What’s your favorite cookie?

I think it’s pretty safe to say that everyone loves cookies, or at least some kind of cookie. How could you not? The varieties are endless so, no matter who you are, you are more likely than not to find a cookie that you love and adore.

My personal favorite is a cookie that I think gets overlooked. Most people tend to stick with the classics, chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, etc. But for me, nothing beats the black & white cookie! Hopefully you have all seen the Seinfeld episode about this fantastic cookie…in his infinite wisdom Jerry brought the beauty of this cookie to the forefront of social awareness (of course his views on the black & white cookie are a tad more political than mine). But it is truly an amazing cookie. It takes the texture of a vanilla flavored cake and compresses it down to form the base for cookie. Then half dipped in black (chocolate) icing and half dipped in white (vanilla) icing, the combination of the cake-like cookie and the smooth, decadent icing tantalize your tongue. And depending on your plan of attack when eating it, the icing can be enjoyed separately or together.

So what does this say about me? That’s a good question. Maybe I like harmony so the symbolic representation found in the equally balanced icing represents balance? Maybe I’m indecisive, so the idea of having more than one icing flavor puts me at ease because then I don’t have to decide between chocolate and vanilla? Nah, I don’t think it’s either of those. It’s just a wonderful cookie that I love and adore, and like to treat myself to every now and then.

So I ask you, what is your favorite cookie?

Then go out and treat yourself…I’m sure you deserve it!

"Scents" of Accomplishment

One of the many things that I love about cooking is the sense of accomplishment you can get from combining random ingredients and making a fantastic meal. Cooking allows for creativity, and when ingredients are scarce or recipes don’t exist, you can unleash your cooking skills and create something that not only pleasures your palate but also your sense of ingenuity and adventure.

Last week, on a whim, I decided to stop at the food store to buy some things so that I could make myself something for dinner. There was no strategy involved, no recipe to follow, just the vague notion of what I felt like eating. I wanted a meal that was healthy, full of veggies, satisfying and somewhat simple to make. I walked around the food store, primarily sticking to the produce section, and ended up purchasing tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms. That was it. With only three ingredients and my home pantry ingredients it was time to get the creative juices flowing.

Here is my recipe for all of you to enjoy. It may seem simple and somewhat novice to the eye, but in actuality the success of the meal was mainly due to the skills and techniques I have learned over the years from watching hours upon hours of The Food Network. So, please enjoy this meal so that you too can feel your own “scents” of accomplishment!

2 Roma Tomatoes (seeded and chopped)
1 Green Pepper (chopped)
1 Medium Onion (thinly sliced)
¼ Cup of Baby Portobello Mushrooms (thinly sliced)
½ Cup of Whole Wheat Pasta of your choice
¼ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
2 Teaspoons Canola Oil
2 Teaspoons Parmesan Cheese
Non-stick Cooking Spray
Salt, Pepper
Pasta Water (about 4 Tablespoons)

In pot of boiling, salted water cook pasta as directed on package. Once pasta is cooked drain most of the pasta water, reserving some to help create a sauce.
Next, coat a sauté pan with non-stick cooking spray and canola oil. Once oil is warm, add onions and mushrooms. Salt and pepper. Sauté together for 5-7 minutes, until onions are translucent and mushrooms begin to shrink in size. Then add pepper. Let pepper sauté with onions and mushrooms for an additional 5 minutes. Then add garlic power and red pepper flakes. Lastly add the tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Once all veggies are cooked, add cooked pasta and pasta water to sauté pan. Let this cook and combine for about a minute. Then add the parmesan cheese. Salt and pepper to desired taste and enjoy!