CB has agreed to eat whatever I cook.
*evil laughter*
Okay, I’m kidding about the evil part. This morning I made scrambled eggs, and this might sound silly, but they were good (and yes, I’ve made bad scrambled eggs before). I plated the food, set the table, and it was fun. I like cooking – not everyday, certainly, but I like it enough that I want to be good enough at it to plan a special meal for two or host a dinner party.
I’m already planning our meals for Saturday and Sunday.
-> Saturday dinner: roasted chicken breast, mini-mushroom frittatas, and brown rice cooked with chicken stock.
-> Sunday brunch: cinnamon pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs.
A stop at Ross or Target is also in order – I need to pick up a couple of placemats and some candles, and maybe even a table cloth (I’m thinking classic white). One reason why I love going to restaurants is the ambiance… so why not try to recreate some at home?
I’m really excited about learning to cook, so I’ve decided that its okay if I spend more money than I normally do on ingredients, as long as I don’t waste food. And I’m doing some research into culinary classes. They are quite expensive, but maybe this can be my Christmas present to myself.
We shall see how this enterprise turns out…
Well Heeled Blog 
I recommend finding classes that meet for one afternoon or evening and focus on a few things. It is great way to learn some new techniques without having to invest a lot of money. I know around here (in Florida. I’m hoping Fay doesn’t blow me away this week), I can go to an afternoon class where I learn to cook around 10 different things, and the cost is around $65. The place I go to actually has theme nights (all about Chicken, a visit to Italy, etc.) and it was a lot of fun!
I’m more into baking and desserts (not that I’m good at it, I’m just drawn to it) than I am into actual entrees…chicken just doesn’t seem as exciting to cook. lol. Considering the fact that I can’t eat cookies and desserts all day long, I’m super interested in taking cooking classes too!! Not culinary school or anything, but something that sounds like the classes Julianne mentioned! The Martha Stewart in me is DYING to have a dinner party!!
Good luck with Fay, Julianne!
It always amazes me how enjoyable cooking can be. I rarely manage to do it, though, because who has the time or inclination to spend an hour in the kitchen after working all day?
I’m sort of drooling at your Saturday dinner!
Cooking is my end of the day stress reliever. I totally agree with setting an mood. And don’t forget the requisite glass of wine while cooking, it really helps with the relaxing. =)
Check out Orangette: http://orangette.blogspot.com/
When she posts there are some fabulous recipes!
I have also heard about clubs you can join that has a big area where people come and cook together. There are ingredients there, recipes, and the stuff you need to take it home in. I wish I could remember more details, but it sounded like it could be fun!
I think it’s fun too prepare special dinners sometimes. I’m an apprentice chef, so when I get home from work I think it’s the last thing I wanna do. Although you got me in the mood for scrambled eggs! Yum. Thanks for the blog and the idea for dinner tonight 😀
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Ooh, I love Orangette; I second the commenter who said to check her out! I’ve also just started my own food blog, of sorts, and am having fun with recipes and finding an outlet for my food love. 🙂
I kind of love where you say you want to go buy a tablecloth. So fun.
I love cooking! It can get a little expensive at first, buying the ingredients you haven’t used, but it is a much better deal than going out.
I fail a lot, but I love trying new recipes.
Cooking is a great way to save some money.
Though, you have to be particular about what you buy – shopping at a gourmet grocery can add up fast!
My cooking bible (if you can find it) is the Larousse Gastronomique, you really don’t need cooking classes with this baby. Not to mention once you get the feel for it I think you’ll find experimenting based on what you know and can find through recipes is one of the greatest ways to learn. I really don’t think you get much from cooking classes aside from new recipes. (Just my 2cents)