my obsession with cooking and baking

So I'm a little obsessed with The Food Network. I swear that if Dave and I gave up cable, that would be so difficult for me only because I really need my Food Network fix. I even record series. I watch TFN like Dave watches ESPN.

I just love to cook and bake so much. Growing up I always asked my mom if she would teach me to cook and bake because she was amazing at it, as was my grandma and I figured I could be good at it too. She never did teach me, so it wasn't until I developed IBS a few years ago that I had to learn on my own. No one wanted to eat the food I made for myself and I couldn't eat the food anyone else made, so I had to figure it out on my own.

And I'm telling you it was the best thing ever. I'm so glad that I had IBS for those couple of years because it forced me to learn to cook.

When my IBS went away, I started watching a lot of cooking shows. I love them so much now, I even watch The Cooking Channel, which is also a great network.

There's just something about cooking and baking that puts me in this place of confidence and comfort. It makes me happy to make something for someone, even if I'm not going to eat it. I love to create something and try new recipes for others to enjoy. Sometimes I'll even bake something for Dave to take to the guys at work just because I had the itching to bake. I've even toyed with the idea of going to culinary school if this whole Acting or Directing MFA doesn't work out for me. I seriously love it that much.

I may not always cook the fanciest things or have all of the gadgets I want, but at least the things I cook and bake are delicious. There have only been two recipes I've made that Dave has not loved... and those were WW recipes that I had a feeling wouldn't be all that great. I better stop because now I'm sounding all braggy braggy, and that's not what I want.

But I just love it so much!

Here are a few clips from my favorite cooking shows

Giada at Home by Giada De Laurentiis


The Barefoot Contessa by Ina Garten


Nigella Lawson


Paula's Best Dishes by Paula Deen


I actually watch Paula because she makes me laugh. I've only made one of her recipes (Red Velvet Cupcakes) and they were amazing, but I'm afraid of all that butter she uses in everything else, haha.

Now let's talk about the recipe blog for a bit. I am all ready to go with this thing, but I still can't commit to a name!! If any of you would like to send me some suggestions, I'd be ever so grateful!