Vaca....

On the IPOD "Rockstar" by: Prima J


I have an extremely difficult time taking a vacation...Don't get me wrong it has felt like I have been on a food vacation for about a week now, but I mean a real honest to goodness vacation from work. So starting today I am on a staycation for the next 5 days. I have nothing planned but a tea with my nieces at the American Girl Bistro. Other than that my big plans for the week consist of seeing every movie possible in the theater (well every movie that fits into my criteria: funny, romantic, sad, or about food...) and having a girl's night on NYE (Mike has to work for a change.) On Saturday I am driving to my Grandmother's house in Silsbee, Texas for her 95th Birthday.

It is a completely different feeling to take a vacation at home... Normally when I'm on a vacation I'm planning out my days and making sure that I get to all the important places and try all the important restaurants in whichever city I'm in. But not today... I'm not going to make any plans... I'm going to do my best to make it to Nia but if I don't Oh well! I'm going to get a massage (maybe even a two hour) and a much needed mani-pedi. I'm going to do my best to not return client emails or phone calls until maybe Saturday morning on my way out of town. Not because I don't love my clients but because I need a break. I have worked my tail off throughout every holiday this year and have made over 1000 meals just in the month of December. I'm tired of looking at kitchen appliances....

Most importantly I'm going to spend some much needed time on my blog....

So until tomorrow here is to relaxation....

xoxo chef a

Christmas...

On the IPOD "All I want for Christmas is you" by: Mariah Carey

I some how got through all of the items to cook on Wednesday. And starting on Thursday night I pretty much ate my way through Christmas...I made the best gumbo ever for Thursday night and followed it with some of the best cookies I have ever made. I decided the cookies were so good because I creamed half super cold butter with half room temperature butter and it created what I refer to as pockets of goodness. But hands down the best thing about Christmas Eve in Dallas was the inch and a half of white powdery snow that covered the ground and the fact that Mike got out of work 3 hours early and was able to spend most of Christmas eve with us. Mike and I stayed over at my mom's house with my brother Andrew and we played Super Mario Bros for the Wii until the wee hours of the morning. We woke up to stockings filled amazing presents from my mom aka Santa. Then my brother Adam, his wife Audra, my Aunt Leen, and Uncle Stanley joined us and I made the tradition Christmas breakfast of scrambled eggs, lumberjack hash, and some nice chewy bagels.

Christmas night, while my poor husband had to work again, we went to my Aunt's house to celebrate with friends and family and to honor my grandparents who were married on Christmas Day. I think it is really just another excuse to eat...
Greenberg smoked turkey
Shrimp Remolade
Baked Bologna
Pasta Salad
Potato Salad
Apricot Jello Mold
Relish Tray
And my Grandmother's famous Egg Nog
Oh and about a million desserts!

It's a menu straight out of the 1950s....

And this morning I am about to pull myself together so that we can go celebrate Christmas with Mike's side of the family, but after tonight unfortunately the scale will be there tomorrow!!!! I hope everyone who celebrates had an amazing Christmas with family and friends and I hope everyone else at least had a relaxing couple of days off!!

Thank you to my husband for this beautiful little netbook that is allowing me to sit next to you and write this blog while you watch your beloved soccer game!!

If you notice this entire blog is about eating, but if I told you I ate celery sticks for the last three days I would totally be lying. Actually I dont think I even ate one celery stick!!

Happy Holidays!
xoxo chef a

Support

On the IPOD, "Last Christmas" by: Glee Cast Version


Support...What exactly is support? Is support just someone being able to pick up the phone when you call or does it go deeper than that? Why is it so difficult for females to truly deep down be supportive of each other? I don't know maybe it has to do with the groundwork of competition that is set up as early as elementary school. At what moment did I become the "Fat" friend and why is it so scary for some friends if I'm not anymore?? I think in general we all set limits in our friendships. I have some friends who I expect more from and others who seem to get a "free ride". But lately things have changed some, I don't know if it is because I am actually learning how to take care of myself on the inside or if the amount of support that I am getting from you "my readers" is changing the way that I think about real friendship. To be honest it is very hard to continue a relationship with someone who refuses to be a part of the changes that I am making on a personal level. I mean this is the most important change I have made in my life. I have been completely honest with you about each step that I have gone through to untangle my internal food demons. I don't really understand why some of my closest friends refuse to read about it. What I love is the excuse, "I don't read it because I never really go on the Internet." Really....unless you are in the senior generation I don't believe you! We live our lives on the Internet. You would have to live in a bubble to not be on the Internet at least once a day. The funny thing is that I don't even expect them to read the blog everyday. Listen I know everyone is busy and although I love love love my readers who read everyday, I understand that not everyone can. All I know is that you, the ones who have sent me countless emails, comments, and phone calls, have changed my life. You have opened up with your own stories and because of that I have been able to let some more of my stories go. I can not thank you enough for the overwhelming support.

