What does one do when Iced/Snowed in?

One cooks & bakes & eats & watches movies & eats & eats & eats!!! Then one feels horrible for eating SO much!

Dear Body~
I know you have endured many hours of pain during my workouts at the gym. You've been tired & sore many times. You have heard me complain about you, pinch you, measure you, poke you, cry over you. I have put you through the ringer this weekend with all the food I've eaten...it's all my fault, I don't blame you this time. After all the food that has been put into my mouth this weekend---you are the one who will suffer the consequences. I'm sure after eating the chicken, mashed potatoes & rutabaga, stuffing, peas, rolls, Quiche, popcorn, a bottle of wine, bagels, eggs, chips, peanuts, strawberries, yogurt & granola, Chinese food, chips & salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, Fajitas & a too die for CHOCOLATE ALMOND CAKE, you have gained at least 4 pounds. I know you're ashamed of me...I'm ashamed of myself for eating so much. But it was all so good and there was nothing else to do. I'm sorry to tell you that you will be extremely sore this week as I will be pulling overtime in the gym---I vow to go back to my healthier eating choices and portion control. I will not weigh you or measure you this week. I will not let you down again, because without you there is no ME!! Can I have just one more slice of cake?
Me

I made Julia Child's favorite dessert ever. Chocolate Almond Cake.
I am not one who usually craves/loves chocolate....but after this cake I think I am a huge fan. Seriously, TO DIE FOR!!! The frosting is incredible.

You can find the recipe online if you don't have her cookbook.

Bon Appetit

A couple months ago John & I settled into the couch to watch a movie. He had rented the movie, Julie & Julia, knowing that I had been wanting to see it since it first came out in the theaters.

During the movie John looks at me and says, "I didn't know who Julia Child was".
(Me) *takes in a breath* huh? Seriously?
(John) Well I have heard of her by name but didn't know she was a famous cookbook writer, Chef and TV personality.
(Me) WOW! Don't you remember me watching her when we lived in Louisiana.....she came on right after Justin Wilson----the guy who always wiped his snotty nose while cooking and said....How y'all are? and I guar-ron-tee!! That was the only hour I sat in front of the TV all day. To watch Julia & Justin teach me how to cook.
(John) I remember Justin.

So yeah- that was a bit of a shocking conversation for me. I couldn't believe he didn't know who she was!

We both love to cook & both love trying new foods no matter how scary they look or how intimidating the recipe is. There isn't a vegetable that we don't eat. If the food is seasoned just right--it's going to be delicious!

So after watching this movie and seeing them make the Boeuf Bourguignon we knew we HAD to try it!

So I bought all the ingredients, read the recipe thoroughly, and chose a Sunday to make it so I could put all my focus on the meal.

(photo isn't the best....it was an after thought)

Along with the Boeuf Bourguignon I also made (from the cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking) Sauteed Mushrooms & Brown-Braised Onions. I made mashed fingerling potatoes & crescent rolls to go along with it. I would have opened a can of Le Sueur peas but I didn't have one.

This was the BEST beef stew I have ever made!! Actually John said it was the best beef stew he has EVER put in his mouth. He is a v e r y slow eater as it is---but this day he ate even slooooower. I asked him why--he said he wanted to savor every bite! All three dishes were AMAZING!!!! The gravy most outstanding!!!

I can't wait to try out one of her desserts.

Oh and if you haven't seen the movie yet....RENT IT!!! It was wonderful. Not only did it tell the story of both Julie & Julia and their love of cooking, it was a beautiful love story between Julia & her husband Paul....about their life long commitment to each other - about their love for each other..... I actually cried a few times! (I'm a big emotional sap anyway)

BON APPETIT!!