A Year In The Life

Could it possibly be a year since I started this blog already? Indeed, today is the anniversary of the day the Cook declared himself Confounded. The blog began as a way for me to rekindle my writing bug and it certainly achieved that. Soon thereafter, the blog allowed me to also embrace my love of photography as well(the pic at left is of some yellow tomatoes from our garden). These goals have been attained and in the end, I learned so much more....

The above link(you can click on the link at the top of the page or the title of this post) is to my aha moment that I filmed with Mutual of Omaha (www.ahamoment.com). I didn't have a lot of time to think about what I would say but right before the filming, the answer became clear. I set out to record my attempts to become a better cook and during the past year, the blog soon morphed in ways I couldn't have predicted...just like my life did.

I first found myself not just learning more about cooking, but about food itself and it's integral place in each person's culture. I delved into my family history through food and in turn, learned so much more about them and the important part food played in that lineage; sometimes even when it meant there was little food to be found. I also learned more about my friends and their histories through food. As the blog became a near-lifeline for me during some bleak moments, I realized how vital is was for me to return to writing and the power of words as catharsis. Most importantly, after years of watching mental illness ravage the minds of my family, I came to realize the validity of recording my life. Writing about the joyous juiciness of a particular plum may seem frivolous, but attains far more gravity when you're struggling to remember even the most basic details of your life. If you doubt that, read the post about the last letter my sister wrote my parents as she describes her favorite family meal.

On a lighter note, the blog has been a helluva ride as well. I've had a great deal of fun and have truly loved the interaction I've had with folks throughout. In case you haven't noticed(and Kristy and Keith can attest), I LOOOOVVE comments. Please comment on anything you may have enjoyed(or didn't enjoy) reading and share your own stories and recipes....that's a true goal for me.

Finally, yes, I have slightly improved my cooking skills but my confidence has not yet increased...I'm working on it. Keith challenged me to do something that will be a new feature for the second year. He essentially dared me to cook one recipe from every cookbook we own...and we own over seventy cookbooks. They range from the usual suspects of the Food Network, classics from Gourmet and Alice Waters, vintage cookbooks and even a 1992 Catholic Church cookbook. Lots of opportunities for great dishes, humorous situations and outright disasters. This feature will be called Cookbook Challenge and will number off as I complete each one.

Thanks to everyone and their encouragement and kind words. I get inspiration from all of you and I'm totally digging this experience. The confounded cooking continues.....