also? macrame!
In the past two days, I’ve suddenly become all passionate about doing the following:
Trying three new recipes per week and getting GOOD knives
Learning about spices
Singing every day
Buying a sketchbook and… um… sketching
Planning out my wardrobe (and wardrobe purchases) so I don’t appear to have chosen my outfits in the dark
Stretching in the mornings
Getting regular massages or something that will make me walk in a less tinman-esque fashion
Learning about colour harmony and contrast in decor so I can make smart decisions about purchases
Paying more than $20 for a pair of sunglasses so I don’t look like an owl
Any suggestions for me on any of these goals?
November 13th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
I can give you advice on the first one! Don’t get sucked into buying a whole set of knives - you only need one really good chef’s knife and one really good paring knife. Have them professionally sharpened every 6 weeks or they’re no better than cheap ones.
Also, go out and buy Cooking Light and Bon Appetit. They will inspire you to try at least 3 recipes per week! Enjoy!
November 13th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Hi Meg,
the kitchen knives from Lee Valley Tools are great. I have a whole set and love them. You can get a set or just buy them seperatly as Coralynn suggested.Here is the link:
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=45509&cat=2,40733,40738,45507
November 13th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
On knives - Coralynn’s right, you just need one good chef’s knife and a paring knife. I bought my chef’s knife, which I lovelovelove, after reading reviews on America’s Test Kitchen. They go through and weed out the bad ones so you don’t have to.
On new recipes - oh, don’t get me started! First, if you like Italian cooking, I recommend buying this old cookbook called The Pleasures of Italian Cooking by Romeo Salta (I see some on Amazon for a penny plus shipping). Some recipes are simple, some are more complicated - everything I’ve tried has been delicious. Don’t believe me? Email me and I’ll send you the recipe for green risotto which tastes. like. spring.
November 13th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
yoga - for the stretching and the tin-man walk
maui jim sunglasses - according to my optometrist - the company that is leading the way in sunglass lens technology…
check in with delta cooking instructor jini aroon about the spices - she has a website and teaches cooking classes.
November 14th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Old Bay spice is good in everything. Except maybe chocolate pudding.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:42 am
I agree with the Chef’s Knife advice - I have one by Henckels and I can’t imagine my life without it. And I came here to comment specifically to suggest Cooking Light, but someone beat me to it. Seriously, a subscription is cheap and it comes every month in all its glossy glory, and you won’t be able to help yourself. The recipes are relatively simple and delicious. If you are looking for something specific to cook, I love epicurious.com.