apology/intro

[lorilei]

I think it's about time to introduce myself... I'm afraid I was a bit rude just butting in yesterday looking for Caribbean food suggestions. Where is my etiquette? :O I've been lurking around these boards for a while now and truly appreciate all of the wonderful ideas you share. Thank you...

As for a brief introduction, I'm only 25, but I've been reading cookbooks since I was ten and I'm completely addicted. I seldom follow recipes exactly, and I love to experiment, experiment, experiment. My husband and I are "mostly" vegetarian, but not completely converted, and we both share in the task of thinking of new and wonderful things for dinner.

I hope to find many great things here -- and get to know all of you better!

Once again, my apologies for the breach of etiquette!

[Vanessa]

Lori I noticed you are vegetarian? I was the one that sent you some Caribbean recipes (prk kebabs) you can change it to seafood kebabs if you want. Hope you have a nice Island theme party

[Natasha]

Welcome!!! I don't think you have anything to apologize for.
But where is your other post? I don't see it on this board, but, then, I'm still nursing my first cup of coffee, so maybe that explains it ... ; )
(Okay, I see now that it was on the old board!)



[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 06-14-2000).]

[lindrusso]

No apology necessary Lorilei and welcome!

But on that note, I've been using this board for quite a while and have never introduced myself - maybe that's why I feel no apology is necessary! I guess I generally prefer a bit of anonymity on the internet.

However, since we have a fresh start here, would anyone else like to introduce themselves?

I'm a stay-at-home mom (two boys, 6 and 2)who is, what I saw someone else describe themselves as on a different board, a recipe follower rather than an out-and-out cook (although I do a little tweaking here and there). I feel like I have no time to experiment, but am looking forward to a time when I do.

I would also describe myself as an Bon Appetit/Gourmet/Martha Stewart cook trapped in a Cooking Light body. Please know I am not knocking Cooking Light here at all - I LOVE it - I just wish I had the metabolism to eat the really rich and fattening stuff! I find it very hard not to sneak a little extra cheese into some (all???) CL recipes....

I've really enjoyed participating in these boards and look forward to more!

Anyone else???

[lorilei]

Originally posted by Vanessa:
Lori I noticed you are vegetarian? I was the one that sent you some Caribbean recipes (prk kebabs) you can change it to seafood kebabs if you want. Hope you have a nice Island theme party

Vanessa -- don't feel badly at all! Firstly because we do tend to eat meat on occasion (we're only "mostly" vegetarian -- we eat very little meat, and hold a great respect for honest-to-goodness vegetarians!).

Not only that, but I'm having meat-eaters over for dinner, so your suggestions will be just perfect!!

[Deanna]

Your island-themed dinner party would be a great opportunity to pick up some really fresh fish and cook it on the grill...then serve with a Caribbean salsa of some sort!

[Annette]

*drumrolls, please*
Okay, since we're introducing ourselves, my name is Annette and I am a single mom of a 6 year old boy. I work full time, primarily... the joy of temping *rolling eyes* and am a full time student pursuing a degree in Construction Management. I wanted to go for a degree in Culinary Arts, my passion, but it's hard to work Chefs hours and raise a child on your own.
A couple years ago I had my own cleaning business with some wonderful clients and ended up doing alot of event planning and catering once they discovered my other talents! I loved it!! I miss it too but I enjoy cooking for friends and family.
I've recently purchased the MasterCook software and installed it, but have yet to play in it but will do so soon. Finals wrap up this week!! Yipee!!

[This message has been edited by Annette (edited 06-14-2000).]

[jenniferharris1]

OK, I feel the need to introduce myself, because I'm on here all the time; and it does get a little lonely out here in Cyberworld. My name is Jennifer and I stay home with my 3 wild kids (8, 2 and 7 months). Yesterday, my son was trying to put a fork up my 7 month old's nose, and he's been known to try to put her in the dryer. I EMPHASIZE TRY, because I catch him in time...I really do parent! Anyway, I love to cook and I adore this board. I also go to school part-time to become a dental hygienist. But, I feel like I know each and every one of you! So, happy cooking, all!

[tammy/MN]

hi to all, this is the first time that i have had a chance in 2 wks to get on-line, other than chking emails, so all this new BB stuff is daunting! i'm an at-home-mom of 2, ages 3 & 9, i have been receiving CL mag for 7 yrs as a gift subscription from my sister. though i LOVE the mag, i am usually a reader not a cooker, though i love to cook, i don't like to follow recipes or try stuff that is too new.

though i'm only 31, i HATE changes, so it will take me awhile to get used to these BB's.

tammy

[Laura B]

Hi guys! My name is Laura Boyd and I am a 23 year old law student at UNC-Chapel Hill. My husband is in medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill. We have no children yet, but will in the next decade! I LOVE to cook and really enjoy Cooking Light magazine and I adore this board. I am in summer school in Sydney AU right now and have been having CL withdrawal. I am excited about the new board. Rest assured that when I get home in July I will be a frequent poster once again!

