So… I am currently sitting in front of the tv, with Jason’s computer on my lap, watching Paula Dean put a nice layer of custard on top of butter cake pieces and raspberries creating what she calls her “Raspberry and Sherry Trifle.” I’m pretty sure I just gained five pounds just watching…

Anyway, I’ve noticed that lately I’ve had this insatiable desire (I’d go as far as to call it a need even) to cook. Well, maybe “lately” isn’t the right word. I’ve always loved cooking but I’m finding that lately, it’s something I desperately want to do. I think part of the reason is because our kitchen is small. We only have two electric burners on the stove, a tiny fridge with no freezer, and no oven (but we have a very large toaster oven). We are also lacking counter space… which is kind of essential. Making dinner at our house has been a challenge, but definitely doable. As much as I complain about our kitchen, I’m more than certain that many years from now, when we live in a bigger place with a full-sized kitchen, I’m going to look back on this time lovingly. “Hey, remember when we lived in that tiny place with no oven? Yeah, how did we survive?”

I’m definitely a firm believer of the idea that love is the main ingredient in any dish. I feel like living in this apartment has given me plenty of opportunities to prove this. You can ask Jason. Even with our limited resources, tools, and space, we still have wonderful dinners together. Whether it’s my second attempt at chicken and dumplings, hot dogs right off the grill or meat loaf made in our toaster oven, we’ve done more than just make it work. When Jason and I first started dating, he made me a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup when I was sick. I’m pretty sure that was the best grilled cheese I had ever had (and I’m also pretty sure that’s when I knew he was a keeper).

Paula Dean is now making Peanut Butter Cheese fudge… sick. Any recipe that calls for both peanut butter and Velveta cheese is definitely not on my list of things to make…

Anyway, I just made some marshmallow crispy squares and chocolate covered pretzels. I better taste them to make sure they’re ready…. tee hee. As Paula would say in that sassy southern accent, “I send you love and best dishes from my kitchen to yours.”