New Gilly Blog Post: Thoughts on Things – March 23, 2021

I’m still looking for editing work, but now that the president has requested much more production of the COVID-19 vaccine, things seem to be opening back up and slowly getting back to ‘normal.’ Last week, I called my doctor’s office. An automated message said vaccines were in and did I want to make an appointment – I got an appointment the same day. My first vaccination was on St. Patty’s Day. I received the Pfizer, and besides a bit of ‘site pain’ where the shot went in, I feel great!

Regarding my GillyCanCook website, I am having a lot of fun with it. It’s nice to finally get my photos and recipes all collected in one place. Maybe in a year or so, I’ll think about turning the best ones into a cookbook? Happily, I am becoming much more familiar with the nuance and techniques involved in building my website – I hope people subscribe and give feedback. I’ve been posting a lot of new recipes lately. I think my next two will be: Apple Pie or maybe Lemon Meringue Pie and a Creamy Tuscan Salmon.

Saturday, I met my buddy Mere for a hike in Griffith Park, grabbed a nibble at the park restaurant kiosk, and did some catching up. We met on Fern Dell street, walked to the Trails restaurant, ordered sandwiches, and ate at a picnic table under Griffith Park’s shady walnut and mountain mahogany trees. We both had a Caprese sandwich and lemonades – it was delightful: French bread, mozzarella, tomato, basil, a drizzle of olive oil, S&P. (The sandwichelier said there was a smear of vegan mayonnaise on the bread, but we couldn’t see it or taste it). I think I would add a touch of aged balsamic for sweetness – but it was delicious. I believe that a sandwich should be epic – that’s not a comment on size (though it can be). It’s a comment on the flavor.

I would say my ‘brand’ or philosophy in the kitchen is that cooking should be pretty straightforward, use the very best ingredients you can find, and get into it. After all, it’s going to be delicious! Cooking doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. There are really just a few basics, and everything revolves around those. My goal is to show you those basics and that it’s fun. So, let’s get cooking!

That’s it for now. Remember, your feedback is welcome!

Chat soon,
Gilly

P.S. Cooking is great for kids too. It teaches them planning, timing, dexterity, patience, and artistry. Perfect for lockdown or anytime!