Stay tuned....

On August 3, 2010, I began a lifestyle change. NO MEAT. I've cut out all meat (except for fish) and I'm loving it! I don't crave meat. I still think it smells good when cooking, but I'm not tempted. The only thing is, I'm afraid of how it will be cooking for people if I can't taste what I'm serving them. I think it'll be alright because I never taste my food while I'm cooking, anyway. I know...weird. But, people enjoy my cooking, so why mess w/ something if it's going good, right?

On to another lifestyle change...One week ago, August 19th, I started managing my weight by using the points system through Weight Watchers. No, I'm not going to meetings, I was given direction from a co-worker who lost 33lbs in 20 weeks. She's been my inspiration and motivation. Yesterday was my first weigh in and I'VE LOST 4 POUNDS!!!! I'm so excited! This program is not restrictive and it is teaching me and my daughter how to eat correctly and healthily. She's my little support. I have a big support, too. After calling my step mom to tell her the good news, she called me back and told me she's getting me weight watchers online. I'm so blessed to have such great people in my life.

So...I'm going to be focusing on incorporating my new lifestyle into my cooking for others.

Summer Dinner - It's a Family Collaboration

Can you guess what I'm going to make?











My 9-yr old daughter made homemade lemonade with fresh mint leaves using her new hand juicer - It was so perfect. Very refreshing.

My son grilled up some jalapeno chicken sausage & I made some baked mac n cheese w/ Romano, Parmesan, mozzarella & 4 cheese mix. For a cool refreshing side, I borrowed a recipe from one of my best friends' mom and put my own twist on it with something from my other best friend - I made diced tomatoes on the vine, cold mozzarella cheese and drizzled olive oil & Rozendal Red Wine Vinegar and seasoned it with sea salt.



It all turned out very nice. The topper...sitting on our deck with a beautiful breeze and 80 degree weather.

Fresh Summer meal

Homemade French Bread Pizza - Turkey pepperoni, artichoke hearts, mushrooms & grape tomatoes with mozzarella. 

Okay, I  know turning the oven on during 90° weather is not ideal for summer cooking, but I am lucky enough to have central air, so I wasn't affected. 

BUT...this was VERY summery and very refreshing...

Summer Salad (Romaine, Cucumber, Grape tomato, avocado, shredded carrots, shredded cheese, fresh mint) tossed with homemade Red Wine Vinegar dressing. Garnished with Ranier Cherries & fresh mint.

Unfortunately, by the time I thought about taking a picture this salad, my daughter had picked all the avocado out of the salad. 

Enjoying my family and beginning of summer

My beauty signing "I love you" to her mommy.












Jumpin' right in!
 

My son helping build a deck...I was so sore after that. Luckily, the next day, I enjoyed some refreshing Mojitos for Memorial Day on the finished deck with some wonderful friends and family.












1/4 of my friends' new deck. They were able to fit 3 separate table and chair sets and a baby pool on this ginormous deck. It turned out so beautiful.

May's Cooking Demo

My confidence is soaring!!! I mean...I've always loved cooking for my friends and family, and I've never had anyone not like my cooking...but every time I go to do a cooking class, demonstration, or party, I feel like everyone will think I'm a complete fraud.

But, then I pull out all my artillery and set it out on the table or counter, and just pretend I'm at home in my kitchen. One of my favorite things is to have people sitting around my kitchen while I cook for them. Thankfully, tonight, I had some wonderful people show up for my cooking demonstration. They had great questions and were very kind and patient.

Tonight, to start my guests off, I tore up some crusty bread and served it with a small dipping bowl of olive oil, balsamic vinegar & cracked pepper. I prefer tearing my bread when serving it, as opposed to cutting it with a bread knife and making it look perfect. I feel it's more appealing when torn. While they were enjoying the bread that was crusty on the outside and moist on the inside, I grilled out in a beautiful Spring evening that was threatening rain, and actually threw down a few sprinkles. I made plank salmon rubbed with brown sugar, cracked pepper and garlic on half of it and the other half, basted with my new jalapeno infused honey. Under 350° heat, it turned out perfect and juicy! I had some open space on the cedar plank and put some asparagus with sea salt. Next to the plank, I grilled my portobello with sea salt and let it all smoke for about 5 minutes. Then, I drizzled Balsamic Vinegar on the mushrooms and cooked for another 2 minutes. After about 15 minutes total, everything was ready.

I ended the evening with a sweet treat. Mango, strawberry & kiwi cocktails garnished with fresh mango & kiwi. I love to see everyone enjoy good conversation with their friends and people they've just met, good food & drink and beautiful weather. 

The only thing I wasn't able to do was take pictures. SOooo...I'll be doing it again on Memorial Day.

Guests on my journey

I've met some really great people along my journey of getting to my own cooking show. Just treated myself to a new haircut & highlights last weekend. Thanks Karen at the Bee Hive in Philly. I definitely recommend her...if you check her out, tell her Mandy sent you. Went to the Collingswood Farmer's Market this weekend and met a nice woman at the honey stand. I discovered a very tasty honey with a kick...Habanero Honey. It's infused with habanero, hot cherry & jalapeno peppers. Very good. I'm going to try it as a baste for salmon, or tilapia. I also met a couple of nice brothers...Mac & Mac from a company called Duker. I got some delicious spicy pickled green tomatoes. Yum!

Tonight I had the pleasure of teaching a hands-on cooking class with a group of wonderful people. They were all so friendly! I just hope all my clients can be so great.

The theme of the night was Mexican. I provided instruction for turkey enchilada casserole, guacamole, pico de gallo and cinnamon & sugar crisps.  My little sous chef was the photographer. Thank you again Alyssa & friends!!! I had a great time.

We had a vegetarian in the house. She cubed these veggies perfectly!

     












Totally in my element.                                            

Dreams, Wishes & Goals

So, I made a photo album on my Facebook profile that is strictly for goals and dreams. I haven't taken a look at it for a while...until today, when I posted some new items for my wish list. I saw a couple of pictures that were on there that have already happened, or has started to happen. Is it the work of mind powers? The Secret? (awesome theory, by the way..."The Secret.") I'm thinking YES. But, right now...I'm thinking...England, England, England...it's going to happen! Here's my wish list album. It's small for now...but, I don't need much. Life is good. :)  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50132&id=676809287&l=7d994743f6