By the way, I love this thread. It is nice to hear about what every one else does, their kids, etc. Everybody please share!

[Steph]

I love cooking light. There aren't many people I've come across that cook from it though. I need more easy less than 30 minute recipies that I can make(or teach my husband to make) after a long day at work. I am a nurse and a newlywed.

[Marian]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Marian and I live in Southern California. I am a stay at home mom to 3 kids (ages 13, 8, and 6). Mom gave me a CL subscription a couple of years ago and I'm just starting to really use it. My kids will finally try the things I make and sometimes even like them. I just found this board about a month ago and hope to make it here more often. It's nice meeting everyone.

[Annette]

Hi Steph... and everyone else,
I used to cook from the magazine ALOT... 3 issues stick out in my mind: Slow-Cooker/Crock Pot recipes (4 years ago?), Buckles/Betty's/Crisps/Cobblers(2 yrs ago?), and Apple everything it seems.. which was last year..Septembers issue if I remember correctly. I made every crock pot recipe when that issue came out.. I was married then and my husband and rapidly growing stepson, as well as myself, LOVED all the recipies! The one on the buckles, betty's and such were wonderful! Not only were they delicious (yes.. I made them all) but it taught me that desserts don't have to be "perfect" to look, and taste, divine! And low fat too! The apple issue.. I didn't get to make the pie, which was the entire reason I bought it.. it made my mouth water to look at the pic, but I did make all of the other recipes... and they were all wonderful! I did the pork roast with the apple/cider and baby red for my sons birthday/parents anniversary combo. They stopped by on their way home from their "celebration" in Vancouver BC to wish my son happy birthday (he was sick.. party delayed for a week) and I told them I'd have dinner ready. My dad admitted that it's probably one of the best meals he's ever had.. I had to jump up and write it down on the calendar!! He's one of those "it's not half bad" kinda guys *Laughing* Anyhow.. now that I'm divorced and working, going to school and my son is with a sitter 3 nights a week in addition to school and childcare, etc.. we don't eat at home much.. so I haven't had the opportunity to indulge in the culinary pleasures like I have in times past. I still tell everyone about the mag though.. definately worth it.. even with the slow mailings... I'm done rambling now.. *wandering off*

[This message has been edited by Annette (edited 06-15-2000).]

[Pat]

You all are making me feel my age. I am expecting my first grandchild. I started cooking "light" several years ago when my husband found he had high cholestrol.

I just found Cooking Light magazine about two years ago when I was shopping for groceries. I regret that I had been missing out on that resource. I really enjoy the bulletin board.

[This message has been edited by Pat (edited 06-15-2000).]

[ellielk]

Hi, everyone, I'm Ellie (short for Elinor but not the ElinorC from the old board) and I live in Columbus, OH. I'm orignally from Yonkers, NY and have never lost the NY 'attitude'. I've been cooking out of Cooking Light for about six years. I'm divorced, my three kids are grown and scattered around the country. One's married and expecting his second child. I love to cook and don't mind leftovers and enjoy reading about everyone's adventures and tweaks on the CL recipes. My vacation this year will be to Santa Fe, NM so anyone who's got 'off the beaten track' restaurant ideas from that area - bring 'em on. This weekend is Latino Festival in Cols so I'll be on the hunt for a Cuban sangwich ( yum).

[Liz M]

Hi all! I'm Liz from the old board, and I thought I'd introduce myself, too (this is fun!) I'm 29-year-old English teacher from NH who just finished correcting my 120th final exam. Phew! I'm a novice experimenter in the kitchen, mostly because I have no time. My husband owns his own consulting firm and I coach from June-March, so I really don't have as much time as I wish I did in the kitchen. I'm a "one-pot vegetarian" -- vegetarian foods that I can clean up quickly and easily are my favorites.

I have to admit I'm intimidated by those of you with children -- I just don't know how you do it, and I have the utmost respect for you. (Actually, I'm in awe of you...) I can't seem to keep track of my own life, and I'm scared to death at the thought of children. How do you get it all done and still stay sane?!! I love my job and I love working with teenagers (most of the time!) but I'm terrified at the thought of being responsible for one 24 hours a day!

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great weekend...happy cooking!

[Shirley Panek]

Hi, I'm Shirley and fairly new to the BBs. Although now that I've found them, I'm hooked!

I'm now a stay-at-home mom of 2 (3 & 4 mo.). I used to work at home, but it's gotten harder with 2. Can't wait to see if things settle down a little when my 3-year-old starts school next week.

