this week

It has been a while since I've made an update.  Things have been quite busy lately and admittedly I need to take the time to sit and make an update or two.  There has been plenty of activity in my kitchen so far this week and I wanted to share some of that experience.

This week is particularly busy for me.  For the past couple of days scones have been my life.  Drew's sister is getting married this week and I baked scones to include in welcome baskets for family coming in from out of town.  I will also be preparing food for a barbecue later in the week. I am very happy to be a part of this, being able to contribute something that his family will enjoy means a lot and I look forward to meeting everyone. 

What first seemed like a difficult task turned into an accomplishment of sorts.  After the first few batches I was turning them out in no time.  Baking is a science, but after a while that science becomes like second nature. I was able to see the grainy texture of butter being cut into flour, smell the faint biscuit aroma in the raw dough, feel the consistency of the dough as I rolled it out.  All acting as a guide telling me that the proportions were right.  It felt good to complete this project and learn more about the process. When all was said and done I made four varieties of scones: chocolate chunk, almond, Irish soda bread, and cinnamon swirl. I sent the scones on their way to be placed into baskets and distributed, hoping that the family enjoys them.

I also have the honor of helping to coordinate food for a family barbecue this weekend.  For this the clear choice is arrachera: skirt steak that has been sliced thin and tenderized.  I'm planning on quickly marinating the arrachera in a combination of beer, lime, salt and garlic.  As another option I will also be preparing chicken drumsticks, marinated in orange juice, cumin, salt, pepper and garlic.  I will be preparing guacamole, salsa, diced onion and chopped cilantro to make tacos.  I haven't had experience preparing food for this many people so it should be an interesting adventure, but I fully welcome the experience.

I hope to be on a normal schedule next week but for now I'm enjoying the experience of cooking for Drew's family.  It is my first time meeting them and that can be a bit stressful but something I look forward to.  More updates to come in the future, I promise!