Valentine's day is the most over-commercialized excuse for a holiday in
existence and I despise it. Regardless, I will be doing something special tonight. I have rules against dining
out on Valentine's day, so cooking it will be. At the request of my fiancee (wife in about 6 weeks), I will be cooking:
Pan-Roasted Pork Tenderloin, with Brandy-Mushroom
Cream Sauce, Herbed Polenta and Fresh Wilted Spinach
paired with Pinot Noir
Let me know if you'd like the recipe, it's easy and it is dyn-o-mite!
What will you be creating tonight?
I was reading a local Tampa food blog this morning and came across a request
by the author for suggestions about books to help him increase his food knowledge. Unfortunately, I believe food knowlege
is something that can't be learned instantly, but rather over a period of time that includes reading, cooking, tasting and
experiencing.
That being said, I believe there are five books for every beginner that
are essential to help build a solid foundation. Sure, there are plenty of cookbooks and how-to books out there, but
in my short time I have found that these five are easy to read and contain relevant information without all of the fluff.
But don't take my word for it, check them out yourself.
Kevin's list of essential books about food and cooking (in no particular
order):
- Culinary Artistry, by Dornenburg and Page
- I'm Just Here For the Food, by Alton Brown
- How To Cook Everything, by Mark Bittman
- Cooking For Dummies
- What To Drink With What You Eat, by Dornenburg and Page
