Blogging... with a purpose!

Life should be exciting.. I need excitment in my life. I have applied for a second job. I want to buy a home by mid-year next year so I need to start saving more. This will also keep me IN from spending money while OUT. Logical? I think so..

On to exciting! I was finally able to sit, relax, drink a glass of wine and watch 'Julie & Julia'. I was very intrigued (and impressed) with Julie's accomplishments. With that said, I thoroughly weighed pros and cons of me doing the very same thing with Rachael Ray (aside from Marilyn Monroe and Monica "Mons" - from Ace & TJ, Rach is my woman crush).

I love to cook. Every part of throwing new "stuff" together to see how it will turn out is captivating. Am I always good at it? (lol) No, but I do get a thrill out of it.


Now... what I have come to realize is that ALMOST all families (especially single mothers) don't have time to prepare and cook for an hour or two. Unless, of course, you are that perfectly manicured soccer mom that married "up" in life (no offense to anyone, I swear). My younger sister actually inspires me with my objective because I have two very beautiful nieces that are almost 4 and 7, and she cuts it really close just to get home for dinner-time and pop open that can of raviolis before it's time for homework! I'm sure most of America is this same way because most families I know, both mom and dad work - or single moms..

Ok, I will get to my brainiac idea momentarily, but first I must touch base on Rach so you guys understand the plan... Rach doesn't really spend a massive amount of time in the kitchen so she mastered 30-Minute Meals (to cook not bake... we don't bake..) Ingenious, informal and great fun. Rach likes to use pricy ingredients, though (and some things I still can't locate in the grocery store.. but not often!) She also likes to use large amounts of onions and peppers. I have found that I now use onions in cooking - and i don't tell anyone - because the flavor is amazing! This is my secret so no one figures me out: grate it on a Fine Cut long grater - it almost liquifies it for you so you get all the wonderful juices and flavors and leave the chucky bits behind! *squirrel*

Located on her website, you can also find "Budget Meals", as well.

http://www.rachaelray.com/food/collections/budget/index.php


I tell you guys all of that to say this: I'm simplifying. Beginning October 8, 2012 I Wwill begin blogging about fast and easy recipes the entire family will love (this includes those tiny picky eaters)! This provocation, of course comes from the movie 'Julie & Julia'. I am going to piggy back her idea and utilize Rachael Ray, you know, instead of Julia Child.. I have Rach's 30 minute meals at home and will incorporate Budget Meals into the mix to save some money for you folk. I will also improvise. Keep all the recipes simple and short. The less ingredients, the better for those working families to deal with after a long day in the office, or in a truck... or on a field site... or atop a roof... you get the picture.

Exciting times and I am whole heartedly looking forward to this. I don't have anyone at home to really cook for so my meals will be sent to my sister, brother-in-law and nieces for taste testing, feedback and the infamous gremlin approval (or not...) I will commit to one recipe a week for now (but I'm sure I will post more than this). No disappointments, I want!

Blogging sub section titles are still TBD - I need some creative juices... We will chat soon, kids!