My inspiration for this blog....

I had always told my husband that if we ever lived in a house with a fabulous kitchen, I would commit to becoming a better cook. (I have always had an interest in food -- cooking, wine, and restaurants.) However, until 2006 I have always felt that my space was working against me. That probably wasn't true, I just needed inspiration and for me it was my new house with a fabulous kitchen -- good counters/counterspace, great 5 burner gas cooktop, decent lighting, and a double convection oven. Overall, I just enjoyed being in my kitchen and it was a great way to unwind at the end of an enjoyable but busy day in corporate America.



At first, I made trip after trip to the grocery store. It took me a while, but instead of the recipe being my starting point for weeknight dinners, my pantry needed to be my starting point. I was spending way too much money at the store and my young son was not keen on heading to the grocery store every night after his busy day at daycare. Essentially, I needed to go to the store once or twice a week after giving my pantry, fridge and freezer a rundown. I also found that if I bought a few staples each week, I would find something to cook, e.g., chicken breasts, ground round etc.



Why else am I here? As I think about what has brought me enjoyment in my life beyond my family and my career, I can reflect on some of my travels to major cities and the restaurants I have visited, as well as my favorite's in my hometown, Columbus, Ohio...It really is a great place to eat! (I will share links to all of my favorites at some point.) However, what really got me on my food kick as of late, is a recipe of mine that was published in the December 2007 issue of Rachael Ray magazine - Sweet Potato Chicken Quesadillas. Not my best creation, but it met the 5 ingredients or less requirement and was slightly unique. As my husband say, I ran around the house like a crazy woman and than he summed it up best..."It's the small victories in life that keep us going." As I have said, I love my job and my family, but somehow beyond the kitchen I want to fulfill my passion for food, so I am going to give this blog a go. To use a few corporate terms.....Give me feedback, level-set with me, and if my strategy isn't making sense let me know! Thanks.