Homemade Vanilla Extract

I actually made my own vanilla extract, and for those of you who know extracts, they're all alcohol. Which means, that yes, I used alcohol to make this. It was quite the experience--going down to the liquor store and all, but I went with a buddy. We bought 100 proof vodka and madagascar vanilla beans, and we were all set. Now we just have to let it sit for a few months. They waiting is the hardest part, though I suppose it will force me to use up what's left of my store bought junk before I can use the really good stuff. I'm excited to use it, but I can wait.

The First Cooking Challenge

I actually completed the challenge quite a few weeks ago, but I'm a little slow in updating the blog. This flourless chocolate torte was fabulous, though my husband thought it too rich for his taste. Too bad for him! I can definitely hold my own with the richest and darkest of all chocolate. Hey, if it's not chocolate, it's not dessert!

Welcome to my blog!

I'm now officially on the blog bandwagon! I've started this blog as a way to record my cooking triumphs and tragedies, as suggested by the Gutsy Gourmets. I enjoy cooking and baking, but I still have so much to learn. My only real cooking goal is to have children that think their mom is a good cook. That shouldn't be too hard.

I absolutely love cookie dough....maybe even more than I love baking. Sometimes the dough is better than the cookie.