Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Challenge #1: Ready, Set, Blog!

Drum Roll Please... In case you have not noticed at the side of my blog there is a banner for a contest, Project Food Blog. Yes I am throwing my hat in the ring, or should I say my apron in the ring! I must answer the question, Do I have what it takes to be the next Food Blog Star? I think I do. And here is why-

Kitchens and cooking are in my blood, so it was natural for me to become interested in food blogs. Initially amazed and awed by them, I began wondering if creating my own food blog was something I could do. Late one spring evening after a long day of baking Easter pies, I sat down with a glass of wine, a feeling of exhausted satisfaction, and a wish that I could share my day of preparing family recipes with my mom. We had a good relationship and I spoke with her every day. One of the first things she would ask was, "So, what are you making for dinner?" Even when Alzheimer's started to rob her of her memory, she was still able to hold onto her enjoyment of discussing food. It may have been Easter, but it was my Epiphany. I can share what I'm making for dinner with other lovers of food.

I started taking pictures of what I had prepared for dinner--appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. My husband, Chris, was curious, but I kept my idea to myself for awhile. I was nervous about "going public."

I finally overcame my fears of possible criticism and typos and started the blog. The blog title was easy and remains my inspiration. I shared what I was doing with a couple of friends and I am very excited that of the 53 people signed up to follow my blog, two are actually from Italy.

I don't know most of the people following my blog but they are people who are interested in what I am making for dinner. Just like my mom was.

So there you have it. That is why I am a food blogger. And do I have what it takes to be the next food blog star... yes because I know someone out there wants to know what I made for dinner.

Voting opens 6:00 am (Pacific Time) September 20th and closes 6:00 pm (Pacific Time) September 23rd.

And it just seemed appropriate that tonight I made my mom's Baked Macaroni. The first time I put this recipe in the blog I mentioned that it was a basic recipe that you could add on to. Well tonight's version has Chick Peas in it.

The recipe -
Boil 1/2 pound elbow macaroni.
Mix drained can of Chick Peas with the macaroni.
Grease Pyrex loaf pan.
Alternate layers of macaroni and American cheese starting with the macaroni.
Break 3 eggs and pour over macaroni. Fill baking dish with milk to almost cover macaroni.
Top with bread crumbs, and parsley. Bake 350 degrees until set, usually about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

It was delicious as always!

6 comments:

Debi said...

Very nicely put! Good luck on becoming a food blog star!

Sprigs of Rosemary said...

I love this post . . . and I love your blog. You got my vote.

Rosemary @ Sprigs of Rosemary

lucy said...

very good recipe, as same italian food!

CrystalsCozyKitchen said...

Good luck with PFB! I cast a vote for you. I hope to see you as we go through the challenges!

lynn @ the actors diet said...

yum! good luck in project food blog!

Marilyn said...

This is my first visit here and it won't be my last. I have Lenore to thank for introducing me to "WHAT'S FOR DINNER". How long has she been keeping this a secret? I love everything about your blog -- the photos, the recipes, and the narratives. Reading about your mother and her influence on your cooking are especially poignant. Also, I voted for you because you are most deserving. So, how will you spend your $10,000? Keep up the good work . . . and, because I'm already obsessed with your blog, I'll be back.