Cooking in Monterey

Ever since I moved from San Diego to Monterey, cooking and especially baking has been a challenge.  I love the fresh farmer's markets in the area, and the produce is generally better since we are so close to farm country.  I love cooking, and when I moved, I stocked up on brand new cook books and even a new apron... so, you're probably wondering, "what's the problem?" Well... the problem lies with my stove and my oven.  

My stove and oven is like something straight out of 1965.  After many months of burning meals (I also had to get used to using gas for the first time in my life), the oven died, and our landlord bought us a new stove/oven. I was excited at the prospect of actually being able to cook on a real stove/oven that wasn't so darn old and fidgety.... except, if you know anything about Monterey, you know that the landlords here don't really care what they throw in their rentals, as long as it "works"... and whether it works or not... well, that's all relative.  My 1965 oven was replaced by an exact, but current replica of the same basic, bare bones oven that retails for about $400 - just so you know what I am working with here. 

After many burnt meals (especially baked goods), I figured out that you actually have to use 25 degrees less than what the recipe calls for, and cut the cooking time short by 20 minutes in most cases - at least with baking.  I've finally got it figured out, but, oh, what I would give for a REAL kitchen! (oh, and a dishwasher would be nice, too!)

The purpose of my blog is to share recipes with friends & family... and good books.... good movies... my latest travel destination... basically, just a combination of things! I guess I didn't think I'm busy enough as it is, what with finishing my last semester of grad school and starting to learn Chinese in an intense, year and a half long language training school...