Fascination with Food

I know you've missed me. I blame part of my absence on the fact that my workplace has Blogger blocked. But mainly it's due to my laziness. Funny, though, because I've actually been writing mini entries during the "free-writing" time in one of my writing courses, which I have been taking for the last 2 months. Mind you I've probably missed half these classes due to illness. Anyhow, today I would like to address my growing fascination with food.

Perhaps being sick and unable to cook for a few weeks sparked this. And then maybe my encounter with a fellow foodie accelerated it. I was interviewing one of the Regional Directors at work when I asked him what he would be doing if he wasn't working for the Public Service. He thought for a bit and told me he would probably be taking culinary classes somewhere in the Mediterranean. "That's exactly what I would be doing too!", I exclaimed. A fellow foodie! I had heard the term earlier that week when a colleague had used it to refer to me. I felt honoured.

I've always had a love for food and ever since I took on the role of a wife, my cooking skills have improved with each meal I create. I'm quite confident with my ability so now I want to learn to cook cool dishes. My dream is to be able to cook like those guys on the Food Network. The ultimate awesomeness would be to go on Iron Chef - not as a competitor though, but a judge. I would love to visit Europe and try all the authentic local cuisines. Seriously, I want to learn to cook some gourmet French cuisine. (Mediterranean has dropped to second on my list of favourites.)

So... does anyone know where in Edmonton I can take part-time culinary classes, specializing in French cuisine? Anyone? I joked I'd spend my maternity leave going to culinary school but I'm seriously considering it now. When else would I get time off AND get paid? I guess I'll just have to wait a few years.

Perhaps I should restart my (Li-See-Lai) Mrs. Li's Food Blog. I've been whipping up interesting meals this week: pan-fried lamb chops with a sherry & peppercorn reduction, baked pesto sole with crispy prawns, steamed mussels in a garlic white-wine broth, ribs, and pan-fried kimchi udon. Did I mention I've been addicted to kimchi and nori lately? How strange.