Food.....

Over the last couple of days I have been a cooking fool and loving every minute of it. Of course I have probably gained 10 pounds because of it, but I don't care, it tastes so good and is so much fun!

One thing you have to realize is that both of these meals that I cooked are rather out of my comfort zone. While I now admit that I may have skills in the kitchen when it comes to dinner entrees, in the past I always considered myself more of a baker than a culinary chef. Well, times have changed! That is for sure.  (As most of my friends will tell you, I never talk about myself in a positive way much. I am my toughest critic by far. So, by boasting about this... means it was really very, very good.)

On Thursday night the menu was the following: Jamaican Jerk Chicken served with Caribbean Rice, topped with Pineapple and Mango salsa. I also served a salad which was composed of dark greens, blue cheese crumbles and cranberry's with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. For dessert you ask? Gluten Free Brownies. (Well, more like brownie crumbles. But it was still yummy, even tho it didn't plate so well. LOL Tends to happen with Gluten Free things.)

The chicken was incredible. But I do have a confession... I just about smoked everyone out of my loft. This was the first time I had used a stovetop cast iron grill pan. Let's just say, I am still trying to clean the grill pan! On the positive side it is well on its way to being nicely seasoned!

Back to the chicken... it was yummy! The marinade (not a dry rub like most jerk chicken recipes) left the chicken moist and bursting with flavor. I felt like there was a party in my mouth! The combination of the chicken with the rice and the salsa was.... perfection.

With so much success from that, I was riding high as I decided what to cook last night. Again, stepping way out of comfort zone I decided to cook beef. (Hard to believe not too long ago I would not touch raw chicken or meat!) Friday's menu almost topped Thursday's....

Friday the menu was Beef Tenderloin with a Red Wine Reduction sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed asparagus. Again, heaven in my mouth... and my dinner companion was impressed. Success yet again! The steak was seared to perfection, the potatoes just the right amount of garlic and the asparagus were crunchy and delicious. THEN..... there was dessert!!

Dessert for Friday was a Flour-less Chocolate Cake topped with a Chocolate Ganache sauce. OH MY GOD!!! It was so rich and delectable I almost passed out!! LOL

I can't even explain how much fun it has been to be back in the kitchen again, and challenging myself. I am having a blast!!