Being Inspired

Inspiration nowadays seems hard to find for many people, myself included. Like most people in the economy today, you work to survive rather then doing work you love. Unlike most people though, I was able to go after my dream and accomplished my goal in May 2012. I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu here in Orlando with my Associates Degree in Culinary. Being in school and going after my dream made me realize I could do anything I set my mind to do.

Upon graduating, I started working in a restaurant. Even though I loved the people I worked with and gained a lot of expierience, I learned it was not the road I wanted to go down. I hated being "behind the scenes". I've always enjoyed the more personal expierience of cooking for someone and seeing or hearing their reactions. With that, I decided the best route for me would be catering/private chef. Although the food truck thing would be great also. The great thing about this profession is it can take you anywhere in life!

On my time off from my office job, I like to read new recipes and watch cooking shows for ideas and new things to try. When I read or see something my brain starts to recreate it. I use these things to inspire me. Sometimes my ideas are great and sometimes they're flops. If I can get my son & boyfriend (who both are the PICKIEST people I know) to eat it, then I know its good. I figured starting this blog would be a great way to share my love of food and recipes that were "winners". Hopefully you try some and let me know what you think!

Andouille Sausage Penne with Marinara

Today was another make something out of nothing day. Surprisingly those usually turn out to be the best meals! Looking around in my bare fridge and cabinets I was able to scrape some things together to make a comforting and filling pasta dish. Its always good to keep a few staples on hand for days like this. A great tip I've found is to keep precut peppers and onions in the freezer. I usually buy them when they are on sale since pepper prices are ridiculous lately. When I bring them home I wash them and slice half of them in strips and dice the other half, that way anytime I need pepper and onions I have some on hand.

Andouille Sausage Penne with Marinara

Servings: 4

Ingredients

3 Andouille Sausage links, 1/4 in sliced on a bias
1 tbsp oil
1 can whole tomatoes (pureed in food processor til smooth)
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup pepper & onions strips
1/2 lb tri-color penne
Salt & pepper

Directions:
 1. Prepare pasta as directed on box.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in large skillet on high.
3. Add sausage and brown,turning as needed, once browned, remove & set aside
4. Lower heat to medium, saute peppers & onions until tender crisp (about 4 mins), season with salt & pepper
5. Add pureed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, sugar, and sausage
6. Simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally
7. Add drained pasta, simmer another 5 minutes, then enjoy!

Making Memories

For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite memories is being in the kitchen making cookies with my mom. It's memories like that which last a lifetime. Being a mother myself, I am happy to be able to finally create some with my son who is 10.

Tonight after dinner came my sons usual question, "What's for dessert"? Being that I don't keep many sweets in the house, I had to do some digging. Lo and behold I found a bag of Betty Crocker Snack Size Chocolate Chip cookies.

I love this product! They are super easy to make (only have to add 1/2 stick of butter & 1 Tbsp of water) and taste yummy! I usually keep walnuts & pecans pieces on hand and add a handful and stir in. I've found a good trick in making snack size cookies (1~2 bites), is using the Tablespoon, makes the perfect bite! After they cooked we enjoyed the "memory" of eating them. :)

Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Parm Chicken Legs

Like most families nowadays, I cook on a tight budget.  Unfortunately it means A LOT of chicken, so sometimes it gets boring and you find yourself wanting something different.  I have seen recipes similar to this and decided to give it a shot.  Using things I had on hand, and being staples in a kitchen, makes it a simple & quick easy dish! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!


Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Parm Chicken Legs


Ingredients

6 Chicken Legs (skinless)
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup Kraft shredded Parmesean, Romano. & Asiago cheese (in refrigerated section with parmesean)
Salt & Pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400, lower to 350 when you place chicken in oven
2. In a dish combine mustard, honey, & sugar
3. In another dish combine breadcrumbs & shredded cheese
4. Season chicken with salt & pepper
5. Roll chicken in honey mustard, gently shake off extra
6. Roll in panko mixture, make sure chicken is evenly coated
7. Place on a cookie sheet (I sprayed some Pam on it so it wouldn't stick)
8. Cook 1hr or until cooked through.

Note: Only downside was I didn't flip it halfway and the bottom was not crunchy... Next time I would probably recommend turning halfway through to crisp all sides.

I served this with a pasta salad.. It was a quick, easy, & yummy dinner! Hope you enjoy!


Please feel free to leave your comments if you try, or if you have any suggestions!