So Far, So Good

I really enjoyed making the puff pastry, much to my surprise yesterday. We'll see if it's any good. My attempt to buy almond meal for the filling was unsuccessful, so I'll seek again this morning. I do know a place that sells it reasonably, but it's quite a drive. We need to get out to get more milk this morning anyway, so we might as well stock up before the big cold front comes in tonight. We should have time for much baking and stewing and simmering over the next few cold days. Oh, and enjoying King Cake, of course!

Puff Pastry

I'm attempting making puff pastry from scratch. I'm partly excited; partly terrified. This is one of the steps from an intermediate cook to advanced. Plus, I'm making it for King Cake for tomorrow. I can always buy one; they're easy to find. If it fails, I'm covered.

Beans and Greens

Today is a day of warm comforting foods with beans and spinach. I'll also make a lentil soup for supper to go with some leftovers. We've been enjoying the seasonal foods.

The Yearly Spice Procurement

Every year in November, I make a special shopping trip to restock the pantry spice shelf with bulk purchases of spices. I only buy the amount I need, i.e. a nickle's worth of chervil or double the amount in a spice jar for tarragon for less than half the price of one. I save a lot of money and a lot of waste not buying the standard sized spice jars at the supermarket. It took me seven years of marriage to use up the allspice jar I bought at the supermarket as a new bride. Today was the day for 2009, and I'm fully stocked for holiday cooking. I'm able to cook much better foods from scratch by maintaining a full pantry, and can do so much more cheaply than using supermarket allotments. I highly recommend searching out those merchants that offer choices in spices and making special trips - even if only once a year.

Stock Pot

On Monday, it's time for the stock pot. Today, it's oxtail broth. I am also clearing out the food that's been lingering with the morning sickness. I've only eaten a fraction of my normal quantity, and I left food to spoil. It's a shame, but sometimes it just happens.

Around the Kitchen

It's been a bit quiet around the kitchen lately, what with the food aversions and morning sickness. I'll post more after this time passes.

Food Factory Day

Today is fully autumn in our kitchen. It's Food Factory Monday: beef stock, yogurt and for the first time, home made lemon-lime soda. Natural fermentation! Since the ginger ale was so amazing, I'm hopeful that by the weekend we'll be sipping some delicious soda. At the very least, it should be easier on the budget than the commercial soda water. If it's actually health giving, instead of harmful, I'll be over the moon. If I'm really, really lucky, the Vintner will prefer it over the carbonated stuff.