Wednesday, December 19, 2007
How did it get to be Christmas?
OK, I realize I have been busy, but this "time is flying by" is getting to be ridiculous.
Well, where do I
start? I knew it was time to expand my business so I started looking for used equipment so I could open a commercial kitchen
without going into debt. That led me to a commercial bakery that was for sale and within my price range -- to make a long
story short, I bought it.
And my chef calendar is filling for next year. I'm now filling in dates for February,
so if you're looking for that special "romantic dinner" for Valentines, please call now before I am completely
booked.
And with my expansion I now offer cooking in your home and fresh delivery services. My crystal ball shows me
that I will rarely cook at home now -- I see delivery in my family's future -- oh, the price of success. Keep cooking
and Merry Christmas everyone!
7:47 pm est
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Holiday madness
The holidays are upon us and it's a time to be thankful for all our blessings. We in America are blessed. If you don't
feel like cooking a huge meal for family and friends, you have the opportunity to have someone cook it for you -- either a
Personal Chef or order from any deli or restaurant. But it seems a few people want the service and expect you to have an opening
or be able to fill their request at 8 p.m. the night before Thanksgiving. Hmmmmm, I think time is flying by this year, but
worrying about a huge holiday meal the night before the big event -- I can't believe it "just snuck up on you."
Anyway, I hope everyone had a great holiday -- I did even though it was busy.
And now I'm baking care packages.
I have to admit it's tough not digging into double chocolate cookies, brownies topped with coconut and macadamia nut icing.
And there is the French chocolate cake -- a simple but decadent melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake I've nicknamed Maria's
Mouthwatering Chocolate Cake.
And this week has been filled with trips looking at baking equipment along with other
business plans. And an opportunity has fell in my lap I hope to capitalize on that will expand the Kitchen King and its services
-- I'll keep you posted.
And there's one more thing. Since when did it become so hard to give a company money
to provide you with a service they're in business to provide. I've been trying to place my business in the phone book
and to obtain details about advertising on a certain radio station. I cannot get either to return a phone call. I finally
called the home phone customer service department and learned the business section does not return phone calls until they
are working on the next directory. Well, why don't they tell you that so you won't feel like they're ingnoring
you? Now about that radio station....I'll keep you posted. Keep cooking! Or call me and I'll cook for you!
9:30 am est
Monday, November 19, 2007
Whew, survived the weekend
This weekend was crazy, but I survived because of a Sunday afternoon nap. All the cooking was a success and everyone enjoyed
the food. I haven't had the chance to try my new idea for my French Toast, but hopefully I'll get to it within the
next week. Right now I'm trying to take care of a few business loose ends -- like organizing all my paperwork and recipes,
figure an easier way to distribute my newsletter, among other things. Hey, if you haven't signed up for GRITS, my newsletter,
do so because you missed a great cornbread stuffing recipe in the November issue. And I do not give out recipes often -- if
you don't believe me ask a few of my friends and relatives. Next week I have an interview with the Signal newspaper, so
getting organized this week is important -- between cooking and working at the Deli, along with looking for equipment for
my business expansion (details to be revealed next year), and don't forget it's Thanksgiving too -- so I'll be
relaxed and have fun with the interview. Till next time, keep cooking and don't eat too much on Thanksgiving because Christmas
and all of its wonderful treats is just around the corner!
10:35 am est
Thursday, November 8, 2007
I am cooking
I will be cooking lunch for 10 people. That's great! For some reason yesterday I was thinking about my French Toast and
the Cinnamon Bread I use to make the toast. I like the bread and my family loves it, but to me something was missing. Well,
yesterday while at Sam's picking up ink for my hungry printer (and excuse me while I hop on my Soap Box -- why does ink
cartridges cost as much as the whole printer? I feel like I am being robbed everytime I buy them. And yes, I have tried the
recycled cartridges and it didn't work.) when it hit me what was missing. And no, I'm not saying anything until I
test the new bread. Hopefully I'll have time in the morning.
8:49 am est
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Getting Busy
Word is getting out even though I haven't started advertising my services. I don't even have a sign on my truck
yet, but I talked with a customer the other day and it looks like I will be cooking lunch for about 10 people next Saturday.
And there is one other individual who is interested in me cooking a week's worth of dinners for her. I reckon there won't
be any kitchen passes for me next week. On the advertising front, the lady who cuts my hair said I could place my pamphlets
in her shop. I was going to print the pamphlets yesterday and drop them off on my way to the grocery store to pick up a few
items I needed to prepare lunch, but my printer decided it was time to be fed -- now I have to buy more black ink -- oh well.
Keep cooking and smiling!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Dessert reaction
Family came to dinner last night and I fixed my Black and White Banana Pudding for dessert. I made a large bowl so I could
take a picture of it for this site (the picture is on the menu page). I had a lot left over so I decided to take some of it
to the Deli where I work part time. It was a huge hit and the afternoon workers were mad because they didn't get to taste
it. Needless to say, I was pleased with their reactions. After all, these people are around great desserts all day. One lady
has made a request to have the pudding for her birthday next month. Yep, it was a good day.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Getting Started
It's been a month getting organized, purchasing equipment, testing some new recipes, enhancing my baking skills -- but
it's finally time to start this new chapter in my life. Needless to say I am excited and nervous but if customers have
the same reactions as many of my "taste testers," then the Kitchen King will be a huge success and rule. Yep, I
hid all the flops from everyone but my wife -- she let me know quickly if a dish was bad, bland, or "too simple."
Till next time, keep on cooking.
11:35 pm edt