So just to catch you up with my holiday work schedule:
Monday I made....
Winter Chopped Salad
Shrimp Fajitas
Sour Cream Black Bean Enchiladas
Chicken Salad
Chicken Cacciatore
Mixed Berries
Vegetable Lentil Soup
Pan Seared Filets
Pepper Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Mashed Sweet potatoes
Rice Pilaf
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted New Potatoes
Sauteed Haricot Verts
150 Thumbprint Cookies

You tired yet...
.
Yesterday and Today
Caesar Salad
Spaghetti with Meatballs and Meat Sauce
Garlic Bread
Sweet and Sour Meatballs for 40
Raspberry Cheese Spread
Artichoke Dip
Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Fresh Fruit
A Turkey
Peppercorn Mustard Beef Tenderloin
Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole
Pumpkin Pie
4 dozen Coconut Cookies
and Countless Sugar Cookies

Even I am tired...
xoxo chef a

The Last Latke...

On the IPOD "Happy" by: Brandi Carlile

My "Aunt" Ellen had a family "Last night of Hanukkah Party" last night. We made about 200 latkes both regular potato and sweet potato (They were both pretty great if you ask me!) So there I was sitting with Erica and I said, "I so want just one more latke but I'm so full!" And then I realized why I wanted it so badly...I wanted that stupid latke because I knew in my head if I didn't eat it that I would have to wait an entire year for another one. I explained this thought process to Erica and her response was simple and Oh so true, "Don't eat it! If you want one before next year you will just make some."

Interesting....what a novel approach! I think that in general that is why I eat so much at special holiday functions...It is simply because I realize that this is my chance to have those certain foods and if I miss out I have to wait a year. But it's ridiculous!!!! It is actually insane that I am willing to eat more than I really even want to the point of feeling awful just so that I don't miss out on tasting just one last piece of something for an entire year. I mean I guess I should look at it that at least I am no longer eating food that doesn't taste good. I know you are all saying why would you ever eat bad food??? Well think back yourself...On how many occasions do you eat food that is just okay???? It's astounding!! As far as I'm concerned unless it is the best thing I have ever put into my mouth I'm throwing it out! Maybe it is wasteful and maybe there are children starving all over the world and I am truly sorry for that. But I am asking for every one's forgiveness now because this year I am picking me....

xoxo chef a

Little to no oil please and the sauce on the side!!

On the IPOD "I'm There Too" by: Michelle Featherstone

I have been trying to search for the reasons why I am stuck on a plateau and can not get motivated to either workout more or eat less and I figured it out last night while facebooking with a friend, thanks Jen!! Jen had posted that although she looks at the nutritional info that is blasted all over the internet, sometimes it makes ordering out a heartbreaking decision. And I responded something to the effect of, "I so agree with you!" On many occasions I have checked out the nutritional info of my favorite dish at a restaurant and it has changed my view point forever and I can't even seem to ever order it again!!! Anyways her response was the light bulb moment...She said "if I could cook like you, I would just eat at home." She is absolutely right...that is the change that has happen in the last month and that is why I am on the ridiculous plateau!!! When I think back to what has changed in the last month that is the number one answer!! I have been working so much that the last thing I want to do at night is make dinner and on top of that Mike has been working till midnight most nights which means that not only am I going out more with friends and family for dinner, I am also staying up much later and even though I snack on good healthy things it is still calories....

And I should be listening to myself because on a regular basis I tell my clients the truth about restaurant nutritional information. Number 1 it is tested in a small batch before the item is really even on the menu at the restaurant (not realistic!) Number 2 chefs don't measure so even though the tested recipe was precisely measured the average chef doesn't really know how much oil, butter, salt, or sugar he/she added to the dish that you are eating. Number 3 the average restaurant chef wants the food to taste good he/she is not really worried about your calorie intake!!!! That is the difference between having a personal chef (who has a vested interest in your health) (sorry for the PR) and trusting some stranger with a white jacket on. Believe me I am by no means saying that you should never eat out again...All I am saying is stop looking at the nutritional info and just order smart! Little to no oil please and the sauce on the side!

