. We were lucky enough to take a little trip. Well, I shouldn't say little, it was actually a wonderful vacation. We visited one of the best Cancun hotel resort that I have ever been too. It was so relaxing and full of great food and entertainment. If you ever get the chance to go, then don't pass it up. I assure you, that it is something that is well worth your money and time. We spent most of our time just relaxing on the beach, but did get to do some site seeing. We even visited a couple of flea markets and my husband played some golf, of course. Anyway, I'm back now and ready to get back to work. If you've ever been to Cancun, then drop me a note and let me know how it was for you. I hope to get back to posting some great recipes I was able to get while on my journey.

Visiting La Jolla California

A friend of mine just got back home from being on a business trip in California. She was going on and on about how good this Italian restaurant in La Jolla was that she was lucky enough to visit while in San Diego. She said it was the best she had ever had. She talked about the atmosphere and even the beautiful scenery as it overlooked La Jolla Cove. I just thought I would pass this word along for any other Italian lovers that may live or visit this area. I know if it were me, I would definitely check it out! My whole entire family loves Italian, so this would be a wonderful treat for us. If you do get a chance to go or ever been, then let us know your thoughts too. We always like to hear great places to eat while we are visiting other parts of the country.

Everybody Loves Coupons

I think everybody pretty much loves coupons, I know me and my friends do. There is nothing like getting a deal or something for free. I know I am constantly online checking out deals at each store, restaurant or business that I shop at often. Anyway, I ran across this really great place that is just starting up. Me being a coupon freak, it really caught my attention. This company is called Zibogo. I definitely am going to Pre-Register with Zibogo because I want to be notified of the official launch date. Also, if Merchants Register To Be A Beta Tester in order to improve their business, they are offering six months free for this beta testing. Isn't that great? I am so excited and can't wait for this company to get off the ground. If your a coupon lover like me, or a business in need of attracting new business, then don't wait. Get on this great deal today! Also, spread the word around so others will benefit from this wonderful opportunity. I plan on telling all my friends and family about this new launch so they can benefit like me. It is going to be a spectacular site!

Tasty Cheese Ball

Cheese Ball

3 Tablespoons finely chopped peacans

1 package (8 oz.) Neufchatel cream cheese (at room temp)

3 green onions (finely chopped with tops, 1/3 cup)

1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

1/4 cup minced parsley

1. 
   
   Preheat the oven to 350 F and spread out the pecans in a small pan. Bake, tossing once, for 8 minutes or until toasted.


2. 
   
   In a small bowl, place the cream cheese, onions, mustard, red pepper sauce and garlic. With an electric mixer at moderate speed, beat for 3 minutes or until well blended. Stir in the cheddar cheese.


3. 
   
   Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap, shape into a 4 inch ball, and chill for 15 minutes.


4. 
   
   On wax paper, toss the toasted pecans with parsley. Unwrap the cheese ball and carefully roll it in the parsley mixture, coating it completely.


5. 
   
   Rewarp in plastic wrap and refrigerate until time to serve.


6. 
   
   Place the ball on a serving platter. Serve alongside crackers, pita chips or toasted slices of French Bread.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

I found this great recipe in a local paper called, "The Clarion." It was sent in by Shirly Dawson. I can't wait to try it.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Ingredients:

6 Chicken Breast

Fresh Rosemary (enough to line bottom of pan)

Lemon Pepper

Salt

Olive Oil Spray

Paprika

Lemon

2 Red Bell Peppers

3 Cloves Garlic (chopped)

Directions:

Spray baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Line with sprigs of fresh rosemary. Spray rosemany. Spray Chicken breast. Sprinkle each chicken breast with lemon pepper, salt and paprika. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken. Add one slice of lemon on each chicken breast. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes uncovered. Saute red peppers and fresh garlic in olive oil. Pour over chicken or serve on the side of chicken.

This dish will be moist, full of flavor and tender. It is also a very pretty dish!

Free Ringtones

While I was cooking some of my desserts earlier for tomorrow's big dinner, I was thinking of how I would love to come across some free ringtones. Actually, I would be needing free Verizon ringtones. What would really be nice is to have a tone that sounds like my daughter when she plays the saxophone. Now that would be really cool. Speaking of my daughter, she could probably use some free t-mobile ringtones. Of course her ringtone would probably be some type of music that I couldn't understand. You know how teenagers are now days. Anyway, I found the neatest place to get these tones. It is called Best In Cell Phones. I bet I could even find something for my parents. They would need some free Sprint ringtones. They would just love something like this. I have no idea what kind they would want, but I know they would be beside themselves. They would be even more thrilled if they could get it for free. In case you're wondering, this great site also has free at&t ringtones. You definitely got to check it out. I know I am going to surprise my entire family with this. They will owe me forever!

Cooking ahead of time!

I am trying to get some of my Thanksgiving cooking out of the way today. I thought if I could only get the desserts made then I would have that much done. Now tomorrow is going to be a different story. I will be working from early morning until time to eat. That's the worse part about holiday eating. You work yourself to the bone and then your too tired to eat. So for all of you mothers and wives out there cooking today and tomorrow, then I feel your pain.