Big Day

Yesterday was a pretty big day!

I started my new job. I’m very excited about my new position as a layout designer. The publication is fun, and the team is young. I didn’t see any Kool•Aid in the fridge while I was there yesterday, so I think I’m safe from insane corporate cults.

My husband cooked me a wonderful belated birthday dinner! When my birthday rolled around this year, we were pretty strapped for cash, so he promised he’d make it up to me when we were doing better financially. He made good!

He cooked a six course French dinner, complete with Crème Brûlée! He did an amazing job. I was stuffed! And my gift? Baking Illustrated: The Practical Kitchen Companion for the Home Baker. It’s an amazing cook book by the people at the American Test Kitchen that goes over the science of why things work. I can’t wait to use it!

I took some photos with my phone, unfortunately I left the protective cover on, so they’re a bit blurry.

First we had Brie with French bread and small salads with homemade Tarragon dressing. Yum!

I’ve never had Escargot (though given the chance several times, I’ve always passed,) so B wanted to try one more time, since he loves escargot. He was nice and did it in mushroom caps for me, though. So good!

This was my favorite thing! An artichoke and cheese tart. So creamy and subtle. Amazing.

I don’t even know how to describe what this was. Gulf shrimp, carrots, celery, onion, tomatoes, white wine sauce all on top of a crispy, garlicky, buttery French bread toast. I already ate the leftovers.

B made a perfect Crème Brûlée, and even bought a torch! (I can’t wait to use it!) He did a fantastic job, and seeing how I’m a bit of a crème brûlée snob, that’s a huge compliment!