Julia and Julia?

Since we're talking about cooking...has anyone seen this movie? How is it??

I used to enjoy watching Julia Child simply to hear her voice! For some reason, she always seemed a little "under the influence", so it was a great source of entertainment. :)

Kristin's Favorite Recipe #1 - Banana Pudding

This was the best!! Super easy to make. I use a box and a half of cookies and only 3 bananas, because that's my favorite! This also tastes better the next day...so make it ahead! I love that they even told me what kind of dish to put the freakin thing in!

EASY BANANA PUDDING
Printed from COOKS.COM

1 family size instant vanilla pudding mix
1 box vanilla wafers
12 oz. carton Cool Whip
4lg. bananas

Follow directions on box for pudding mix. Stir in 1/2 carton of Cool Whip, set aside. In a deep 3 quart casserole dish, place a layer of vanilla wafers, bananas and pudding mix. Repeat 2 or 3 times, ending with wafers. Top with remaining Cool Whip.

Roux...the key to Gravy (and Mac and Cheese) destruction!

Oh myyyyyyy Gooooooood. The basis of every popular southern dish appears to be the "Roux". You can't make gravy or homemade macaroni and cheese without it (well you can, but it won't be authentic)! Noone ever told me this...or how to freakin do it.

If you're a visual learner like me, this video will explain it all!
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-make-gravy-with-roux-273918/

Now I need a good mac and cheese recipe! Feel free to pass them along!

Let's start w/ the basics!

For years, I've had pots and pans and utensils...with no desire or idea how to actually use them. So one day I actually tried and it was a total disaster! I didn't realize the work that actually goes into cooking and the preliminary knowledge that you must have before you even start!

I'm finally starting to get tired of being the country girl who can't cook! Here is my basic startup list to keep you from making the same mistakes I did! I already feel more confident about my second experience in the kitchen!

1. What the heck is a tsp?? I found this handy chart online that made it very clear!

Common Measurement Abbreviations
gal. = gallon
l = liter
mL = milliliter
oz. = ounce
pt. = pint
qt. = quart
Tbls. = tablespoon
tsp. = teaspoon


2. OK, the recipe says add 1 quart of water....ummm, my measuring cup only has cups. Yes, my friends, cooking involves conversions. Dang, I wish I would have paid more attention in math!

http://www.condells.com/kitchens/kitchen-measurements/

This one is even better!

http://kitchen.robbiehaf.com/MeasurementConversion.html

3. Reduce....what temperature is that?? How the heck do you saute' something?? This handy dictionary breaks it all down! Give it a whirl...type in simmer!

http://www.epicurious.com/tools/fooddictionary

4. Umm, did you know you're supposed to keep potato salad as cold as possible at all times? If you don't want to kill yourself or your pending dinner guests...you might want to read up on food safety and storage. This site is AWESOME!! There is even a downloadable chart for how long you should keep items in the fridge or freezer. SO COOL!

http://www.homefoodsafety.org/index.jsp