learning a new skill

I grew up cooking with mum in a spacious kitchen; I should also mention the rule in our household was "if you cook, you don't clean up." The result was not bumping elbows and definitely not cleaning as you went. I am not a tidy chef; I have been known to dirty every pot, pan, and counter surface available to me while cooking a meal. So what happens when you take an explosive chef and move her into a cramped Upper West Side kitchen? A lot of complaining that the sink was too small, that the counters were too tiny, that the kittens get under foot! I can definitely say that I used the hot summer weather as an excuse to make a lot of sandwiches. New York's weather is getting a little more autumnal and I've been craving heartier dishes. Tonight I made chicken stew with biscuits and I cleaned as I cooked! I have to admit, it's nice to sit down to eat and know that I don't have to get up to clean.

chicken stew with biscuits

Ina Garten, let me count the ways you love rich food. I have learned to replace all the cream and half&half in this recipe with milk. I have learned to cut down on the amount of butter. I use organic frozen veggies so I don't have to parboil carrots. I have learned to make a half recipe, 8 portions?! Who are you feeding with those giant sized portions? However, with all the amendments required this is pure comfort food and I adore it.

On another note: It is also impossible to take a picture of stew that looks good.