First I have to say that I really don't like cooking. I find it a real chore. Can't stand touching raw meat, chicken or fish plus preparing salads etc drives me mad. BUT I love to look at recipes, rip them out of magazines or books and then never actually cook them!! Obviously, I am a complete loon....??!!

I decided that I had to try some different recipes to vary my diet because I am getting bored with eating the same thing (sliced ham and cheese). So, I went through The Neighborhood Recipe Book and made a note of all of the ones that I wanted to try and cook. I am making a resolution to anyone that is interested that I am going to make 3 of them a week and will try to do more than that.

Tonight I cooked the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Salad (pg. 66, by Beth Omicioli). I am quite sure it didn't come out how it was supposed to. Mainly because I couldn't find shredded Parmesan cheese ANYWHERE in our local supermarkets and had to use grated which didn't seem to go crispy as descibed in the recipe.

I used all of the seasonings suggested (something else I don't ever do either) and we had it with a lettuce and tomato salad.

IT WAS REALLY YUMMY. I even found that I didn't feel sick after the first few bites which is what usually happens when I eat. Hubby and son really enjoyed it too. My son walked in to the kitchen and said "I can smell something good"!! He doesn't do that very often!!

Anyway, just wanted to share a bit although I do tend to go on!! Tomorrow's recipe is Easy Lemon Chicken (as I still have a piece of chicken to use up!!) which is also by Beth as well, I didn't notice that until now.

Thanks for listening.
Brightie

Glad you ventured beyond your comfort zone & found something you enjoyed & didn't upset your tummy. Keep it up! (I don't think I could do ham & cheese daily without upset)

I am not a joyful cook, either. Just don't enjoy it. It is something I do because I have to. I just ordered the LAWLS cookbook so I can cook meals that my hubby & son can enjoy w/ me. I've been doing a lot of separate things for me since surgery. This should make it easier on me.

Enjoy!

Jeanie

I am so glad to see that you are venturing into the culinary world! There are so many easy recipes in the cookbook. I hope that your next meal turns out as well!

Cool, Brightie! the "Beth O" who authored that recipe is our own BUFFYCT! YAY Buffy!

I'm pretty sure I missed out on whatever genes are involved in cooking....I've NEVER enjoyed it and avoided it like the plague. Of course this led to lots of high calorie, bad for me meals. My son ate alot of frozen dinners...hopefully healthier ones, but I knew fresh foods would be better for him.
Since I got the neighborhood cookbook and a couple of others, I've actually been cooking and am beginning to enjoy it (Did I actually say that????????)!!!!!!!!

I've found that the crock pot cooks meat so that it is soft and juicy, easy to get down. I bought a 6 qt. crock pot so I could do bigger batches of food. I freeze 1/2 cup portions for me to take for lunches or grab for other meals. I also freeze bigger portions for my son. I'm beginning to have a nice variety of meals in the freezer and fridge. I've added a dry erase board to the fridge so I will remember what I have in each place...and so my baby sitters know what to look for if they are feeding my son.

My son LIKES the food....I like the food... and we are sitting down together for many more meals, which we both like. It's easy to add steam in the bag frozen veggies and....ta da....a real meal!

Here are some of our favorites from the neighborhood cookbook:
Slow-Cooker Hunter-Style Chicken (p. 73)
Apricot Chicken (p. 96)
Chicken Parmesan (p. 107)

I've also really liked the Cooking Light 15 min/5 ingredient cookbook that Kaye recommended to me a while back. I've tried several of their slow cooker recipes (Fruited Chicken with Barley was a real hit.) as well as others (chili-cornbread pie). Also found a Fix and Forget it Lightly cookbook for crock pot with some great recipes (Turkey and sweet potatos, Chicken stew).

So, I may have no genetic advantages when it comes to cooking, but it does appear that you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Bon Apetite!
ITM

We too have been only using the cookbook since I got it 2 weeks ago. I planned a menu adn that is all we eat from. We love it and the recipies haven't found one we don't like yet. we ate the cashew brocolii chicken stir fry last night.. my dh doesn't like oriental food but loved this.. it was some work but soooooooooo good... Can't recall who the recipe was from but it was great!! Thanks again!

Oh and if you don't have the cookbook yet. I say get it soon!!! Totally worth it and then some!

Me Again!!

Last night I cooked Easy Lemon Chicken. Which wasn't too bad but the sauce didn't seem to agree with me. I think it had something to do with the margarine we use which doesn't seem to agree with me when it is cooked, if that makes sense. When I was thinking about other times I have cooked with it I realised that the same thing happened every time. It is a spread made from Olive Oil so it shouldn't be a problem, should it? Any suggestions anyone?

Tonight we had Twice Baked Potatoes (pg 93, by Poohlady). It was really yummy. Even my son ate it with no complaints even though he reckons that he doesn't like potatoes!! Mind you, I didn't tell him what they were and the melted cheese disguised the potatoes!!

So, far I am on track for getting at least 3 recipes per week!!

Can anyone tell me what Miracle Whip Lite is? Is it the same as a type of margarine? We don't have that brand here in NZ but if someone can give me an idea of what it is I may be able to find an alternative. I thought I would have a go at making Basil and Tomato Burgers tomorrow. Without the rolls as I am determined not to try bread again.

Cheers
Brightie

Miracle Whip is a salad dressing similar to mayonnaise only it is sweetened. The lite is either lower fat or uses a sugar substitute (I can't remember which).

Actually, you are right Jeanie. They use less fat AND a sugar substitute. If you have a product in NZ that looks like mayonnaise and is called 'salad dressing' it is most likely the same thing as Miracle Whip.

I've tried the apricot chicken and like it too, ITM! Good stuff. haven't made it in a while. May have to whip some of that up this weekend! Thanks for reminding me.

Thanks Jeanie and Celadon, I will find some salad dressing at the supermarket.