cooking tales

Have I mentioned my renewed joy in cooking? no? well, it's true...I have been inspired to do more cooking in the last six months than probably the last six years! When you have to cook for a family it can be just another chore to get over with-and teen age boys are not always the most rewarding to cook for either. At any rate, I took a many years break from doing real cooking. When I was caring for my mom and trying to find anything she could enjoy eating-the only thing she ever liked was something I cooked that I found up in her cupboard. Now-it was something out of a box-but I think the fact that I cooked it, is what made my mom like it. Of course she could only eat about three bites.
She always loved my cooking and it gave her great comfort. I joke about being an Italian mom-always feeding everyone as my way of taking care of them. And, I really enjoyed seeing my elder son go through culinary school and become a chef. Though he chose not to stay in that career-he is an awesome chef and loves to cook for family and friends. We spend lots of time swapping ideas about cooking food. So of course I asked him about something new to try with the pound of fresh salmon I had bought. He suggested a pesto crust and we discussed the best way of making it and which pan works best...you know, all those details. Tonight that salmon was on the menu. And, I have to admit, it was one of the all time best meals I have ever made. And fast... dinner in forty minutes. Earlier in the day I made a new lentil soup recipe - if you have never tried red lentils...let me tell you they are so delicious. So we had a small cup of lentil soup to start our meal and then the salmon with a side of fresh steamed broccoli and an olive roll from a local bakery warm from the oven.
Quilty note: I am still pouring over pattern ideas but will be making a diaper stacker and crib organizer first. The leftovers will go into making the quilt.
Off to watch a movie on the dvd player and hand quilt.