Challenge answered!

Okay here's what I have decided...Sandra Lee.

I know, I know, what some of you are thinking. Why her..she's a cheater! Well, if you haven't had a chance to see Sandra Lee on the Food Network, you should. She provides great meals for people who are busy, not to mention beginners.

Her motto is simple: Fast fabulous meals in minutes and nothing is made from scratch. Now, put the pitch forks down people and think about it for a second. Has anyone made anything lately completely from scratch?

For example: a cake? Oh sure you can decorate the heck out of it, but I mean really making the batter without a premix? Then there is our beloved Paula Dean who even, on her show by the way, uses store bought pie crusts. (I know for a fact that some of you have one in your freezer right now!)
My own grandma used to come over and literally steal my mothers frozen pie dough balls because she felt her crusts never came out just right. Sadly, when it came time for my mother to make her delicious rhubarb pies, there she was dough-less! So without a harsh remark, out loud at least, she made up another batch of crusts. But I digress. 

I think that this little experiment will be fun and exciting. Maybe even show me how to cook a little smarter. Be sure to stay tuned in!


So here's the break down of Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade, Cooking 2 - book.
( I will be omitting the drinks from each section, as we are not big on alcohol)

# of recipes/Categories
16-Italian
17-Mexican
13-Asian
13-BBQ
16-Comfort Foods
15-Light and Healthful Foods
11-Slow Cooking
15-Everyday Dinners
15-Special Occasions Foods

= 131 Recipes from Sandra Lee.

So I am gonna give myself one year to complete all 131 recipes. I work quite a bit as well as work off of a small food budget. So here we go.......wish me luck!

A recipe challenge

So, I have watched the movie Julie & Julia three times now. I have to say I am becoming inspired to try out a cookbook of my own. Just contemplating which chef or group of cooks to follow and try this experiment is daunting. Do I choose a local church cookbook? Should I pick from some of my very dear famous chefs, like Paula Dean or Sandra Lee? I am a beginner cook, yet find it really exciting to learn new things. I'll take any suggestions while I am in pondering mode. So suggest away folks!
Over and out for today.

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