About me
I'm a divorced Mom, with a 19 year old son....Travis. Nine months out of the year, he's away at college, so I only have me to cook for. I love to cook, but I'm not going to lie to you....most days, when Travis is away at school, I don't really don't do a lot of cooking. I'm sure many of you can relate that it's not much fun to cook for yourself. Half the enjoyment of cooking is pleasing the palate of others. So I find myself eating a lot of salads, or soup, or, and don't hate me for this one, frozen dinners. But, when he's home, or I have company for dinner....I'm all too happy to throw on my apron, and get down to business! And not to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty good cook....anything from the casseroles of my youth, to Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb stuffed with Spinach and Feta, and Pine Nuts (made for Easter Dinner), or Roasted Whole Beef Tenderloin with Bordelaise Sauce (made for Christmas Dinner).
I grew up in a single parent household....Mom and Dad were divorced, and I am the youngest of 4 girls. My Mother was an incredible cook, but after my Dad left, she had to go back to work, so we all helped out with cooking dinner when we were old enough to use the stove (unless you count me baking in my EasyBake oven...lol). On a tight budget, Mom had to save where she could, so we had a lot of casseroles, and other homestyle cooking, but those dinners hold some of my fondest memories. Back then, we ate dinner at the table every night (this was in the 60's and 70's), and talked....imagine that. Now that it's just me and my son, and often just me, dinner has become a very informal affair, usually eaten in front of the TV. I sure do miss the old days!!!!!
Cooking Influences
Well, as I stated above, my Mom was a great cook, so she was definitely my first cooking influence, as was my stepfather. My Grandmother and my Aunt Ruth were two of the best bakers I've ever known. What I wouldn't do for one of their cinnamon rolls. Whenever they visited us, when we got home from school...the whole house smelled like those scrumptous rolls. I would be remiss if I did not mention my Dad and my Stepmother. They have traveled the world extensively, and are not only extremely knowledgable about world cuisine, they're fabulous cooks as well. I would also like to note that I hold my Dad completely responsible for my love of cheese...lol. He introduced me to so many wonderful cheeses, and other gourmet delights. Then I married a professional chef....who also introduced my palate to many new and delectable taste sensations....and taught me a great deal about cooking as well. But make no mistake, I taught him a thing or two as well.....he's even used some of my recipes on his menus!!! I truly do love to cook.....just wish I had the opportunity to do it more often!!
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July 16, 2013Hi Julie. Welcome to CookEatShare.com! Enjoy the website and find the recipes you can share with family and friends. Hope to see more of your recipes soon.
