I love cooking! I guess that's how I came up with the name of this blog... that and the fact that my kitchen is pink and white - it reminds me of Valentine's Day...well every single day! The previous owner of our 1929 Cape Cod loved her pink kitchen, and after our P & S, I understand why!!! We are definitely kindred spirits and although there has been some work done, and some more that needs to be done...I knew walking in, that this was it... our starter home on a busy street ... made me feel like it was a little bit of Big City with all the perks of a small New England town... what's not to fall in love with, right?! However, my fiance has made remarks of turning my little kitchen into something neutral and updated... I love the look of Shabby Chic with a touch of Country French... but he is more the traditional and conservative type ... some of the pink tile he has already tried to remove too... so far the vintage wallpaper hasn't been touched (phew!)...so much charm in this little kitchen... I must find a way to convince him otherwise...I cried when the little retro chandelier was removed too (no worries, as I will replace it...tee-hee!)... I apologize as I am digressing
So I wanted to create this blog that shares easy recipes with ingredients that can be found at the local supermarket, that are budget friendly, with a healthy approach, without losing the flavor factor! I've cooked with traditional recipes, then I've reworked them to the point of eliminating all sugar and oil - of which the first made me feel constantly guilty and my jeans a bit too snug, and the latter, the taste was lacking...and more times than not, one said not so subtle food-fussy fiance would suggest us spend the night on the town and find a nice restaurant to sample. So what is a girl left to do? Find middle ground! With many things in life, a lot is about balance... and in the kitchen, same rules can apply as well:)
I'm pretty much the typical, modern, everyday girl. I'm working on my career ambitions - a full-time 3rd year medical student/MBA student. My dream is to be able to do work with Operation Smile someday:) So yes, a lot on my plate too... So I totally get it - the whole I'm busy spiel... but so nice to indulge in the romance of cooking in the evening, even if it's just once in awhile. It's definitely my way to relax and unwind... creating dishes that are easy to prepare, skinny-jeans approved, and very budget-friendly. It's my place to find some me time, some peace, my personal oasis (okay, I usually have some Lady Gaga in the background...love her!) It's nice to be able to create something ...edible art I guess you can call it... that I can share with my fiance. These are my love notes to him... and each dish is designated as such:) It's a way to reconnect with each other after a busy day... without saying a word... and sometimes drizzled with chocolate or basted in a red wine reduction... all the ingredients add up to a recipe for romance!
So check out these recipe posts when you're in the mood ... and I hope you get inspired too! I wasn't always like this... not even close! I use to order out at least three times a week, have enough left overs for three days, or made sure to have peanut butter and bread on hand... and the last day was date night of course! My pocketbook and my midriff weren't exactly thrilled by my eating habits... neither was my PCP! And slowly I have adjusted my lifestyle to include healthier choices... and cooking meals at home is definitely one way to monitor what I put into the bod.
These recipes can be modified easily, so these are not rules, but just guidelines on creating a delightful meal that is sure to impress your date - whether you've known your love interest for a day or a few decades, show your affection one bite at a time:)
So I hope you have fun with my recipes and food photographs! Love comes in many forms they say... and here's to another one... from my kitchen to yours!
Love,
Marikym
