Rediscovering an Old Passion...

I've sadly given up one of my favorite hobbies recently. I used to love browsing through cookbooks and trying to find inspiration to spruce up the monotony of the work week. I loved looking forward to what new concoction I was going to whip up that night. And I especially loved surprising C with something new and fun.

But somewhere between who knows how long ago and now, I stopped cooking. Maybe a pot of soup here, or a new recipe for a party there... but not like I used to.

Luckily, I have a man that stepped up, and I've been really leaning on him to keep us fed during the week. And he's done a tremendous job and I'm so thankful that he's here to pick up the slack. (He makes the best jambalaya, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of that!)

On Sunday, though, I was hit with inspiration. C wasn't home, and I had a few hours to kill. So I stepped away from the computer and picked up my four favorite cookbooks, which had been long forgotten. And I thumbed through them, and came up with a few great, healthy things to throw together this week.

Cooking is my version of art. It's freeing and intuitive. I can be as creative as I want - or as "by the book" as I want - depending on my mood. And I can get lost chopping, sauteing, and stirring. I think making dough is one of my new favorite things to do. And when I have that perfect head of garlic that is so easy to peel.... I love it all.

I even ground my own meat this weekend. It was marvelous!

Here's a few of my favorite recipes of years past:

♥ Easy Cinnamon Rolls

♥ Veggie Calzones (eating these this week!)

♥ Polenta Lasagna

♥ Nutella Merignes

♥ Chicken Feta Burger

♥ Gyro Meatloaf

♥ Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

See all recipes here. 

After a successful day of cooking, I'm even more motivated to keep it up. Keep searching and cooking -- and hopefully soon, bring back sharing my recipes with you guys! It's been way too long ♥