Sure, I go to sleep and miss a great thread. Jumping in a bit late, but here goes . . .
I used to work in a hotel restaurant in Madison, WI. I worked my way from waiting tables, through the kitchen, and into an assistant manager role. I love to cook.
As Yorick, I don't get much time to cook anymore and when I do make an elaborate meal, I realize how much I miss it.
- I use Cilantro when making salsa. My favorite spice is Basil.
- I don't like tea. I prefer coffee at just about any time.
- Yes, I've tried Baklava. I hate nuts, but for some reason Baklava is just enticing.
If there is any food I can't resist it is usually Mexican or Italian. I love tamales (no sauces or anything funny, just roasted chili pork in cornflour, wrapped in corn husks). I also like a good porketta roast (pork seasoned with garlic, fennel, and other spices).
I enjoy meatless dishes on occasion, but I usually default back to chicken. While working at the restaurant our Sous Chef once complimented me on being "able to make 100's of different dishes with chicken." I love zucchini, basted in olive oil, seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil -- then grilled. Great stuff.
I too have thought about a "recipes by the board" thread (similar to the poems thing), but didn't know how much interest their would be.
Oh and I don't bake (that's the one thing my wife does in terms of cooking), but I love to make breads. I have never had any success making bagels (too complicated -- the turned out a mushy, boiled mess). I love to make cinnamon rolls and sometimes throw a bit of orange zest into the frosting for creativity.
Okay, I think I'm caught up now.
This is great!
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Most Subtle Official Straightman of the Laughing Hyenas -- Grammarian Brigade.