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