Critical commentary

I've noticed that I can't seem to cook for other people without subjecting my food to a full critical analysis after we've eaten, identifying all the things I need to change for next time. Actually, I probably do this when I cook just for myself too, but it's more noticeable when I cook for other people because I make them listen to the analysis as well. Last night, for example, I made chicken in rosemary-white wine sauce, Moroccan-seasoned roasted vegetables, and long-grain rice, and after the meal I sat explaning to my dinner companion how next time I'd pound the chicken so that it wasn't so thick, brown it for longer before adding the wine, and use fresh rosemary in the sauce rather than dry. (I actually wanted to use fresh rosemary yesterday, but couldn't find any.) The food was good; I don't think he really needed to hear how I'd make it better, and yet I couldn't seem to resist.

But it'll be a kickass meal next time I make it. Well, except perhaps for the risotto I'm going to make to replace the long-grain rice; that might require some further analysis.

Theory comp update #1 - The First List

I began making progress on my theory comp today by getting the first of three reading lists.

( The first list. )

Wheee! Off to the used bookstore for me!