Mystery solved

I woke up this morning wishing I could have a giant chocolate chip cookie with my cup of tea. There were no cookies of any kind, lemon, sugar or chocolate, none. So I decided I'd make waffles for breakfast this fine Tuesday morning. But waffles for me aren't a box of Eggos quickly grabbed from the freezer. Waffles are flour, butter, baking soda, eggs and more. While I'm up to my eyeballs in mixing bowls and milk, I call my sister for a quick chat. I recount my morning to which she just replies, "No wonder your kitchen is always a mess!"

Object d'art

Everything is something else. I can watch this animation short by PES over and over. I just love it. (Via Mighty Girl.)

http://view.break.com/534274 - Watch more free videos

What I've been cooking

Good, easy, fresh and tasty.

Marinated Salmon with Island Salsa

10 oz salmon fillet
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1 mango, cubed
1 small tomato, chopped
1/2 small red bell pepper, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil

Wash and dry salmon and cut into 5 oz portions. In a medium bowl combine soy sauce, garlic and next four ingredients. Add salmon and mix to coat the fish. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes.

For salsa, combine mango, tomato and red pepper. Sprinkle a small amount of spices used in marinade onto salsa and mix.

In a skillet heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. With skin side up, cook salmon for about three minutes on each side. Serve on brown rice topping with salsa. Serves 2. Enjoy!

What I've been cooking

I love waffles and it really helps that they're so easy to make. I have a "vintage" waffle maker that I found in my Grandma's things. It's called the Belgian Waffler. How great is that? It might burn the house down but since I'm in the kitchen the entire time it's on I feel it's safe enough to use. This is the recipe I always turn to, it's fast, easy and only requires basic ingredients I always have on hand. Then I slather on some butter and a touch of real maple syrup and my weekend is always happy.

My Favorite Waffles
1 3/4 c all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs, well beaten
1 1/2 c milk
8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a small bowl whisk together eggs, milk and butter. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Gently whisk them together, the mixture should have a pebbled look.
Yield: 4-5 large waffles
Adapted from Joy of Cooking.

What I've been cooking

Albeit a vegetarian meal, that does not mean as Thomas pointed out, low calorie, the Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli Cannelloni by Jamie Oliver was delicious. I am not versed at making baked pasta dishes even though they are some of my favorite foods to eat. After watching Jamie At Home this week I felt confidant enough to stuff my own pasta tubes, something I've never done.

We called the neighbors and said hey we'll be bringing you dinner at 7. Reluctantly they obliged the offer of a full Sunday night meal completely prepared and brought to their home. Served with some salad greens and a hearty glass of red wine, the Cannelloni got rave reviews all around. You can read my official review here.