From Pineapple to Tofu

Just call me Stephanie--I've been a cooking/baking fool lately. Well, it's not like I've been cooking a lot, I guess--I've just been more experimental. (and I'm just a fool.) Our gourmet dinner group of course lends itself to trying new things--although often I just want to make something that I know will be GOOD and I'm not in the mood to experiment. Inspired by the Byerly's spring magazine, I decided to go for making a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. It was daunting to me--will it be all mushy on the top?? Since I have to saute the pineapple and then actually pour the cake batter and bake it all in the same pan, will it really turn out okay?? For whatever reason I was feeling brave and went for it--and I'm glad I did! I have to say, the cake itself wasn't exactly spectacular--I mean, it was tasty and all, but I don't know if it really made a difference to chop and process crystalized ginger to add to the batter and it was a bit dry--but since Greg said it tasted just like his Mom used to make, I figured it was a success. There, I did it. I made a Pineapple Upside Down Cake in my life. There is something so 1950's about that, isn't there?? Nice! (yes, the cake didn't quite get centered on the plate...YOU try flipping over a hot and heavy Le Creuset sauce pan quickly and accurately on a serving plate...not so easy!)


Then tonight I actually cooked with tofu. (sorry, no photo of that one.) I've tried it in the past and never hated it or anything, but it never struck me as something I needed to eat much either. Lately tho I've been both wanting to find healthy alternatives and have some variety for goodness sake--so why not try tofu?? I found a site on the web that told how to cook it so it doesn't turn out mushy...I have to say, it was good advice. I used the asian marinade and it was downright YUMMY. Totally crave-worthy. Sullivan actually liked the first couple of bites but then started spanking his head Andrew Zimmern style, so I guess I can't really say it was a hit with the entire family. Ah well, I'm hoping that was just the sauce. (he's not a soy sauce kind of guy) I'll try it again. I did read somewhere that you actually have to get your kid to try something some ridiculous amount of times--like, 17-- before they will actually like it...so keep serving those kids that broccoli, my parental friends! (at least both Sullivan and Vivian do like that!)

Who knows what will be next on the menu? Actually, I think I may try a coconut rice pudding and try it out on my dear friend Stephanie when she comes over for coffee on Friday. She and my friend Darcie are about the only ones I can think of that would actually EAT that kind of thing. YUM, I say.

Try something new this week! Heck, it's spring. Or is it?! (she says as she laments about the weather forecast of another 6 inches of snow...)