there will be a food question here somewhere...*

We've been here almost a year now, and I have yet to figure out what is in the food cupboard.  You know, that odd can of sardines, etc.  So, today will be clean the cupboard; and if I'm good, I'll even hit the herb/spice cupboard. 

Anyway, I know I have several tins of higher-end hot chocolate mix - not sure about cocoa powder or squares.  Has anyone made brownies using the pre-sweetened powder?  Any suggestions?  On the rare occasion I make desserts, I am told they are good.  I generally don't eat dessert - not opposed, just don't eat them.  I'm also thinking about making my 4 layer chocolate cake w/meringue whipped in - if I don't add sugar to the egg whites that should cut down on sweet, right?!? 

Any help would be appreciated!

* later, update... found 2 unsweetened squares!  now to lug the expired stuff to the trash...

Welcome new friends - Start with a chicken...

 This will be soup in a few hours.  (Whole chicken sans guts, Spanish onion - skin on for color, leek greens, squished garlic, unpeeled chunked carrots, chunked celery, bay leaves, rosemary, S&P, water - simmer for several hours.  Pitch veg., set chicken aside to cool, strain broth through paper towel or cheesecloth [newbies - put a colander in/over a large bowl, line colander w/paper towel or cheesecloth, strain liquid, fold back corner of paper/cloth to allow some of the good fat through but not the scuzzy bits].  Saute chopped/minced onion, celery, carrot, etc. in olive oil in soup pot. Stir in herbs and spices - thyme, S&P.  Return broth to pot.  Strip chicken and add as much as you want - share with your quadripeds.  Throw in some noodles.  Simmer.  Enjoy - or at least feel better!*)

I have the 'ick.'  I get sick every few (like 5 to 7) years. 

Funny, my children know how to make this but say that mine always tastes better. 

* I have nothing against canned chicken soup, boxed broth, skinless/boneless chicken parts, etc.  I like to cook and, probably more importantly for many, actually have time to cook.  I also like the way the house smells when I cook.  OK, except when I par-boil pork ribs in beer before I throw them on the grill - they kind of stink. 

What I know:  I really CAN make this stuff in my sleep  

Food and books are on the agenda.  Any suggestions?  My reading is quite eclectic.  My cooking knowledge is expanding - I don't 'do' pretty, but have learned a thing or two about taste...

It wasn't pretty, this dinner for two.  But 22 ravioli. I ate 4. There were no leftovers

food, of course, with a little history thrown in...

Lingonberries went over well.  I found lots of recipes with them mixed with stuff, but I decided to do them simply.  Boiled them in simple syrup, like cranberries, to make a sauce.  They taste like cranberries, but not quite as...uhm...harsh?!?  but maybe more tart?  Oh, and they don't 'explode' like cranberries, they just mush down nicely.  Good with oatmeal, or so I hear.  Companion likes oatmeal for breakfast.  I don't.  This was my breakfast today. Made from scratch with a few things I found in the fridge.  Doesn't take any longer than bacon and eggs, and look at all the fruit and veg!  (peppers are fruits, right?!?  like tomatoes.  something about the seeds inside)  And I haven't been to the grocer in a week.

So I went back to the grocer today.  Another several pounds of fresh tomatoes - really, fresh tomatoes that taste like tomatoes in MN in winter!!!  (the store has it's own greenhouse!) 

Last bag of fresh tomatoes (w/turkey broth) 

Tomato/crayfish bisque.  I think I added too much cream, but a shot of cayenne perked it up.

This batch of tomatoes?  Basic sauce.  "Companion" got me a pasta roller for Christmas and an Italian cookbook.  (in quotes because I bought them and he wrapped them )  He likes ravoli and tortellini.  I don't remember liking any I've tasted (never had home-made), but I'm about to change that.  Along with the tomatoes, I picked up some red onions, fresh baby spinach, ricotta, and a wedge of parm. 

I read cookbooks like novels, or so says Companion.  I didn't realize until yesterday that not everyone can taste a recipe while reading it.  I can and do - best not to read cookbooks late at night.

Turns out that the Italians claim bechamel sauce - basic white sauce.  Apparently, Catherine de Medici and her personal chef took the recipe to France in @ 1533. 

Oh the things one learns from cookbooks.  I'll have to read some Greek ones as they, rumor has it, taught the Romans everything they know, heehee. 

Eat well, my friends!  Life is too short for pablum...