Baking the Time Away

I like to cook, and it probably comes as no surprise to you that I also like to eat. Food is a part of who I am (literally and figuratively of course). I am no chef and I wouldn't win any competitions, but I enjoy my time in the kitchen and I especially enjoy sharing my meals with others. I think that is what attracted me to Josh, my younger next door neighbor, when I arrived in Dublin. I knew I could cook for him and in return, I'd have company. It works both ways you know!
I have become a lot more confident in the kitchen since moving to Dublin. I find this to be especially interesting because I have the smallest kitchen in the world and lack what I would have previously deemed necessary items for cooking (ie, no measuring cup, no good knives, no baking sheet, no mixer, etc.). I've learned to make do  however, and have produced some pretty decent meals. I have learned that measuring cups are not needed; the old eye-ball trick is sufficient. I've learned that you don't need a toaster for toast...a roasting pan with tin foil works just fine. I will say I made a pretty good Croque Monsieur this way! I suppose when you have time on your hands like I have, baking is a good way to fill the gap in activities. I remember my friend Sarah saying she did a lot of cooking/baking while she was living in Qatar. I've certainly made friends here and have the odd "jobs" babysitting and tutoring, but my Saturdays are beginning to be my baking days, and I look forward to that.

Last weekend I decided to try another first and I made homemade banana bread. I was shocked at how simple it was too! I made one big loaf for myself and enjoyed it so much that I went and bought mini pans and made a few loaves for my neighbors and the family I'm babysitting. I put a loaf in the freezer for when guests arrive and I am very likely to make a few more to give away. It makes me feel good to fill other people's tummies (maybe because mine is always full and I feel guilty about it. :) My buddy Jack and I always tease about how much we eat but no matter what, we try to finish our meals because of the starving babies around the world. We can't be selfish and throw food away! On a more selfless note, perhaps I'll bake some bread and take to this homeless man I see sleeping on the corner every day. I've been praying for him and I've considered approaching him, but haven't built up the confidence. I could buy him a cup of coffee and take him a loaf of bread...that'd be easy to do.

Back to the kitchen talk…Allan is in town this weekend and we had an amazing meal last night at TriBeCa in Ranelagh (BBQ ribs to start and burgers for each of our entrees) and tonight we are eating at this new place I found in Portobello called Seagrass (I’m looking forward to one of the following:  roasted sausages with root vegetable puree, roasted tomato and potato; penne, gorgonzola, spinach and mushroom; or roasted chicken, chili, caramelized onion, sun dried tomato and spinach fricassee with shell pasta).  Tomorrow night I want to make parmesan crusted chicken and pasta.  Oh so exciting for such a simple dish.  I think that is the thing about me.  I enjoy good food but I’m not a snob about it.  I can do a burger and be happy.  I can cook some fancy stuff (like T’Lene’s champagne chicken) but I can eat Ramen Noodles and be happy too.  As a matter of fact, I just had some very tasty Curry Noodles and I’m quite satisfied with that! 

Food is good and preparing it can be a ton of fun, so I’m pleased to be stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things, both as a cook and a consumer.  Just think of me eating fish for the first time this past year; I’m making all kinds of changes!