There's definitely a difference between wanting to make dinner and enjoying it, versus needing to make it because you feel guilty about eating out again. Tonight was happily the former. Lucy and I had a nice, relaxing day. She hasn't been feeling too great lately so I wanted to let her rest today. After her nap, we took a 45 minute walk (Lucy in the stroller) in the sunshine and came home and made dinner.
I made split pea soup from scratch, which was surprisingly easy! For some reason dried peas and beans intimidate me. It was delicious! I also fried bacon for the first time in a skillet, instead of the microwave. I know, I know. I was a strict vegetarian for 8 years so I'm a little behind on meat cooking skills. I was very proud of myself. It went in the soup, too.
Yum!
To go with it, I made Nun's Puffs. I've made these once before but forgot how good they are!! They were like heaven in my mouth! And apparently I used the French choux paste method. Who knew!? Just a tip on these if you decide to make these - where it says to cook and stir until mixture forms a ball that doesn't separate, that takes a loooong time. There's a reason the cookbook said they have a 25 min. prep time. Mine puffed delightfully though, and turned out great.
I'm not always this snobby about my cooking, but I kicked butt in the kitchen tonight! And I enjoyed every minute. :)
Oh yeah, and kids like that Nun's Puffs are partly hollow in the middle.
Peek!
I completely relate to this post! When I WANT to cook -- I can do a pretty good job. However, sometimes I think a peanut butter sandwich and some carrots will have to do -- mommy just cannot think of anything else! I'm going to go try the Nun's Puff's now. Oh -- and I was a vegetarian for a looooong time too. My niece finally showed me how to brown hamburger a couple years ago. As for bacon -- I still do it in the oven. All that grease just freaks me out!!!
Posted by: dawn | October 25, 2009 at 05:03 PM