What I Knead

I’m feeling ambitious! I feel like I can accomplish a lot in no time! I’m feeling positive! I feel like I’m getting full usage of all the exclamation points!

I’m not on a caffeine binge if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m actually regretfully drinking a FRESCA. I meant to buy a 12 pack of Coke, saw this, and bought it. I don’t know why. I’ve never had a craving for it before; I guess I thought I would like it. Honestly, I was probably thinking it was a new flavor of Fanta. Stupid me. I hate the taste of aspartame. That’s what lies taste like, I tell you!

I just finished a week full of exams. This week, the tests were all written. Next week, we have our hands-on assessments. Normally, I’m pretty confident come test time but the material got really heavy at the end. Anyway, after successfully making it out alive and good grades, I have a lot to look forward to. I just have one more week and I’m home free, literally. I’ll be making the drive home as soon as I get done with Clinic. I want to drive all the way home that day but I know better.

I have a whole list of stuff I want to do when I get home, cooking being the number one thing besides seeing my friends and family. I am determined to take full advantage of that kitchen! It’s not huge but way bigger than this Easy Bake Oven I’m trying to work with! Here are a couple things on my menu: Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin with gooey Gruyere, BBQ Chicken (Tyler Florence’s recipe), Marshmallow Milkshakes, and Churro Tots. The last two are from a blog I found when I was searching the interweb for some inspiration (http://www.acozykitchen.com/churro-tots/). But the thing I am most excited about is my version of a Savory Cinnamon Roll.

Before you get totally grossed out, hear me out: It consists of the same soft and fluffy dough but instead of the cinnamon and sugar, think of the combination of sweet caramelized onions, the salty taste of ham, and the yummy texture and flavor of cheese…Yeah, you like that. I do too. That’s why I’m excited. I’m sure a ton of recipes are floating out there for this but this is something I dreamed up on my own. I can’t wait. I haven’t baked bread in such a long time. I’m ready to get my hands dirty and use my arms and hands to pound that dough. I want to come out with flour everywhere and a smile on my face.

I’m getting all flustered. Wow, food IS my sex--except I don’t feel guilty about it afterward…well, unless I’ve made a whole cake that I have to then eat myself. Ok, it’s the same.

Man, I bet it would be awesome to make it a threesome: A guest, food, and me. Double the pleasure and double the fun (and half the calories since I won’t be eating it all)! It would be even more of a treat if my guest was a handsome man who likes a women who cooks and doesn’t mind helping—well, helping clean up. I’d rather not have him in the kitchen. My space! Grrr.

Well, I even if that can’t be arranged, I’m hoping my friends will have some time to come see me and maybe snack on some goodies I’ve whipped up. That would be the best dessert of all.