Foodie Meme

(Thanks to GreyMatters for allowing me self-identify, do yourselves the same favor).

What cooking shows do you watch?
Sister, MD and I have been watching Top Chef. It is one of the only cooking shows that doesn't mildly annoy or bore me.

Your top three favorite cookbooks are:
The Joy. Moosewood Cooks for a Crowd. Essentials of Classical Italian (Marcella Hazan).

Your must-have kitchen accessory is:
Silicone spatula, cast-iron skillet/frying pan (the one with sides).

What is your go-to ingredient?
Olive oil, garlic, cumin, red wine. Fresh produce.

How many courses should a meal have?
Um. However many it needs to use up the yummy things in your fridge?

What’s your favorite course?
I've always been really intrigued by cheese courses, I also love salads. Dessert is yummy. But really, most of the meals I cook don't have courses, they are just a bunch of food on a table that people enjoy, with dessert at the end.

What nationality of food do you like the best?
For real? You want me to choose? Italian, South American, TexMex. Spicy things, things that make *amazing leftovers*.

What’s your favorite meal of the day to prepare?
Breakfast, dinner. I also *love* baking bread and cakes, and whichever meal you want soup to be a part of.

Where do you find inspiration when creating a new dish?
Whatever is in the pantry.

What is your favorite comfort food?
"I sold my soul for fresh-baked bread."

Do you ever eat fast food? If so, what?
Does TacoCabana count?

What restaurant do you want to eat at that you haven’t yet?
So many, anything that costs more money than I've spent on a meal for a while, and some specific names that will out where Harbor City is.

What’s your favorite dessert?
The wedding cake my mother makes. Baked custard.

Are there wines or liquors that you cook with?
Usually just red wine... but I would like to expand my reportoire. Suggestions?

How much time do you spend cooking a meal just for yourself?
Usually around 15 minutes, sometimes up to three hours.

What scent in the kitchen do you love?
Fresh baked bread.

What ingredient(s) do you avoid/dislike?
Bacon. Highly process salad dressings.

What’s your secret splurge at the grocery store?
High quality chocolate. Organic, good-cuts of meat.

What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Blue corn tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, salsa.

Oh, and please deal with the Mission mentioned below, pay no attention to the ways in which Jack's comments make it impossible.