WCC: Love

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. This is sadly the case for one of my favorite food blogging events, Weekend Cookbook Challenge, created by Sara of i like to cook. Since I began participating, I've looked forward each month to the challenge topic, and I've had a great time playing along.



For the final event, Sara chose Love as the theme, to be interpreted very broadly. It only took me a minute or so to choose what I would do. I'll be writing about two things that I love dearly.



Hands down, I'm in love with my kitchen. It's the main thing that keeps me where I am, and many of my friends think I'm crazy. It's only a kitchen, they say. You can always create another one like it.



Perhaps.


But I'd have to be on the verge of ruin to let it go.



When I bought this house over 6 years ago, the kitchen was truly a disaster. Since I had a few months before moving in, I chose to gut the kitchen and replace it with my own creation. I worked on plans, shopped for appliances and cupboards and lights and counter. Then, I found some lucky souls who would be willing to do all the dirty work for me. It was an adventure. Luckily, not a nightmare.



After having worked in my kitchen for over 6 years now, I can honestly say that there is very little I would change if I had to go through another renovation. More drawers, fewer cabinets. More book shelves. But all in all, it suits me perfectly. Here's a brief, counter-clockwise tour:














My second favorite cooking item is my saucier. I wouldn't be able to part with this tool, either, but thankfully, it's small and portable.



I use it for any sauce-like recipe, such as bechamel. This is how I make macaroni and cheese: a bechamel sauce with cheese and cooked pasta. Each time it's different because I vary the cheese and/or the pasta. The bechamel is usually the same and comes out perfectly every time, thanks to the saucier.





So, Sara, thanks for creating and hosting WCC. I'll miss the ride, but I've had a blast along the way.