- Chilli con Carne: this dish was really tasty! :). There was a fair amount of prep involved because I had to brown the meat, then the swap the meat for onions and garlic, and then clean all of the flavors up with a "Colorado sauce" (which was red pepper, onion, garlic, and red chili). Then I added it all to a pot with green pepper to stew for a good while. At the end I mixed in some brown sugar and freshly ground, roasted cumin, which gave the chili a lovely robustness. We also made our own tortilla chips, which are deep fried corn tortillas. Yum!
- White Yeast Bread: this is such a big undertaking. It was the first thing I started this morning at 9:00, and it came out of the oven around 1:15 or so. Goodness! I do really enjoy kneading the dough though - it's calming!
- Sweet Corn Bread: I've never had such a memorable cornbread before! I've never been a huge fan of cornbread, but this one definitely takes the cake! The balance of sweet from the corn with savory from tabasco, scallion, and cheddar resulted in uplifting and absolutely delicious bread! It did have some flour in it, so when I make it at home I guess I'd sub for something else that isn't too heavy.
- I didn't make these, but the last picture is of some of the éclairs people made. The outer ones were particularly interesting: coffee and cardamom icing!
So overall my day in the kitchen felt like a failure, even though I got good marks on my dishes. I don't think this is a bad thing at all though, because it's helped me learn! I felt really stressed out and behind the whole day (I guess stopping to learn how to fillet a flat fish did take awhile). What really got me was my lack of planning and organization I think. As Pam (my instructor) says, "fail to plan? Then plan to fail." I'm gonna bring my A game tomorrow!
I managed to go on a run before I started to crash. I haven't been feeling great physically lately (probably because of all the sugar). I'll be okay though! It won't crush my spirit!!! :) The sunset was so beautiful!!!!! I don't ever want to get used to it! Another thing I've noticed lately too is the STARS!! OH MY GOODNESS. They are spectacular! The sky is so clear here at night! The big dipper is also humongous here! Whenever I think to look up at them if I'm outside, I always have to stop for a little bit because I'm so stunned.
Favorite part of the day: finishing my run. I wasn't feeling spectacular before I left, but it put me in such a great mood and made me feel a lot better afterwards! Moral of the story - RUNN!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D.
What I learned today (there were several small things):
- Spices are so much more intense when you buy them whole (not ground) and grind them yourself as needed. What's even better is when you roast them if they're a savory spice like cumin and coriander (which wish really just cilantro seeds!).
- If there's anything hot in the kitchen (like a hot frying pan or baking sheet), put a tea towel over it so you remember that it's hot and don't burn yourself!
- CHILLIS STING!!! WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER TOUCHING THEM!! I peeled about 5 small chillies this morning and never washed my hands. Ever since, the tips of my fingers have been hurting so much! It went away after a couple of hours, but if I put my hands under hot water or put a lot of pressure on them, then they start to hurt again! :(.
Even though today got off to a rough start, I've enjoyed it! What a great place to be. It's so beautiful here!!
Happy Monday everyone!!!
Love,
Livvy