Thursday, March 12, 2009

Coveted no more!

There are few things that excite me much anymore.

I know; it's sad.

I love my family. That goes without saying.

Gardening, sunshine, herbs, animals, the outdoors, friendship, music. There are some other things; but this can sum it up pretty much.

If you've followed this blog much, you can surmise that I lurve to cook. A lot.

There have been some major fails of late. Ask my kids about bruschetta, and you'll hear some massive chuckles and some outright guffaws (ingrates!) Inquire about my recent attempt at making red chile sauce, (a miserable fail at something I cut my teeth on growing up in the Southwest) and you'll see a grown woman cry almost hysterically! K. could probably do a fine post about scooping my groveling, sorry ass off of the kitchen floor; but I digress...

My confidence has been rocked to the core with these recent short-falls; but there has been one shining beacon to raise my foodie heart from this culinary chasm: the 6 quart enamelled, cast iron dutch oven!

OOOOAHHHOOOOHHHHHAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!(sung in multi-layered celestial voices straight from Heaven Above; with blinding sunbeams all around!)



We found this little beauty at Costco for $45.00! I know; $45.00!!! I had been watching all of the stores in this area for months and months. I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted this gem on the shelf at the dreaded big-box store extraordinaire. I latched onto it; mumbling, "mmmmhh; my Precious!!!" I know if someone had spied me in that private, personal moment; they saw a glazed-over, almost junkie look in my eyes. I spied K. coming up the aisle, and tempered my naked abandon, but it did not go unnoticed! I mumbled something about a great bargain, and waiting forever; he knew I would not be denied. He acquiesced.

A whole chicken with quartered onions, baby carrots, bell pepper, local red potatoes and criminis with fresh basil, roasted garlic and a few sprigs of fresh thyme sprinkled with some marjoram, salt and pepper. Magnifique!!! A lovely loaf of fresh, rustic (HOME-MADE!) basil and asiago bread and; OHHH!

As my friend C.R. has been known to say, "T'was guuud!"

Now if I could just figure out that bruschetta and red chile thang...(not together, of course!)

;0)

(I must add that K. is totally the one to have credit for teh lovely pic! If I was the responsible party, there would be thumbs and fingers blocking the frame fer sure!)

9 comments:

Renie Burghardt said...

Hey Vikki,

Your cast iron dutch oven was a bargain, and that chicken dinner sounds yummo! As for the bruchetta, well, we've all had some disasters in the kitchen. We, who love to cook, that is. Well, these days, I'd rather someone else does the cooking, since it's not so much fun to cook for one.

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Renie

lisahgolden said...

Oh, drool worthy! All of it. The delicious dinner you prepared, the dutch oven, all of it! And that picture is lovely.

I have to tell you, too, this post cracked me up. I love the way you write.

Doug and Amanda said...

That picture is literally making me salivate. See, the reason I'm not big on cooking is because bruschetta incidents are the norm for me. I'm trying though. Eventually I will be able to make bread the way you do and be able to open a fridge full of miscellaneous items and put together something delicious.

Your talents are many. Your most talentiest talent is delicious.

SaoirseDaily2 said...

Oh and some brisket or corned beef would be so nice in that dutch oven. Lucky girl. I have had my sad failures. We all do. It's usually when I'm tired that things do not work out. But there are so many new things to try, so don not give up! Did you see Steve's new cookware? I am jealous!

Pam I Am said...

I have to tell you, too, this post cracked me up. I love the way you write.

Seconded!

I too rarely get excited about things any more. I used to worry about it. I'm happy about things, but the days of feeling delirious about something (even something long-anticipated) to the point where I can barely stand to stay in my own skin seem to be gone.

Those feelings have been replaced with a certain happy serenity.

Now that I'm used to it, I no longer think that's a bad thing.

NameChanged said...

Mom, that picture and your description are making me salivate. It sounds fantastic. As for the bruschetta, blame the booze and the altitude (you were in Albuquerque after an extended stay in AK).

I think it's time for some recipe sharing.

Steve said...

I'm glad I ate before I came over!

kkryno said...

Renie,
I have a hard time with that one too!

Thanks Lisa! I consider that an awesome comliment coming from you. :)

Amanda; didn't you just make steak and shrimp? I've never made shrimp. You're braver than me!

Linda you are so right about that. I was tired and a bit marnie when I was making those enchiladas; but I plan to get back on that horse and make them this week! Corned beef, now you've given me a great idea!

Pam, I could'nt agree with you more!

Michele! What altitude??!

Steve; I'll just make you up a plate to take with you!

kkryno said...

Umm, that's c-o-m-p-l-i-m-e-n-t. I'll learn to spell someday! Sorry about that Lisa!