Happy Birthday Baby!

Yesterday was a joyous day. I gave birth to a 14 lb. red enameled cast iron baby--I got my first Le Creuset French oven! I've wanted one forever. I'm lucky enough to have them at work so I've been using them for some time now--but have never had one of my own. It's so cute in it's box--I'm almost hesitant to take it out or let other people use it. There should be a training class for people not familiar with Le Creuset products. I don't think I could handle any scuffs or cracks in my precious baby.

What's so great about French ovens you ask? The oven slowly and evenly absorbs heat from its surroundings and transmits it in the same fashion to the food being cooked. Even cooking is essential to cooking anything successfully. You can cook almost anything and everything in the pot. I'm so excited to try it out. Too bad it's hot and humid out--these ovens are perfect for braising richer meats (perfect for a cold winter's day.)

Life After Culinary School

I've been pretty busy since school ended. My first priority was finding a job and after an intense few days of interviews and trails, I am happy to say I am employed!!! I will be cooking in the JPM Executive Dining Room. As I've had to explain to many people, it is NOT a cafeteria. I will be cooking for partners and clients, special lunches and or dinner banquets. I'm pretty excited. The kitchen is located on the top floor of the JP Morgan building with huge floor to ceiling windows. The view is absolutely amazing. Unfortunately friends will not be able to come eat there...unless you're a client of someone at JPM...It is pretty ironic that I left finance to pursue my culinary passion and I end up working in a financial institution...and almost directly across from my old building. Ah well...fate has a sense of humor.

I turned 25 recently....and celebrated with friends in a manner I thought was most befitting of a mature twenty something adult....with pink party hats, picnic food and party games. Haha...yes there might be some quarter life crises happening here. For my birthday, a special someone took me shopping at Korin, one of my favorite stores in NYC. Once upon a time, I would have dreamed of a shopping spree at Club Monaco (ok, I still would love that) or Bloomingdale's or Reiss, but now I drool over Le Creuset, KitchenAid, All-Clad, Misono. My, how times have changed.

I'm moving out of my apartment this week so have been preoccupied with organizing/packing/selling furniture. Moving in NYC sucks. Don't worry, I'm still eating plenty, just haven't had time to upload photos and blog about it. I'm going home to California for a long visit soon, so expect some food posts from the Bay!