I love CL, and love my mother-in-law who gave me the subscription 2 years ago. I'm always talking about CL to my friends, and everytime we have a potluck, they say "Cooking Light, right?"

I have to admit I used to only try the more "conservative" recipes, but since I've found the BBs have found the courage to venture out and try some of the more "exotic" recipes. Thanks!

[Gail]

Originally posted by Liz M:
I have to admit I'm intimidated by those of you with children... How do you get it all done and still stay sane?!!
[/B]

This doesn't have to do with food, but I thought I'd say it anyway. When I was in my teens, the prevailing thought with regard to having kids seemed to be "why should I bring more life into this messed up world?" and for years, I almost bought into that philosophy. Then my sister had a son-- and we became buddies-- and it occured to me that maybe this shiny-eyed little bundle of enthusiasm just might grow up to be the impetus that helps un-mess the world. And although it was not meant to be, fate taking my nephew at the age of 16, the idea stuck with me, giving me hope for the future. Yes, being responsible for another human being 24 hours a day is indeed a huge responsibility-- but it's also your stab at righting the wrongs of the world and in the process having your own little person to love for no reason beyond him just BEING. It's a wonderful feeling, much more of a joy than a burden. And when something truly is a joy, things just have a way working out. Having children doesn't have to complicate your life-- it can bless and enrich it.

The preceeding was NOT an add for parenthood. We each make our own path. I wish you happiness with whichever road you you choose.

[Liz M]

Thanks, Gail -- maybe that was the reassurance I needed. I'm spending the weekend with a beautiful 2-year old boy named Coleman, and I hope it will give me a fresh perspective and get me to be not so afraid of parenthood. I guess I'm just afraid that I'll make a huge mistake in my fumbled attempts to raise a child and they'll hate me forever for screwing up their life. Maybe I shouldn't have waited so long -- I was much more daring and carefree when I was in my early 20's!

Sorry about the tangent, everyone..it's been very enlightening for me, so I appreciate you patience!

[BethR]

Originally posted by Laura B:
Hi guys! My name is Laura Boyd and I am a 23 year old law student at UNC-Chapel Hill. My husband is in medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill. We have no children yet, but will in the next decade! I LOVE to cook and really enjoy Cooking Light magazine and I adore this board. I am in summer school in Sydney AU right now and have been having CL withdrawal. I am excited about the new board. Rest assured that when I get home in July I will be a frequent poster once again!

By the way, I love this thread. It is nice to hear about what every one else does, their kids, etc. Everybody please share!

Hi there! I have a question as to why you're in CL withdrawl down in AU -- are "lightened " ingredients (like lower fat cream cheese, sour cream, etc.) hard to find? I ask because my family may be moving to AU for a few years, and I definitely want to keep cooking light (I do almost all of my cooking out of CL!).

BTW, my name is Beth and I'm a full-time mom to my two sons, ages 1 and 3. Cooking light has taken on a whole new meaning to me lately. My older son was recently diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. He will start taking steriods soon in an effort to maintain and maybe even increase his muscle strength. Steriods often cause weight gain -- an especially bad thing for someone with a muscle disease. I'm glad we're already in a CL groove as a family -- it will make it easier for all of us to avoid empty calories along with our little man!

[ElinorC]

Hi Everyone,
I've loved reading all about everyone and find that I'm in the minority on the BBS. My husband and I live in Cleveland Ohio, are senior citizens, and our 2 children (boy and a girl)are grown, married and have moved to various parts of the US, so we don't get to see them too often. I started getting Cl from the library and since I found so many good recipes in it, I got a subscription. Cooking and eating "light" was a new thing with us since we grew up in the days of "heavy" everything but find that we like it. CL has also gotten us interested in many new foods and I find it makes me interested in cooking again -- it had gotten really boring after so many years. I admire all you young gals who are managing so many things and yet find time to do so much cooking. I remember when I was working full time (a microbiologist) and trying to manage a family, I didn't cook much!Bravo to everyone. I love the recipe feedback from everyone.

[Gail]

One more thought and I'm off the subject.

Originally posted by Liz M:
Maybe I shouldn't have waited so long -- I was much more daring and carefree when I was in my early 20's![/B]

Maybe you were more daring and carefree-- but in the meantime you've gained life experience, definitely a plus in parenting. (FYI, I was a lot older than you when I had my son and have no regrets doing things that way.) As for mistakes, who among us hasn't made them? Making mistakes is one thing; not learning from mistakes is quite another.

'nuff said. Now, back to cooking!

