Thursday, September 2, 2010

dinner is served

I don’t watch too much TV, but when I do, I can’t help but drool over the scrumptious shows showcasing the talents of professional and amateur chefs. Last night, I happened to catch the end of Masterchef, a cooking competition that sees amateur cooks with a variety of backgrounds challenged to be crowned the champion chef. As the four contestants in danger of losing their apron whipped up homemade pasta dishes in 90 minutes, I couldn’t help but wish I was a wiz in the kitchen just like them.
I really enjoy cooking. I can’t say I’m too good at it but it’s so satisfying to put time and effort into preparing a meal only to have it come out as tasty and well-cooked as you imagined. On the other hand, a disastrous meal can be so disappointing - I've learned the hard way that lemon meringue pie is not my specialty! I’m definitely the type of cook that needs instructions…give me a recipe and I promise you I will follow it step by step (my husband? Not so much…reading a recipe isn’t his thing!). This doesn’t always create the most amazing meals, as a little creativity in the kitchen isn’t a bad thing, but I’ve definitely treated my tastebuds to some delicious dishes over the years. While not the most sophisticated of cookbooks, I’ve found Eat, Shrink and Be Merry to be the perfect cookbook for a recipe reader like myself. It not only provides mouthwatering meals but all the recipes are healthy and super easy to make…throw in a little humour (…The Ladle in Red anyone?) and some fun facts about food and cooking with my husband or some good friends becomes one of my favourite things to do. For me, cooking with someone or cooking for someone is much better than cooking by myself or for myself. I just don’t put the effort in when I’ll be the only one eating it. But if it’s time for dinner party, I will happily be helping out in the kitchen. I may be no masterchef but I am definitely a willing participant!

What do you like to cook? Do you follow recipes or create your own masterpieces?

13 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

Balazs and I love to watch cooking shows...I usually use a cookbook at first and as soon as I get all comfy with the recipe I try to add an extra touch to it:)
Kisses,sweetie
Have a great day

a little black cloud in a dress said...

I've never really been a recipe kinda girl. If I use one, it's once to get a feel for the dish, then I make changes the next time I cook it! Lately I've been dreaming up delicious ideas, which surprises me because I've never considered myself to be creative!

Tiffany Kadani said...

Oh my goodness this looks amazing! I love looking at cookbooks but I never follow them. I just see what happens- but cookbooks are great for inspiration.

Jessi said...

Omg, I want that burger in front of me! :) I follow recipes most of the time. I love to cook, but rarely get to do it because of my crazy schedule. Cooking relaxes me!

Thank you for stopping by my blog and saying hello, btw :)

xoxo J

Notes from Holly St. said...

Eat, Shrink and Be Merry...never heard of it...sounds awesome! And, that burger is calling my name :)

Audrey Allure said...

That burger looks delicious. I'm not much of a cook, I'm more of a baking person haha.

jenn from midlife modern said...

The first time I try out a recipe, I usually follow the recipe as it's written. After that, it's free game to my interpretation. Many times, though, I just go shopping at the farmer's market and "invent" meals out of the materials I find. That's when cooking becomes really fun! Cooking is a learned skill; the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Rebecca said...

I wouldn't say that I can cook very well. It's kinda what does it say on the back of the packet. However, if I tried to follow a recipe for something, it normally turns out... alright. haha

Thank you for commenting on my blog and I am now following :)

http://rebeccaarmstrongx.blogspot.com/

paislea said...

i wish that i could cook. period. i have no patience. so i am lucky to have a nice boyfriend that will do it for us! hihi!

allisterbee.blogspot.com

thelayeredpancake said...

too many images of yummy food. i love your haircut! infact, i am growing my hair out for charity as well! But, its very layered, do they want one length hair or something?

Bridget said...

that food looks scrumptious but im really commenting because i love the kicking the pisa tower over picture.

iheartkiwi said...

i love cooking shows!

i keep it pretty basic during the week but on the weekends kiwi and i like to get creative and try new things from our many cookbooks!

CHECKS AND SPOTS said...

more and more i'm feeling brave enough to create my own recipes. it's not easy though!

ps - also thought you might be interested in the jane iredale giveaway i'm currently running. stop by and take a peek!

http://checksandspots.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway-giveaway-giveaway.html