Have you watched the news lately? Apparently, the economy isn't doing so well. They say that January saw more layoffs in one month since 1974. Wow! I almost got through January but on the 27th, I became one of those statistics too. Now it's not all bad folks. My career field is actually in demand so I will be back at work before I even want to. For now though, I'm enjoying my time off and I'm wondering how I was able to get anything done with that silly ole' job in the way. I am also becoming reacquainted with my kitchen. I have missed her. She was neglected, I think. Last year, I circled the globe and dined in Europe, Asia and at least a dozen major US cities but my amazing little kitchen just sat here waiting for me to return to her. Her patient granite sorely underutilized and cluttered with mail. Fortunately, she never wavered and welcomed me back without a hitch. Now she helps me turn out dish after dish lauding my successes and keeping my failures to herself. I wish I could take her to the beach for the weekend.
So with the economy in mind I thought to myself, "What affordable meals are out there that guests would think you pulled out all the stops for?"
This article appears in Feb 25 – Mar 3, 2009.