I love Food... Day 45

In retrospect for me the first 4 weeks of the diet was pretty easy. There were highs and lows, but my will power was strong. For me week 5 (last week) was a major turning point. I was sick and in bed (or couch) for 4 days. During that time I watched my favorite television network almost the whole time... the Food Network.

The last day it hit me... I love food. As a creative palette... food is exciting. All the flavors, all the combinations, all the possibilities. I am not someone who follows recipes, but the essence of them (which is why I am NOT a baker, but a cook). Over the last week I have experimented with making my own taco seasoning for some turkey tacos in lettuce leaves. I made a cinnamon applesauce from stewed apples. I made a grilled asparagus frittata. Each was sooo fun to think up and try and tasted pretty good.

The hardest part is that I am so restricted with this diet. I am hungry for new flavors, more cooking options, carbs, sugars, etc. I am dreaming up recipes and about cooking. But also finding it harder and harder to be around food. I am so thankful that this diet has bubbled up this passion... I cannot wait until it can be unleashed. I have decided to start having a dinner party once a month. I want to do healthy options, but also try new things that I have never cooked before. I always want to invite different people over who I do not get to see anymore. I am going to start with an International theme and at least 3 courses.

Below are some sample menus... let me know if you want to come to one (and which one) and I'll make sure to invite you to it. :) I can only have up to 6 people at the party... so let me know ASAP if you want to come.

Sample Menus:

Italian Night-
App: Bruschetta
Soup: Vegetable Minestrone
Salad: Caesar Salad
Entree: Spaghetti Bolognese
Side: Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia
Dessert: Lemon Sponge Fingers

Asian Night-
App: Spring Rolls
Soup: Egg Drop Soup
Salad: Pineapple Ginger Noodle Salad
Entree: Pork and Chicken Adobo
Side: Balsmati Rice
Dessert: Mango and Ginger Clouds

French (which is what I am most excited about)-
App: Cheese Platter
Soup: French Onion
Salad: Duck Breast Salad
Entree: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Side: Ratatouille Pancakes, Vegetarian Cassoulet
Dessert: Have a bunch to choose from here... thinking... creme brulee, chocolate souffle, cinnamon and apricot souffle, eclair (not all of them, but one)

Still working on the Greek, American, and Mexican menus.