It began in some stuffy classroom on a Saturday morning. A drill sergeant pastry instructor, hand on hip rapid fires the recipe I would be obsessing to perfect in the weeks to come. I watched, taking diligent notes as he measured and mixed, taking care to memorize even the sound of the mixer at different speeds.
It was the spring of 2006 and shamefully I had never baked so much as a cookie. In a panic I thought, “Can I really do this?” “Will I poison anyone?”
** Mental note: Find the number to poison control IMMEDIATELY…
Class was over and on the train ride home I reviewed my notes. Armed with the number to poison control and sheer determination, I wiped down the stand mixer I kept purely for decorative purposes and went to work. I measured and mixed just as I had seen it.
With flour in my hair, batter on my t-shirt (and right cheek), I put my very first cake in the oven.
Suddenly something happened…
Time stood still. My need for perfection was satiated by the precise measuring of ingredients. Flour, sugar, butter, eggs. It wasn’t just the ingredients, it was the way they came together. I was enveloped in the scent of something so wonderful it was indescribable.
Man, I was in love…
And when that cake, my very first came out of the oven, there was no turning back -I ROCKED it!
So from that day forward baking became my obsession – And I’ve never turned back…
So now what?
I decided what the hell? I will share my experiences with you. The good and the bad. I will bake, write about it, throw in some pics for your visual enjoyment, and some cooking just for fun.
Now, before I begin there are some things I need to share with you. I’m going to be partially honest with you, so as not to scare you. *Sigh*…
Here goes:
- I ramble… I suppose it’s quite natural to do so when you love something as much as I do. Feel free to tell me to shut up.
- I’m clumsy … A fact that has never embarrassed me and I believe is part of my charm. Yes, the mere fact that I trip over my own feet or hit myself with countertops and doors is part of my charm. I’m cool with it. I will always share my clumsy moments because, well, clumsy is funny.
- I’m a smart ass… Yes, I am. In the past I’ve tried to change this, but have long since stopped. Why? Because I just can’t resist a good smart ass comment. You may love me or hate me for it. If you hate me I’ll apologize now, just in case… Relish in the apology because I try to never, ever apologize. Just ask Mr. M.O.B.
Ready for the apology?
I’m sorry…
And last but definitely not least…
- I’m sarcastic … Oh yea, hard core sarcastic – And that, my friends is something that will NEVER change. I’m a New Yorker and sarcasm just so happens to be a pre-requisite for living in this city. It gives me my edge – And I’ve worked hard on my cool New Yorker edge.
That it – So sit back, relax… Eat… It will get bumpy; but I am sure you will enjoy the hell out of this ride.
Love,
Me…
