I think I'm losing my mind...

... and I blame the movie and books associated with "Julie and Julia" for this.

Today, I had intended to do some shopping, but I wasn't feeling it when I woke up. So, I slept in, had a nice brunch, and then wandered off to a Starbucks to have a frappucino and read. After reading for a bit on the patio, I wandered over to the cemetery and wandered around for a bit in the sunshine. I like the cemetery 'cuz I'm a little bit gothy like that, and it's a nice quiet space near my home.

Next on my agenda was to drop by the grocery store. On my way there, I passed by this little bookstore that I've never actually been inside because it's usually closed while I pass by. I stopped to look in the window as I always do, and what do I see but a sparkly new copy of Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1" in the window. For only $20 no less (manufacturer's retail price = $49 CAD). I pick it up, flip through, and say to myself "no you crazy girl, put it down. It'll just gather dust in your kitchen."

I listen to myself and meander on my way. But then I think that I have argued with my friend Mathew about the importance of cookbooks as objets d'art in one's kitchen, and when else am I going to find it that cheap, and I am going to make bouef bourgignon after all. I'm sure I can find other recipes in there I'd like to make, like the potato soup in the beginning of "Julie & Julia" the book. Then I recall the recipes for crepes that I saw as I flipped through the book, and that clinched it. Instead of having a waffle brunch for my friends before Christmas this year, it could be a Julia Child crepe brunch.

I turn around and make my way back to the store. I must look like a dork returning five minutes after I left, but hey, that's me. As I'm at the cash, the book store dude tries to sell me Volume 2, but instead I ask him if he has another copy of MtAoFC Vol 1. I haven't bought my Paris travelling buddy Heather a bday present yet, and I know she'll love a copy of this book, because it just reminds one of Paris, and unlike me, she is actually an accomplished cook. (Sorry for ruining the suprise Heather if you are reading this, which I don't think you do.)

I as I carry my two heavy cookbooks up the street, I think about how crazy it is for someone who hasn't really cooked in months to buy a difficult cookbook. So, to remedy this, I decide on the spot I'm going to make chili for supper, and text Mathew to tell him to come by for dinner. Cooking for just one person is not very fun.

So yah, I ended up having a fun impromptu mini-dinner party, where I had maybe one too many glasses of red wine, and then spent some time flipping through MtAoFC and bookmarking the recipes I'd like to try as Mathew mentioned maybe I should be more interested in more contemporary cooks. However, all the movies and the books have made me very fond of Julia Child and I'd rather just cook recipes of someone I'm fond of, you know? And they'll be a good challenge.

I'm going to try to cook one recipe per month out of my new book, and boeuf bourginon will be October's dish.

Oh, and the reason why I think I'm losing my mind, is that this all started with a couple of books, then a movie, and now there's a cookbook. And, since my cooking equipment is mostly cast-offs donated to me by my friend Mel, I'm going to have to make some investments. And of course, I somehow always stumble upon very expensive versions of whatever I need. To make the bouef bourgignon, I need buy a good Dutch oven, and I found a really expensive one at Williams Sonoma that I'm not going to buy, but it's so pretty. And all the reviews say it's a life-changing pot.... argh! No! I'm going to buy one at the Bay instead! Quiet evil voices! (What colour is your fave though? I think I'd go red. I like the lemongrass but it's internet only.)

So anyway, ya I had a good rather random day, and I'll have enough chili to feed myself for awhile, and Mathew's got lunch for tomorrow, so yah, good day.

Shopping will be tomorrow I think...

ps Rawbean - I ended up buying the whole Miike Snow album and enjoying listening to it while cooked dinner tonight.
pps Claire - Better get your llama. Hahahaha. I heard that song today and thought of you.
ppps Wigsf - I was so surprised to see that Third Eye Blind had a new album! I'd forgotten about them... and it's good you say?
pppps Everyone - The new Weezer single is really fun.