Monday, March 1, 2010

Dinner's on me!!

I will confess to the public blog world that I am not the world's greatest cook. I am okay with that, but I would like to at least know how to make a weeks worth of dinners. Honestly, I don't. Jason teased me when we dated that I only knew how to make chicken, rice and vegetables. I convinced him that I just happened to be making the same thing every time he ended up at my house around dinner time, and the few times that I cooked for him. I assured him that there was lots more that I could cook, and my meals were amazing. I flat out lied. And now that we are married he has surely realized that. So yesterday I decided that starting today that was going to change. I made a two-week menu and grocery list last night, got all of my necessities today, and ventured out into this uncharted territory. Tonight I made meatloaf, mashed potatoes and salad; a meal that I have never attempted before, though it seemed easy and something that most people know how to make. I got super into it, chopping, dicing, singing, stressing, saute-ing, and like ten minutes into it my kitchen looked like three four-year olds were left unattended to play chef. I have not yet mastered keeping a kitchen clean as you cook.

Time started speeding up and I was uncomfortable in my new element. Jason was coming home soon and I really wanted to have made a great dinner before he got there. I was mixing everything together, but instead of finishing one portion and moving on to another, I found myself jumping all over the place. Before I knew it I was a complete wreck! I somehow splashed meat juice in my face, getting in my mouth and eyes, and making me want to throw up because of the thought of it. Then as I got a knife out I nicked my palm, causing blood to start gushing. I didn't have time to aid it, so I just stuck a paper towel in it and added a potato on top for pressure, then started peeling the potato. Jason was almost home, and although he could care less if dinner was ready or not, I really wanted to surprise him. In my panic to get the potatoes peeled, I completely slipped and peeled my finger, causing more blood than I could handle. I needed to pause to get enough pressure on it to try and stop it from bleeding... but I didn't have the time! So I stuck my throbbing finger into a paper towel and in between my legs as I stabilized the grater against the counter with my chin and started to grate some carrots. Of course I grated my finger on my right hand this time, and the blood started flowing, although not as heavily as my first two wounds. By the time Jason walked in the house I was standing there in the middle of a royal wreck with the water for the potatoes boing over and hissing as it hit the burner, the water still running in the sink, seasonings, meat juice, measuring cups, bread crumbs, and sauces spilled all over the counters, floor and myself, make-up running down my cheeks from my onion-provoked tears, my hair in a ponytail that was falling out and in my face, and blood EVERYWHERE! I am sure he looked at me and thought I was just the greatest wife he could have asked for. So talented. =)

My poor meal was suffering. I managed to get the meat together into a nice little loaf. There is ketchup in there, but I am not going to say that blood wasn't mixed in. Eew, sorry for that. What am I saying? I'm so gross


My mashed potatoes came out gummy..... uhh.... can anyone tell me what that is? Do they just know that am nervous and are playing tricks on me? Geez! Oh, and I think that my meatloaf was fed up with how it was treated. I put it in looking normal, and it came out looking like it was going to get revenge and kill me!



No, really though, my meatloaf actually tasted good and I was proud of my first attempt. I just can't believe that I intend on putting myself through this every night for the rest of this week. Would anyone care to hear how it goes? Eh, probably not. The experience wore me out and I am sure that reading about it does the same. Goodnight!

14 comments:

kristen kathleen said...

Sarah!!! Your posts kill me! It takes a woman with great vitality, character, and culinary expertise to produce a man made out of meatloaf. Brilliant. I sure miss you guys - hope you're doing well despite the many battle wounds sustained in the kitchen. Love you!

Kenzee Jo said...

HAhaha... You crack me right up!! :) You are a good cook, just lacking confidence... hahhaha... and yeah the blood part? GROSS!!! hahahha...

Meghan said...

Oh my! I'm laughing very hard right now... I most definitely want to hear about all of your cooking adventures! And, I think I only knew how to make chicken, pasta, and more pasta when we got married. I've also just started branching out. It's fun once you get started. I have some really good, healthy, easy recipes if you want any! Good luck in your cooking endeavors and please don't cook unsupervised... :) J/K. Have fun!!!

ann said...

HAHAHAHA!!!! I love it! You painted a fabulous picture in my mind. Good luck with the healing! :)

James and Shawna said...

Oh I adore you Sarah! I wish I could have been there because I do the same thing! Good luck and let me know if you ever need the ambulance called, because I'm usually home around dinner time!

James and Shawna said...
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Katie said...

Oh I am so glad I am not the only one in this world that isn't the greatest cook! Although I haven't had THAT bad of an experience.....yet!! What is great is that I can picture you in your kitchen and that whole experience!...it makes me smile. I love you and miss you. I hope you are enjoying a better stress-free life these days. I am about to pop any day...at least I hope!

Tynel Jarnagin said...

You are hilarious! I was totally the same way when we first got married. Here's what I would suggest- get a crockpot and a good crockpot recipe book. It is hard to go wrong with that. It also requires a lot less time. Then you can just buy a salad mix and visit the pineapple man at HEB and you'll be ready in no time!
I'm sure Jason loved the dinner, but even more the effort!

Matt and Savannah said...

Hahaha! I was picturing you with no fingers left and just two nubs where hands use to be. Although this would be tragic, by the time I got to the end of the post I had some great nicknames already for you. Nitta Nubs, Nitt Nubs, No more Subway for Nubway, Talk to the Nub...the list goes on and on. :)

Jimmy and Katie said...

cheers to "Take-Out"

Russell said...

I was laughing so hard when I read your post. You're adorable! Keep the stories coming!

Chelsea said...

Oh my gosh Sara, I am a horrid cook and my husband knows it, so 2 days ago i started to make some dinners, cuz I never make dinner. I try to make things in the crockpot or something easy with few ingredients like beef or chicken enchiladas. I have messed up almost every attempt so don't feel so bad! Just be more concerned about yourself than your husband when you are bleeding dear! I'm sure he was concerned about your well being when he came home. I can relate though! Loves, Chels

Nate and Keshia said...

Ha ha, Sarah you are too funny. I'm proud of you getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. I'm definitely not a great cook but I do have some super easy recipes, so if you are interested I am more than happy to share. I am all about quick and easy. Let me know. Love ya!

~SHERI said...

Oh man, I needed this post tonight. I love a good laugh. You will get there, I promise! The first six months me and Ryan were married he did ALL the cooking. Then I started helping by making macaroni and cheese, and similar things. Now I love cooking!! Look at me, so mature. (right) I totally want to hear about all your cooking adventures. And I heartily laughed at Savannah's nicknames for you. I miss you two!