Well, my Memorial Day brunch was pretty much a bust. Janell called and said her back hurt, the Moens called and Bob said his mom had just died (she was 95 and had been ill a long time so it was not a surprise). Only Ric came. So lots of food left but we had a nice time. Jordan and I spent the rest of the day quietly both working on computers.
Today I had a doctor's appointment before my personal chef job. I went to see my orthopedic doctor, then drove down to MP's house. A late start for me! I went grocery shopping at Whole Foods (I am finally getting the hang of the store layout) then on to cooking. Today I made Turkey Cutlets with a Port Wine Sauce, Waldorf Salad, Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce over Chicken, Lemon Lamb Chops with Lemon Orzo, and Hoisin & Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin served with a Three Fruit Salsa. Yum! All the meat was grilled but when I got to the Lamb Chops, which were last, I set off the smoke alarm! It's really loud!! But no house or furnishings were lost in the making of these meals, lol. And I have discovered I really like making sauces. The secret almost seems to be to just walk away and let them reduce. Not always an easy thing to do! I have GOT to start taking pictures of my food, too. I keep forgetting!
Tonight Jordan and I had the Turkey Cutlets with the Port Wine Sauce for dinner. Loved it, if I do say so myself, lol. A little reading after dinner, then we finished up the left over chocolate cake.
Now it's time for bed, I'm exhausticated! All in all, a very good day!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
It's funny as you get older that days fly by and you wonder where the time has gone. The weather in Reno has been cooler than usual and windy. It even snowed yesterday (Saturday)! So I have been indoors mostly working with the Mac and trying to see if it will work for my chef business. Most of the programs out there (including the MenuMagic program I got through the USPCA) are made for PC (not surprising really). I have found several programs out there-"Shop'n'Cook Pro", "Souschef" and "MasterCook", that I am checking out. There is also "Caterpro" that I need to look at. That particular program was recommended in one of the books I have on opening your own home based business.
Friday I went with Jordan to hear a spiel on UNR benefits. We are talking about his putting me on his insurance. We'll see what happens as he is not guaranteed a job after July 1. Such a mess up at UNR and at the State as well. But that's another story....
Saturday Janell and I went to Walmart to pick up a few things. I got a plant for the deck. I put it out for a while but then Jordan thought maybe we should being it in because it had started to snow later in the afternoon. I'm glad we did bring it in! I got a couple more things for work, but I think I am about done buying for now. I had a lot of things to begin with because I have always liked to cook so the things I've bought have more to do with serving, and of course boxes, etc for delivering baked goods. Speaking of which, I still have not heard from Zozo's. I am thinking that is not going to work out. Oh, well, I tried!
Today will be more of the same, working on the computer and looking at recipes and menus. I seem to want to offer people more fine food and things they probably wouldn't make at home rather than more mainstream entrees. You can get ampan of lasagna at the grocery store for under $8 that will feed 4-8 people. I can't beat that price at all. I only know my food is better, more flavorful, more healthy and without preservatives and extra sodium. It will take time, I think. I have worked out a pamphlet I will drop off in some of the doctor's offices to see if I can drum up some business.
Jordan and I are doing to the El Dorado Buffet for lunch. I'll check out the food there. We are having a few people over for Memorial Day brunch tomorrow. I love breakfast! Should be fun!
Friday I went with Jordan to hear a spiel on UNR benefits. We are talking about his putting me on his insurance. We'll see what happens as he is not guaranteed a job after July 1. Such a mess up at UNR and at the State as well. But that's another story....
Saturday Janell and I went to Walmart to pick up a few things. I got a plant for the deck. I put it out for a while but then Jordan thought maybe we should being it in because it had started to snow later in the afternoon. I'm glad we did bring it in! I got a couple more things for work, but I think I am about done buying for now. I had a lot of things to begin with because I have always liked to cook so the things I've bought have more to do with serving, and of course boxes, etc for delivering baked goods. Speaking of which, I still have not heard from Zozo's. I am thinking that is not going to work out. Oh, well, I tried!
Today will be more of the same, working on the computer and looking at recipes and menus. I seem to want to offer people more fine food and things they probably wouldn't make at home rather than more mainstream entrees. You can get ampan of lasagna at the grocery store for under $8 that will feed 4-8 people. I can't beat that price at all. I only know my food is better, more flavorful, more healthy and without preservatives and extra sodium. It will take time, I think. I have worked out a pamphlet I will drop off in some of the doctor's offices to see if I can drum up some business.
Jordan and I are doing to the El Dorado Buffet for lunch. I'll check out the food there. We are having a few people over for Memorial Day brunch tomorrow. I love breakfast! Should be fun!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday morning I was up early for a road trip with Michael. Off we went to Fallon (to the DMV there where we were out in about five minutes!!), then drove through Gold Hill and Virginia City before returning to Reno. Before lunch, we stopped off William Sonoma and Pottery Barn and Juniper Hill. Then lunch at Cafe de Thai. The food really is very good there. Guess it's time to write a review. I haven't done much writing lately for examiner.com. I better get busy! We shared lettuce wraps, but they were not the usually lettuce wraps. They had tuna inside with veggies with lettuce wrapped around that. The chef then took rice paper to wrap around the lettuce and sliced them like a sushi roll. Very creative! And very tasty! Michael had a Thai salad with a peanut dressing and I had smoked shrimp with wide noodles in a brown sauce. Very flavorful. Much of the menu is spicy but they have other choice. Yum!
Then it was home to try and get some work done. Checking emails, organizing receipts and making an attempt to pay myself back for all I've spent so far to get my business started. I actually have some new money in the bank, lol!
Today, I ran errands in the morning but it was so windy and so cold, I only did what I had to do then came home. Hard to imagine this cold, windy weather the end of May! I spent much of the day trying to work with the new Mac computer and trying to determine if any of the personal chef software out there would work with Macs. Not an easy task. Most of the software has been formulated for PCs. I also made files and organized bills, my business license, ServSafe certificate, and clients. Of course, there is always something that needs done. I do need to vacuum though, lol.
I made Eggplant Parmigiana for dinner. I had made some for Michael as one of his dinners. It sounded good, so I made some for dinner. Another yum! Jordan had an 8pm phone conference with one of his students, so we ate late. Ah, well, at least I got to eat a good meal!
Then it was home to try and get some work done. Checking emails, organizing receipts and making an attempt to pay myself back for all I've spent so far to get my business started. I actually have some new money in the bank, lol!
Today, I ran errands in the morning but it was so windy and so cold, I only did what I had to do then came home. Hard to imagine this cold, windy weather the end of May! I spent much of the day trying to work with the new Mac computer and trying to determine if any of the personal chef software out there would work with Macs. Not an easy task. Most of the software has been formulated for PCs. I also made files and organized bills, my business license, ServSafe certificate, and clients. Of course, there is always something that needs done. I do need to vacuum though, lol.
I made Eggplant Parmigiana for dinner. I had made some for Michael as one of his dinners. It sounded good, so I made some for dinner. Another yum! Jordan had an 8pm phone conference with one of his students, so we ate late. Ah, well, at least I got to eat a good meal!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday already! I just realized I haven't written since Saturday!
Sunday was a lazy day, although I managed to bake coconut cupcakes, waiting to frost them until Monday. I am still working on organizing my office (won't be able to finish until the rest of my shelves get here). Sunday afternoon, Jordan and took a drive up to Boca and just took in the scenery. It was a beautiful day! The water was gorgeous and there is still snow up in the mountains in many places. I understand they will have open skiing at Mammoth thru June. Amazing! We both came back relaxed. I must admit to being cranky. Not busy enough, I guess.
