learn how to prepare 10 excellent meals

it may not be a meal per se, but i made an apple pie for a friend of mine who said that his mom gave it two thumbs up. if my baking is getting approval from a mom who knows her shit, then i’m doing something right! (my secret is to cook when i’m really angry. apparently the spite and hatred makes the food even tastier than making it with love and happiness)

6. stew – my friend’s mom made an awesome stew when i was there last and when i attempted to replicate it, I was very successful. i actually took some for lunch the next day.

ok, i cheated and used a dry roux, but i was complimented on the gumbo many times over! i would say this was a success :D

4. is a roast with carrots that was pretty awesome and juicy – and didn’t kill my roommates – but when I went to make the gravy, that didn’t work out like I hoped. Anyone have a good gravy receipe or tips?

last night I made an awesome steak marinaded in balsamic vinager & red wine. It was pretty good, but next time I might use a dry sherry instead. The red wine was just too sweet. I also used fresh chives from the garden. I don’t know how much it did, but it was fun using the new herbs and my kitchen smelled nice after I chopped them up

I thought I’d actually post something I’ve made that didn’t induce food poisoning.

1. Special receipe fried chicken. I was out of bread crubs but made something even better. I’m starting simply since I rarely cook, but “my” fried chicken is pretty friggin awesome.

2. Chocolate-banana muffins. The receipe didn’t call for melted chocolate in the batter, but I was feeling couragous and added it. My daring pays off again!