Monday, May 2, 2011

Daily Dose





Dear Chase:

The word of the day is "Inspiration"- a stimulation or arousal of the mind, feeling, or even to special or unusual activity or creativity. Inspiration can come from any action, influence or idea that propels or entices one to act. That is how the dictionary defines "Inspiration" but I define it with visual images or captivating stories that really makes me think or "snap to" as they say. My lasted dose of  "Inspiration" comes from a very talented woman that is not only a wonderful mother, great cook but one of my favorite actresses...."Gwyneth Paltrow" and her first ever cookbook, "My Father's Daughter". I loved her stories about how she learned to cook with her father, testing recipes and really using those times to build this amazing bond between them. That is how I feel about you and the bond that we share. I know you don't remember this but I  use to bake a lot with you when I was pregnant with you and  I would test out all sorts of recipes in hopes of cooking all these delicious dishes that you would be able to enjoy someday. (little did I know how picky of an eater you would be, ha!) I know I have been really busy lately and I havent' been baking as much but since learning about this new book, I can't wait to get back into the kitchen and test a few of "Gwyneth's" favorite recipes. 
  
Stay tuned as I will try out (3) of her favorite recipes and taste test them myself. I do tend to take any recipe that I find and modify it and make it my own but I will make all these recipes true to the ingredients and see how they turn out. I already know that I will try her pancake recipe and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. I did always think that any batter somehow works better after the dough or batter has time to settle. We shall see... or should I say "eat".

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Morning Glory












Dear Chase:

I must say that this is absolutely without a doubt the best banana bread that I have ever made. It is light, moist, full of banana flavor with just a hint of cinnamon. I was once again spending my entire Sunday night in the kitchen making lunch for you and your dad for the week and I was about to throw away these bananas that looked pretty rotten. Instead of tossing them away, I decided to not waste such a perfect ingredient or opportunity to make some delicious banana bread for my breakfast tomorrow and possibly the rest of the week! You know when it comes to using fruit in baking, the more ripe the fruit, the better the end result will be. We will both enjoy these tomorrow together, you with a bottle of milk and I will enjoy a slice with my cup of Joe.