[Stacia]

Hi, My name is Stacia and I live in sunny California. I have always loved cooking (not necessarily the light kind) which is why I am now a member of Weight Watchers. (I have lost 45 lbs so far.)CL has helped me cook great meals that are good for me. I have a husband and two teenage sons (ages 14 & 19) who usually eat what I cook. I have been collecting cookbooks all my life, my favorite was my great grandmother's, it is over 100 years old. I really don't use them though, I get ideas then create my own recipes. Heaven forbid I should actually measure anything.
I have a party coming up that I will be required to bring something. So I may asked for some help when I find out the theme. I will need a delicious knock'em dead recipe. Well now that I have discovered this BB, I will be a frequent visitor.

[SandyDee]

Hi all. I am Sandy (on the old boards which I haunted off and on for almost 3 yrs) SandyDee to family and friends. I love cooking, when I find the time, and love eating all of the time . I am a recipe follower most of the time, but have been known to get creative (successfully I might add) upon occasion. I boast of this only because I think that ain't bad for someone who didn't know what a kitchen was until I reached my early 30's!! I am a Banker here in Toledo, Ohio. I have been subscribing to CL for years and have tried several of the recipes. I am divorced and really appreciate the recipes for two (so that I don't have as much left over or I'm not tempted to eat more than one portion). These boards have been great, people are so eager to help out with advice or share recipes, that I have benefited from so many generous souls out there on a number of occasions. So this is a good opportunity to thank everyone for their past (and future)help.

[This message has been edited by SandyDee (edited 06-16-2000).]

[This message has been edited by SandyDee (edited 06-16-2000).]

[Laura B]

Originally posted by BethR:
Hi there! I have a question as to why you're in CL withdrawl down in AU -- are "lightened " ingredients (like lower fat cream cheese, sour cream, etc.) hard to find? I ask because my family may be moving to AU for a few years, and I definitely want to keep cooking light (I do almost all of my cooking out of CL!).

Sorry Beth, I only meant that I have really missed the bulletin board and cooking from CL at home. Because I am staying in a hostel and not cooking for myself, I have no idea about the availability of lightened ingredients, I just have not looked for them. I would assume that you ought to be able to get them though.

[tammy/MN]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Laura B:
[B]Hi guys! My name is Laura Boyd and I am a 23 year old law student at UNC-Chapel Hill. My husband is in medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill

just thought i might add laura, it never seems to be a good idea to add last names over the internet, some real wachos out there, not here of course!

[Michele]

Hi all:

I'm single, 27, live in Arlington, VA, and am a journalist who works for a magazine called USA WEEKEND. I love CL - my favorite mag - and love to throw dinner parties. In fact, I think the best thing I've ever cooked out of Cooking Light was the New Year's Eve menu from this past Dec. (?) issue (The one by Rozanne Gold which featured the beef tenderloin and the hazelnut torte and the butternut squash soup with cider syrup). I'm fairly new to the boards - and was so excited to come across them! Cheers to all!

Michele

[Abby]

Hi! I had the pleaseure of working in Santa Fe for about 7 weeks last year. There are so many wonderful restaurants there! If you like guacamole, Gabriel's is the place to go. They make it fresh at your table! If you like margarita's, go to Maria's. They are wonderful and have wonderful food (Carne Adovado? is excellent) and aren't quite as expensive as alot of the other spots. They have a menu with something like 100 different margaritas on it. My favorite is the Guadalupe Cafe. Everything there is wonderful - you must eat breakfast there. Also, I love The Pink Adobe (very close to Guadalupe Cafe). I recommend their Gypsy Stew. I actually have the recipe for it if you try it there and decide you like it. There is also a tapas restaurant on the street (Canyon Rd.?) with all of the art galleries, but I'm drawing a blank on the name. However, it is also to die for - I promise, even though I can't remember the name! I really think it would be hard to find a bad restaurant there. I hope I didn't bore everyone with all of this!

My vacation this year will be to Santa Fe, NM so anyone who's got 'off the beaten track' restaurant ideas from that area - bring 'em on. B]

[TraceyK]

Originally posted by Abby:
I recommend their Gypsy Stew. I actually have the recipe for it if you try it there and decide you like it.

[/B]

I just LOVE Santa Fe - and you're right...it's difficult to find bad food there! So....I'd love to see your recipe for Gypsy Stew!

[BethR]

Originally posted by Laura B:

Sorry Beth, I only meant that I have really missed the bulletin board and cooking from CL at home. Because I am staying in a hostel and not cooking for myself, I have no idea about the availability of lightened ingredients, I just have not looked for them. I would assume that you ought to be able to get them though.

Thanks for the info. I just heard from friends down there who said getting a hold of traditional American Thanksgiving dinner ingredients was a little tough (had to order a turkey, found only small expensive jars of whole berry cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin is only available occasionally). I'll have to ask about the availability of lightened ingredients. Sounds like my cooking will have a change a bit, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Beth