Cooking 101

I've always enjoyed cooking. The best part about cooking is, hands down, getting to eat the delicious food. For the most part, I feel comfortable in the kitchen. I have been inspired by food blogs of late, and I have realized, that I am a NOVICE and somewhat naive about the plethora of recipes and ingredients out there. (Why yes I did just say 'plethora' because I KNOW what a plethora is....) The husband would be so proud of me sticking that line in here....but I digress.

So hence begins my food exploration. Please do come along. Click on any food title for the detailed recipe.

First Stop: Creamy Chocolate Cupcakes (ooohhhh...ahhh....ooohh!)

Ok, ok, ok. For those of you who know me. These are obviously NOT out of my comfort zone. I used this as my first recipe simply to hook you and force you to read on. It is, however, my first time making a cupcake with any sort of filling (please keep *gasping* and falling out of chairs to a minimum). This is a cream cheese/chocolate chip filling. I added my own chocolate frosting. I think I will also use mini chocolate chips next time. I have to say that these cupcakes are so much better the next day after the cream cheese center has set up. Much, much better. Take my word for it. No don't take my word for it. Go try them. Now. I look forward to more filled cupcake explorations. If you have some recipes....please send them my way.

Next Stop: Spicy Shrimp

I have been craving shrimp lately. Weird. I hated shrimp growing up, and the texture gave me the willies. On that note.....I am now craving shrimp. No I am not pregnant, but possibly past pregnancies could be to blame? Anywho, for some reason, those taste buds have changed and I find shrimp rather enjoyable. This recipe definitely has a spicy bite. This was something new for me, and I was out of my comfort zone for two reasons:

A: I have never bought shrimp before (obvious reasons already stated)

B: I have never bought fresh basil before (again: no *gasping* and keep your tushie on your seatie)

It's ok, for I overcame these obstacles. I was victorious. As long as frozen shrimp counts. The fresh seafood counter makes my chest tighten, heart rate increase, and head feel light. It's another battle for another day.

Overall, I thought the recipe was good. It wasn't fantastic or phenomenol. I look forward to trying more seafood dishes. Again send the good ones my way. And some advice about the fresh seafood counter, if you will. I also learned that you aren't supposed to refridgerate fresh basil. Whoops. Stay tuned for more Cooking 101.

Author's Disclaimer: Either I am a crappy photographer, or I have a crappy camera. Er...'crappy' is probably a poor choice of wording on a food blog....Either way, I'd like to blame this one on the camera. My pictures are amateur...to say the least. Click on the recipe links to see a much better picture.