A Potpouri of Thoughts - even I goofed!

A time for confession - I looked back at my blogs and thought "wow - who could top this -- who does she think she is - the perfect cook?"  I know lots of cooks much better than me --- I am just trying to share - years and years and yes, years of experience - but believe me - I still goof up.  So now is confession time!  I've made many, many sweet potato pies -- but on Christmas I had to make the desserts and cook a ham  (and the bottom oven does not work properly) - so I got up really early and started my pies.  I haven't used a recipe in years for Sweet Potato Pie - but I've probably not tried to make so many in one batch!  Any way - I used all the best ingredients, fresh sweet potatoes, butter, eggs, cinnamon, spices, vanilla flavoring, half and half -- and HALF OF THE SUGAR I should have used.  Didn't realize it until that night when my husband said - "taste of this -- where is the sugar?"  Oh my gosh - words of praise came rushing back "such good texture," really nice crust!"  Did I ever hear - "Wow this is great!"  I tasted it and he was right -- it was horrible!  I rushed to the phone to tell my sister to throw it out.  I not only had to throw out the rest of our pie - but one I had made for a lady at church!  LESSON LEARNED:  On stressful and rushed days - keep a recipe handy - and check off the ingredients!  And let me tell you what my sweet Mom (remember 92) did - the next day she cooked "the perfect sweet potato pie" and invited me to have a piece! 

So - please remember - when I brag about a "delicious this or that I made" - I know I'm not the best cook - just one that loves to cook and hopes to bring some hints to you that I've discovered over the years that will bring you some extra raves and exclaims!  I really love my job at the Bank - but when the food editor of the Tyler paper left, I dreamed of such a job - but let me say I could never have done the wonderful job Lee Vickery is doing - she has taken Tyler Paper's Food Section to a whole new level and every week I look forward to reading her articles! 

I promised to tell you about a special spice I love - called "Fox Point" and to tell you about "Fox Point" I will also tell you about the store I found - thanks to a good friend, Jeanine, who told me!  Fox Point is a special blend of salt, shallots, chives, garlic, onion,  and green peppercorns. It is good on almost everything from scrambled eggs to baked chicken.  I purchase Fox Point and some other fine spices (their Fresh Ground Black Pepper is better than grinding your own) at a store in Dallas called Penzeys.  Penseys is located right off 635 North on Preston.  Take Preston off 635, turn left and right into the first shopping center!  They have jars you can sniff and then pick out what you like!   While you are there also check out "Mural of Flavor - another favorite!

Isn't it amazing - how you can never get every little ball, bowl, ornament or Santa put away after Christmas.  I went through my house - room to room - and so did my husband - and when every box was taped, labeled and back in the attic - I walked into the dining room and there  - to no one's surprise was a bowl that said "Jingle, Jingle" and another orament -- just another reminder that my 20/20 vision is long gone!

Have you ever tried making "Salsa?"  It is one of my favorite things to make - just pure fun!  So tomorrow watch for a couple of my favorite salsa recipes!  Tonight I want to leave you with:

RECIPE FOR FRIENDSHIP

2 Heaping cups of patience                               1 dash of laughter
1 heart full of love                                             1 head full of understanding
2 hands full of generosity

Sprinkle generously with hindness.  Add plenty of faith and mix well.  Spread over a period of a lifetime and serve everyone you meet.

Have a good nights sleep and God willing - I will talk to you tomorrow!