And I am going to just try to eat smart and work my ass off (in the gym and in the kitchen) and just struggle my way though my busiest work season!!

P.S. If you are looking for foodie gifts, Please remember my Mom and I have a line of gourmet food products that can be shipped anywhere or picked up in Dallas... Mostly jellies, jams, sauces, and appetizer toppings that are great over cheese! And they are all fresh and made with natural ingredients...
Including flavors like:
Fire and Ice (Ice Wine and Spicy Red pepper),
Apricot Pepper (Our #1 seller),
Cinnamon Pear Jam,
Texas Caviar (Black-eyed Pea Relish),
Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos),
Strawberry Cherry Jam,
Turquoise Margarita Jam,
Kiwi Mango Jam
Apple Butter and about 40 other flavors.
Email me if you would like more info AmandaM037@aol.com

xoxo chef a

First Kiss

On the IPOD "At This Moment" by: Michael Buble

Twelve years ago today, Mike and I were talking in front of my parent's house and he kissed me... my response was simply, "So this means we are dating, right??" I guess I have always been a go getter. When I think back to it I imagine that he must have thought, "Oh God what did I just get myself into???"

Well 12 years later I guess my plan worked!! ha ha ha!!

I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!!!

I love shopping for gifts in the cold, with bright lights everywhere and Christmas music in the background. I love finding the perfect gift that lets someone know how much they mean to you whether it was $5 or $100. I love making latkes with family and friends and having special clothes to wear that will smell for eternity! I love playing a good cold hard cash game of dreidel! I love that when I went to buy a Christmas Tree for my parents house this year the same man was there selling them and I love that he can remember me from when I was seven and was there with my dad. I love that it means more to me to make the sugar cookies when my brother Andrew is in town because even though I would never admit it to his face, it still makes me giggle when he steals the dough to eat. I love that on Christmas eve we have a house full of different religions celebrating our love for each other while allowing each person to celebrate the Christmas they believe in whether it is based in Christianity or based in Santa, Stockings, and Daddys. I love that my Jewish Grandparents were married on Christmas day and it gives us all one more reason to celebrate together.

It is wonderful that we have all of these things to celebrate during a time of the year that has not always been so good to us... In two days we will mark 10 years since Mike's brother Joe passed away in a motorcycle accident. He would be turning 35 next month. It was extremely shocking, horrible and sad and the pain of his loss rocked our relationship to the core. He is deeply missed everyday. Two years ago we spent what would be our last Christmas with my father...He was extremely ill but we were thrilled to have those last few weeks with him. And last year we lost my mom's best friend and my Godmother Aunt Mickie, to breast cancer. We both miss her calls and her pop in visits, everyday...

I guess we should in a way fell lucky that all of these horrible things happened at a time of the year that is so otherwise happy. We should feel blessed that we have family and friends to celebrate the memory of these special individuals with. And even though it is so impossible to not want to eat everything in site this holiday season, I am going to relish in every twinkling light, holiday song, screaming kid in the store, family disagreement, and every unwrapping the present smile and I hope you will all do the same...

And as God is my witness I will get off this 40 pound plateau!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Mike for taking a chance on a chubby, bossy, pain in the ass girl named Amanda!!!
I love you more and more forever and ever!!!!!!

xoxo chef a

Sweet Potato Latkes

On the IPOD "King of the Rodeo" by: Kings of Leon

Yesterday morning I was trying to receive the organic meat order that I placed the day before and run by a couple of clients real quick before my Nia class at 10:20am. Yeah well one of my clients didn't inform me that the Mayor's 5k Run would be on her street... I'm not exactly sure what she thought I was gonna do...Oh wait it must be another example of a client who doesn't understand that I have a life and although I love to cook and make money I don't have 45 minutes to wait in line to look at a dish she wants me to use for their Christmas Dinner. Once I was stuck in the line there really wasn't any turning back...her response was simply, "Oh is that why all the runners are on this street?" REALLY!! Anyways I missed the Nia class, what a bummer!

On the first night of Hanukkah I made the most amazing sweet potato latkes...actually I have never met a latke I didn't like but these might have been the best thing that I've put into my mouth.

