cook's profile


DENA
 
Living In: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
Member Since: Dec. 2005
Cooking Level: Expert
Cooking Interests: Baking, Grilling & BBQ, Italian, Mediterranean, Low Carb, Healthy, Dessert, Kids, Quick & Easy
Hobbies: Sewing, Needlepoint, Camping, Biking, Walking, Photography, Reading Books, Music, Wine Tasting
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To Die For Blueberry Muffins
Sugar Cookies
McCormick's Beer Can Chicken
About this Cook
I've been married since 1990 and I am the mother of a son and daughter. My husband and I used to cook most meals together (read - before the kids came along!), but I do the majority of it now. I love to cook, and I was a consultant for a company that sells cooking utensils/products for 5 years. Most days my 3 year old thinks I'm trying to poison her, but I do hear "Mom, you're the best cook" quite often. I have a very appreciative husband, and luckily, my family is quite willing to try whatever I make.
My favorite things to cook
I have a few recipes that are my absolute favorite, and will make those on a regular basis. My husband would say that I have perfected the way I cook chicken. For company, I love to wow people with my recipe for Pork Medallions done on the barbeque. My son even requested it for his 8th birthday dinner when I was sure he wanted hot dogs! Honestly, whenever I make something that the whole family loves and raves about, then that is my new favorite thing to cook.
My favorite family cooking traditions
I always make my mother's stuffing whenever I do a turkey. She's been gone a long time, but I can still picture her sitting with the big pot on her lap tearing bread. I can't cook a turkey like hers, but the stuffing is just as good. I don't have a lot of family recipes, but I have a lot of memories from get-togethers that I share with my kids.
My cooking triumphs
Whenever my husband is required to bring a dish to his workplace, I get a request for Pumpkin cake. I will get reminder calls every day leading up to the occasion so I won't forget to make it. People who only like carrot cake are hesitant to try my pumpkin cake, but after the third piece they ask for the recipe. I also get calls from girlfriends for cooking advice or recipes all the time. That is a great compliment!
My cooking tragedies
Shortly after my husband and I were married, I decided to try a Thai recipe. Fifteen years later, my husband still remembers and tells the story of how I made him eat spaghetti with peanut butter sauce!
Recipe Reviews 67 reviews
Bacon for the Family or a Crowd
This took WAY longer to cook than stated, and I used regular sliced, not thick. I turned it, and eventually separated the pieces (from the recommended layers) and eventually turned on the broiler to crisp it up. I like that it doesn't curl up, and it is very easy to do this way. I will do it again, especially for a crowd, but I will take the time into better account. Luckily, turning on the broiler at any point speeds up the process. Overall, great way to do bacon.

0 users found this review helpful
Reviewed On: Nov. 9, 2009
Macaroni and Cheese V
I omitted the onion but otherwise followed recipe as is. I have never added the breadcrumb topping before and I liked this dish a lot. My son loved it, daughter didn't (but not surprising), and hubby liked it but prefers a creamier, saucier macaroni. I will keep this in my recipe box, and maybe even make it again.

0 users found this review helpful
Reviewed On: Nov. 8, 2009
Mussels in Curry Cream Sauce
I thought these were fabulous! My husband found it a little rich, but loved it also. I served it with a mixed greens salad and sourdough bread. The bread was perfect for dipping in the flavorful sauce. I used extra curry as per other reviewers comments, and I'm glad I did. I will definitely make these babies again!

0 users found this review helpful
Reviewed On: Nov. 6, 2009
 
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