Monday morning, Jordan let's to fly down to LA to work at USC. He did get an appointment down there, which he is very pleased about. I guess we are still going to be living in Reno for a while. Only time will tell. I made cornmeal raspberry muffins, making another attempt at the recipe I had made for Easter. I wanted to see if the muffins could be improved. I sent a bunch out to people so we'll see what they say. I had lunch with Ric, at the usual place, Arlington Gardens, then went grocery shopping for my client. Still trying to see what works and what does not. As I needed a few things, I went shopping early. We'll see what difference it makes in my total time cooking. I frosted my cupcakes today and made the French Yogurt Cake recipe I have posted on my blog. I used fresh apricots this time and made them in a smaller baking pan. They turned out well! Janell came over and we ran a couple of errands. I was looking for a melon baller. Can you believe I don't have one?! I do now, lol. Then Kasia and Gary came over to pick up their sample boxes-asking friends to sample goods and give me some feedback. After that, Janell and I went out for dinner to Sushi Rose, just up the street behind Walmart. Good food! Jordan was due in late tonight so I tried to wait up for him. Poor guy got delayed in Vegas so didn't get home until 1am!
Tuesday is my usual Personal Chef day. Always look forward to cooking. Although I did get locked out of the hose, so had to go pick up a key to get in! It all worked out. This week I made Curried Rice Salad, Cornish Grame Hen with a Curried Plum Glaze, Lo-Cal Eggplant Parmigiano, Apricot and Pecan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, and Maple Glazed Salmon with Pineapple Salsa. We'll see if my client likes these meals! I finished around 4pm and then came home. Long day! Good day!
And now it's time for bed...
Sunday was a lazy day, although I managed to bake coconut cupcakes, waiting to frost them until Monday. I am still working on organizing my office (won't be able to finish until the rest of my shelves get here). Sunday afternoon, Jordan and took a drive up to Boca and just took in the scenery. It was a beautiful day! The water was gorgeous and there is still snow up in the mountains in many places. I understand they will have open skiing at Mammoth thru June. Amazing! We both came back relaxed. I must admit to being cranky. Not busy enough, I guess.
Monday morning, Jordan let's to fly down to LA to work at USC. He did get an appointment down there, which he is very pleased about. I guess we are still going to be living in Reno for a while. Only time will tell. I made cornmeal raspberry muffins, making another attempt at the recipe I had made for Easter. I wanted to see if the muffins could be improved. I sent a bunch out to people so we'll see what they say. I had lunch with Ric, at the usual place, Arlington Gardens, then went grocery shopping for my client. Still trying to see what works and what does not. As I needed a few things, I went shopping early. We'll see what difference it makes in my total time cooking. I frosted my cupcakes today and made the French Yogurt Cake recipe I have posted on my blog. I used fresh apricots this time and made them in a smaller baking pan. They turned out well! Janell came over and we ran a couple of errands. I was looking for a melon baller. Can you believe I don't have one?! I do now, lol. Then Kasia and Gary came over to pick up their sample boxes-asking friends to sample goods and give me some feedback. After that, Janell and I went out for dinner to Sushi Rose, just up the street behind Walmart. Good food! Jordan was due in late tonight so I tried to wait up for him. Poor guy got delayed in Vegas so didn't get home until 1am!
Tuesday is my usual Personal Chef day. Always look forward to cooking. Although I did get locked out of the hose, so had to go pick up a key to get in! It all worked out. This week I made Curried Rice Salad, Cornish Grame Hen with a Curried Plum Glaze, Lo-Cal Eggplant Parmigiano, Apricot and Pecan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, and Maple Glazed Salmon with Pineapple Salsa. We'll see if my client likes these meals! I finished around 4pm and then came home. Long day! Good day!
And now it's time for bed...
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Slept in this morning although I was the one who got up at 6am to feed the cat, then went back to bed. I weeded part of the back yard, then brought out some of the deck furniture. Not all of it, it's suppose to rain Monday. I am not going to LA, although Jordan is still going. He's leaving Monday morning and coming back Monday evening. A very quick trip!
I took the cat outside on his harness. He crawled on his belly for the first five mi it's but then got brave and walked around the back yard smelling everything. He even walked down the side of the house and was quite brave until the FedEx truck roared by. Scared him enough he ran back into the house dragging me behind him!
I worked on my office. The FedEx guy brought one of the shelves I ordered so I put it together and starting putting things on the shelves. It will be nice to be more organized. I have also been working on the bookshelf, rearranging books and knick knacks. I went out for a while with Janell looking for window treatments for the windows in my office. They really need real blinds. Jordan elected not to put blinds on those windows when we did the entire house. Not sure why...
Otherwise a quiet day.
I took the cat outside on his harness. He crawled on his belly for the first five mi it's but then got brave and walked around the back yard smelling everything. He even walked down the side of the house and was quite brave until the FedEx truck roared by. Scared him enough he ran back into the house dragging me behind him!
I worked on my office. The FedEx guy brought one of the shelves I ordered so I put it together and starting putting things on the shelves. It will be nice to be more organized. I have also been working on the bookshelf, rearranging books and knick knacks. I went out for a while with Janell looking for window treatments for the windows in my office. They really need real blinds. Jordan elected not to put blinds on those windows when we did the entire house. Not sure why...
Otherwise a quiet day.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday and Friday both seemed to run together. Yesterday I worked on my corporate menu, which I had not turned into the GoDaddy.com website staff. I looked at quite a few other sites trying to see what type of foods they offered for corporate breakfasts and lunches and what their charges are. Not hard, just time consuming. And I did not want to offer exactly what they offered. Nor did I want to make things too difficult for myself but at the same time I wanted some food items that might be unique to me. And on and on. I think I have it figured out. I ran it past Jordan and he thought the menu looked much like what he was offered by a catering company in Santa Barbara, CA. I hope that's a good thing, lol!
I placed a call to A woman named Laurie at Standards of Excellence Appliance Center about mid-afternoon. They are looking for a chef to do demos every other month. Andy, my neighbor called to tell me about it. The woman seemed very interested but was leaving on vacation so I have an interview June 1. It does pay, I am just not sure what it pays. Sandy thought the job was once a month, but Laurie said she changed it to every other month. We'll see what happens!
I made a Strawberry-Rhubarb Tart in the afternoon using puff pastry. I also mixed up some cookie dough (Fennel Spiced Cookies) that needed refrigeration before they could be baked. They have pine nuts placed decoratively on top. I also mixed up no-knead bread dough, making it a little drier than I usually do, just to see what changes occur in the final product.
Sandy, my neighbor, (or should I say my soon to be ex-neighbor) stopped in this morning to show me a recipe for Strawberry cookies. She got the recipe from Martha Stewart. She says they are fantastic. I'll have to give them a try. Sandy finished up my lemon bars and tried some of the mini Palmiers I made the day before. She thought maybe she should stop by every morning, lol.
Jordan thought I should take a dessert to Zozo's for them to sample. I did not have six inch cake tins, so I whipped up four inch chocolate cakes, with enough batter to make a Bundt cake too. I made little layer cakes (2) out of them, frosting them with a Chocolate Buttercream Cream Cheese frosting. They were cute, although once again I forgot to take pictures!! I did take one of the strawberry-rhubarb tart so I will come back to the blog and add that.
When I came down to breakfast this morning, there was a brand new Mac computer sitting on my placemat. It had a note that said, "Try me! Love, Jordan". Imagine my shock!! I have two weeks to decide if I like it or not. It will take some getting used to. Macs do not run the
same as a PC. So I did spend some time playing with the Mac and more time trying to straighten up my office. That will take some time I
think.
