December 12: Mission Accomplished: 100 Complete!

So... I started this journey almost 9 month ago - to see if I could learn what it takes to make gourmet dishes.. and in the process, learn a thing or two about cooking.

So, with Recipe #100, Chicken Breast stuffed with (Homemade) Pecan Butter, we have finished the journey. Special thanks to Bryan and Kerry who shared my final attempt at the chef world. I learned a lot - tried a lot of new things, had a few things that worked, and didn't work - and learned that even ordinary mortals CAN learn how to do it.

As I look back at the List of 100, I do have my favorites - starting with the first attempt (Pasta e Fagioli - Mar 29), and moving on to fancier (Duck - Apr 13). There were surprises both good and bad (like the Chocolate Chiffon - May 1 (oops), Risotto - May 8 (yum!) Jerk Chicken - June 1 (different, but not bad). Some never had a chance - Potato Gnocchi - Aug 28 and Dauphine Potatoes - Oct 17 while others ended up shining - Chicken with Mushroom Sauce - Aug 13 and Southwest Grilled Salmon - Nov 18. My grand finale - Stuffed Chicken Breast with Pecan Butter - Dec 12 (pictured) culminated the 100 as a salute and out of respect for all those that can and do make amazing dishes come out of their kitchens.

However, I could not have done it without the help of my family and friends - Thanks again to EVERYONE that's tried one of my dishes - and in no particular order... Bryan, Brooke, Kerry, Lynn, Greg, Alicia, Michael (thanks for the potatoes! :), Farinaz, Monica, Becca, Dan, Kelli, Amanda, Bobby, Kaycee, Jeanie, Bob, Kim Jenny, and Chris. (I think I got everyone, please let me know if I missed someone!)

Without you, I wouldn't have the "honest feedback" and motivation to complete this challenge. Special thanks to Bryan, my wonderful husband of 5 months, who tried EVERYTHING that I made (and I mean everything) - whether it looked like the picture in the book, or something that Riley brought in from outside.

Thanks again!!
Ashley Lesko
December 12, 2010

Recipe #90- Shrimp Style

So the end is in sight! I made the Shrimp Scampi tonight, which paired nicely with the whole wheat linguine that Bryan made. He also decided to try a new recipe for garlic bread, which was pretty good! (A little much on the butter, but then, I'm not one for much butter on my bread anyway. The garlic was really good, though).

So... we're only 10 recipes away from finishing the nearly year-long project. I realized I need to figure out what recipe #100 is... any suggestions?

However, now that I'm nearing the end, I'm realizing how much this journey has taught me. I've learned how versatile some of the simplest items in the kitchen are (who knew that white pepper can go with anything?) and that cooking food is much more forgiving than baking it. (Thanks, Becca :-) ...

I'll share more thoughts in the last few weeks, as we enjoy the last few recipes together.... thanks for all the feedback, ideas, and thoughts!

Time Check... Oct 28

So... It's Oct 28... which means 63 days left.... and 23 recipes to go. Just over 8 weeks... so we have about 3 recipes per week... ready to start cooking!

Sea Scallops anyone?

A nice healthy dish after a 4 mile run tonight... yum!

Stuffed Tomato Salad!

Which do you think? Made 2 ways... sliced or cup.. but both tasted great! :)

Dauphinoise.. not as pretty as it sound

Ok.. so I'm trying to get in the home stretch.. just over 30+ recipes to go.. with about 60+ days left. I put together a list of potential recipes.. and decided to pair the Dauphinoise Potatoes with the Seafood Newburg (which WAS really good.. I'm thinking over pasta would be GREAT).

Note to self.. if they say YOKES and not the entire eggs... there is a reason. I couldn't get it to thicken after 30 minutes in the oven.. so I decided to add flour. Well... it thickened.. but the potatoes tasted just... weird. Not a fan. Ok... we learned we're not a fan.. 31 more to go... !

Baked Fish... Needs more work

Tried the fish tonight (Baked Fish w/ Tomatoes and Mushrooms) - basic recipe - ended up trying it in the toaster oven. It was ok.. nothing to do with the toaster oven, but it needs more seasoning. Bryan put Season All on it.. I know the chefs-that-be would turn over on that one.. but it needed more seasoning. I guess a marinate? Good learning experience, though!