I love NightLine. When that is I can stay up late enough to watch it. Every now & again, NightLine will highlight a Chef and the dishes that inspired them.
So here’s my PlateList and the individuals who inspired me.
Filet Mignon a la Carol Pingleton
My mom was definitely my first model/inspiration as a chef. My definition of a chef being someone who enjoys cooking and uses their culinary creations to show their love for others. My earliest memories of cooking involve my mom and her frugile creativity. I remember the 'filet mignon' she lovingly prepared for my dad on their anniversary, hamburger patties wrapped in bacon. And I'll never forget the bunny cake she made for Easter one year.
Cajun Specialty – Justin Wilson
Every Saturday morning, afternoon cartoons of course, cooking shows were the pinnacle attraction. Justin Wilson, the Frugile Gourmet, and whoever else PBS had on the line up were welcomed into our home.
Chocolate Souffle - Julia Childs
I remember watching Julia Childs on PBS and trying to be her as well. Whenever the opportunity to cook, bake, or work with food came, I morphed into a television personality, hosting my own show right there in our kitchen. Ps, my Chocolote Souffle didn’t turn out quite as it looked in Julia’s kitchen.
Italian Sausage - Chef Jungo
While taking a hiatus during my extended under graduate years, I spent some time in culinary school. Chef Jungo was older, handsome, charming, and quite sure I’d make a wonderful TV Chef. To his disappointment, I lasted only one semester, my true passion, children & education, came calling me back.
Roasted Acorn Squash with Pureed Plums - Jason & Maddie Olson
Having children changes you. (Duh). But every part of you (not just your hips & boobs). It especially changed the way I looked at what goes into their bodies. I am proud to say both my chillins’ were breast babies, one much longer that the other, & neither had any baby food from a jar, only fresh fruits & veggies steamed, roasted, pureed, and mashed (compliments of my reliable Magic Bullet). Today my kidos both love cake, pies, and cookies, but they have healthy snacking habits and healthy bodies!
Cinnamon Rolls/Cinnamon Toast/Mashed Potatoes/Parkerhouse Rolls - Ree Drummond
There aren’t too many (actually none, I think) recipes that the Pioneer Woman has that I’m not fond of. I’m less compulsively visiting her website, but between her site, blog, and book our house has a heathly dose of Oklahoma cookin’.