We did have dinner tonight at Zozo's and brought two 4-inch layer cakes with me. They got a very nice reception. The wait staff is really pulling for me, lol. It's very kind of them. Judy told me they are still working on figuring out what they pay. They are having computer issues. Again, it seems you do a lot of wait and see in this business and likely in most businesses. Gotta have faith it will all work out.
P. S. I finally did run out of quotes from my little book of inspirational thoughts. Just thought I'd let you know, lol.
I placed a call to A woman named Laurie at Standards of Excellence Appliance Center about mid-afternoon. They are looking for a chef to do demos every other month. Andy, my neighbor called to tell me about it. The woman seemed very interested but was leaving on vacation so I have an interview June 1. It does pay, I am just not sure what it pays. Sandy thought the job was once a month, but Laurie said she changed it to every other month. We'll see what happens!
I made a Strawberry-Rhubarb Tart in the afternoon using puff pastry. I also mixed up some cookie dough (Fennel Spiced Cookies) that needed refrigeration before they could be baked. They have pine nuts placed decoratively on top. I also mixed up no-knead bread dough, making it a little drier than I usually do, just to see what changes occur in the final product.
Sandy, my neighbor, (or should I say my soon to be ex-neighbor) stopped in this morning to show me a recipe for Strawberry cookies. She got the recipe from Martha Stewart. She says they are fantastic. I'll have to give them a try. Sandy finished up my lemon bars and tried some of the mini Palmiers I made the day before. She thought maybe she should stop by every morning, lol.
Jordan thought I should take a dessert to Zozo's for them to sample. I did not have six inch cake tins, so I whipped up four inch chocolate cakes, with enough batter to make a Bundt cake too. I made little layer cakes (2) out of them, frosting them with a Chocolate Buttercream Cream Cheese frosting. They were cute, although once again I forgot to take pictures!! I did take one of the strawberry-rhubarb tart so I will come back to the blog and add that.
When I came down to breakfast this morning, there was a brand new Mac computer sitting on my placemat. It had a note that said, "Try me! Love, Jordan". Imagine my shock!! I have two weeks to decide if I like it or not. It will take some getting used to. Macs do not run the
same as a PC. So I did spend some time playing with the Mac and more time trying to straighten up my office. That will take some time I
think.
We did have dinner tonight at Zozo's and brought two 4-inch layer cakes with me. They got a very nice reception. The wait staff is really pulling for me, lol. It's very kind of them. Judy told me they are still working on figuring out what they pay. They are having computer issues. Again, it seems you do a lot of wait and see in this business and likely in most businesses. Gotta have faith it will all work out.
P. S. I finally did run out of quotes from my little book of inspirational thoughts. Just thought I'd let you know, lol.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Funny how the cat determines how late Jordan and I sleep, lol. He wants one of us up at 5:30am to feed him (I think he is a Hobbit-with first breakfast, second breakfast, first lunch, etc..)then we need to be up by 8am. If Jordan is up, the cat thinks I should be too! So I was up before 8am, had a nice oatmeal breakfast (it's still cold!!) and got to work on website content. I finally wrote a note to the GoDaddy.com people stating I knew they needed information from me in order to put together a website, but I seem to be coming up with all the content and all the photos and the lay out of each page. What was I paying for?! We'll see what they say...
I had lunch with Ric today at (!!!) Arlington Gardens. He had a business proposition for me. Some of the Reno Silver Blade members would like me to cook (along with several others) at a fund raiser they are having next month. The club wants to sell tickets for a Friday evening meal, having fencing demonstrations and attempt to get volunteers for the Summer Nationals (for fencing) which are being held once again in Reno. I told him yes, that I would cook, but am not in a position to donate both ingredients and time, but that I would donate my time. He was agreeable to that and that I would also have the opportunity to feature my business. We'll see what the other people cooking would like to do before we decide what I will cook/bring. I also gave him some ideas of what needs to be done if he is going to sell food to the public (and do you serve drinks, etc along with dinner?). Lots for Ric to figure out and to do!
I stopped by Surgery Center of Reno after lunch. They had a check for me. Yeah!! nice to finally be making some money. I hope it continues to grow from here. I have one steady client with a second client with at least once a month work. Now I just need a few more clients! I am very thankful for the work I do have and that almost everyone has been very complimentary and encouraging.
I spent the rest of the afternoon working on web content. I am trying to develop a corporate menu for breakfast and lunch. I think I will start there. No sense jumping feet first into the deep end. I can always expand my menus. The personal chef menus are by example. Each client will be given meals tailored to their needs and desires, so it's easiest to just give examples of what I can do. And then there is the dilemma of making the same foods as everyone else. I think I would rather offer food that you don't see everyday without getting out of hand as far as ingredients and amount of work to be done. A little more refined, I guess, is what I am going for, tending toward my classic culinary training.
We had Beef Bourgoignon for dinner tonight. I made some extra yesterday. It was quite good, I think. My client liked it, Janell liked it and Jordan liked it. I had to add more meat to our meal, as I had a lot of leftover sauce, but not that much meat. It all worked out and everyone seems to be happy!
I like my new office. The cat apparently does too. He sleeps at my feet while I work on my computer. The afternoon sun, however, shines in so bright I cannot see my computer screen, so I will have to put something on the windows (Jordan never did put real blinds or curtains in here, just paper blinds on the bottom half of the windows). But that can wait a day or two.
I had lunch with Ric today at (!!!) Arlington Gardens. He had a business proposition for me. Some of the Reno Silver Blade members would like me to cook (along with several others) at a fund raiser they are having next month. The club wants to sell tickets for a Friday evening meal, having fencing demonstrations and attempt to get volunteers for the Summer Nationals (for fencing) which are being held once again in Reno. I told him yes, that I would cook, but am not in a position to donate both ingredients and time, but that I would donate my time. He was agreeable to that and that I would also have the opportunity to feature my business. We'll see what the other people cooking would like to do before we decide what I will cook/bring. I also gave him some ideas of what needs to be done if he is going to sell food to the public (and do you serve drinks, etc along with dinner?). Lots for Ric to figure out and to do!
I stopped by Surgery Center of Reno after lunch. They had a check for me. Yeah!! nice to finally be making some money. I hope it continues to grow from here. I have one steady client with a second client with at least once a month work. Now I just need a few more clients! I am very thankful for the work I do have and that almost everyone has been very complimentary and encouraging.
I spent the rest of the afternoon working on web content. I am trying to develop a corporate menu for breakfast and lunch. I think I will start there. No sense jumping feet first into the deep end. I can always expand my menus. The personal chef menus are by example. Each client will be given meals tailored to their needs and desires, so it's easiest to just give examples of what I can do. And then there is the dilemma of making the same foods as everyone else. I think I would rather offer food that you don't see everyday without getting out of hand as far as ingredients and amount of work to be done. A little more refined, I guess, is what I am going for, tending toward my classic culinary training.
We had Beef Bourgoignon for dinner tonight. I made some extra yesterday. It was quite good, I think. My client liked it, Janell liked it and Jordan liked it. I had to add more meat to our meal, as I had a lot of leftover sauce, but not that much meat. It all worked out and everyone seems to be happy!
