On The Back Burner

Yes, it has been quite some time since something was posted here. Didn't exactly fall off the face of the earth, but it felt like that. Let's just say that here at La Vida Dulce it has not been very Dulce lately. All things Vida have mainly been on the back burner for a long time now.

It began with showing up at work one morning, and then promptly heading back home. A sudden illness knocked me flat and it was weeks before I could even begin to feel and look human again. Thanks to an understanding and compassionate doctor, I am hoping to get back on track soon, and moving along those greased grooves. Keep sending all the good thoughts, it helps.

Meanwhile, back at el rancho, as the strength was returning to these old bones, it was time to get off the couch and find something to do that didn't require a nap afterward. I am happy to report I finally finished organizing the mountain of recipe clippings I collected into notebooks and sheet protectors. That stack of paper was on the back burner for years, tucked into file folders and boxes. But now it's all neatly stored into TWELVE volumes.
Chef Gio's Hor's D'oeuvres - from 2nd semester
Culinary Information - mostly miscellaneous info
Chocolates, Jams & Candy, Beverages - real good stuff
Soups, salads, sides, veggies - gotta have my taters
Quick breads, breakfasts, snacks - more good stuff
Seafood & Fish - shrimp masala, shrimp tacos, ginger shrimp, sesame shrimp...
Cakes, Frosting & Icing, Decorating - good and fun stuff
Meats, Pastas, Poultry - mostly pork
Pies, Tarts & Tortes, Desserts - this should be split into two volumes
Cookies, Bars, Brownies - who knew there were so many
Breads, Flours, Techniques - mostly info ala Harold McGee/Alton Brown/Shirley Corriher
Bread Formulas - wonderful stuff

It is awesome to read through these notebooks. I had no idea what a treasure I had kept on the back burner, so now it's time to get back in the kitchen and try them out.