Kiki’s Corner: How much do you like to cook?
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As you well know, cooking is a big hobby for many and you can tell how popular cooking is by the 24/7 cooking channels on the television.
You can find all sorts of cook books ranging from how to cook and prepare anything you can think to baking desserts, grilling, frying, gourmet cooking and for international dishes from all over the world.
Men have the best reputation of being the best cooks and chefs in the world, but I personally think that there are many excellent female chefs and we are determined not to let the males outdo us! LOL.
If one enjoys cooking it can be very relaxing, rewarding, challenging and at the same time very competitive and even frustrating at times.
When one finds a recipe that sounds inviting and you take the time to purchase all the expensive ingredients and spices, etc., and take the time preparing it and it happens not to come out the way you expected can be very frustrating.
I personally do not get disappointed if something does not turn out the way I was hoping, I just find another recipe to try.
To me cooking is a real priority and I enjoy cooking and baking as I have mentioned before and spend hours in the kitchen.
When my husband does not like one of my creations for some reason or another I just suggest we go out to a restaurant. Thankfully this does not happen often but lately we do have a tendency to eat out more than usual with friends and family.
What I recommend when you want to try a new recipe, be sure to read carefully all the ingredients and be sure you and your family like the spices that your dish calls for. Spices are very expensive and they also have a limited shelf life therefore you do not want to purchase things that you possibly would only use one time. It is probably best to prepare dishes using the spices that you know your family likes and enjoys and not gamble for a positive end result.
I will share a special funny personal story that happened when I met Francis and my family invited him to our house in Greece for the first time. We wanted to prepare a real special family dinner which we did. However, it was a mistake because it turned out to be one of the few dishes he did not care for at all. LOL. A big disappointment to us and I told him that the following week I am going to prepare something really special for him to make up for it. Well, believe it or not, but the second dinner was also a dish that he did not care for. So 59 years later he still reminds me not to make him any of my special welcoming dinners like the first two dinners my mother and I prepared for him.
How could I strike out twice with my choices especially when you are wanting to impress someone? LOL. Thank goodness that is all in the past and he still reminds me of my first two dinners I prepared. Now it is a different story for he really likes all the different meals I prepare for him through the years
But one thing for sure we should never stop trying something else.
That is what makes life interesting in the cooking world!
#1 I'm grateful for all the opportunities God is providing for me.
#2 I'm grateful that I can make people happy with my cooking
#3 I'm grateful and very blessed for all the opportunities God is providing for me.
RECIPE FOR SPECIAL FRIENDS IN MY LIFE
1/4 cup kindness
2/3 cup compassion
1 cup good times
1 tsp advice
2 tablespoons listening
3 cups laughter
Whisk together with patience and challenges
Spread over a lifetime
Serve each other with warmth and a smile.
Last but not least never underestimate the difference you made and the lives you touched.
SAVE THE DATE
#1 The West Virginia Symphony League – Parkersburg is holding our annual membership meeting at the new Resiliency Center on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. with delicious appetizers prepared by the league members and entertainment. Also a tour of the beautiful building!
#2 The West Virginia Symphony League – Parkersburg is getting ready for our annual biggest fundraiser of the year that you don't want to miss. "Fall into Fashion" on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Parkersburg Art Center. A fun night, so mark your calendar, details to follow .
Till next week.
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TAILGATE BLOODY MARYS
1 (46-ounce) can V-8 juice
1 1/2 cups vodka
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon celery salt
Tabasco to taste
Combine all the ingredients. Serve over ice. Can easily be doubled or tripled. Serves 10
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SPARKLING ICED TEA
2 quart-size teabags
3 quarts boiling water
1/2 cup sugar
1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade
1 quart ginger ale
Add teabags to boiling water. Steep to desired strength. Add remaining ingredients, stirring well Stores in the refrigerator for several days. Makes quarts.