This economy sucks

I know, "duh", right? But it's getting me down big time. It's definitely hampering my desire to spend time writing and that's too bad because it's probably something I SHOULD do.  I am still having fun with recipes. It's just tarnished by my moods.

My husband really wanted me to try red velvet cupcakes. So, last week I found a recipe from a Bobby Flay Food Network challenge. I found the cupcakes kind of bland but Jeff went nuts for them. So did others who had some (though that's always a dicey opinion to rely on - what are they going to say 'these are terrible'?). I'm going to make them again today because I've got enough frosting left over from the first batch for a whole new batch and I halved the recipe the first time!!! I know people like it layered on but c'mon.

I really want to try another recipe to compare, but I know this one made Jeff happy so I'll stick with it this time.

By the way - if you're ever trying one of my culinary attempts - please don't give undue praise. It doesn't help me weed out the crap recipes and it makes it hard for me to tell if something is really good. I once had a friend over and I made a fish recipe. Put simply, it was disgusting. I think the fish was bad (though I had purchased it that day). The whole kitchen stunk and Jeff, who usually pokes his head in to grab some of whatever I've cooked, beelined for peanut butter and jelly. I have known this friend for years and so felt I could be candid  - oh screw it, I'm always candid - I put my fork down and made a face. My friend said "oh no, it's good" (as she pushed food around her plate). To this day, she claims it was a good meal. Not helpful... comically gracious and I love her for it... but not helpful.

Last week I made another Food Network recipe - Lamb burgers wrapped in prosciutto. These are great but I kept thinking they were missing something. Like some sort of sour cream topping. Something "cool" to go with all the richness. I'll toy with it. The recipe is definitely a keeper.

I haven't had any hilarious mistakes occur or any cuts or bruises to report. Maybe I'm more cautious when I'm bummed. Plus, everything has been easy. Blech. Save us Obama. (Yeah, I know that's not realistic, but I gotta have some beacon of hope.)