Friday, June 29, 2012

Obsessed or Inspired?

Hubby says I need to stop watching The Food Network.
He thinks I am obsessed with food.
Most of the time I am making the old standby's.
Soup is consumed year round, no matter the weather.
Quick, easy, healthy, filling.
Watching Chopped, Iron Chef and Extra Virgin inspires me to want to cook at home.
But the real inspiration usually comes from other bloggers.
Carmelina's post on homemade thin crust pizza made me run to the kitchen to make my own mini pizzas.  Olives and onions with fresh grated parmesan.  Sundried tomatoes with feta.  And zatar.
Using fresh ingredients.
Making do with what's on hand, rather than always buying more.
Salads are easy to prepare.  A splash of olive oil and balsamic for dressing; salt, pepper & garlic powder for seasoning; and lunch is served.
Yesterday I came across a recipe for microwave blueberry banana oatcakes.
So that's what I made for breakfast this morning.  (Yes, hubby rolled his eyes.)
It couldn't be easier.
Mix together one mashed banana, 1/2 cup of oatmeal, 2 TBS of brown sugar and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Fold in 1/4 cup of blueberries.
Spray a microwave safe dish and spoon your batter in.
Microwave for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 minutes.
Let rest for a few minutes, then cut and serve.

The last of the banana cake was eaten the other day while crocheting.
So when I saw Angeliki's post entitled Crochet and Bake where she credits me for inspiring her to crochet (a credit card case) and bake (shortbread cookies) ... well, what did I do?
I went straight to the kitchen and made another batch.
Using my last stick of butter.
And an old jar of pineapple and mango jam that was shoved to the back of the fridge.
I don't think I'm obsessed.
I'm inspired.

If the divine creator has taken pains to give us delicious and exquisite things to eat, the least we can do is prepare them well and serve them with ceremony.
(Fernand Point)

Have a fabulous Friday!

50 comments:

Samantha Hatcher said...

I have always found that other bloggers inspire me to cook. It makes me want to try something new, to stretch who I am and become all I can be. As for cooking while crochet, that is me all over. When I sit down to work on a project, there is always something in the oven. Crochet and food seems to go together along with a hot cuppa tea. When it comes down to it, food just seems to go with everything, it is a vital part of life.

angeliki said...

mmmm, everything looks delicious Tammy! Especially the mini pizzas! I've never tried pineapple and mango jam, must be good! Needless to say, that I also made another batch and now my mum is gonna try the recipe too!It's like a mania!
P.S1: What kind of software you use to make this pictures' collage?
P.S2:No Tammy you're not obsessed, but you are creative:-)
Enjoy your Friday,
Angeliki

Marilyn said...

would he rather you didn't cook and went out to eat all the time...aren't they funny sometimes...lucky him that you can cook!! and bake goodies that are fresh and natural...think it's great!!!

La Tea Dah said...

I loved your post!

All your food looks yummy! I get inspired to cook by watching tons of Food TV too. And by Pinterest, Blogger, and friends.

Happy day to you!

Sam I Am...... said...

How would he rather you spend your time? I am so glad I'm single! LOL!
No offense but he's starting to sound like a nagging husband. Tell him to take a chill pill or hand the cooking over to him and you can trot off to the yarn stores. Maybe he's jealous you're off for the Summer?
Or is he off too? If he's off too then he needs to get in that kitchen with you and help. I used to tell my family if they criticized the way someone did something then they had to take over that responsibility or help the person do it better in a kind way.
I'm sure he's a wonderful man and I am divorced so I obviously don't know the keys to a good relationship so ignore anything I say! LOL!

Mereknits said...

I think your family is lucky to have you, I can't cook at all so they could have me instead and they would die of hunger, or food poisoning.
Meredith

Yarni Gras! said...

I've made little pizzas for years and they are always a hit. I love the FN shows too...if we lived closer, we could cook and crochet together!

crafty cat corner said...

