I Want...

I happened to catch, all of 5 minutes, of GMA this morning. It happened to be a crazy morning. One that was supposed to be easy going. Patrick was taking our 3 oldest to school. I was going to just hang out with Daniella. Taking down Halloween decorations, fixing my blog, and maybe taking Daniella to Target. Who doesn't like a random trip to Target?

But things got a little crazy. Logan forgot his backpack. So I made the "mad dash" to get it to him. It was super important this morning. "Show and Tell" day. My car was giving me a bit of trouble on the way home. I stopped and left it off at the mechanic, and waited for a ride home. Yes, I caught the last segment of GMA. As Daniella and I walked through the door. It was a good thing too. Look at what I saw...

I first heard about this book from Lola. But I hadn't seen it. And I didn't know when it was coming out. But the stars aligned. I got to see this cute turkey cake. That Buddy was teaching America how to decorate. The perfect addition to any Thanksgiving! Actually, Daniella made me promise, that we'd make that turkey. But who am I kidding? The second I saw it, I was already making plans. And honestly, who doesn't want to semi-bake and decorate like Buddy? I've always wanted to semi-bake like the Cake Boss. And if I can learn something about decorating, that's a total bonus!

Add this to my Wish List. I'd tell Patrick to get it for me, for Christmas. But I don't think I can wait that long. I know, I'm bad! Tomorrow, Logan's class is going to Barnes and Noble, for a field trip. Daniella and I are also going. It wouldn't be a bad thing, if I stumbled on a copy or 2 of this book. Because I hear, my good friend, is also wishing for a copy.

Love Her So!

I'm pretty sure, that I've mentioned these 3 things, on my blog before. 1. I  love to cook. 2. I love Paula Deen. 3. I don't watch much TV. Earlier this week, Daniella was napping. And I was holding a sick and sleeping Logan. Our house was ridiculously quiet. In the middle of the morning. Something that just doesn't happen much. If ever.

With a sleeping 3 year old, sprawled across my body, I started to channel surf. And I saw her! Mrs. Paula Deen. In all her glory. I had no clue what show it was. I just knew it was Paula Deen. And she was amazing! I lay there, and watched. Between, it was the Dr. Oz Show. I have many issues with that show, but it was Paula. And I wasn't changing the channel!

Paula Deen is so real! People she made me cry. As usual, she was her fun loving self. But Dr. Oz got Mrs. Paula all emotional. And she began to cry. Why? Because she was talking about her battle...with smoking. A life long battle. That she just can't kick. She was so real. People, I've never seen Paula so vulnerable. Never! It was heart touching.

I've been a HUGE Paula Deen fan, for years! So much so, a few years ago, I planned an entire Anniversary trip, around visiting the Lady and Sons. I have every Paula Deen cookbook out there. I might even have a few, really good shows, of Paula Deen's taped. :)

This interview just made me a bigger fan of Mrs. Paula's. I don't know what it is. I just feel like she could be my grandma, or something. Maybe my best friend. I just feel like she is real, could be one of us. You know what I mean? She's not a crazy celebrity, that has lost complete touch, with reality. She's just like you and me. And guess what, Paula's got a new cookbook!

The second I heard about that, and finished watching the interview, I crawled off the couch. My 3 year old son in my arms. To rush order me a copy. I got it the next morning! And I've managed to cook 3 things already. Yum! Paula is just amazing! I wish we could be BFFs. I know that we'd get along. I just know it!

I Want This...

If you know me, you know that I haven't always been a decent cook. It's no lie. While most girls were learning the basics from their moms, grandmas, whomever, I was studying. Dancing. Working at the mall. And dreaming of being a doctor. I didn't have time, to think about silly things. Like how would I feed myself, when I moved from home.

In college, I was horrible! I sporadically ate. Whatever I could find, whenever I'd remember. I wasn't a fan of the cafeteria. I avoided it like the flu. Even fast food, seemed impossibly difficult to get a hold of. So eating, was the most random thing I did. For years.

In med school, I got worse. Honestly, I lived off of hospital food. Jello, sorbet, and graham crackers with PB, became my staple foods. I'm not going to lie. My kitchen, was rarely used. Unless, Patrick was around. He grew up, with an amazing mom. Learning all about things like cooking, cleaning, those sorts of things. His dad also taught him all about mechanics, basic house fixing, etc. Me? Well, I could ace any exam. I knew how to save lives.

But things changed. After we got married, Patrick and I would cook together, at least one night a week. He was slowly teaching me the basics. When I got pregnant, I completely embraced all things domestic. The Food Network, became my "Holy Grail."

I also have my dear and close friend to thank. She is an amazing cook and baker! You should try her yummy creations. In fact, Patrick and I used to hire her. To cook for us, when we entertained. I was still learning. Not quite to "Guest over for dinner," status.

One day we had this long talk. About things like cooking. See, Lola completely self-taught herself how to cook. She comes from a family of amazing cooks. But other than one aunt, no one really taught her. Like most of us, she realized that she needed this basic skill, shortly after leaving home. Much trial and error, watching PBS and Food Network cooking shows, and lots of cookbooks later, Lola is the most amazing cook!

My first cookbook, came from Lola. It was a local cookbook. That I still have. Lots of yummy recipes. Food that Patrick had grown up eating. Lola not only taught me about cooking with methods, not just recipes, but about collecting cookbooks. We'd go to thrift shops looking for old cookbooks. And we'd hunt down our favorite new cookbooks. Yes, my friend taught me a lot about cooking. I'm so grateful! And with that, she sent me a link about this cookbook.

First of all, I really enjoy watching Marcela's show, Mexican Made Easy. Such delicious food! Simple, easy to make, and so delicious! Have you ever watched the show? It's one of my favorite cooking shows. Between, I hear that Marcela is going to be on a bit of a "tour" of sorts. She's scheduled on lots of shows, in the coming weeks. I hope I get to catch her cooking on daytime. I always learn so much from her!

This cookbook is now on the top of my "Must Have" list. When can I go to the bookstore? I really want this one in my collection. And I'm positive, that my family would benefit, from this simple purchase. We're big Mexican food lovers around here. Oh, well is doesn't hurt that we're also Mexicanos.

My Favorite Cookbook!

This happens to be my very favorite cookbook! Paula Deen is my favorite cook too! But this cookbook, is amazing! It was a gift from my good friend, Lola. I've made every recipe, in this book, at least 3 times. Many of these recipes are my family's favorites. I tend to mix the dishes, with some of my favorite dishes. And let me tell you, it's Heaven on our plates!

If there is one cookbook out there, that I'd recommend, it would be this one. I've begun collecting cookbooks, because of my dear friend. There are so many good ones out there. But time and time again, this is the one I reach for. I don't know what it is. Maybe, it's just Paula's yummy recipes, and this pitcher of lemonade! :)