Congrats!

I picked winner for the Cookbook Holder Giveaway. Michele M.
Congratulations. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Ratatouille Disaster

Ever since I saw the movie Ratatouille, I wanted to make this. Sounds exotic, sophysticated, challenging. It just looked so good made by that rat in the movie. And ratatouille is vegan! what more reason do you need? So I finally made it, and it looks kinda nice is it? but it was not very good. So I am not even going to put the recipe out here. But I learned important lessons and I thought I would share my mistakes. It was very bitter, plain…just…. icky.

Mistake number 1. Do not use large, over grown vegetables. That was my first mistake. I was gifted with this HUGE over grown baseball bat size zucchini and summer squashes. I usually don’t use stuff like this, but I thought, what the hey. Yep, no good. Don’t do do it, I know it seems like such a waste. Baseball bat size waste. I have hard time wasting food, but say no to large zucchinis. Especially if you are going slaving away in a kitchen for long time to make master piece. Use the best ingredients.

Mistake number 2. Do use very sharp knife. I try to sharpen my knife as my time permits, but my knife was not sharp enough to cut the ripe tomatoes nicely. Maybe use little less ripe one for this…It just doesn’t look pretty with mingles tomatoes.

Mistake number 3. I kind of not follow recipes most of the time… I am just that kind of rebel I am. I love the spontanious feel of not perfectly following the recipes… Well, I realize now, sometimes that is not the best way to go. Especially if you are spending so much energy, time and ingredients into making it.

Do you have any food disaster stories? Share them with me if have it.

PS, I will pick the winner of the Cookbook Holder Giveaway Winner Tonight!!!

Japanese Cucumber Salad

This is the most simplest cucumber salad you can ever make. So yummy and addicting. Sometimes simple is the best.

This recipe is from
EatingWell.com.

INGREDIENTS
2 medium cucumbers, or 1 large English cucumber
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted (see Tip)

PREPARATION
Peel cucumbers to leave alternating green stripes. Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise; scrape the seeds out with a spoon. Using a food processor or sharp knife, cut into very thin slices. Place in a double layer of paper towel and squeeze gently to remove any excess moisture.
Combine vinegar, sugar and salt in a medium bowl, stirring to dissolve. Add the cucumbers and sesame seeds; toss well to combine. Serve immediately.

TIPS & NOTES
Tip: To toast sesame seeds, heat a small dry skillet over low heat. Add sesame seeds and stir constantly until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.

Cookbook Holder Giveaway

Of all the objects I own- it’s funny how important my cookbook holder is to me. How did I survive without it? I would like to think that the few stains I have on some of my older cookbooks add character, battle scars, you know? When all is said and done, though, I like my books stain-free. My Barnes &Noble cookbook holder helps when there is limited space on my counter, keeps the book pages clean and saves losing my place while I cook. How’s that for a testimonial? And Barnes & Noble has not paid me to say any of this.

I want you to fall in love with this mere piece of acrylic, like I do. In my little giveaway all you need to do is e-mail me with subject line: Cookbook Holder Giveaway by 11:59 p.m. MT on Wednesday 10/7/09.

I will randomly select the name of the winner by the end of the day Friday, 10/09/09. The winner will be notified via the email address provided in your e-mail. Chances of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. The Prize will be delivered to the name and address that you provide with your entry. One entry per person. No purchase necessary. Entrants must be eighteen (18) years of age or older and live in United States.

Easy enough huh? GOOD LUCK!