Dish The Blog

Cook Fearlessly

The other day a client of mine called me for some cooking advice.  She told me that she's cooking a fillet of beef and needs to know how.  I asked her if the beef was trimmed and tied and she enthusiastically said "yes" and explained that she paid way too much for it yet she felt it was worth it.  As I gave her instructions I couldn't help thinking the whole time that she simply needs to be fearless when cooking her fillet and everything will be just fine. 

I've been reading Julia Childs' memoirs in My Life in France.  In it she wrote about a terrible meal she cooked and unapologetically served to her friend.  The gist of the passage from what I've gathered, was that there was no need for self deprecation as she was the one in charge and she stood by her food.  Let me begin by saying "I love Julia", however for some reason it did not sit well with me.  As a professional cook, I am obviously a people pleaser and can not bear to serve a bad meal.  Don't get me wrong, there have been a few "not so great moments" in my career.  However, I've always found that a great attitude can go a long way and it can change one's perception; maybe that's what Julia meant.  Perhaps this is true with all things in life; has a positive outlook ever hurt anyone?  I think not. This made me think about cooking fearlessly. 

Be the master of your kitchen, stare doubt right in the eye and beat it back with your rolling pin.  What I mean by cooking fearlessly is that when you decide that you can cook something chances are you can.  I have never developed or started a new recipe with failure in mind.  Yes, at times recipes can seem a little intimidating but I promise you, your results will be far greater when you are fearless.  Who knows you may just surprise yourself and become your own version of Julia.  

Posted by Annie Hobbs at 3:20 AM - Categories: Cooking | Thoughts

Try #2! Cookies for Kibble!

Hello!

For those of you kind enough to read my first blog posting just to have ma fall off the face of earth, my apologies.  I actually had a former bride and now friend tell me that I need a ghost writer for my blog.  In all honesty, keeping up a blog is not as easy as it sounds.  So here I am out for a second try at this.  I would like to say redemption will be mine and this go a round I will be better!

Okay, well the topic for today or better yet what I would like to share with you is our new program Cookies for Kibble.  For some time now I have been feeding my town's feral/ dumpster kitties.  I would bring them beef trimmings and odd and ends left over from our events.  On the nights when I have no kitchen scraps I would buy them kibble.  So, it got me thinking, I'm sure if given the opportunity people would want to help.  And Now Cookies for Kibble is Born!

How it works:  Bring in a bag of cat or dog food to our office and receive a bag of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.  The kibble will then be donated to groups such as Animal Friends Rescue Project as well as to my little town's dumpster kitties.  It's a win, win, you'll feel great about your good deed and get a tasty snack in return!  FYI, we do keep odd hours at the shop so I highly recommend calling first before you come.  I really hope this will be a success and I have faith it will!

Posted by Annie Hobbs at 2:43 AM - Categories: Thoughts | Default

Simple Summer Dinner Party

Hello all! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I would love to share some of my thoughts, advice, recipes, and ideas with you.

Starting my first post in the middle of summer, I thought I'd share with you some outdoor entertaining ideas. Yesterday was one of those perfect weather days where the sun was out and the breeze was just right. We took full advantage of this with an impromptu dinner party in the garden. My goal was to keep it easy, simple, and stress free. Between shopping and cooking it took about an hour and a half to pull the whole thing together. With help from the grocery store, we began with a cheese and charcuterie platter, this is one of the simplest things you can prepare because there is no cooking at all. Choose a variety of meats and cheese and pair them with some interesting mustards, crackers, and even hard pretzels. I also prepared a simple vegetable plate with hummus to keep things light and to add a bit of crunch. When my friends and I get together we always enjoy having a glass of wine or two. This occasion was no different and I was not about to waste the opportunity by being stuck in the kitchen. I learned years ago that as the host or hostess, you set the tone for your party and your friends will have more fun if you do. So with a little advanced planning I prepared a hassle free dinner that would be ready when I was. About an hour before my friends arrived I made a huge pot of Spicy Three Bean Chili and just let it simmer away. The best thing about something like chili is that it's comforting, familiar, and fun! I sat out bowls of tortillas, avocado, limes, cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos so my friends could customize their chili however they liked. I find that people really enjoy being interactive and it keep the party light and casual. When it was all said and done, I only cooked one thing and was able to be a part of the fun!

Eat Well!

-Annie

Posted by Annie Hobbs at 7:02 PM - Categories: Entertaining | Ideas | Summer