Sweet Potato Latkes

1 1/4 pounds ruby sweet potatoes, peeled (you can use jewel or reg but the ruby have such a great flavor and color)
1/2 sweet onion
1/3 cup flour (or Matzoh meal, I used flour)
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
vegetable oil

Hand grate sweet potatoes and onions into a bowl. Add in flour, eggs, salt and pepper. In a med. to large skillet with sides heat about 1 1/2 inches of oil over med high heat. When hot form thin latkes with about 1/8 cup of the mixture. Fry until browned and crispy, if browning too fast turn heat down. Move Latkes to a wire rack that has been placed over a paper towel lined sheet pan. DO NOT PLACE LATKES STRAIGHT ON PAPER TOWELS THEY WILL GET SOGGY!! This recipe makes about 20 nice sized latkes. These are amazing!! You could also add some cayenne to the mixture if you want it a little spicy!!

Serve with sour cream and applesauce if desired...we just ate them off the racks!!


Happy Hanukkah!!!!

xoxo chef a

Bob and Janie

On the IPOD "Wait for you" by : Elliott Yamin

The Nia class last night was full, but I got there early and took my usual spot in the back row. There was only one problem ok two problems. Let's call them Bob and Janie... Well Bob is one of the few guys who takes Nia and Janie is somewhat new to the class. Bob was standing next to me on the back row and Janie was in front of me and to the right slightly. Well as we were dancing Janie kept moving to the left and back until she was litterally in my lap and Bob just turns at his own pace...the whole group turns left Bob turns right. I almost left the class I was so annoyed. My issue is that there should be rules of the classroom...If you want a space on the back row you have to get there early and if you don't get there in time then you can't just make your own back row right in front of the back row...It is BS.

After class I headed over to Lisa's to visit with her and our friend Erica and to spend some much needed time with Lisa's little one Asher who is on his way to 2. Asher and I have a very special relationship. I spoil him rotten...and I give him whatever he wants, Oh wait are those the same things??? Anyways, We sat down and had a long conversation of gibberish over a couple M&Ms, and yes I was speaking in gibberish too. And then we ran laps around the house to work off the M&Ms. That is the funny thing about me...I feel completely comfortable around kids, I always have. Being a mom someday is the one thing I have always known I will be good at. I am by no means saying that I will have perfect kids...But I hope to be there for them in the ways that they need me to be.

Today I have to place an order with an organic meat purveyor for my new client who is going through a stem cell transplant. This order is for 4 adults for 8 dinners:

4 pounds sirloin tip roast
2 pounds pork tenderloin
4 filet mignon steaks
3 pounds ground beef
16 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 thick cut pork chops

And now I'm off to cook for my friday clients...

P.S. I'm so over Mike working till 11:30pm. I am so over Mike working till 11:30pm. I am so over Mike working till 11:30pm.

xoxo chef a

River

On the IPOD "River" by: Joni Mitchell

I love this song for so many reasons... I discovered it when I read the book "Prozac Nation" by Elizabeth Wurtzel ( by the way the movie didn't even come close to doing the book justice). Anyways I read the entire book in about 36 hours, not really bad for a horrible reader with even worse ADD. I think I was one of the first people to read it and it moved me so much that I looked Ms. Wurtzel up in the phone book and called to tell her how amazing I thought the book was...I know pretty ballsy... So it must have been around Christmas time because when I called I got her voice mail and it was this song. I left her a message and even got a very nice return phone call. So I bought Joni Mitchell's record and the rest is history. The song came to me at a time in my life when I really needed a dark, somewhat depressing song. What you don't really know about me is that I took piano lessons for give or take 12 years, I then picked up a guitar the summer before 9th grade, taught myself to play on a cheap $200 Mitchell, upgraded to a beautiful 12 string that I not only led large amounts of Jewish teens in camp songs with but that I also used to write upwards of about 45 songs most of them in the minor key and all somewhat depressing and about among other things love, loss, and adolescence. So now as a sit here at Christmas time writing my own sort of memoir, I am thinking about how much her book meant to me and although this is not a book but more like a rough diary I hope that my words touch you in maybe some of the same ways.. Oh and by the way I own every version available of this song and some of my favorites include Sarah McLachlin, James Taylor, and Sara Bareilles.

