Two years ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Best thing that ever happened to me. I discovered that I actually have a passion for something: cooking. I’ve always been the kind of person interested in everything but no one thing in particular. Trying to control my diet led me to cooking. Learning to cook led to an obsession. In fact, I’m getting married soon – May 28 – and I think I enjoyed registering more than she did. I went nuts in the kitchen section.

However, having a passion for cooking doesn’t mean I do it well. While I don’t think I’m bad, my skills are still on the beginner’s side. My fiancée loves everything I cook…ok the one time I broiled steaks was a very notable exception. However, I have high standards for myself. It’s not I want to be able to cook some crazy dish that the food network stars make; I want to be able to look in my pantry, fridge, and freezer and make something I haven’t made before because I think it will be good. This is a slow, fun, and sometimes painful process.

Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything was a perfect present at a perfect time. Bittman’s book reads as if he is speaking the instructions to you in conversational manner. I’m going to buy the iPad app soon. Having a farmer’s market within 3 miles of my house is also a wonderful asset. Those two things, plus a supportive partner (who doesn’t mind cleaning up my mess since she doesn’t have to cook) allows me to really enjoy this new adventure. Also, I live 20 minutes away from New Orleans. And, I love New Orleans. Sure, it has it’s problems, and they are major, scary problems. But if you love New Orleans, she will love you back, eventually. I love the food of New Orleans. I love that a meal in New Orleans is both totally about the food and totally not about it.

My new year’s resolution was to cook more. By cooking more I know I will become healthier since I know exactly what I’m eating and where it comes from. My other resolution is to keep track of my cooking and dining experiences.

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