Home > Feeding Frenzy > Archives > 2008 > January > 30
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Cooking for a Foodie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The downside of being a food writer is, believe it or not, you don’t get asked over for dinner often. People just don’t want to cook for you, even if you swear you eat just like anyone else and lord knows, would appreciate a night off from cooking as much as the next guy.
Luckily, I have a couple of friends who are willing to have my family over, even if it’s just to share take-out pizza, like we did last weekend with my friends, Sue and Steve. Sue made a great side salad that I’m going to try and duplicate tonight to go with grilled hamburgers.
She combined bagged baby spinach with drained canned mandarin oranges and a homemade vinaigrette (equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar, seasoned with a little sugar and salt). The best part was the crunchy sugared almonds which crowned the salad. They added such a tasty crunch!
To make the almonds, in a skillet over medium-low heat, add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and stir with a wooden spoon until melted. Add a 2-ounce package of slivered almonds and stir until almonds are golden and coated with sugar syrup. Remove from heat and let cool. Break up into pieces and sprinkle over salad. Yum.
So tell me, are you intimidated to feed someone you think is a better cook than you? Do you have a dish you turn to that you know is going to work every time? Or do you like to “walk on the wild side” and try something new, even if cooking for someone you want to impress?
