Scratch

     I made chili from scratch today. I went to Ralphs with my cookbook in hand. I walked down every isle searching meticulously for each item (some of which I had never heard of in my life). It was really helpful that their was someone stocking in the fruit + veggie section. I asked him three questions. Did you know that cookbooks tell you one name of the item but the store labels the item a different name?? SO not helpful for a young chef like me! The guy would point to the pepper and I would say, "But that's a totally different name..." Him: Ya, it's the same thing.
     After about 45 minutes I emerged from the store. The title of the cookbook is 30 Minute Meals. Well Rachel Ray, it probably took me 30 minutes just to prep the whole thing. Peter ended up compiling it all in the pot while I set the table and iced half the cake. Nathan likes Angel Food Cake without frosting while Peter likes vanilla frosting, hence the 50/50 cake. It looked funky but everyone was happy. Peter's friends came over plus my friend Nicole and we devoured the hard work. They liked it! They really liked it! The (very large) bowl was scraped! Yayyyy.

xo, p&l