My sister, of all people, called to ask why I haven’t been cooking. She who does not cook. Yes, that’s her. She employs a cook to do the cooking for her.
It’s true I haven’t posted any recipe, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been cooking. Okay, okay, truthfully, I haven’t been cooking much.
But I’ve been throwing meat and veggies on the grill. And that’s cooking!
Okay, okay, truthfully, it’s the hubster that’s been throwing meat and veggies on the grill.
So, I guess the sister is right. I haven’t been cooking. Not much, anyway. I made a few simple things the last couple of weeks but no major meals came out of my kitchen.
I’m hoping that is all going to change soon. I’m hoping the weather cools down a little to motivate me. And then of course, I’m hoping to get inspired by all of you. I know I will be!
And I know my co-hosts, Kaila @ GF Life 24/7 and Jenny @ Dragonfly Home Recipes, will be inspired as well! (Btw, it’s Jenny’s first time co-hosting, yay!)
***
Now, let’s see whose posts from last week’s party inspired us the most:
Mini Chocolate, Nutella Ganache & Hazelnut Praline Layer Cake from Hannah @ Domestic Gothess
“Oh em gee, that is some serious cake! And those spiky hazelnut praline stick thingies! I’ll be happy if I can eat them by the dozen on their own. After I eat my fill of the cake, of course. Some serious cake!” — Angie
Chai Spiced Creme Brulee from Kitchenspells
“Kitchenspells’ take on the humble creme brulée sounds intriguing: flavoured with chai spices makes for such a welcome addition! The perfect dessert, especially after a spicy curry.” — Steffi
Garden Tart from Laurie @ ten.times.tea
“I loved, loved, loved Laurie’s Garden Tart! Not only did she introduce us all to a positively unique blog, she brought along a gorgeous tart topped with heaps of leafy greens that screams end of summer for some and hello spring to the rest of us.” — Effie
Savory Cumin-Peppercorn Crackers from Ranjana @ Flavorful Bakes
“I loved those crackers: the flavour, the texture, the beautiful pictures … they’d be perfect with some cheese right now. Ranjana loves to snack, and these stunning crackers are made for nibbling!” — Steffi
“What?! Are these handmade crackers?! Well, that is just fabulous! When I grow up, I want to make my own crackers, too 😀 ” — Angie
Fiery Sriracha Oyster Crackers from Judi @ cookingwithauntjuju
“When I saw Aunt JuJu’s bowl full of hot sauce, maple syrup and thyme coated oyster crackers, I knew we were all in trouble. These would be so moreish that it would be impossible to stop at one, two, three handfuls… now, now people, remember to share!” — Effie
“Okay, this recipe will be tried in my kitchen. That’s a guarantee! Maybe even tonight! It’ll make the perfect snack for a movie night” — Angie
***
And now… it’s your turn to inspire us! Join Fiesta Friday #85 and add your link! If you’re new to Fiesta Friday, please read the guidelines.
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Sonal Kalra says
Happy FF Angie! Wait! I didn’t see any of these enteries at the link up :-/ How’s that possible! Oh God! Did I post / like / comment elsewhere 🙁 I’m confused! Fab features as always! 😀 I shall check these out now! And… Don’t worry you will be cooking up a storm soon xxx
Angie says
I think you commented some place else, haha… It happens to me all the time!! Let me look for that comment now.
Sonal Kalra says
And I saw half the no. Of posts than I’m used to seeing on FF! Is my laptop playing games with me 🙁
Angie says
The last two FFs have about 70 entries. Still plenty to look at, but it’s true we used to get up to 100 or more. Time to invite your friends to join!
Sonal Kalra says
Yes! I guess everybody was busy enjoying summer! 😀
Angie says
Plus it’s been so hot!! Who wants to cook when it’s that hot, right?! My lame excuse, anyway 😀
Sonal Kalra says
Haha!
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
I’m with you Angie. Where is my motivation! Thank goodness for FF. That is a great place to get motivation!
Angie says
I totally agree, Julie! I’m planning to cook up a storm this weekend. Plus it’s time to dismantle the garden, so I’ll be swamped with veggies. Here comes fritters! 😀
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
It’s sad to say goodbye to the garden but it is slowly dying off. Have lots of fun in the kitchen!
illcookyouwash says
I thought I was the only one – I really haven’t cooked that much lately. Partial laziness, partial burnout, partial life lol. I’ve been beating myself up over it but I do feel better now 🙂
Angie says
I know that guilty feeling! But then again, I keep telling myself this is just for fun. We’re not in a race or competition. I constantly have to remind myself to take it easy 🙂
Elaine @ foodbod says
How can you fail to be inspired by all of the FF party goers week after week?? It’s the only place to be on a Friday 🙂 have fun xx
Angie says
I know!! Every time I look at all the entries, I feel the need to create. If only my hiney would cooperate and get off the couch! 😀
Elaine @ foodbod says
Ha ha! That would be a start…!
