I’m learning these days that sometimes you just have to set an intention for something that you desire and then jump, blindly, feet first into the thick of it. Continue reading Pumpkin Rice Dressing
Meat & Poultry
Stuffed Guinea Hog Pork Chops with Wine Reduction Sauce
I’m happy to announce that I am now partnering with Green Gate Farms here in East Austin!! I will be writing recipes using the contents of their weekly CSA product offerings. Guys, I’m so incredibly grateful for and excited about this partnership, I can’t even.
Continue reading Stuffed Guinea Hog Pork Chops with Wine Reduction Sauce
Cayenne Braised Chicken Thighs, Side of Life Lessons
I have secretly always wanted to teach, but I never dared to admit it because teaching was one of those careers that would never make me “successful.” I also wanted to be a writer and a cook….funny how I chose three passions that don’t seem to fall in line with the “picture of success.”
After hearing “Girl, you must be crazy” for a number of years when you announce your next venture into something new, you can start to second guess your life choices. It can be especially discouraging when the thing you want to try out to see if it has legs is the thing that you’re most passionate about, the thing that you think about 24 hours a day, the thing that connects you to the world you live in. You might find yourself resorting to a career that you are capable of doing (really well, even), and that brings in a descent income, but that just tears you apart from the inside out every day.
If I’ve learned anything over the last 2 years it’s that I don’t have to buy into those old ideas anymore. My view on what it means to be “successful” has changed in a really important way. I realize now Continue reading Cayenne Braised Chicken Thighs, Side of Life Lessons
Fennel Roasted Chicken
I recall the day we prepped and roasted whole chickens in culinary school to be terrifying. My fear was clearly irrational. I had, after all, cooked whole turkeys for many Thanksgiving feasts prior.
I suppose the idea that this time I would be judged for my efforts, given a grade and potentially told I had been doing it wrong for all those years caused unwarranted anxiety to build up inside me from the moment I saw “Whole Roast Chicken” on the syllabus. On some occasions I allowed that fear to paralyze me and my team mate, Norma, a lovely lady who had worked at a Tyson Chicken Factory, took the lead.
It’s funny how a couple of years of life has changed my perspective from paralyzing fear of being told I’m wrong to seeing criticism as an opportunity to gather feedback, learn something new and continue to grow.
Sriracha Apricot Glazed Chicken Cutlets
Sriracha is, hands down, one of the best things made by human hands. Last night I was struck with a brilliant idea: pair Sriracha with apricot preserves! What!? YES!