When Liz at
That Skinny Chick Can Bake! sent me a list of questions to answer, I couldn't help but think of that scene in The King and I: Anna, surrounded by all the king's children, singing in unison,
"Getting to know you, getting to know all about you..." In case you would like to know a little bit more about me, check out this interesting little interrogation - it made me have to think (I hate that part...)
So settle in with a cup of tea and a cookie. Here goes:
1. Who taught you to cook?
My mom is a great cook. When I was growing up, she was often trying new recipes, which is a great way to broaden your kids' exposure to new foods. She didn't use much in the way of mixes - always fresh, always good quality. She bought her meat from the best butcher in town and had fresh eggs delivered to the house every week. My mom's mother worked in a bakery. It was an old fashioned place where I worked a couple of times when I would visit her in the summers. I started by washing dishes and pots & pans, then got to fill the jelly doughnuts, then got to work the front - the big, antique cash register. I have wonderful memories of that little place. The carryover is now, when I'm down for some reason, the first thing I usually turn to is cooking and/or baking. When my grandmother passed away several years ago, I spent the whole next day in the kitchen, baking and cooking like crazy. It's a release for me, I guess. I never realized that about myself until that day.
2. Do you prefer cooking or baking?
I don't know that I prefer one over the other. I like the 'prettiness' of baked goods, but cooking has more 'soul'. I like both. I won't choose. I won't. And you can't make me...
3. What is your favorite meal to cook for company?
I often cook Italian food for company: lasagna, homemade manicotti, homemade pizza. It's easy to make a lot of and how can you beat the aroma of a pot of sauce simmering away on the stove??
4. Are there any foods you will not eat?
I think offal is... awful. Sorry. I guess I'll never be an Iron Chef.
5. Who is your favorite TV chef?
There are a few I enjoy watching. Bobby Flay has an easy-going personality and an easy way about his cooking that I really like. I like the verbal artistry of Nigella Lawson (nothing is just red - it's ruby red...that kind of thing). I really appreciate Jamie Oliver's passion. And I could watch re-runs of Julia Child's shows over and over and over...
6. What famous person/people would you love to dine with (dead or alive)?
I'd like to have a burger with August Escoffier.
Okay. Just kidding.
I've been a Barbra Streisand fan forever. I understand she appreciates a good meal. I wouldn't mind sharing a nosh or two with her. And, honestly, I would like to ask Julia Child just how much butter she actually consumed in her lifetime...
7. Was your favorite meal ever eaten at a restaurant or someone's home? Tell us about it.
I had a wonderful meal at Spago's in Las Vegas once. Our daughter had just gotten married a few weeks before, and it was a time to de-stress from the wedding preparations. I remember I started with the best gazpacho I've ever had. I had scallops for my entree, and then THE BEST creme brulee I've ever tasted in my life (and I've tasted a lot of creme brulee in my life). *sigh* It was wonderful.
8. What dish are you still trying to master?
I think sugar work is intriguing. Blowing sugar, pulling sugar. It's an amazing art form. I'd love to try it sometime.
Well, that's a little bit about me. How about you? Care to share?
4 comments:
I've never even thought of blowing or pulling sugar. Seems so difficult, to work with...
What a lovely post, Lori. I'm very happy to get to know you a little better. I, too, learned so much from my mother and grandmother. What wonderful memories.
Nice to meet you:) That was fun.. the cookies look good too.
What lovely, insightful answers!! Thanks so much for playing along, Lori!!!
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