Not bad for a weekend

I don't know what it is about being healthy again that makes me want to spend all my time in the kitchen. Maybe it's because I'm sick of the bedroom, living room couch and bathroom, which leaves the kitchen! Or maybe it's because I can finally breathe through my nostrils and I followed my nose to the wonderful smells of sugar!

I finally spent my gift card to Williams Sonoma and bought a madeleine pan. Thanks Pat & Fred! I made lemon flavored madeleines, and I already have a chocolate-dipped version in mind next... Here's the batter, then what's left of the finished product.


Matt wanted me to make Potato Croquettes. He found the recipe in an international cookbook left on the free table. There were so many steps to this meal, but doing it together made it more fun. I was the roller, and Matt was the fryer. It's his specialty.



Every once and a while, the women's Bible study group takes a break from the study and gets together purely for social reasons. This time, we decorated Easter-themed cookies (which I made) and dyed eggs. There were munchies and iced tea and lots of laughter.



Jessica's egg turned into a crime scene theme by accident. Ironically, she's a legal historian and her dissertation is about the murder of some guy way back when in the 1700s. Hmmmm.


Ever since my trip to the Dominican Republic, I've been dreaming of eating like them. I tried once before and failed miserably. This time, a Spanish co-worker of mine gave me her Cuban recipe and it turned out PERFECTLY. I couldn't sit still waiting for my rice and beans to finish their lengthy cooking steps (soaking and cooking and frying and cooking some more). The delicious smell took up the whole house and it was only 9am!! Well, we had an early lunch and it was amazing. Dominican food may not look appetizing, but it sure is yummy!

As if that wasn't enough, I was inspired to make this almond twist bread. (Lately, I've grown very fond of almond everything! I once made an almond pound cake and I promise you I died and went to Heaven with every bite. I ate the whole thing and I've been working it off ever since in the gym. I believe it's what's for dessert at the Heavenly Wedding Feast.) This is the cookbook's picture. They think they're so professional & talented....

Here's mine:

Then I baked it:

You can stop laughing now.
It looks better from the side:

Take my word for it: it tastes awesome.