Home Town:
Northwestern,
Minnesota,
USA
Member Since:
Nov. 2005
Cooking Level:
Intermediate
Cooking Interests:
Baking, Grilling & BBQ, Slow Cooking, Mexican, Italian, Kids, Quick & Easy
Hobbies:
Gardening, Camping, Boating
I started reading this site as a single parent, who wanted to cook better meals for my kids. Since then, my kids have gotten older and aren't around as much, but I still use the site when I want to make something different. Another benefit has been that my kids have learned to cook for themselves, and they occasionally use the site too. I love the recipe of the day email list, it's given me an idea for dinner more times than I can count.
My favorite things to cook
We like to grill a lot, even during the chilly Minnesota winter. Typically we cook top sirloin or salmon, occasionally strip or rib-eye if its on sale. I like to cook Mexican meals as well. I also do some baking, which I'm pretty good at.
My favorite family cooking traditions
My Grandfather used to get Walleye fillets that were the size of salmon. He had some connections on the reservation where fishing is not regulated. He could bake or fry any fish to absolute perfection.
My maternal Grandfather used to make pickled Northern Pike that was out of this world. I'd gladly pay $100 for one jar of his fish, just to taste it one more time. He was also a fantastic all around cook, and having grown up during the depression in an immigrant family, he could feed an army with what seemed like nothing. He also loved gardening and always had either fresh or canned food on hand. He canned everything, and my Grandmother was able to enjoy his food for a long time after he passed away.
Funny, when I started filling out this section I didnt think I'd have much to say.
My cooking triumphs
According to my kids, nearly every steak I grill is a triumph.
(I think they're being a little generous)
My cooking tragedies
Pizza crust. I just can not get it right.