Cook's Illustrated

My Favorite Cooking Magazine

I'm a fan of "Cook's Illustrated" magazine. I don't measure when I cook and sometimes the finished product is inconsistent. Lately, I have been trying to be more disciplined in my preparation and follow recipes. The recipes and techniques in Cook's are well tested and accurate. I have found my cooking skills have improved and my family is benefitting from the use of that foreign kitchen utensil... measuring spoons.

The magazine has a companion show "America's Test Kitchen". I watch the show and search my back issues of Cook's and frequently find the recipe. I prefer the hard copy of the magazine, but an online version is available. If you would like to improve your cooking techniques it's a good resource.

http://www.cooksillustrated.com/

http://www.americastestkitchen.com/

Silly Polka Dot Chickens

I live in an urban setting. Living quarters are close and my kitchen window faces my neighbors. I have great neighbors and we frequently wave hello. We decorate our kitchen windows for all the holidays and it's fun to see the neighbors creativity.

Last summer a local store had polka dot ceramic chickens for sale. They were chubby faceless cute chickens. My neighbor and I dashed to the store and bought the chickens in black and red. The chickens are moved around our windows surrounded by plants, platters and other decor. They make me smile as I cook and wave to my neighbors.