I think hubby is lucky to have such a lovely wife.
Briony
x

June said...

You certainly are T. Inspired, and inspiring! I love the looks of those yummy mini pizzas.
Dale would love it if I were as good as you in the kitchen : )
hugs...

Dagmar said...

I agree..inspired not obsessed..like collecting, not hoarding...and they get to enjoy the results....have a wonderful weekend..❤

bj said...

Me, too, T....obsessed with food. The very instant we said "let's diet", I started eating every single thing I could stick in my mouth and now, I am on my way to make those jelly things. Ummmmm

Anonymous said...

Ha! Well if you are obsessed with food, it is in a good way, you are always looking to make new and things,and healthy too! Unlike me , who is obsessed with simply eating yummy food. You have always introduced me to new things when you come to visit, if it weren't for you I may never have discovered hummus and cilantro to name just 2. Keep going chicky and do all you are inspired to do. hugs!!
Gwen

Anne said...

Tammy I'm with ya. I love Food Network. Watch it all the time. Everything looks fantastic and so easy to make.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Everything you have been making looks so yummy. :)

You inspire me everyday!

Blessings always

Cheryl said...

Your so skinny.... your not obsessed!~ lol

Susan said...

Inspired, Tammy. 100 percent inspired.

Tell hubby he's a VERY lucky man to have such an inspired wifey.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend, whether you are cooking or not! Susan p.s. Thanks for all your visits to my blog and comments, too!

Ana said...

We love the Food Network...Not enough time to try all those delicious recipes though :-) Enjoy! Wishing you a great weekend.

Hugs and Kisses,
❤Ana

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,

If your husband did roll his eyes for the microwave blueberry-banana oatcakes, that's a confession! He LOVES your cooking and you shouldn't worry.
Enjoy what you're doing!
Love to you,
Mariette

Unknown said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I saw your comment on Samantha Hatcher's blog and had to find out more about your posts! I totally cook with whatever is on hand and enjoy the challenge of trying to coax hubby into eating healthy foods he's never imagined existed! I CANNOT WAIT to try and back the blueberry oat cakes! They sound like something from a breakfast dream :-)

Mistea said...

Looks like lots of healthy deliciousness happening there - Lucky family.

Enjoy your delicious creations.

vintage grey said...

Look at all these tasty foods!! Wish I could be as creative in the kitchen, as in my craft room! happy weekend! xo Heather

Angela Richardson said...

Well Tammy, just you hop over to the UK and cook for me !!
I would be delighted as everything looks so yummy. I bet your family would soon want you home....
Smiles, Angela.x

Nancy said...

I see nothing wrong with being interested in learning to prepare tasty, nutritious meals for your family. I say have fun! :)

Catherine said...

I love making homemade soup too. But none of mine look as yummy as yours! Wonderful!

Sometimes obsession is a good think! ;)

xo Catherine

Anonymous said...

AWW thank you so much for sweet words on my blog:)

Come and visit me soon, I have more Swedish inspiration for you:)

Have a great weekend.

LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se

Melanie said...

Even though your husband is rolling his eyes, I'm sure he appreciates your good food! I only make soup in the colder weather...I can't like hot soup when it's hot outside. In this heat, I only like cooling foods...I eat a lot more yogurt (Greek) and salads.

Tanna said...

You husband is an incredibly lucky guy, Tammy!! I end up drooling every time I come to your blog. ;) blessings ~ tanna

Mrs. Micawber said...

We love soup too - especially with homemade broth.

Crochet and Bake sounds wonderful!

Rostrose said...

Hmmmm, what a delicious post! :o) Have a wonderful time in Sri Lanka, my dear, best wishes to you and your family! And one day you will come to Austria, that's sure! :o)
Warm hugs, Traude

Peli said...

i get obsessed with food when i watch cook shows on tv and we gat to watch too many on greek channels. the one that always makes me wanna cook ane eat is jamie oliver...all of his programms are amazing...you almost smell the food!!
these little pizzas look so yummy~~~as ive said before im not a soup person...but the pizzas and the salad are my weakness!
have a great sunday!!xxx

Wildflowerhouse said...

