My name is Renee I'm now a mostly stay at home mom, who does get out to the world of adults at least once a week for a few short perfect hours to teach a cooking class or two. I fell into becoming a chef. No really..my mom took me to a open house at the California Culinary Academy because I was doing nothing but ditching community college classes, babysitting and going to the beach..oh and watching the newest channel on cable, the food network..ever heard of it? Well next thing I knew I was in the admissions office changing my life's course. I always wanted a restaurant and one day It will be part of my plan but 3 little things changed that and I fell into culinary teaching which I LOVE!
So I've always loved to cook. from the early ages of not having eggs in the house to still making what I called an "omelet" and my amazing mom eating it every time. Thank god I did not kill her back then with that shit she had to eat. I usually baked and made a few things here or there. Had a collection of cookbooks that were gifted to me over the years, and handled my stress in life by getting in the kitchen! I'd bake to celebrate, I'd cook to improve my dads health or lose some weight myself. I'd whip up some apps for a drunken night with my friends, hangover chocolate chip pancakes or make a souffle just because I was alone with my dog in a new house with nothing to do. now don't go breaking out the tissues just yet..I have had an easy life compared to most. A few heartbreaks, some close calls with my loved ones health, but a full and blessed life is the result so I'm good with that! I just cooked to get through all of it!
I'm now 33 years old and a mom to 3..yes 3 kids! I have a 13, 11 and almost 5 year old. 2 were my gift with purchase of my hubby and one was my own little creation. I love them all to the ends of time, but I also have 3 kids so the challenges that brings are most of the time are pure fucking chaos!(I curse a lot so make your peace with that or move on) We have special situations in our family that lend its own stress but we work through it and try to keep some balance..and at least at the table! We go thru health kicks and then a dessert will be thrown in because its a random Wednesday, and my god everyone need a peace of cake on Wednesday!
I love to cook up a huge meal for my family and friends and really entertain. I do this because its how I show the people I love that I still can tolerate them (kidding!)but really if I cook for you..your in! I love to try new places and figure out how people make things. Yep that's right I'm always judging peoples food. I eat my way thru vacations and plan destinations based on what places we can try. My kids are foodies and will try almost everything at least once. Our biggest adventure this past year is putting in a garden and it has added a whole backyard to table experience to our lifestyle.
Anyways I cant promise this will always be the most exciting shit you will read in your day or that you will be so inspired that you will become a chef. However it will be honest, real, and most of the time full of food porn! I will try to update my loyal readers on my culinary creations and stumbles, because everyone has those moments too.
xo Renee
Last nights dinner..Banging good shrimp recipe from the awesome blog of skinnytaste this blog writer is amazing she has helped me cut the fat and still be inspired to make awesome meals for my family. This shrimp is a spicy, creamy, light recipe for a good easy quick dinner. I add a quarter of an avocado to each plate and a full plate of salad greens then about 5-6 shrimp right on top. no dressing needed the spicy sauce is perfect to the cool greens.
Followed up with a warm Caramel Almond Apple Tart that was delivered to my in laws to share, since I would really be eating the leftovers instead of starting this blog today.