Quinn Caudill says
Yeah my wife employs a cook and a shopper also. (ME).:((
Thanks for hosting Angie and Kaila @ GF Life 24/7 and welcome Jenny @ Dragonfly Home Recipes. Happy FF!
(BTW am I scheduled to co-host in September? I know we talked about it but I can’t remember. Too much going on.)
Angie says
I need one more co-host next week, which is supposed to be Molly if she would agree, but I haven’t gotten any reply from her. If she can’t do it, I would love for you to co-host. Otherwise, I definitely can use your help in Oct.
Your wife is very lucky!! 🙂
Quinn Caudill says
Just let me know. Yes she is very lucky. That is what I keep telling her. :)))-
Angie says
Lol!! I tell my husband the same thing!! I never fail to remind him every time I serve him one of my home cooked meals, haha…
Domestic Gothess says
Thank you so much for featuring my cake! Have a great weekend 🙂
Angie says
You’re welcome! Such a fantastic cake!
Jenny says
Thanks for inviting me to co-host–I am looking forward to it!!
Angie says
We’re thrilled to have you, Jenny! I hope you’ll have fun!
Suchitra says
Hi Angie!! I haven’t been cooking much or been to the Fiesta the last few weeks! I was away on vacation in India eating all the food that I could get my hands on!! Now that I am back, I intend to get back into the kitchen slowly and also mingle a lot more here at FF. Love all the features this week!
Angie says
Oh how wonderful!! I’d love to find out about everything you did, eat, see while you were there. It’s one place I would love to visit! Welcome back!! 🙂
carolinescookingblog says
We’ve been doing quite a few grilling/easy meals too (as you can tell from what I’ve added this week) but I’m trying to still make some new things for when this little one eventually decides to show his face, since I know then I’ll definitely be doing less (but otherwise I doubt I’d be motivated at all either!). But hey, it’s been hot, that’s when you are supposed to grill!
Angie says
When are you due? So exciting!! There’s nothing quite like holding a newborn baby. And of course you should be doing less when he arrives. You’ll have your hands full by then! But the hubs should continue to keep the grill flaming and ready. I just told mine to get a new propane tank. We grill so much we’re out of fuel!
wimmonday says
I’ve been out of the kitchen for a while now too. There’s just something about that cooler weather that inspires cooking/baking. It’s so good to be back! 🙂
Angie says
Plus there’ll be apples and pumpkins 🙂 Welcome back!
wimmonday says
Two of the best! 🙂 Thanks!
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
Thanks a bunch Effie and Angie for featuring my “spicy” crackers. They were a hit over the holiday weekend and yes, it is hard to eat just one, or two or a handful 🙂
Angie says
You’re welcome! They really sound fantastic! Can’t wait to give them a try.
Sarah 'n Spice says
Having the hubs grilling totally counts as cooking 😉 Great features as always! Happy FF and have a wonderful weekend!
Angie says
I’m glad you agree with me! Husband’s cooking is the best, right? Even if he can only grill meat 😀
The Kiwi Fruit says
I feel like I have missed out on soooo many amazing recipes!! These features are fantastic and so is everything else!! … maybe I should’t go on holiday… but glad to be back and Happy FF!!! xxx
Angie says
Welcome back, Stef! A holiday is a must, c’mon, ‘coz then you’ll come back refreshed and ready to partaaay!! 😀
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says
I spend so much of my time baking that by the time it comes to dinner I don’t want to cook anymore! I’ve taken to just throwing pre cooked grilled chicken on a salad and be done with it hahah
Angie says
That’s exactly what I’ve been doing, lol! Not the baking but the salads 🙂 The kids get pizza or Chinese delivery. Then when the husband comes home he throws his steaks on the grill. It’s amazing how long we’ve been able to survive like that 😀
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says
Haha! It’s got everything you need – vegetables, fibre and protein! Grilled meat and salad all the way!
Ginger says
We’ve just had an Indian takeaway … again! Perhaps it’s time to get back to do some real cooking! Anyways, thanks for letting me co-host last week, it was so much fun and I am feeling all fired up to do something with food this week!
Angie says
I’d be happy with Indian takeout anytime, Stef. Would you believe there’s no Indian restaurant anywhere in town? 🙁 That’s probably why I’m obsessed with Indian food. I’m hoping to get fired up myself 🙂
eclecticoddsnsods says
that nutella cake wow but it looks like it needs a hazard warning lol!