Oh dear Tammy I want to put the paint brush down and start cooking all your great recipes. Every single one looks soooooo good. Maybe I'll just show up at your door. I'll be the crazy lady with a paint brush in one hand and an empty plate in the other. :-) Have a beautiful weekend. Sharon

Createology said...

My husband would be ecstatic if I would spend time in the kitchen and cook so many varieties of delicious edibles. I see you running a little deli bistro in your future...

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tammy,

I too enjoying, watching the Cooking Channel and it is always great to get inspiration and recipes from other friends blogs.
the mini pizzas and shortbread cookies look delicious.

Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Maya Kuzman said...

I don't think you are obsessed with cooking and everything you make looks so delicious! I can relate to your inspiration when it comes to crochet. Whenever I learn about a new stitch - I just have to try it and make something with it!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Stay obessed and inspired! I love the food network! Everything looks so wonderful!

Vicki Boster said...

Tammy- I think you are a wonderful cook!! I'd love to see what you would be inspired to cook using ingredients from the back of my refrigerator!!

Hey- isn't that a great idea for a show?

Vicki

lovestitch said...

Oh I'm so hungry reading your post! All the food you have made look so yummy-yummy! I wish I can cook as good as you do!
You have a fab week ahead, too!
Hugs, LS

Lori ann said...

tammy now your inspiring me, i've been quite complacent about our meals,not really putting much imagination in. so i thank you. you must have very good air conditioning though to cook in such heat. have a wonderful week ahead. xxx lori

Helen Philipps said...

You ARE inspired, Tammy! Such delicious ideas for tasty meals and bakes, and very inspiring for others, like me, too. I must go and make some soup to begin with....your soup pictures are sooo delicious!
Have a happy week, and enjoy your cooking inspirations!
Helen x

Lee Weber said...

You can come be inspired at my hosue anytime!! I am to wrapped up in getting the hosue painted etc. to do much cooking. Lately we've had summer dinners- cold chicken, salads, and corn on the cob!

Sheila Rumney said...

Since growing food in my garden, I am now inspired to cook & bake more. It is so much fun to use produce that we have grown. I too and inspired by cooking shows and your recipes that you share.

Wishing you a wonderful week.

Unknown said...

He may be rolling his eyes, but I'll bet he's also enjoying every bite :)

the mini pizzas look amazing!

koralee said...

I adore watching those shoes too....your banana cake looks amazing. Hugs to you.

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

I love the food network too! All your photos look so delicious! The pizzas with the feta and sundried tomatoes look amazing!


Jody

Dianne said...

inspired. definitely. such yummy photos and cute crochet...just love it all. and may have to try the banana oatmeal blueberry whatchamacallits...!

Serena Lewis said...

I am often inspired by what other bloggers cook or bake too. Those jam drop cookies look so delicious as does your mini-pizzas...love the toppings! As you know, I love my soups too....always so hearty and nutritious.

Enjoy the rest of your week ~ xo

angeliki said...

Hi again Tammy! There's an award for you in my blog!

Diane said...

I wish I could be inspired to cook like you do and still keep such a beautiful shape. You're an inspiration to us Tammy. Diane

Kit said...

I wish I could be inspired to cook! I just hate it. Could it be, because that is what I do for a living 9 months out of the year? Your hubby should get down on his knees and thank the heavens that you like to cook. LOL I love reading all about your recipes and your crochet. I found some cobbles on my trip and now am going to attempt to cover them like you did yours! Kit

SusanLotus said...

You make it sound so fun and entertaining when you tell us anout your experimenting in the kitchen while your hubby rolls his eyes. :D

You inspire!
Rainy (I think the monsoon rains moved to Sweden this year!)greetings from another souplover. :)

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