I like my new office. The cat apparently does too. He sleeps at my feet while I work on my computer. The afternoon sun, however, shines in so bright I cannot see my computer screen, so I will have to put something on the windows (Jordan never did put real blinds or curtains in here, just paper blinds on the bottom half of the windows). But that can wait a day or two.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I was up early this morning in an effort to be more organized and efficient. Tuesdays are my personal chef day for MP. By this time, all the menus are chosen, I've printed out a grocery list, a copy of the recipes, reheating instructions for the recipes I am making that day as well as menu choices for the next week. On a good day, that is. I did most of the printing on Sunday evening before bed. Last night, I made sure my bags were packed with everything I needed. Ah Choo was into everything. He has been most unsettled since Jordan and I switched offices. He has to look at everything! This morning, he was sticking his head in each bag-"What's in here, where ya going?". Very distracting! So despite my best intentions to be organized and bring everything I need, AND checking my grocery list several times, I still managed to forget red bell peppers, couscous and mandarin oranges. I ended up going back to the store to get them. So I am blaming Ah Choo for distracting me, lol.
I was there all day. I made five meals this week: Pecan Crusted Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce (see why I needed those red peppers?!), Pasta with Sausage and Swiss Chard, Shrimp Scampi with Linguine, Red Wine Braised Chicken (he told me to forget about the couscous, but it would have gone with this entree), and Beef Bourgoignon. I found some spring red onions at Whole Foods, they are just what they say, young spring onions with a milder taste than most onions. I put those with the beef. I also made an Arugula and Mandarin Orange Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and a Mixed Green Salad with blackberries, endive and goat cheese dressed with a Viniagrette dressing. For dessert offerings this week, there is rice pudding made with arborio rice (the same rice used for risotto-makes the rice pudding SO much creamier) and Strawberry Fool. What is a Strawberry Fool, you ask? It's an English dessert that can be made with a variety of fruits and whipped cream. I just happened to have lots of strawberries. You puree your fruit wi a little bit of sugar. Now if I was really good, I would have run it through a sieve to get rid of the seeds, but I didn't... Now set that aside. Whip up some whipping cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form. Now pour in the pureed strawberries and swirl it throughout the whipped cream. Put it in a pretty glass and you are done. A surprisingly light dessert what with the whipped cream and all. To make it a little less caloric, I added Greek Gods Honey Strawberry yogurt (love that stuff!). Very yum!
When I got back home, I found I had forgotten my house key and so couldn't get in the house!! I called Jordan and he came home to let me in. Haven't done THAT in a long time. That darn cat, Ah Choo, made me forget my keys, lol (just kidding). It was dinner and early to bed for me. Great cooking day today!
I was there all day. I made five meals this week: Pecan Crusted Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce (see why I needed those red peppers?!), Pasta with Sausage and Swiss Chard, Shrimp Scampi with Linguine, Red Wine Braised Chicken (he told me to forget about the couscous, but it would have gone with this entree), and Beef Bourgoignon. I found some spring red onions at Whole Foods, they are just what they say, young spring onions with a milder taste than most onions. I put those with the beef. I also made an Arugula and Mandarin Orange Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and a Mixed Green Salad with blackberries, endive and goat cheese dressed with a Viniagrette dressing. For dessert offerings this week, there is rice pudding made with arborio rice (the same rice used for risotto-makes the rice pudding SO much creamier) and Strawberry Fool. What is a Strawberry Fool, you ask? It's an English dessert that can be made with a variety of fruits and whipped cream. I just happened to have lots of strawberries. You puree your fruit wi a little bit of sugar. Now if I was really good, I would have run it through a sieve to get rid of the seeds, but I didn't... Now set that aside. Whip up some whipping cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form. Now pour in the pureed strawberries and swirl it throughout the whipped cream. Put it in a pretty glass and you are done. A surprisingly light dessert what with the whipped cream and all. To make it a little less caloric, I added Greek Gods Honey Strawberry yogurt (love that stuff!). Very yum!
When I got back home, I found I had forgotten my house key and so couldn't get in the house!! I called Jordan and he came home to let me in. Haven't done THAT in a long time. That darn cat, Ah Choo, made me forget my keys, lol (just kidding). It was dinner and early to bed for me. Great cooking day today!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Here we are, another Monday morning. It started out a leisurely day, until I got a phone call from Rachael K, the other personal chef from the same personal chef program I took. She told me she had a client for me, a nurse, and gave me her name and number. (Rachael had a baby boy by the way). I called Lyn, the nurse, who was actually calling for her neighbors, an elderly couple who needed some help. The husband is diabetic and the wife just had a heart attack and is getting out of the hospital at the end of the week. She asked if I could email her a sample menu to show them. I did that, which took a small chunk of time. We'll see now if I actually hear from them.
I did laundry also, but before I knew it, it was 12:30pm and time to pick up Janell so I could take her to her back procedure. I didn't realize it was going to take so long. I had decided to wait, which is fine, but while I was waiting, one of the patients turned on the TV and was watching one of the reality talk TV shows where the guests have huge personal issues (pregnancy, fighting, cheating, etc). I almost said, "really? You want to watch this trash?". But I didn't. But it made for a LONG wait! Poor Janell came out and told me they had done a bilateral procedure on three levels. Ouch! I took her home and picking up some "lunch" (late lunch) then took her prescription to the pharmacy. Had to wait for that, so I did some errands. Ended up getting home close to 7pm! Ah, well....
Dinner was a quick pasta (we tried some gluten free pasta we had found in a store in Santa Barbara on our last trip. The taste was good, but the texture was not the same. I mixed it with some sautéed onions and grape tomatoes and garlic. It turned out nicely, although it was so cold today, I could have made chili or a hearty soup! I did a couple things on the computer but now it's time for bed.
I did laundry also, but before I knew it, it was 12:30pm and time to pick up Janell so I could take her to her back procedure. I didn't realize it was going to take so long. I had decided to wait, which is fine, but while I was waiting, one of the patients turned on the TV and was watching one of the reality talk TV shows where the guests have huge personal issues (pregnancy, fighting, cheating, etc). I almost said, "really? You want to watch this trash?". But I didn't. But it made for a LONG wait! Poor Janell came out and told me they had done a bilateral procedure on three levels. Ouch! I took her home and picking up some "lunch" (late lunch) then took her prescription to the pharmacy. Had to wait for that, so I did some errands. Ended up getting home close to 7pm! Ah, well....
Dinner was a quick pasta (we tried some gluten free pasta we had found in a store in Santa Barbara on our last trip. The taste was good, but the texture was not the same. I mixed it with some sautéed onions and grape tomatoes and garlic. It turned out nicely, although it was so cold today, I could have made chili or a hearty soup! I did a couple things on the computer but now it's time for bed.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday Jordan and I spent most of the day packing up our offices and moving. Me downstairs, Jordan upstairs, each of us taking care of our own "stuff" unless we needed help moving something heavy (I needed more help than he did, lol). There is a little more room downstairs and I think all my cooking things will fit nicely once I get some shelving units. Gotta keep organized! Saturday evening I think we were too tired to do much of anything but eat dinner, talk and listen to classical music (Jordan's favorite). we did not get the wall outside painted like we were suppose to because of the chance of rain Saturday. Hopefully this next week it will get done. Jordan had the concrete block wall stuccoed then painted but the original color they used was too pink. SO, this next color is closer to the house color so should look nice.
Sunday we slept in (nice!). Jordan made breakfast-steak and eggs. He does a nice job with breakfast and makes the prettiest fruit plates I've ever seen! I did a little shopping with Janell, then came home to make my vegetable dish and assemble the cake for Ric's birthday. He asked for an angel food cake with whipped cream frosting then wanted the cake studded with strawberries. All kinds of visions came into my head about what that would look like, so I came up with my own version, lol. I frosted the cake with a combination of whipped cream and cream cheese, the slice large strawberries in half and lined them pointed side up along the bottom of the cake. Then I cut up with rest of the strawberries and mixed them with some Grand Marnier liquer and brown sugar and filled the center of the angel food cake with them so they mounded up on the top of the cake and "spilled" over onto the top of the cake. Everyone seemed to like it! My vegetable dish used sautéed onions, eggplant, zucchini and yellow squash in a casserole. It was held together with a mix of eggs, cream, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese, then baked. Nice flavor! A good time was had by all at Ric's birthday party.
