The Aftermath

So it's the day after my first day in the kitchen and, drum roll please, it was a giant success! Last night was a quiet night because what used to be filled with conversation was now filled with the sounds of forks scraping plates, and "yum's". The grilled mozzarella sandwiches and strawberry shortcakes, although time consuming, really hit the spot. While creating my "little masterpieces", as my mom would say, I learned how to roast peppers, which was a lot easier then I thought it would be. The tapande, which is an olive based sauce that goes on the sandwich for flavor, was a little difficult, due to the many ingredients needed, but what is an adventure without a little bit of a challenge! In the end, what could have been an average grilled cheese sandwhich and store bought shortcake was given a twist by creating it myself. The tapande gave the classical grilled cheese an almost "Panera" taste and the homemade shortcake got rid of that old spoungy cake! As for tonight my dinner consisted of the faithful Chipotle because I was busy with Lacrosse and therefore unable to cook anything. I have big plans for future dinners but at the moment I'm pretty busy, so I will try my best to squeeze in a meal or two during the week ( I hope I can make more). That is it for now! Wish me luck on my kitchen adventure!
Chef Elena

First day in the kitchen

I recently received the "America's Test Kitchen, Let's Get Cooking" D.S. game for my birthday and after watching the new movie"Julie and Julia" I became inspired to start my own little cooking adventure. Although I am much younger then "Julie" and far less busy I still would like to create my own challenge and further my interest in cooking. I have always enjoyed cooking and I believe this is a good way to enjoy it even more. My mom "Carol" will be helping me along the way with various recipes and of course financial support ( I am only 16). For my "cooking challenge" I would like to "cook my way through" the "America's Test Kitchen, Let's Get Cooking" D.S. game. There are 300 recipes and I hope to get through all of them. During this experience I hope to open my taste buds to a variety of new flavors and try new things like seafood(ugh).My deadline is nonexistent at the moment because I ,unlike Julie, am doing this as more as a hobby.
It is my first day in the kitchen and I could not be happier. I was able to search around my game today and see what recipes I would like to start out with. After an hour of searching I settled on a recipe for a "grilled mozzarella and red pepper sandwich" and "strawberry shortcake". I will have to go to the grocery store to get most of the ingredients, like capers, fresh thyme and parsley for the sandwiches. Tonight will be interesting and I hope all goes well on my own little Adventure through a virtual Cook Book. Wish me luck!
Chef Elena