You like me! You really like me!

As Time's Person of the Year I would like to say thank you. It's nice to have fans! Do you think I can use that award in my clips file on my resume? Granted I started my Blog after the New Year began, but I still contributed to the Internet as an interactive viewer. There's a food revolution out there and I want to be in on it! Everywhere you look online or on TV there are exciting things happening in the food world. I spent some time this morning exploring other food Blogs and was amazed at how many there are-and I'm sure I only scratched the surface. I'm obviously not the only one out there who is obsessed with all things food oriented. The Food Network and it's Rock Stars have broiled, basted and braised their way to Superstardom. There are a million websites where you can find any recipe you need at any given moment and bloggers who post their cravings, addictions, finds and recipes. You might think that cookbooks would become antiquated but instead it is a booming industry which helps to support not only the current Cheflebrities but also the the rising stars as well. Food Network and other industry giants such as Williams and Sonoma publish cookbooks on a regular basis. I just received for Christmas (thanks again Babe!) the giant, gorgeous butter yellow Gourmet compilation that has over 1000 pages, and as editor Ruth Reichl says, "...every recipe you would ever want." I plan to cook my way through it eventually. Watch out for future posts on hopefully delicious recipes. Yet as I revel in this glorious gourmandry I have a few sobering thoughts. While we discuss the disgustingly PC attempt in Chicago to ban foie gras there are people who can't feed their families. While we sample 20 dollar appetizers and feel the velvety warmth of a good merlot in the back of our throat there are people who can't afford more than a six pack of Miller Lite and some bologna and white bread. There are women and girls who starve themselves to death and others who binge and purge the food that so many would eat to survive. America is a confusing country of contradictions. Yet I believe that wallowing in guilt or defending a lifestyle is pointless. It is what it is. There are rich and poor, lucky and unlucky, sick and well people. Instead I ask myself, what can I do personally to bring a little change about? How can I, in my own small way, make a difference? I'm not sure yet but now that the question is asked the answer cannot be silence. I'll just have to search for my niche. I'll still pursue my obsession with food, wine, and writing. I'll still eat well tonight, drink a glass (or two) of cabernet and embrace my family. I'll probably enjoy it all the more because I know what else is out there. Mangia!!!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry...

My Mother often told us to "Mangia!" as she set our plates before us at dinner. It's Italian for "Eat!" No, we're not Italian but your general mix of European bloodlines headlined by German and Irish. I'm not sure where she came up with that command but mangia we did, especially if it was lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs. I think she channeled an Italian Grandmother as she cooked those dishes because they tasted deliciously authentic. I'm sure she had no idea that a simple word would become my mantra, my touchstone, my lifestyle, and my obsession over the years. I've worked in restaurants, cafe's and bakeries but my favorite place to cook is in my home with completely free reign-although without the extensive ingredients available. There have been times when I've been worried, anxious or just not able to sleep and I've cooked and baked my way through. Life as a single mother had its challenges. My problems never disappeared but they became manageable and we had good things to eat. Life always seems easier when you're eating a piece of bread fresh from the oven and lavished with sweet butter. I hope I can teach my daughter to enjoy eating with balance in her life. Our life is much stabler and happier since I met my husband almost 8 years ago. He's the man of my dreams, and I know I got lucky. Now I cook out of happiness and employ all my creativity and senses. We both love to eat good food and drink good wines and dance to the blues. I can never understand the people who have told me that they forget to eat! Just like I can't stand those women who can eat whatever they want and stay slender without exercising. You Know Who You Are! I am forever planning my next meal or the next dinner I'm going to cook, or if I should make homemade pizza on Friday night. I have to fight hard at the gym to be able to eat well but it's worth it. If I die today I can say that I didn't deprive myself of blue cheese melting on a ruby red bite of filet mignon, or the chocolate kahlua soaked tiramisu I made for my last birthday. I had that extra glass of wine and probably partied a little too much every weekend during Football season. Let's not even talk about Superbowl Sunday. The only thing I will regret is if I don't accomplish my writing goals and this is the year for me to write my heart out. So this blog is the beginning of a journey for me. I'm not sure exactly what the destination is but I hope to hit all the wild and fun spots along the way and eat, drink and be merry like nobody's watching.