Now it's bedtime. Tomorrow is another day, as Scarlet O'hara would say.
Sunday we slept in (nice!). Jordan made breakfast-steak and eggs. He does a nice job with breakfast and makes the prettiest fruit plates I've ever seen! I did a little shopping with Janell, then came home to make my vegetable dish and assemble the cake for Ric's birthday. He asked for an angel food cake with whipped cream frosting then wanted the cake studded with strawberries. All kinds of visions came into my head about what that would look like, so I came up with my own version, lol. I frosted the cake with a combination of whipped cream and cream cheese, the slice large strawberries in half and lined them pointed side up along the bottom of the cake. Then I cut up with rest of the strawberries and mixed them with some Grand Marnier liquer and brown sugar and filled the center of the angel food cake with them so they mounded up on the top of the cake and "spilled" over onto the top of the cake. Everyone seemed to like it! My vegetable dish used sautéed onions, eggplant, zucchini and yellow squash in a casserole. It was held together with a mix of eggs, cream, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese, then baked. Nice flavor! A good time was had by all at Ric's birthday party.
Now it's bedtime. Tomorrow is another day, as Scarlet O'hara would say.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
It seemed a little strange yesterday and today not having anything scheduled to do. Then you have to think of things for yourself to do, lol! I have been working on getting my website up and running and finally got so frustrated, I called goDaddy.com (I bought my web domain from them) to ask them to do it (something Jordan suggested I do from the beginning). Hopefully it will be up and running in the next few weeks. It was interesting looking at other people's websites and seeing what they do and how their websites are set up. The website I liked the most was www.voilacatering.com. They come the closest to what I want to do. Being a Personal Chef let's me do a variety of things, not just cook in people's homes. I like that.
I told Bill, the referral from Nothing To It, that I could not take him on as a client. I had talked with Jay Bushman (who owns Nothing To It) as well as two of my friends, who suggested that even though it might sound counter intuitive to turn away business, sometimes you have to do that when people do not want to pay for your time. Bill (a retired lawyer by his report) only wanted to pay $15-18 a dinner but wanted a meat, a starch, a vegetable and a salad for that price. And he did not want me cooking at his home, which would have meant working in a commercial kitchen, costing me money. He wanted me to cook at my home and bring it over. He said he wouldn't tell if I didn't. Not a very honest approach and should some thing have happened to him, I am sure he would have complained to the Health Dept. Oh, well, other business will come my way.
I did some baking yesterday, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies for one of the waiters down at Zozo's. Those are his favorite and as he is trying to help me convince Judy that she should buy my desserts, I thought I would pay him in cookies. He thought that was a wonderful idea, lol.
Other than that, I have been trying to work on menus for future partnership meetings at SCOR and on corporate offerings. I need to develop a pamphlet I can drop off with doctor's offices (and someone suggested lawyer's offices but I think I'll talk to my friend John before I do that)
to solicit business, either from them or their patients. Lots and lots to do. I'm not used to having to think of different things I can do to try
and get new business but that's all part of the "biz".
Jordan and I are going to exchange office space this weekend. That should be interesting! Wish us luck!
I told Bill, the referral from Nothing To It, that I could not take him on as a client. I had talked with Jay Bushman (who owns Nothing To It) as well as two of my friends, who suggested that even though it might sound counter intuitive to turn away business, sometimes you have to do that when people do not want to pay for your time. Bill (a retired lawyer by his report) only wanted to pay $15-18 a dinner but wanted a meat, a starch, a vegetable and a salad for that price. And he did not want me cooking at his home, which would have meant working in a commercial kitchen, costing me money. He wanted me to cook at my home and bring it over. He said he wouldn't tell if I didn't. Not a very honest approach and should some thing have happened to him, I am sure he would have complained to the Health Dept. Oh, well, other business will come my way.
I did some baking yesterday, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies for one of the waiters down at Zozo's. Those are his favorite and as he is trying to help me convince Judy that she should buy my desserts, I thought I would pay him in cookies. He thought that was a wonderful idea, lol.
Other than that, I have been trying to work on menus for future partnership meetings at SCOR and on corporate offerings. I need to develop a pamphlet I can drop off with doctor's offices (and someone suggested lawyer's offices but I think I'll talk to my friend John before I do that)
to solicit business, either from them or their patients. Lots and lots to do. I'm not used to having to think of different things I can do to try
and get new business but that's all part of the "biz".
Jordan and I are going to exchange office space this weekend. That should be interesting! Wish us luck!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Ah Cho decided I needed to be up early this morning. Not that he said anything but rather that he played "hockey" on the bed around me rather than being a good kitty and laying down on the bed with me, or more desirable, laid down OUTSIDE the bedroom! I was up at 5:30am. SO, I showered, ate breakfast, then baked the rest of the chocolate chip cookies for SCOR. I baked 1200 cookies in the last week. I'm not tired of baking but it sure would be nice to bake something else, lol. I also will be doing the July Marketing gift for SCOR. I'll be making little tarts (red, white and blue for 4th of July). One dozen per office, and I am guessing it will be 30 offices. The staff tell me I should be getting lots of calls, as the office staff seem very taken with my services. Time will tell...
I finally got into my office and put a lot of things away, threw away some things, rearranged the room and started organizing my paperwork. It felt good! I guess this weekend Jordan and I will be trading office space. Yeah! Although that means giving up closet space. Bummer...
I also talked with Jesse, from Bank of America about taking credit cards. Everyone is saying with this economy, you can get more business if you take credit cards. I can even do it using my cell phone, as long as the cell phone has Internet access. Way cool! And it's not as expensive as I thought it was going to be. We'll see if business picks up.
At 5:15pm, I left to meet Nita (she's the scheduler at SCOR) at Jungle Vino for a glass of wine. We had a nice chat. Nita has a good head on her shoulders.
I have a website through GoDaddy.com and so decided to work on that after I got home (no Jordan until about 8pm). It seems that once I put the name of my business in the system, the system decided I was a dog grooming business. Haven't been about to change that so have been doing all of it manually. Oh, boy!
More of the same tomorrow!
I finally got into my office and put a lot of things away, threw away some things, rearranged the room and started organizing my paperwork. It felt good! I guess this weekend Jordan and I will be trading office space. Yeah! Although that means giving up closet space. Bummer...
I also talked with Jesse, from Bank of America about taking credit cards. Everyone is saying with this economy, you can get more business if you take credit cards. I can even do it using my cell phone, as long as the cell phone has Internet access. Way cool! And it's not as expensive as I thought it was going to be. We'll see if business picks up.
At 5:15pm, I left to meet Nita (she's the scheduler at SCOR) at Jungle Vino for a glass of wine. We had a nice chat. Nita has a good head on her shoulders.
I have a website through GoDaddy.com and so decided to work on that after I got home (no Jordan until about 8pm). It seems that once I put the name of my business in the system, the system decided I was a dog grooming business. Haven't been about to change that so have been doing all of it manually. Oh, boy!
More of the same tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Up early again today. I needed to bake little plum galettes (Tarts) before going to my Personal Chef job today. I made some for my client and some for me! I think they turned out well (I'll come back and add a picture tomorrow-I'm behind on my picture posting!)!
