The Cook Next Door - Meme

Tagged by Karen over at The Pilgrim's Pots and Pans for this food blog meme--my first ever and I'm very late.

What is your first memory of baking/cooking on your own?

Probably baking chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. Like my own kids are now, I was much more interested in sweets so would bake cakes, cookies, and such. As far as cooking, maybe scrambling eggs for breakfast. Or frying up hamburger patties with onions for dinner.

Who had the most influence on your cooking?

My mom taught me to experiment, although I don't think I realized it until much later. It was nothing overt. She was just always trying new recipes, substituting this for that, and turning out great meals. She made it look easy and effortless so I didn't pay it much attention while I still lived at home!

Do you have an old photo as "evidence" of an early exposure to the culinary world and would you like to share it?

No, no photos in the kitchen. Does a first tea party count? My faithful first border collie, who followed me everywhere, is the black blur at my feet.

Mageiricophobia - do you suffer from any cooking phobia, a dish that makes your palms sweat?

No, although there are things that sound totally unappealing to me. But ti's not a matter of fear, just taste!

What would be your most valued or used kitchen gadgets and/or what was the biggest letdown?

My most valued would have to be the big KitchenAid mixer. My ex-MIL encouraged its purchase and I must use it 3-4 times a week. The biggest disappointment? Hmmm... maybe the pressure cooker I have yet to use!

Name some funny or weird food combinations/dishes you really like and probably no one else.

I like to put pickle relish inside my grilled cheese sandwich. I can eat almost anything that's been pickled.

What are the three eatables or dishes you simply don't want to live without?

Dairy would be very hard to do without: cream, cheese, and butter. If that can count as one, then add onions and garlic.

3 quickies:

Favorite ice cream: coffee

You will probably never eat (again??): durian

Signature dish: There's a foccacia I make that everyone in the extended family loves. But for non-family, I probably do chicken cutlets and olio e aglio for more entertaining than I should! For potlucks, everyone has come to expect deviled eggs or bruschetta in the summer.

I followed my meme forebears here:

Question added by Zarah: On average, how many times a week would you cook something to satisfy your sweet tooth?

Never, now that my kids have taken over the dessert tradition!

Question added by Cathy: What do you usually eat for breakfast?

In the summer, toast and sliced tomatoes, sometimes with scrambled egg. In the winter, a fried egg and a piece of toast and juice or fruit.

Question added by Alice: What are your stand-by dinner options when you don't have the time or the inclination to follow or create a new recipe?

Spaghetti and meat sauce if I have ground beef around. White chicken chili and rice. Barbecued meat of some variety!

Question added by Karen: What would you like to cook someday that you haven't tried before?

I can't think of any one thing. I am trying to cook more fish these days.