All about the triumph of intellect and romance

Well, the cooking has been going much better lately. Thanks to everyone for their amazing recipes! The ones you all sent have been going off swimmingly so far, and getting into a cooking routine has been really helpful, too. Here are a few humorous quotes from our adventures:

(simultaneously, while making lasagna last night)
Danielle: Remember, you have to follow the recipe exactly. That's what it's for, after all.
Me: I'm pretty sure we can just wing it from here.

(today, deciding what to do with some leftover food)
Laura: I think I'll make some mashed potatoes. These things are about to rot.
Me: YES! That sounds amazing! *pause, in a quieter voice* I mean, if you want to.

Also, in completely unrelated news to cooking, I'm going to Edinburgh this weekend, whee! And I've also made plans for spring break (in Florence and Rome) as well as an long weekend in Paris (in April)! Irving Berlin, that's your cue. :)

Well, friends, I have finally realized what hell is. It's not fire and brimstone - it is a kitchen in which I am the chef.

Yes, tonight was our first real night of cooking dinner. We're supposed to cook in partners, but my partner (as well as the rest of my flatmates) ended up having to see a play tonight, as our professor sprung that lovely bit of news on us this afternoon. I was assigned to see the same play on Wednesday - tomorrow - so, as the last person standing, I was forced to man the kitchen for dinner.

For those of you who have never seen me in action, my cooking skills are absolutely horrendous. Give me something to microwave, some pasta, or even a casserole to put in the oven - easy as pie for me. I can even bake a little (bread, some cakes, etc) if I've seen the recipe and prepared it a few times. But I have absolutely no experience in cooking with new recipes, especially those involving my arch nemesis: chicken. *insert horror music here*

The flat didn't burn to the ground, or anything, (and, for some bonus points, neither did the food!) but it literally took me thirty minutes to chop up chicken, other vegetables, mix it into a stock for soup, and to work the gas stove. Send love (and easy recipes) -- I need some sympathy!