Alright, after putting it off, I am finally posting a blog, and that was my obviously lame attempt at a joke.
First of all, there is something you should know about me before I begin: I am addicted to cheese. Any kind, ranging from cottage to parmesan to gouda. I love it all. There’s nothing better than a scoop of cottage cheese topped with some black pepper, or a spinach salad topped with some mozzarella cheese.
That being said, I also love to cook. I love to find new recipes or just mix a bunch of things together and see how it comes out.
Now, if you haven’t found a connection yet, I think you should just stop reading. But here’s a hint, I love to COOK with CHEESE!
On a somewhat related topic, it’s everyone’s favorite time of year… or least favorite, depending on how you look at it…it’s the tail end of Lent! Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Sunday (otherwise known as Easter). During these forty days, it is traditional to abstain and/or fast (ie giving something up, anything ranging from sex, to biting one’s nails, to a certain kind of food). For a more complete background, visit the second best information source on the internet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent
Although this tradition is typically Catholic, I, myself, choose to participate in it, as I find the sentiment behind this particular form of religious sacrifice to be gratifying.
I’ve never realized that food could be such a spiritual thing… until this year when I gave up cheese. Although I have given things up for lent before, I am only now seeing how something as commonplace as a dairy product can impact every meal.
During my past few weeks of sacrifice, I’ve become much more in tune with the ingredients I use in my food. For example, when I make pasta, I use parmesan cheese. Or when I make dips, I’ll use cream cheese, or blue cheese with wings! I mean, I can’t even have pizza right now! It’s ridiculous. The first week, I almost gave up my sacrifice…but as time goes by, things are getting easier. Now instead of just adding cheese, I’m experimenting with different spices and new vegetables to compliment the natural flavors in my food. I’m also branching out and trying new recipes, instead of just making your basic chicken or beef, I’ve braved the world of lamb, pork, and GASP! Meatless!
Although I occasionally find myself saying, “man, this would be pretty amazing with a slice of muenster,” I have to say that I am definitely getting better and even enjoying going cheeseless. Yes, I admit, when lent is over, I am really looking forward to sinking my teeth into a giant slice of cheese pizza, or enjoying some delicious brie with fresh fruit, I’ll now consider other ways to pump up the flavor without that milky goodness. One thing I definitely try to focus on is bringing color to my meals. This has come partly from having lived with Shap and partly from wanting to incorporate a greater variety into my diet during my cheese sebatical. I love the natural greens, yellows, and reds that come from fresh fruits and vegetables and all of their flavor.
I truly believe that this short break from one of my true loves in life has really opened my eyes to new possibilities, and in the end, it will bring us closer. I have a new found appreciation for herbs, vegetables, and yes, a greater love of cheese. I am constantly amazed how my tastebuds react to my cooking creations, it’s a spiritual awakening and I thank god everyday for being able to enjoy it.
Happy Lent everyone, and may your last week of sacrifice be just as blissful as mine.
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i have serious admiration for you– this would be very hard for me. as evinced by my most recent attempt to go vegan to break myself of the cheese addiction. it definitely worked, i started to rely on cheese a LOT less. i even had several grocery store trips where i-gasp- purchased no cheese at all. however, i did buy swiss AND gouda this week. ya gotta do what ya gotta do. only 10 more days for you! =)
Comment by babyybritain 04.02.2009 @ 12:37 am[...] it is: Gouda Lord!!! Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Holy Moses!!!Assassin’s CreedNew PostWindows [...]
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