I feel like I was better organized today than last week and I've rearranged where I put my "to go stuff" to hopefully make it easier on myself. Of course, today was an easier day. I only had to make four meals today! Piece of cake, lol! I went shopping at Whole Foods and getting around the store a little easier, finding my way around. Today I made Beer Brined grilled Pork chops, Balsamic Braised Chicken Thighs, Turkey Vegetable Herb Loaf, Chicken with White Beans and Spinach, Jasmine Rice, Grilled Asparagus and steamed broccoli and cauliflower. It all seemed to turn out well. Whenever I want to try a recipe, I buy a little extra (at my expense, not my client's) so that I can take some home. The turkey loaf was especially yummy today!! I was actually out of the kitchen a little after 3pm!
I took seven boxes of cookies to SCOR, then came home. I did not bake cookies this afternoon, I'll finish them in the morning. I did make a quick dinner using the turkey loaf from today, along with making mashed potatoes and steaming some broccoli. Jordan loved it! Considering he had a difficult day, good food always seems to make the day better.
Hopefully over the next several days, I will get my office cleaned and organized. And take some clothes, etc to the Salvation Army. And hopefully finish my website, and get some work done on the computer! And make up some menus for use in the future. A girl can dream, can't she?!
I feel like I was better organized today than last week and I've rearranged where I put my "to go stuff" to hopefully make it easier on myself. Of course, today was an easier day. I only had to make four meals today! Piece of cake, lol! I went shopping at Whole Foods and getting around the store a little easier, finding my way around. Today I made Beer Brined grilled Pork chops, Balsamic Braised Chicken Thighs, Turkey Vegetable Herb Loaf, Chicken with White Beans and Spinach, Jasmine Rice, Grilled Asparagus and steamed broccoli and cauliflower. It all seemed to turn out well. Whenever I want to try a recipe, I buy a little extra (at my expense, not my client's) so that I can take some home. The turkey loaf was especially yummy today!! I was actually out of the kitchen a little after 3pm!
I took seven boxes of cookies to SCOR, then came home. I did not bake cookies this afternoon, I'll finish them in the morning. I did make a quick dinner using the turkey loaf from today, along with making mashed potatoes and steaming some broccoli. Jordan loved it! Considering he had a difficult day, good food always seems to make the day better.
Hopefully over the next several days, I will get my office cleaned and organized. And take some clothes, etc to the Salvation Army. And hopefully finish my website, and get some work done on the computer! And make up some menus for use in the future. A girl can dream, can't she?!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
I was up early this morning. Ate breakfast, loafer a bit, then headed out the door with my seven big boxes of 4 dozen cookies each and ten tall boxes of 2 dozen cookies each, dropped them off at SCOR, then headed to the grocery store to buy flour and brown sugar. After the grocery store, I went to the bank to open a business checking account. That took almost an Blair and a half! They were nice though,so it wasn't too bad.
After the bank, it was back home, lunch and another start on cookie baking. I figured out by the time I am done, I will have baked 1200 ( it was 1500 originally but Anne changed the order)! At the end of the afternoon, I had filled seven boxes, so only three more to go (don't know why I didn't get the numbers straight yesterday!). I have more dough mixed but I just couldn't bake any more cookies today! Tomorrow!
I will be working again tomorrow on my Personal Chef job. Hopefully I will be more organized and it will be a shorter day! Should be, only four meals to do instead of six.
Bill, the elderly gentleman called me back. He only wants to pay $15-18 for a meal of meat, potatoes or rice, a veggie and a salad. So we are both trying to think what each of us are willing to do. He'll call in a couple of days to talk again. Yikes! We'll see. I need to think about what I am willing to do. But not tonight!
After the bank, it was back home, lunch and another start on cookie baking. I figured out by the time I am done, I will have baked 1200 ( it was 1500 originally but Anne changed the order)! At the end of the afternoon, I had filled seven boxes, so only three more to go (don't know why I didn't get the numbers straight yesterday!). I have more dough mixed but I just couldn't bake any more cookies today! Tomorrow!
I will be working again tomorrow on my Personal Chef job. Hopefully I will be more organized and it will be a shorter day! Should be, only four meals to do instead of six.
Bill, the elderly gentleman called me back. He only wants to pay $15-18 for a meal of meat, potatoes or rice, a veggie and a salad. So we are both trying to think what each of us are willing to do. He'll call in a couple of days to talk again. Yikes! We'll see. I need to think about what I am willing to do. But not tonight!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
It was kinda cold today! It did not rain though. We got up late, had breakfast and then I went to Walmart to get more eggs and pecans. Can't make cookies without those two things, at least I can't make the chocolate chip cookies I have been making.
When I got back, I started in baking cookies again. I made an additional seven boxes today, all containing four dozen cookies. I am almost done!! I miss counted so only have six more boxes to go. It hasn't been bad though, because I love baking!
After dinner, Jordan asked me what I was going to do with the baby lemons and limes I bought last week. Good question! So I got out my recipe books and found two recipes to try. One was for a lemon cake from the San Francisco paper, that Michael had given me years ago. As I remember, it was quite good! So that's one recipe. (I ended up with more juice and zest that I thought I was going to get!) So I am making lemon bars also. They sound yummy but this will be a new recipe. So after baking cookies most of the day, I am now baking lemon dessert for recreational purposes, lol. Ah, well, it is fun, for me anyway. I realize now everyone likes to bake or cook for that matter.
No word today from Bill, the man who wanted five meals a week cooked for him. Ca La Vie! (just pretend you can speak French and I can spell in French!)
When I got back, I started in baking cookies again. I made an additional seven boxes today, all containing four dozen cookies. I am almost done!! I miss counted so only have six more boxes to go. It hasn't been bad though, because I love baking!
After dinner, Jordan asked me what I was going to do with the baby lemons and limes I bought last week. Good question! So I got out my recipe books and found two recipes to try. One was for a lemon cake from the San Francisco paper, that Michael had given me years ago. As I remember, it was quite good! So that's one recipe. (I ended up with more juice and zest that I thought I was going to get!) So I am making lemon bars also. They sound yummy but this will be a new recipe. So after baking cookies most of the day, I am now baking lemon dessert for recreational purposes, lol. Ah, well, it is fun, for me anyway. I realize now everyone likes to bake or cook for that matter.
No word today from Bill, the man who wanted five meals a week cooked for him. Ca La Vie! (just pretend you can speak French and I can spell in French!)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
"Through love, through friendship, A heart lives more than one life.". -Anais Nin
Today was the day of the cookie. We slept in this morning, both of us more tired than we realized. After breakfast, I started mixing more chocolate chip cookie dough. I am in the process of making almost 1500 cookies! 20 boxes of four dozen cookies each and 10 boxes of two dozen cookies each. A LOT of cookies! Mixing the dough is the easy part. Although there really is no hard part to making cookies. I have a small scoop I use to scoop them out, making them, one, of a consistent sized; and two, making them "pretty". After my last cookie scoop stripped it's gears, I bought another one. Jordan did fix the first cookie scoop but now is not the time to find out it no longer works!
My sister, Janell, came over with her wire cooling racks and the bowl to her Kitchenaid to see if I could speed things up a bit. She also brought lunch-Burger King. I can't even remember the last time I had Burger King! We decided to take a break and go look at Kohl's for cooking and serving pieces. I bought two small square bar cookie trays, a medium sized platter, some other serving pieces and socks (and PJs). It was a nice break.
All in all, I made 200 cookies today before I ran out of eggs. Only 1300 more to go, lol. (Oh, no!!!). I'll start again tomorrow.
