Bonjour!... from Alachua

In an attempt to be a more well rounded woman, I am trying to learn how to cook. So far, no good. Instead, I have learned that it is possible to burn your ear, cheek, chest and arm with one good stir. And I have learned that making smoothies in the morning is a very frustrating way to start a day.

Knowing how cooking challenged I am, my friends husband (who should have his own cooking show) suggested that us gals get together once a month to do some cooking to teach and learn from each other. Some of us (the non cookers) were more reluctant than others (the cookers), but we decided that we would give it a try. If anything, we could drink lots of wine!

Allie volunteered to host the evening and picked France for the theme. So, she would provide the main dish, I would bring the side, another friend would bring the dessert and the last friend would bring the beverage (then we rotate each month.) I was pretty excited because the only thing I really know about France is the Eiffel Tower. And the only French I know is hello, goodbye, and how to proposition someone. Allie set the bar high with her lovely table setting that was met with ooh's, ahh's and groans (from the decorating challenged.)

Now let's talk food!

Croque Monsieur
Don't call it a grilled cheese and ham, because this baby was so much more. Think cheese, and ham, and cheese, and then cheese melted on top of the cheese and ham. There are no words to fairly describe the goodness of this sandwich. Did I mention the cheese?

Garden Ratatouille
I had the side dish, so I searched high and low for something that would compliment croque monsieur and came up with garden ratatouille. If you asked me, it's just sauteed veggies, but since I am trying to be a better cook, and it makes me sound fancy, I will use its formal name.

Creme Brulee
Did you know that people own tiny blow torches??? These same people also know that you use them to brown sugar on top of creme brulee. I was intrigued, awed and bewildered. And not allowed to hold the blow torch.

Champagne/Sparkling Wine
What's the best way to top off a delicious meal? With champagne of course! Cheers!!

To say it was a wonderful evening would be an understatement. We laughed, we ate, and we learned that I can only really proposition someone in french if I sing the whole song... Next month we will be doing Italian. Not the Godfather... Glad that was made clear. (sheepishly puts away the horse head.)

Au Revoir for now!