Angie says
Lol, it looks quite dangerous, hahah…
eclecticoddsnsods says
completely…..you wouldn’t want to tread on it!! Or sit on it!!
Arl's World says
Well I am glad to know I am not the only one who has not cooked much lately. I think fall will get us motivated Angie! All the wonderful spices and flavors …
Of course, with your hubs cooking it might be slightly harder to motivate ones self. 😉 Great features, I have missed out on some really good recipes! I will have fun catching up. Happy Fiesta Friday!! 🙂
Angie says
I’m hoping the cooler weather will get us all motivated, Arlene. That and all the apples and pumpkins and Thanksgiving… I’m excited just thinking about it! 🙂 Besides, the husband’s cooking repertoire is really very limited. All he does is grill steaks or burgers! 🙂
Jhuls says
Hi, Angie. I am on a short vacay and will be joining the fun as soon as I get back. Though, I will be visiting some when I have tthe chance. I am not also cooking that much. Is the weather? I don’t know. Maybe too exhausted to do so. So many things to think about. Anyway, happy Fiesta Friday to you and to everyone. 🙂
Angie says
So nice of you to stop by while on vacay, Jhuls. I hope you’re having fun and will come back feeling refreshed and ready to partaayy!! 🙂
Jhuls says
I stayed in a hotel with no wifi service inside the rooms. You have to pay about USD 7 for an hour wifi connection. :/ I have visited some blogs already. Will visit again soon. Hugs!
Josette@thebrookcook says
You have me imagining what it would be like to have a cook! 🙂
I have been cooking less & posting less… trying to get back on track. Fiesta Friday is definitely a place to get inspired! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Angie says
I don’t need a cook as much as I need a sous chef, haha… I like to be in charge in the kitchen 🙂 But it would be nice to have a helper. I think we’re all still trying to adjust to the fall schedule, Josette. Coz now we’re also back to being a driver to the kids as much as cook 😀
Josette@thebrookcook says
It’s the truth. 🙁
Sarah James @ Tales From The Kitchen Shed says
Wow, some inspiring recipes this week, the chocolate cake is stunning. It’s turned autumnal here in France, so my slow cooker is in full use, cooking proper comfort food. Hope the weather cools down & you get cooking soon 🙂
Angie says
Wonderful! Slow cooker cooking to the rescue! 🙂 That’s probably how I should start easing my way back to the kitchen. Looking forward to check out your recipes, Sarah!
Loretta says
In all honesty Angie, I’ll have to admit I agree with your sister. 🙂 You the talented chef, you the creator of all things unique, you the excellent photographer and food stylist… I could go on and on, but you do get my drift don’t you? I do miss your cooking posts, but also realize how busy our lives are these days. I am very thankful though that you haven’t abandoned FF, it such a beautiful and welcoming arena where we can all share and encourage each other along the way. I myself will be MIA for a bit, visiting some southern states next week for 10 days, then next month will be away for 2 weeks visiting my mother and family across the pond. Keep up the great work though, I was rattling your cage in the first sentence 🙂
Angie says
It’s true that in my family, I’m viewed as a bit of an artist, but I’m really not that talented! I’m just so-so, more of jack of all trades master of none. I can do many things well enough but not great. Oh well…as I get older I’ve come to accept the reality, hahah… So nice that you’re able to travel to all these places, Loretta. I’d love to trade places with you! 🙂
Ranjana@FlavorfulBakes says
Thank you so much for featuring the crackers that I made!! Happy FF Angie! xoxo
Angie says
You’re welcome, Ranjana! They sound wonderful and healthy, too!
Kaila says
Angie! I’ve had so much fun co-hosting this week, and then I realized that I never wrote back to you!! I think it’s great to get as much out of your grill while the weather is still nice out, and you have all winter long to cook. Maybe we’ll be re-entering the kitchen around the same time. (I only have 2.5 more weeks in a sling!) Hope you have a wonderful week. 😀
Angie says
That’s not a problem, Kaila. As long as you have fun, that’s all that matters. I really hope the weather turns very soon. I have a couple of dessert recipes I’m itching to try but baking when it’s hot out is just not appealing to me. Don’t forget to send in your feature selections 🙂
Kaila says
On it right now! 🙂
tentimestea says
Oh yay, the feature is a lovely surprise! 🙂 Ah, and one may as well take advantage of the barbecue while the weather is nice 🙂 but I’m excited to see where the future cooler weather inspiration takes you!
Angie says
I’m itching to make cheesecake. But today it gets hot and humid again, dang! I’m sticking to my fruit salad for now 🙂