How it all begins.

My first encounter with French Laundry at Home left me in awe and admiration, but it also left me feeling a bit intimidated and perplexed. Nevertheless, Carol’s consistent dedication and humor throughout her trials and triumphs progressively heightening my inkling to embark on my own culinary challenge.

One day, I received The Complete Thomas Keller Collection, including The French Laundry Cookbook and Bouchon as a gracious gift. I recall how the gigantic books became progressively heavier in my arms as I cradled them home that day. I was unsure whether my heart was beating fast from the anticipation of being finally able to pour over the pages or from being weighted down during my long walk. Regardless, my heart has never beat faster for any other cookbook so it must be love.

I was instantly captured by Bouchon’s comfortable and practical approach to French cooking and by Keller’s emphasis on manifesting the ingredients’ potential sensibly over needlessly manipulating and torturing food. This chimes in well with my cultural and personal philosophy towards food.

So here I go. Join me as I tackle Bouchon one recipe at a time. Watch me as I seek out (and grudgingly substitute) ingredients, struggle with instructions, and attempt to alter the recipes to cook for two, much like how you might at home. I must confess, apart from baking, I’ve never followed a single recipe precisely before so this is going to be plenty interesting.

Every now and then, I will throw a dinner party, share my personal beloved recipes, and recount gastronomic adventures.

This documents my love of cooking for those I love.