Cooking 101

I'm going back to school--not full time; I couldn't handle that. Though if I were to go back for something full time, it certainly would be cooking. But not yet. Maybe not ever. We'll see...

I'm doing three classes at L'Academie de Cuisine in Maryland over the next few months: "Basic Knife Skills," "Tropical Fruits and Flavors," and "Market Basket Dinner for Two"--this last one with my better half.

I can't wait. I actually had picked 15 out of the course catalog initially, but these things add up (way up) so I narrowed it down. If it works out, I'll definitely keep at it. There's so many basic techniques and standard recipes I want to learn. There's also a lot of specific things I'd like to familiarize myself with like French macarons and oyster-shucking and Thai curries. Believe me I could go on forever.

One additional item to report: I'm now volunteering at the DC Central Kitchen and loving it. I sincerely canNOT wait until the next time. What an amazing organization. What an unbelievable experience.

Lavender martinis and lots of photos coming this weekend.