Greetings!!!!

I am excited because I actually got the chance to cook today and BAKE!

I have had the urge to bake cookies lately and I finally got the chance to today.  I must say I was not in the mood to do so for a bit since I got dental work today and you know how that goes. Just thinking about going back to the dentist for my wisdom teeth extractions next week makes me queasy.  

But moving on…after a much needed nap I went straight to the kitchen and made the EASIEST, quickest and lightest most mouth watering shortbread cookies EVER [I know that was a bit much description wise but hey! I was jumping for joy, you must share my excitement!]. 

These cookies were a spin off of a few recipes I found online.  I took one from Epicurious and altered it to my taste.  I took 1 stick of butter, melted and added the zest and the juice of one lemon and 1 cup of powdered sugar and mixed until creamy.  Then (here is the kicker) I added 1/4 cup of fresh basil (chopped finely).  I know you are probably thinking, “Basil, isn’t that a savory herb?” Well, No! I was in your boat and felt the same way before Italy.  It all dissipated after I tasted lemon basil gelato.  I was in heaven.  The combination of lemon and basil is a melodious one.  They simply meld together wonderfully.  

After that mixture is incorporated I added 1 cup of whole purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.  I made little tiny balls out of the mixture and placed it on a buttered sheet pan and put it in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes.  Since there is a good amount of butter, you really need to watch these cookies.  

As my cookies were baking I made some Mac ‘N’ Cheese.  Okay, so I cheated.  I used the boxed Kraft Mac ‘N’ Cheese but I didn’t use the whole packet of that powdered cheese (I think that’s gross).  I added butter, milk, herb goat cheese and Parmesan cheese.  Talk about a tasty comforting meal to be served with sauteed asparagus with a balsamic reduction.  The balsamic reduction snuck its way into my Mac ‘N’ Cheese and it gave it this tang and bit of sweetness.  It was DELICIOUS.  

I served my Basil Lemon cookies with some powdered sugar and a bit of chopped basil for garnish.  

I think I’ll go have another cookie before they disappear since my parents seem to love them! I might make another batch tomorrow just for the heck of it.

Well readers have an amazing Saturday!

Peace, Punch, Captain Crunch (And remember…NO BEEF HERE!)

Guramrit 

Juggling these two internships while finding motivation to cook is STILL a challenge.  Mind you my frequent trips to Trader Joes and Whole Foods have only provided minor inspiration.  I recently bought freshly made pasta (well, I don’t really know if Trader Joes made it themselves but it wasn’t dry pasta for that matter).  In particular I bought pesto filled Tortellini and ricotta and spinach Ravioli.  I created a few easy dishes here and there but I am really feeling the urge to make some with a WOW factor.  I want to try a 3 course dinner: appetizer, entree and dessert.   [Pictured here is Trader Joes Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli with Morningstar Vegetarian Sausage sauteed in garlic and sage…it was simple and delicious…I was just sad I finished it so quickly]

Right now…the only thing that seems to motivate me to cook is because I really NEED to eat something.  The whole working 10 to 6/9 to 5 really drains the body.  The commute home adds to the exhaustion and finding the ingredients in my currently messy home (which is in the process of being “renovated” so to speak) is insanely difficult.  

I did purchase a rather helpful frozen product the other day: pre-made polenta with spinach and carrots.  I plan on making this tomorrow (God willing) with some sauteed vegetables and adding a bit of goat cheese to the polenta.  Since it is rainy weather something porridge and comforting is definitely what the doctor ordered.  

I feel like a part of me is missing when I don’t get to cook.  Our house has been going through a ton of renovations.  It is time consuming, exhausting and draining.  No one is motivated to cook and the only real answer seems to be going out to eat.  I have lost the desire to eat because of the constant dining out.  Don’t take it the wrong way, I do eat I just eat less.  I think the whole being completely exhausted and drained adds to the whole me not eating alot.

I have made little things here and there like Mac n Cheese and mashed potatoes with corn on the cob and broccoli.  I did attempt spinach and cheese tortellini with a butter sage sauce but that could have gone better.  I think it had to do with type of butter used.  It was not as fresh, smooth and lacked a bit of saltiness.  My dad buys butter in bulk and puts it in the freezer so that he can make Ghee (clarified butter).  Next time I think I need a different butter and I have to add a bit more of Extra virgin olive oil to really enhance the flavors of the sage and the butter. 

Today I finally got the chance to bake lasagna.  Sunday’s go hand in hand with comfort foods.  Comfort to me is something baked, warm and swarming with cheese and cheese and MORE gooey cheese.

I usually make the same ol’ lasagna but today was different. I was trying to avoid spending more than $5 on ingredients and wanted to use up what was left in my fridge.  I already had oven-ready lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, a tomato, spinach, Morningstar crumbles (a soy based beef substitute) and Parmesan cheese. I went out (regardless of this “hurricane”) and got mozzarella and ricotta cheese.

In a sauce pan I added some extra virgin olive oil and some chopped garlic.  I let it get fragrant and added the Morningstar crumbles.  I seasoned it with salt and pepper then added the baby spinach.  Once the spinach slightly wilted I added the ricotta cheese and removed it from the heat.  I added one diced tomato, the left over pre-shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup) and seasoned accordingly.  I layered the lasagna thickly and covered it with the shredded mozzarella and put it to bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. 

Those 30 minutes seemed never ending since I was incredibly hungry.  My apartment smelled incredibly fragrant and mouth watering.  Once I cut myself a slice of that lasagna my taste buds were sent to heaven.  I felt immediately comforted and relaxed.  All I need now is something sweet and I am set for the this Sunday.

Well readers…I hope to update more often.

I’ll keep you posted on my culinary adventures.

Peace, love and NO beef!

Guramrit