I went to Nia today, I haven't been in a couple of weeks because with the move and holiday work it is sometimes easier to just run to the gym. But I realized how much I need to make going a priority. Nia just makes me feel better not only because it is a great workout but because it is an hour that I am giving myself...it is a complete gift!! Anyways class was different today as it always sort of is. We ended up on the floor, legs straight out in front of us and we were leaning backwards with our arms down by our sides until we almost touched the floor but not and then having to raise ourselves back up. Well first off I know I've told you that I'm losing my boobs... well obviously not enough because it was hard!! It felt like my boobs weighed about 30 pounds each which is insane because the last time I checked they only came in at about 7lbs a piece. All I know is that the skinnies with little boobs were just whipping up, but not me I was pushing the ground so hard with the back of my elbows that I'm sure I will have bruises tomorrow. Its okay though they are just battle scars, proof that I'm working my butt off I guess!

Oh and please if you are not too busy up there, can you send down some peppermint ice cream that is calorie free? Thanks God!

xoxo chef a

"Dieter on Board"

On the IPOD "Power of Two" by: Indigo Girls

Well Austin was great! So much fun!!

I made an interesting discovery today... I have four favorite food groups...bread, cheese, sugar, and vegetables. I do love vegetables: I love roasted brussel sprouts, asparagus, beets, broccoli, zucchini, any kind of squash, french green beans, regular green beans ( I have been known to eat green beans out of the can as a snack, I know I'm sooo gourmet!), spinach, mushrooms, and so on... But the other three food groups need a little work!! I can't help the fact that I dream about chocolate covered almonds and pizza. Or can I?

I stopped by Jamie and Summer's new store POME (absolutely beautiful clothes and accessories that I will fit into one day) in Preston Center today. I have to say that up to this point in the day I had dealt with one annoying issue after another so I was at my breaking point...I really didn't plan my meals so of course I was ready to eat my arm off by 4 pm (snack time). Unfortunately for me there were little snacks all around the store. So I had a small square of peppermint bark, a whole grain cracker and about 10 jelly bellies. For 10 minutes I felt great...a little burst of energy...it was too bad that an hour later I felt like playing monster truck on the tollway. I don't know if it was the fall after my sugar rush or the disappointment I had in myself for not being prepared all day. But all I know is that the guy in the blue accord saw more of my finger than he bargained for. Maybe I need to get a sign for my car that says "dieter on board!"

Roasted Asparagus
2 Pounds Asparagus
olive oil cooking spray
1/2 tsp or less seasoned salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 425*
Trim Asparagus so that you just have the top about 4 inches or so. Spread out in a single layer in a pan. Spray generously with oilve oil cooking spray and toss with seasonings. Roast for 12- 14 minutes.


xoxo chef a

Austin

On the IPOD "Forever Young" by: Alphaville

16 years ago I was just a 15 year old waiting for the arrival of my new baby cousin Alexis. She arrived on December 14th, my whole life was about to change. I didn't know it yet but the two of us would become thick as thieves. I grew up, as she learned how to walk and how to talk back and by the time she was about 10 I'm pretty sure that she knew that she always had someone in her corner. She came to spend about 2 weeks with me the summer before she turned 11 and then the next summer she came again...that August Hurricane Rita came to town and Alexis, her sister Kaleigh, their younger brother Zack, my cousin Gail (their mother who was then preggers with baby number 4 to be named Lindsay), and my Aunt Dorothy came to lives with my parents for about 5 months. We just kept getting closer and closer... Alexis and Kaleigh have spent every summer since with Mike and I, sometimes for a week and sometimes for 6 weeks. Zack and Lindsay(lil bit) come too but they don't stay as long and I love them just as much!! The girls started working for me...learning how to cook and even earning some pretty decent money. I promised Alexis about 5 years ago that if she kept her grades up I would take her somewhere for her 16th birthday. Well the time is here and I'm keeping my word! Alexis (16), Kaleigh (12 going on 21) and I are going to Austin for the weekend. We are staying in a very nice hotel, eating breakfast in bed, getting our nails and toes done, oh course shopping shopping and more shopping, having some great Austin dinners and who knows what other kind of trouble we will get ourselves into (just kidding!).

Their plane arrives at 12:30pm in Austin and because I'm ridiculous and can't go anywhere without working...I'm squeezing in an Austin client first thing in the morning. That means I'm leaving Dallas at an astonishing 5:30am...I wonder if there is really going to be snow in the morning????

