For me, I chose to start slowly, a veggie platter with Ranch dressing dip, and worked my way up to a fruit tray. This was week one of course and I also pulled off banana pancakes with strawberries on the side, topped with, "magic sugar", (icing sugar). The kids loved the pancakes, although I think the magic sugar really did work its magic on this one. So how do I follow up something so magical going into week two and beyond. I start pulling recipes off the net and picking the ones that say "Easy Preparation" or "Meals for Dummies" and hope I can pull them off. Now, I must say that the term Meals for Dummies is a little harsh as everyone has a right to eat without being labelled and my family is no different.
By my second month at home I had created my own Meatloaf creations that I found delectable and had the rest of the family eating, but no jumping for joy. I made a chicken quesadilla that had Mutt jump up from the table screaming "you are the worst cook in the universe" as he ran down the hall. I could do nothing but laugh as he had not even tried the quesadilla and yet chicken wraps were his favourite meal. As it turns out, after consultation with his mommy, he does not like Daddy`s cooking because, and I quote, "he makes everything from a book". So, I have hid all the books and only pull them out for prep when the kids are off playing. I have since made the quesadillas and he ate them with no questions asked.
My wife challenged me, in the New Year, to get the kids eating red sauce pasta as well as Tuna, commenting to me that they don`t go together, Duh. Too bad, I thought I could knock this one off in one meal and now I would have to put up with the kids reactions on multiple nights. Red sauce pasta became pizza sauce and tuna, Chicken of the Sea and the kids ate making me feel comfortable knowing I accomplished my challenges by telling moderate truths about each meal. Aside from a few Yuks and Blahs I have got the kids eating pretty well and the veggies and fruits are still being eaten up as well. My biggest challenge is that I have yet to get my wife excited (about the food, the food people).
My wife works late and in most cases gets home after everyone has eaten therefore requiring microwave warm ups which can dry out good meals. So to really test me she decides to buy a Premium Oven Roast and leave it to me to figure out how to cook, along with potatoes and carrots with a side salad. Who are we kidding, I only graduated from grilled cheese a couple months ago and now I am being asked to make a meal that Grandma, my Grandma, used to make for Sunday family dinner. Well, I had some skills to show off, not to mention my mom to bounce ideas off, and I was set to get my wife's taste buds dancing. After hours of slaving away in the kitchen I was comfortable that I had accomplished the impossible. Early reviews from the kids and my parents indicated that I was right, although the Real Kitchen Boss was not home yet and I was getting nervous. Upon looking at the prepared meal sitting on the stove she informed me that the gravy was missing and that she always makes a gravy when making this meal. And I do remember the gravy that she made last time, back in 2003, when we probably last had this type of meal. After her critique she ate and loved the meal and yes, I will attempt to make gravy next time. I followed this up the next night with my own Alfredo sauce and some Italian sauage, which was once again a hit with the whole family, even my wife said it was good, again. Two days in a row, means she is either sick of me asking and agreeing will shut me up or she is so tired she can`t taste anything. I will find out tomorrow night after chicken nuggets and fries.
I don`t necessarily love cooking, but I love to see everyone enjoying what I cook and will therefore continue to learn and branch out. In the words of Chef Ramsay, "get the $%&?* out of my kitchen and let me &*?%$!? cook".
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