Movie Mania

I know it's been a while, and I apologize to any of you who have checked for a new post, and there was nothing. So I guess it's time to give an update on what I've been up to. Not much really, but I have committed myself to seeing a lot of movies before Oscar night (February 25th, 2007). A few years back I would have considered myself a movie buff and by the time the nominations were announced for the Academy Awards I would have seen most of the nominees. I can no longer pronounce that to be true. Luckily movie fever has hit me, and I have already seen two movies in the last two days with more to come this week.

Friday I saw the Queen (It's been a while that I have seen a G rated movie). I really enjoyed the film...it didn't feel that I was in the theatre for almost two hours, time just flew by. Helen Miren is amazing in this picture. The movie is worth seeing just for her performance.

Last night I saw Stranger than Fiction which I don't think is nominated for any academy awards, but it has been on my list for awhile. Great movie! I love Will Ferrill and it was nice to see him in a film where he wasn't making an ass of himself to get some laughs. The funny thing about watching this film in a theatre, some people thought because Will Ferrill was on the screen that they should laugh, almost forced. There are funny moments is this film - but not the what I like to call from the belly laugh. I don't think some people knew how to react to him, playing a dramatic role. The only thing that was annoying about the viewing experience was that this one man insisted on laughing for the entire film. I felt bad for the person accompanying him. Then I thought, imagine you fell in love with someone who managed to not only embarrass himself everytime he was in public but annoyed everyone around him. Now that is true love.

Some meals I have had in the past week (all homemade by me or someone who cooked for me):

1. Spinach and cheese burritos with a tomato salsa

2. Ham and cheese strata

3. Cheddar and ale risotto with cherry tomatoes and broccoli

4. Vegetable Korma with basmati rice

5. Fettuccine with pancetta, white wine and spinach.

All delicious!

Cooking tip of the day: Read as many cookbooks as you can (if so inclined), not so much to imitate the recipes but to give you ideas for your own culinary masterpieces. A good place to pick up cookbooks for cheap, is in the bargain section of chapters/indigo. Often they have beautiful cookbooks for a fraction of the price. Last month I purchased 5 cookbooks and one novel for $26.00, all from the bargain section.

A loss for Words.....

It doesn't happen often but I'm having trouble putting my thoughts into clear, concise sentences (ha!). So some thoughts from today:

1. I said goodbye to my good friend Lisa as she heads off on an amazing adventure. She is getting married this week to her Alex and then they are off to Australia for a few years, on the way they are visiting Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. I wish you both the very best and hopefully I'll visit you soon. I'll miss you!

2.I really need to do laundry.

3. I enjoyed a lovely corn chowder for lunch.

Cooking tip of the day: When a baking recipe calls for sifting the flour with salt, baking powder or baking soda. Save yourself some time and mix the ingredients together with a whisk. It's almost as effective and saves some time.

My Sense of Entitlement (probably needs to be questioned)

Today I went to the grocery store to buy the week's worth of groceries. On my weekly (or thereabouts) visits, I usually get very frustrated because there is usually something on the list that isn't available at the grocery store where I shop. Today I was very upset because the store was out of cauliflower. I became very agitated. I wanted cauliflower (for a vegetable korma for Thursday's dinner) and now my whole grocery shopping experience was ruined. I thought this while I picked up some raspberries, some fresh herbs and other produce. During a later car ride, I began to question my earlier temper tantrum. Why should I have cauliflower in February, let alone raspberries? I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and it's mid January, and I am upset because the store was out of cauliflower! Should I even be entitled to cauliflower in January? Raspberries? Cherries? I am probably being dramatic and I pretty much love the fact that I can make any recipe in any of my cookbooks anytime of year and will probably be able to find the ingredients somewhere in Ottawa. Another problem with the world. I will probably complain next week when the store is out of snow peas. Not sure which is worse.

What I did today
1. Went to the gym (which I do 5-6 times a week)

2. I thought about the Ipod, the digital camera and the tires I want for my birthday (my sense of entitlement goes way beyond the produce section of the supermarket)
3. Had brunch and enjoyed some lady grey tea ... you should try it.
4. Went to the grocery store
5. Made dinner for a friend and watched 4 hrs of 24.

