From applesauce to zebra cake, I cooked my way through all 26 weeks of my Alphabet Adventure. I miraculously survived without any explosions, fires, or even minor cuts, burns, or bruises. (Don’t worry, I had the doctor on speed-dial, just in case!)
In the process, I acquired interesting new techniques, like how to shape quenelles; developed my own original recipes, like my addicting granola; and simply surprised myself by transforming humble ingredients into delicious and semi-gourmet dishes, like (French) Onion Soup.
Most importantly, I discovered that Chef Gusteau from “Ratatouille” was right, “Anyone can cook.” When I first embarked on this adventure 6 months ago, I enjoyed spending time in my kitchen, but I followed recipes word-for-word, rarely experimenting with my own unique twists. Somewhere in the alphabet, I learned to trust my instincts, which not only meant I was actually developing some but that they were good instincts and enhanced the recipes I was previously too scared to change.
Now that I’ve cooked my ABCs, I’m ready for a new challenge. The next one probably won’t be quite as long—6 months of preparing new foods certainly kept me busy!—but it’ll still be attempting something I’ve never made before because life is only worth living when we put ourselves outside of our comfort zones and learn.
eatingthrough says...
very clever project! I’ve been trying to figure out a “cook my way through” theme idea – don’t know why I hadn’t thought of this!
foods for the soul says...
Thank you! It seemed slightly easier and less time-consuming than attempting to cook my way through some really thick cookbook. I hope you make some interesting dishes and have as much fun as I did if you try the alphabet idea too!
Candyce Roberts says...
I think you have the makings of a nice little cookbook for The Freshmen Chef…college kids who want to dabble in something fun, inventive and healthy on a limited budget and with limited time. Cheers for all your creativity and great photos. I clicked on them and saw the large format…very nice indeed! Thanks from another happy cook.
foods for the soul says...
Thank you, I really appreciate your compliments! Especially from someone as talented with food as you are.
Jack says...
Congratulations on making it this far! I’m proud of you and can’t wait to see what you do next! 🙂
foods for the soul says...
Thanks bud!! I should be revealing the new project this weekend… It’s going to be a rather interesting experience for me, that’s for sure!
Gabby says...
Nicely done! Your pictures are beautiful (as are you, of course!) and the story along the way was very engaging and fun to read. You should consider putting this into a hard copy for posterity!
foods for the soul says...
You are too sweet, thank you!! I want to get all of the photos printed and make a scrapbook, but I’m afraid that may have to wait until I have more free time… Never enough time in the day to get everything done, especially with our extremely jam-packed schedules!
munchinwithmunchkin says...
What a great site you have here! Love the alphabet idea, very clever! Thanks for stopping by munchin with munchkin!
foods for the soul says...
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for stopping by as well!