I did get a call from the gentleman Lara told me about yesterday-Bill. I told him what I did, how much I charged, etc. He says he needs to think about it. He wants fresh meals every day, which means cooking twice a week for him. He also does not want me to cook at his house, I think I can accommodate him. So I'll wait to hear back from him tomorrow. Dr. Lynch also sent me a nice note, complimenting my cooking from Thursday evening. That was very nice of him. We'll see what work he brings my way. Now all I need to do (besides bake cookies) is organize my office.
I roasted pork for dinner tonight with a little Cranberry-Port sauce that was extra from Thursday, made some rice and had broccoli as a side. Very good dinner! And now it's bed time!
Today was the day of the cookie. We slept in this morning, both of us more tired than we realized. After breakfast, I started mixing more chocolate chip cookie dough. I am in the process of making almost 1500 cookies! 20 boxes of four dozen cookies each and 10 boxes of two dozen cookies each. A LOT of cookies! Mixing the dough is the easy part. Although there really is no hard part to making cookies. I have a small scoop I use to scoop them out, making them, one, of a consistent sized; and two, making them "pretty". After my last cookie scoop stripped it's gears, I bought another one. Jordan did fix the first cookie scoop but now is not the time to find out it no longer works!
My sister, Janell, came over with her wire cooling racks and the bowl to her Kitchenaid to see if I could speed things up a bit. She also brought lunch-Burger King. I can't even remember the last time I had Burger King! We decided to take a break and go look at Kohl's for cooking and serving pieces. I bought two small square bar cookie trays, a medium sized platter, some other serving pieces and socks (and PJs). It was a nice break.
All in all, I made 200 cookies today before I ran out of eggs. Only 1300 more to go, lol. (Oh, no!!!). I'll start again tomorrow.
I did get a call from the gentleman Lara told me about yesterday-Bill. I told him what I did, how much I charged, etc. He says he needs to think about it. He wants fresh meals every day, which means cooking twice a week for him. He also does not want me to cook at his house, I think I can accommodate him. So I'll wait to hear back from him tomorrow. Dr. Lynch also sent me a nice note, complimenting my cooking from Thursday evening. That was very nice of him. We'll see what work he brings my way. Now all I need to do (besides bake cookies) is organize my office.
I roasted pork for dinner tonight with a little Cranberry-Port sauce that was extra from Thursday, made some rice and had broccoli as a side. Very good dinner! And now it's bed time!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
I was up early this morning, making sure I had everything I needed. It was much easier this morning than yesterday, a good sign! I packed up all my "stuff", went over to Walmart to pick up last minute supplies (a BIG container for salad-ended up going with an aluminum roaster), an extra clear container for a second Strawberry Triffle, chives, paper towels, Clorox Disinfectant wipes, another container that was meant for ice, but would hold salad, etc, if needed. I came back to the house, made a second triffle, then headed out the door to NTI. Uneventful ride down there-didn't forget anything yet! I started off making kabobs-they were going to take the longer to make and to cook. I almost forgot the veggie kabobs (which should have been done first, but oh, well)! Got those made. Baked the beef kabobs as I made them, roasted at 350 degrees. Mixed the Orzo and put it in an aluminum pan and mixed in the lemon juice and zest, chives and olive oil. I put the salad together, then it was out the door, without cleaning, so I could get the food to SCOR in a timely fashion. I made it to SCOR on time but discovered I had forgotten the dessert! I ended up going back to NTI to pock up dessert and to cleanup my mess. Then went back to SCOR and visited for a while. Like old home week!
I got home around can 2pm, had a nice lunch and worked on my computer. Jordan took me out to dinner tonight because I had been cooking all week for other people. We went to Zozo's. Had a very nice time! Still no word from Judy about making desserts for Zozo's.
I got home around can 2pm, had a nice lunch and worked on my computer. Jordan took me out to dinner tonight because I had been cooking all week for other people. We went to Zozo's. Had a very nice time! Still no word from Judy about making desserts for Zozo's.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Behind again! I thought yesterday might be a quieter day, but I spent time on the computer making sure I'd have everything ready for today. And dispute making a double batch of cookies, I was only able to fill four boxes. Only 26 more to go, lol! Ah Choo is definitely feeling neglected. As I write this, he has his head propped on my leg and is turned toward me so I can rub his tummy. Very cute. Now if I could only get a picture, lol. I made my dessert for tonight last night. The Pear and Honey Custard Tart. I was up til midnight trying to get it done!
This morning, I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, chatted with the office girls (I need to schmooze with lots of people!), then went to Nothing To It (NTI) at 10:15am. The hygienist, Kim, is quite nice. I was a little stressed having to pack up the car for NTI before I went to the dentist, hoping I didn't forget anything! But as Jay reminded me, catering is a list-oriented profession. I think he's right. I have GOT to get more organized! It will come, though, it will come.
I prepped my beef for marinade, so they would marinate overnight. I had found 2 gallon-sized Baggie's but they seemed flimsy, so Jay ( the owner of NTI) gave me some gallon sized freezer bags I could put the meat and the marinade in a disposable bag. (Note to self: buy freezer bags and a roll of paper towels and some disinfecting wipes.). There really wasn't time for anything else before the lunch rush. I met a woman there, Linda, who helps Jay with catering and waitresses at lunch and does the baking for the deli. She and her husband live in Truckee. They used to own a BBQ business (which is where they met Jay and Lara), but all the health Dept fees help drive them outnof business. Nnowmshe wantsmto be a personal chef!! She would work the Truckee/Tahoe area. Interesting. As a personal chef, you have fewer restrictions on you because you work in your client's home. She seems very nice. Even gave me a few pointers!
I left NTI, and came back home to do a little prep and check my recipes and supplies. I couldn't go back to NTI after the lunch rush. At 2:30pm, I headed out the door. After arriving at NTI, I put a large pot of waternon to boil so I could make the Orzo for tomorrow. Then I started my rice for the partnership meeting, then browned my pork roast on one of the stove tops and put it in the oven to roast ( with a little salt and pepper). I have a new Fagor 3 in 1 machine that is a rice maker, a pressure cooker and a crock pot. You can also brown in it. It is
SO cool! I will definitely use this a lot! My roast took longer to cook than I thought it would but I have to be careful to get the internal temperature upmto 140 degrees F with pork. Gotta be safe! Once that was done, it was on to the Cranberry-Port Sauce made in the same pan I roasted the pork in. And while doing all this, make sure I clean and wash my own dishes! I forgot my recipes in the afternoon because I had taken them out for review but I remembered most of it so everything turned out ok.
I did manage to get out by 5:30pm, but I had to go home and get my chaffing dish, the salad and the dessert. I JUST made it to SCOR on
time! Anne had a table already set up so it worked out well. I saw Dr. West and Dr Dan Sorensen, the doctor who took over from Sammy Zamzam as medical director. I got hugs from everyone. I set up and left. I went home and did more prep work for tomorrow morning.
Anne called me after the board meeting and told me everyone LOVED the meal, especially Dr Lynch, who wants to hire me as a personal chef! Yeah! The board also voted to have me do all their dinners, lol. And my other client likes his meals also, so everything this week has been successful! Hallelujah!
I am excited but tired, so off to bed for me. I need to get going early tomorrow so I can get everything done. Wish me luck!!
This morning, I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, chatted with the office girls (I need to schmooze with lots of people!), then went to Nothing To It (NTI) at 10:15am. The hygienist, Kim, is quite nice. I was a little stressed having to pack up the car for NTI before I went to the dentist, hoping I didn't forget anything! But as Jay reminded me, catering is a list-oriented profession. I think he's right. I have GOT to get more organized! It will come, though, it will come.