Cooking Tip of the Day: If you are short for time but still crave something more refined, use prepared foods (a contradiction) to your advantage. For example take a prepared pasta sauce and add fresh herbs, a veggie, maybe even some wine and volia something that tastes like you spent all afternoon slaving over your stove (is it always about appearances?)!

Judging the Art or The Artist?

When choosing what films you will see, the TV shows you watch the books you read, do you ever consider the artist's (meaning actor, artist, writer) political views, moral upbringing, or public acts? Hmmm....
Over the last few months there have been examples (mainly actors) of artists behaving inappropriately in public and those who have declared 'I can't watch their show anymore', 'I can never watch a film he has written', 'every time I see him on the screen I cringe'.
Some recent examples in the public eye have included Michael Richards of Seinfeld, Isiah Washington of Grey's Anatomy and one that always comes to mind for me is Woody Allen. I am sure there are many, many more (Oh I just though of another... Bill Clinton he is not an artist I know, well actually he has written a book, but you get my drift)
I really enjoy Seinfeld, Grey's Anatomy and I love Woody Allen films. I guess by viewing this shows and movies I am supporting their livelihoods. Am I also condoning their behaviour?
Is there more to the story that what has been presented to us? I would say probably. But I doubt it would absolve them completely of what they have done.
I do not have any answers. But I guess my actions speak louder than words.

Recent observations:

1. I have grown older much faster than I would have liked.
2. Some things never change.
3. Eating garbage (not actual garbage but I am sure it does, I mean junk food - eating no fruits and vegetables) makes you feel like crap ( like I didn't know that one)
4. I am a total drama queen.
5. I love George on Grey's Anatomy - his character is someone I would like to date. I can't stay T.R. Knight since I do not know him personally, he is gay and sorry T.R. I have enough friends.

Cooking Tip of the day: Bake cookies on a sheet of parchment paper. Your cookies will not stick to the cookie s

Movie: Children of Men

I recently saw Children of Men, a very good movie. A movie that stays with you. In fact, the last activity of my day on Sunday was viewing the film. I got home and went to bed immediately, I barely slept because all I could think about was the movie. The film is based on a novel written by P. D James and takes place a little over 20 years into the future. The world is a very scary place. The premise is that all women are infertile and the youngest human on earth has died and obviously humanity is facing extinction. Depressing! Depressing! Depressing! Every scene in this movie is depressing. The story is so captivating and very realistic. This element is probably what haunted me the other night. Clive Owen is amazing is in this film. The writer and director Alfanso Cuaron does a really good job. I haven't seen any of his other films, but he has received lots of critical acclaim. The only element that I would have changed in the story would be that men are infertile, as if women need that kind of guilt.

Comments for Today

1. I love when my friends from Trent come and visit. Laughing about 'old times' is good for you.

2. My cat is doing well (for now).

3. I really, really want to visit Australia. I need to meet my family.

4. Do you catch Grey's last Thursday? I loved it and I love George.

5. A really good deal in town: two steak dinners and a bottle of fairly decent wine at Lieutenant's Pump for $35.

6. I love cake.

7. My work schedule is a bit wonky for the next little while, it takes time to get adjusted.

8. I slept for 10 hrs last night. How great is that?

Cooking Tip of the Day: Before beginning to cook from a recipe; review it thoroughly and make sure you understand the instructions. Then prepare all the food (chop, dice, sift etc) and then begin the recipe. You will find the process will go a lot smoother and the results will be amazing. You will be able to savour every step of the process this way.

The Best Carrot Cake

Tonight I made a carrot cake for a co-worker's birthday tomorrow. I have made this cake a few times and it has always been a hit. I highly recommend this recipe. I have tasted no other carrot cake like it. The secret to this receipe is the icing. Next time you want to make a carrot cake, make this one and the compliments will be forthcoming. The recipe is from the LCBO Food and Drink magazine, the magazine is free and comes out 6 times a year. The next issue comes out on Wednesday, January 10th - pick one up at the LCBO. It always has wonderful ideas and recipes.

