23 June 2010
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Appetizers, Baking, Dinner, Dizzarts, Entertaining, Meat, Pork, Salads

Birthday Dinner


The last time Christine and Chuck visited, Chuck said something to the effect of, “I’d rather eat anything that someone I know made for me than go to a restaurant any day.”  It made me stop and think a minute and I decided that, almost every time, I would agree with him.  There is something about food that someone chooses to make for you – no matter what it is – that tastes especially satisfying. Luckily, my gracious friends pretty much feel the same way, or at least they make every attempt to appear that way.  Even when a dish comes out badly (overcooked meat or vegetables, a half-risen cake), I’ve had the luck of seeing smiling faces and clean plates.

When I asked the Bun what he wanted for his birthday dinner – mainly, whether he wanted to go out or stay in – he gave me a little look that said, “would you mind cooking for me?”  Of course, I was pleased with his answer.  After deliberating on a menu for a few days, I decided on a bit of inspiration in the form of pork rillettes, which is basically like a meaty, fatty spread you eat on bread.  It is, of course, French.  A French meal, of course!

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20 April 2010
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Equipment, Quick Questions

Quick Questions: Dutch Ovens


My lovely friend Amy, who I’ve known forever, recently me dropped a note on Facebook asking about Dutch ovens and whether I could make a recommendation for one.  I can do better than that.  I can make a resounding testamonial for one, then offer some more cost-conscious alternatives.

As many home chefs will agree, Le Creuset makes amazing cookware that, at least in the case of the enameled cast iron versions, will last you a lifetime.  I currently have two pieces, one large Dutch oven, in red (above) and one yellow grill pan, both of which were wedding gifts from dear friends when the Bun and I got hitched almost five years ago.  When our friend Jenn saw my reaction to the Dutch oven, she was stunned.  I think she said something like, “I thought I was just buying you a pot.”  My reply was something like, “no, you bought us a cultural icon.”  Where I am sure that in France, they would like the “culture” in that description to mean, “French,” I claim this cultural icon for all cooks, the world over, who love to prepare good food and share it with those they love.

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15 April 2010
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Celebrations

Happy 1st Anniversary!



Hey, everyone – today is the 1st anniversary of Shallots Web!  Well, technically, the blog was up and running a few days before this last year, but this was the date of the first real post.

Though I have not had a chance to post as much as I really want to (my pesky job seems to get in the way!), I want to say that I have enjoyed the past year so much.  Through this strange little electronic portal, I’ve managed to reconnect with some of my most far-flung friends, make some great new ones, and share the joy of food with everyone who has taken the time to stop by.  I am so very grateful for the priviledge to cook for my dearest friends (which includes my family) and to be able to share that priviledge to the world beyond mine.

Thanks to everyone who has stopped by, even for a quick look.  Thanks to any and all loyal readers.  And thanks so much to everyone who came to sit at the table with me over the past year.  From fish tacos to party ham (coming soon), I’ve appreciated every slice, every bite, and every sip.  Here’s to another year of the same!

Cheers,
f.

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