My Austin Menu
Jalapeno Chicken with sauteed green beans and summer squash
Turkey Chili
Pan-seared Chicken with Proscuitto Fig Sauce with Baked Asparagus
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Roasted Broccoli
Salt and Pepper Grilled Salmon with Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Gluten Free Ginger Snap Pudding

I've already planned out our days and scheduled in a workout time every morning!! Don't worry I'm going to keep all the details to report back to you. Hope you all have a lovely weekend!!

HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY ALEXIS XOXOXOXOXO !!!!!!

The Lonely Bag of Chips

On the IPOD "Blue Suitcase" by: Erin McCarley

So you know how there are those days where you feel like punching a hole in the wall...well today was that kind of day. I can't describe it except to say that my cooking flow was off. Nothing necessarily came out wrong but cooking is like a dance. It is all based on timing and movement. It is what I miss most about cooking in a restaurant... besides all the foul language and sexual discussions there is a dance that happens on the line and it is what separates an amazing restaurant from one that closes in 6 months. The difference in my job is that I am dancing by myself. The problem with not having a group of chefs to dance with is that if you miss a step there is no one there to get you back on the beat. And it is extremely frustrating when you can hear the beat but you just can't find it. So that was today in a nut shell.

I finally got done with work at about 5pm and realized that because I wasn't annoyed enough already, I forgot my workout clothes at home! Ugh!! So I ran(not literally) home to change. What started as a brief run in and out turned into an hour phone conversation with my friends Jamie and Summer. Now although it threw off the rest of the night, the phone convo was totally worth it and super funny and I think we all learned way too much about each other ;) !! Anyways, so although it took every bit of willpower I have, I got dressed and headed out the door to the gym. I made it through an hour workout and decided I would go to the grocery store and pick up a few things for home since I have neglected to go since we've moved in. So of course I'm going at the worst time in the day, first of all every joe schmo is there and I'M STARVING... I picked up everything on the list plus some lettuce, 2% mexican cheese, ground turkey meat and salsa for dinner (Just for me, Mike is working horrible hours, don't even get me started...). So I held myself together, even though I totally contemplated opening a Weight Watchers fudge bar in the middle of the store and devouring it. I even loaded all the bags in the way back of the car so I wouldn't open anything on the way home, but then out of the corner of my eye I spotted a bag of whole grain baked tortilla chips from work sitting oh so lonely on the front seat...I tried very hard to fight it but about 2 miles from home....I opened the bag. All bets were off I ate at least 5 in the first bite as soon as I realized what was happening I folded the bag up and threw it behind me to the back of the car. The lady in the car next to me at the stoplight either completely understood my craziness or thought I was a lunatic. I did finally make it home, I made my salad, put on some really short shorts that I haven't been able to slide myself into in probably 5 years and still shouldn't be seen in public in and turned on "Glee". And now at 10:30 pm my husband is finally walking in the door...
Goodnight all

xoxo chef a

What do we have here?

On the IPOD "Eyes on Fire" by Blue Foundation

My Aunt Dorothy and Mom came over to help me try and make some progress on the maze of boxes I am referring to as my home for the moment. My Aunt and I were organizing photos and DVDs and my mom was tackling the closet. I know it doesn't really sound fair, but she is my mom she just knows how to do it better!! Anyways, everything was going swimmingly until I heard her call out, "Oh my goodness, what do we have here??" Okay well lets just say lots of stuff started going through my head...I didn't label the boxes well and we all have our secrets... So I took a deep breath and said, "What did you find?" Much to my relief she came out with 2 boxes of chocolate pudding that happened to be in one of my suitcases. She then found a stash of small boxes of raisins in another pocket of the same case... Well the pudding has a good reason, I cook for certain "special" clients in other cities and the last time I had a work trip I needed chocolate pudding and I didn't want to waste time trying to find the kind that I like to use, but the raisins on the other hand were strictly for personal consumption.

I began to feel like a young girl again when my mom would help me clean out my bedroom and we would run across a couple of candy bar wrappers. Yeah it sounds funny now, but at that time it was a tad embarrassing. I don't even think I was hiding the candy bar wrappers... nevermind I probably was subconsciously.

Anyways I was wondering who else out there is carrying around food in your bag, car, coat pocket, or desk drawer?? And to all the mommy's out there, How many times do you raid "little bit's" container of cheerios? I have to say that on an average day I at least have a 100 calorie pack of almonds in my purse, I don't necessarily eat it everyday, but it is there as some sort of comfort. I mean just in case I get stuck in the elevator...I don't want to starve to death!!

xoxo chef a