Some good things that happened today:
1. My flat tire was fixed for free.
2. I finished this massive and incredibly boring project at work.
3. I went to Shoppers Drug Mart and only bought what I went in for.
4. My cat seems relatively normal.

Cooking Tip of the Day: See above.

Cooking...

I started this blog to talk about cooking and I got a little distracted (this happens to me easily). So this entry is dedicated to the subject. Why do I love to cook? I find it extremely relaxing. And I love the taste of food. And it is something that I am good at (cooking that is...). Eating normally involves socializing, so I guess that's another link. I also enjoy cooking for others. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing others enjoy your creations. If I had more time, funds and my own personal sous-chef to prepare and clean up after me I think I would have dinner parties all the time. Now don't get me wrong, sometimes there is nothing like a box of Kraft dinner and an episode of Grey's.



I also enjoy reading cookbooks, looking for new recipes to try. I have listed a few links on my blog, that have really good recipes... you should check it out.



Things that have happened to me today:



1. My car got a flat today.. a nail embedded in my brand new tire!! UGGH!

2. My cat is still not feeling well and I had to clean up after her.

3. My mom made me spaghetti and it was delicious.

4. I enjoyed some Godiva chocolates and some Starbucks.... which almost makes up for #1 and #2.





Cooking Tip of the Day: If you are new to the culinary arts start off slow. Cook simple recipes that take shorter amounts of time to prepare and have a smaller list of ingredients. Gradually introduce more complicated recipes. This way you will avoid frustration. For example if you have never prepared a meal for friends do not start off with something like veal scalopini with a mushroom and red wine reduction. Try a roast. It's simple to do while very impressive.

DreamGirls

I saw Dreamgirls tonight. What a fantastic movie.
100% pure entertainment. If you want to see this movie, see it in a modern, fully equipped theatre not the cheap $4 theatre or on DVD- it's just not the same. The music is great and the performances are wonderful. What talent! I am sure this movie came easy to it's performers. I doubt they worked hard, that's how talented they are. It's just been a long time since I have been to a movie and really enjoyed the show.

Today was interesting because:
1. My boss brought in her wedding video to watch at lunch.
2. I realized that my brother is not perfect (while I knew this - it just hit me you know?)
3. My vet called and told me there doesn't seem to be anything physically wrong with my cat. (Maybe it's all in my head?).

Cooking Tip of the Day: Try cooking rice in the microwave. Jo told me about it and it worked!

The OC ...No More!

Yes it's true! The Fox TV show The OC was cancelled yesterday. The news didn't really surprise me, but it makes me a little sad. Some really good TV moments were created on this show. One of the best lines ever, "Welcome to the OC Bitch' was written for Orange County. This show was much more sophisticated then it's predecessors. I guess Misha Barton was smart to leave when she did. It is always better to leave a party early gracefully than late, drunk and making an ass of yourself? We will have to see. Last show is February 22nd, 2007. I will be attending an OC finale party at my place.

Things I discovered today:

1. Italian dried pasta is much better than North American dried pasta.


2. The only way to groom my cat is to sedate her.


3. It is possible to screw up even the most simple task (don't worry it wasn't me)


4. I do get Veronica Mars with my cable (thanks to digital cable) and can watch the 3 rd season every Tuesday at 9pm.

Cooking Tip of the day: Be adventurous when cooking and eating you never know... you might like it! Cooking becomes much more interesting when tasting new foods or combinations for the first time. This will also boost your confidence in the kitchen.

Drama Queen?

Today I have decided to share my blog with others. Most of you know I tend to be a little bit of a drama queen, please keep that in mind when reading my blog.

Today I returned to work after a two+ week vacation from work. I had a lovely time over the holidays, it's nice to see friends and family. I love it!!

I have noted today -

1. I will be very busy January 13th, 2007
2. My birthday wish list
3. I love fajitas!
4. I really enjoyed my new CD - Jim Bryson - the north side benches http://www.jimbryson.org/index.shtml
5. My cat is crazy

Cooking Tip of the day: Don't get stressed about cooking, it will only lead to disaster. Put on a good CD and relax - this will ensure the best results.