I prepped my beef for marinade, so they would marinate overnight. I had found 2 gallon-sized Baggie's but they seemed flimsy, so Jay ( the owner of NTI) gave me some gallon sized freezer bags I could put the meat and the marinade in a disposable bag. (Note to self: buy freezer bags and a roll of paper towels and some disinfecting wipes.). There really wasn't time for anything else before the lunch rush. I met a woman there, Linda, who helps Jay with catering and waitresses at lunch and does the baking for the deli. She and her husband live in Truckee. They used to own a BBQ business (which is where they met Jay and Lara), but all the health Dept fees help drive them outnof business. Nnowmshe wantsmto be a personal chef!! She would work the Truckee/Tahoe area. Interesting. As a personal chef, you have fewer restrictions on you because you work in your client's home. She seems very nice. Even gave me a few pointers!
I left NTI, and came back home to do a little prep and check my recipes and supplies. I couldn't go back to NTI after the lunch rush. At 2:30pm, I headed out the door. After arriving at NTI, I put a large pot of waternon to boil so I could make the Orzo for tomorrow. Then I started my rice for the partnership meeting, then browned my pork roast on one of the stove tops and put it in the oven to roast ( with a little salt and pepper). I have a new Fagor 3 in 1 machine that is a rice maker, a pressure cooker and a crock pot. You can also brown in it. It is
SO cool! I will definitely use this a lot! My roast took longer to cook than I thought it would but I have to be careful to get the internal temperature upmto 140 degrees F with pork. Gotta be safe! Once that was done, it was on to the Cranberry-Port Sauce made in the same pan I roasted the pork in. And while doing all this, make sure I clean and wash my own dishes! I forgot my recipes in the afternoon because I had taken them out for review but I remembered most of it so everything turned out ok.
I did manage to get out by 5:30pm, but I had to go home and get my chaffing dish, the salad and the dessert. I JUST made it to SCOR on
time! Anne had a table already set up so it worked out well. I saw Dr. West and Dr Dan Sorensen, the doctor who took over from Sammy Zamzam as medical director. I got hugs from everyone. I set up and left. I went home and did more prep work for tomorrow morning.
Anne called me after the board meeting and told me everyone LOVED the meal, especially Dr Lynch, who wants to hire me as a personal chef! Yeah! The board also voted to have me do all their dinners, lol. And my other client likes his meals also, so everything this week has been successful! Hallelujah!
I am excited but tired, so off to bed for me. I need to get going early tomorrow so I can get everything done. Wish me luck!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I was not exactly up early for work today, but I was up and around before 7am. I made breakfast, starting packing up my gear for my first personal chef job, making sure I had everything I needed. I could not seem to get out the door before 9am, however! I arrived at Whole Foods about 9:15am or so and started shopping. I don't shop there a lot so it sometimes took me a long time to find what I needed. Several times I had to ask where a certain something was. I arrived at my client's house about 10:45am and unpacked the car, then unpacked the groceries and my equipment.
I had six entrees to make, about 8 side dishes and one dessert. I was not fast today, nor was I totally organized but that was helpful in pointing out some things I need to work on, like packing better. I am not very mobile yet so I have some work to do!
I just kept up slow and steady. I made Chicken with pancetta and sun-dried tomatoes, poached salmon in a creamy mushroom sauce, beef kabobs with peanut sauce, Turkey saltimbocca, Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Farro with butternut squash and chestnuts. Some were easy, some were harder but I think they all turned out well. I took a picture of the carbonara so I'll post that tomorrow. I was so slow that Michael came home from work before I was done, so one of his meals was a la minute ( made after he walked in the door!). He was very complimentary. And I had fun today!
But after dinner (and a run to the store for Janell, who hurtnher back), it's time for bed. I'm exhausticated again! All in all a good day, a good learning experience and hopefully Michael got some good meals out of this!
I had six entrees to make, about 8 side dishes and one dessert. I was not fast today, nor was I totally organized but that was helpful in pointing out some things I need to work on, like packing better. I am not very mobile yet so I have some work to do!
I just kept up slow and steady. I made Chicken with pancetta and sun-dried tomatoes, poached salmon in a creamy mushroom sauce, beef kabobs with peanut sauce, Turkey saltimbocca, Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Farro with butternut squash and chestnuts. Some were easy, some were harder but I think they all turned out well. I took a picture of the carbonara so I'll post that tomorrow. I was so slow that Michael came home from work before I was done, so one of his meals was a la minute ( made after he walked in the door!). He was very complimentary. And I had fun today!
But after dinner (and a run to the store for Janell, who hurtnher back), it's time for bed. I'm exhausticated again! All in all a good day, a good learning experience and hopefully Michael got some good meals out of this!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday was the first nice day in a while. Both Jordan and I spent the morning on the computer (he for his students and me working with MenuMagic). We went out for a drive in the afternoon. The afternoon was gorgeous. There is still a lot of snow up in the mountains-six feet or more in some places. The sun reflecting off the snow covered mountains makes the snow look like meringue! A by-product of being wind whipped and melting, I am sure. We drove up to Donner Lake because Jordan wanted to touch the meringue for himself. And indeed the snow looks much different than we expected. It is coarse and even a chunk of snow looks likes diamonds reflecting off the sun. Amazing!
We drove to Lake Tahoe next via Truckee and Hwy 89. Very pretty drive and not too far away. We stopped at the CalNeva so Jordan could look at the facility for potential use for a seminar. Old, old facility, half in Nevada and half in California! We had a glass of wine there then came home.
Today I spent a lot of time on the computer, making sure all my paperwork was in order for the three jobs I have this week. I was going to start making cookies but it's a good thing I didn't! Anne emailed me in the afternoon saying she wanted all chocolate chip cookies, no variety packs. Oh, well, it will still be fun (1500 cookies and all). I did talk to Jay from Nothing To It. He is still on board with letting me use the kitchen at NTI. I think I have a mentor too, lol. I can use all the help I can get! I talked to my mom, too.
I ran some errands and stopped off in the Dollar Store, just to see what they had. I found some containers and a few other things. Always interesting to see what you can find! I spent part of the afternoon looking at recipes and reading about wine. Tomorrow I start my first day of work. How exciting! :-).
I did mix up cookie dough tonight. I am going to let it sit in the fridge to "age" until tomorrow, then start baking. From what I have read of late, cookie dough that is left in the fridge for up to three days is much better than dough baked right after it is mixed. We'll see!
We drove to Lake Tahoe next via Truckee and Hwy 89. Very pretty drive and not too far away. We stopped at the CalNeva so Jordan could look at the facility for potential use for a seminar. Old, old facility, half in Nevada and half in California! We had a glass of wine there then came home.
Today I spent a lot of time on the computer, making sure all my paperwork was in order for the three jobs I have this week. I was going to start making cookies but it's a good thing I didn't! Anne emailed me in the afternoon saying she wanted all chocolate chip cookies, no variety packs. Oh, well, it will still be fun (1500 cookies and all). I did talk to Jay from Nothing To It. He is still on board with letting me use the kitchen at NTI. I think I have a mentor too, lol. I can use all the help I can get! I talked to my mom, too.
I ran some errands and stopped off in the Dollar Store, just to see what they had. I found some containers and a few other things. Always interesting to see what you can find! I spent part of the afternoon looking at recipes and reading about wine. Tomorrow I start my first day of work. How exciting! :-).
I did mix up cookie dough tonight. I am going to let it sit in the fridge to "age" until tomorrow, then start baking. From what I have read of late, cookie dough that is left in the fridge for up to three days is much better than dough baked right after it is mixed. We'll see!
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