My Version of the Julie/Julia Project... Day One

So basically, I've wanted to do a Julie/Julia Project for about two years (ever since I read the book) and now I've seen the movie, which motivated me that much more to actually start (I take awhile sometimes).

My version though, hopefully will NOT involve trying to track down a calf's foot, although I think I may have to kill a lobster and (eeeewwwww) shuck oysters... barf! I also worry about Scott's and my physical health as well as our mental well being... given that on this, day ONE of the project, we've both already burnt ourselves and I almost cried. Hmmm...

Okay, so my cookbook is by Betty Crocker. It was given to me when I moved out of the house (by my ever-so-cool mom who is more than happy to give away any and all cookbooks - she's more into the gym and international travel). It covers the basics, which I think I need to learn. I make awesome curries, decent sushi, and I can make really cool cupcakes. However, I have never roasted a turkey, made mashed potatoes or anything "normal."

I'm doing this for a few reasons:

a) Scott LOVES normal food and is jealous of people whose girlfriends or wives make chicken and corn for dinner while we have thai lettuce wraps or glass noodles (or on really bad nights, frozen mango, cheese and wine);

b) I'm not super duper healthy at the moment and I need something to occupy my time at home since I'm usually too tired to do anything major;

c) I DO have this fantasy that I am a 1950's housewife and would LOVE to rave about my swedish meatball recipe while sipping a martini, wearing pearls and vacuuming... whatever, judge me if you must.

So here we go. Day ONE!

This evening R and D came for dinner. They are awesome and not judgy, so I wasn't worried. I made italian dressing (which I halved, since I ran out of olive oil, but then I forgot to halve all the spices) In spite of what should have been "spicy" dressing, I found it bland. But I threw some onion sprouts and cherry tomatoes into the romaine and people said it was good. I also made the Italian Sausage Lasagna. Scott and I ruined a shirt each trying to get the sauce to calm down while fishing lasagna noodles out of boiling water... bad idea? Yes. Good Lasagna? Yup! The last thing I did was make "Snickerdoodles," which, ironically, contain no Snickers bars. But they tasted like little cinnamon bun-like timbit cookies.

Three recipes and a bottle of Chilean Red down, many more of both to go.

xox