I am going to take a “One-Time Only” break from my usual seemingly A.D.D.-inspired, often incoherent, journey into what this mind calls “entertaining” and “informational” and indulge in a wee bit of self-promotion. Bear in mind this is not something that I am comfortable with–self-deprecation is much more up my alley.
Blogging has given me the privilege of meeting many incredibly funny and talented people–one of which is the hilarious and clever writer, Jodi Ambrose. With two published books under her belt, Intimacy: How To Get More Of It and Sex: How To Get More Of It, (both of which are loaded with brilliant insights into navigating a successful relationship with the opposite sex, by the way), her third offering has now been released. A wonderfully entertaining and helpful cookbook entitled Darn Good Eats: The Cookbook for Creative Chefs and Reluctant Cooks.
As many of you know, I loathe cooking. So cookbooks aren’t usually my thing–unless, of course, they are filled with pictures of the delectable Gordon Ramsay. Mm. Darn Good Eats, however, is a darn good read. Jodi’s whacky sense of humour shines through on every page. Her intro makes “reluctant” chefs like myself feel right at home. Her thoughts on cooking are summed up with “Blech!” Mine too. She even grates her thumb during the creation of “Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce”–something I would do–and, yes, they ate the grated thumb Parmesan cheese.
For those of you who have mastered the art of cooking, Jodi’s handsome hubby, Grant, is on board with more intricate dishes for the “creative” chef. The second half of the book, Jodi’s collection of recipes that enable one to cook without actually cooking, is perfect for us “reluctant” (sounds much better than “useless, could burn boiled water” ) cooks. See. Something for everyone.
You are probably wondering what any of this has to do with self-promotion. Well, Darn Good Eats also sports a nifty “Dragon-Breath-O-Meter”–a device that informs would-be eaters as to the breath-killing capabilities of each dish. One dragon, for instance, tells the reader to rinse with mouthwash, while four dragons comes with the recommendation that they get a new mouth. Like I said, clever.
This is where me and my inner braggart come in. I created the dragon. Yes, my little baby dragon who I named “Sparky” now resides in the pages of Darn Good Eats and will forever live in pantries everywhere. I’m so proud of my boy.
My bouncing baby boy.
I was thrilled to have this opportunity and am very grateful to Jodi for providing it to me! If you’d like to learn more about Jodi and her books, you can find her at Jodi’s website and Jodi’s blog.
I must also give a shout out to another fellow blogger who provided a couple of recipes for this collection, Bernadette Martin.
If you’d like your VERY OWN copy of Darn Good Eats, and Sparky in all his glory, it can be purchased from Amazon right here: Amazon.com.
I will be back to my strange, tangential self on Thursday. I promise.
The Embiggens Project 
A privilege to be watching as you take the first steps to world domination. Just promise you’ll use your power for good…
Thanks!! Funny thing though. I accidentally posted this before it was done. My quest for world domination would likely be full of “oops, did I do that?”s.
Master! I’m so proud of you! (Weird thing for a pupil to say, huh?)
Methinks Sparky is ze cutest wittle dwagon in ze whole entire world. ^_^
PS: I get high on cuteness, as you can probably tell.
Thank you!! I love him, but I’m biased!!
enjoyed seeing it in the finished product! you are one talented lady!
Thank you, Hilda!!
How very cool is that? I was contemplating purchasing Jodi’s cookbook (I follow her too) and now know that I must. I must have Sparky in my pantry now that I know who his mommy is.
Aw, shucks! I’d love for Sparky to live with you as well!
your dragon is adorable–I took a quick look on Amazon
Sparky says “thank you!! “
ha ha
Ummmmmm….I knew you were an amazing writer but….how come I never knew about these drawing skills??? That is absolutely amazing! I actually cringe every time you read one of my posts because I know you must be mentally “red circling” all of my mistakes and now this too! I’m sure you must be eye rolling all of my stupid creations!! You are an absolutely amazing gal…need to go check out the cookbook now…thanks for the recommendation!!
OMG, you are so creative and talented!! I love the fact that you come up with such amazing ideas. And I am not “crafty” at all. All I can do is draw cartoon characters. You are much more well-rounded!
Okay, now you have to marry me. End of discussion. I know I’m already married. And I know you are a girl and are probably not interested. But marry me anyway???? 🙂
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the wonderful post. You just warm my furry little heart and I love you. Yep. Love you. 🙂 The book would be SO icky without your wonderful Sparky in it. He makes the book complete and I’m forever thankful that you created such a wonderful little guy for my cookbook. You are so wonderful and talented and awesome and sweet and talented. Oops, said that one twice, but it’s because it’s so true!!!
Much love and tons of hugs to you, darling girl!! 🙂 Have a wonderful, blessed and very merry Christmas. XOXOXOXXOXO
I wish you a very merry Christmas and a 2013 filled with all your dreams come true!! And I am HUGELY thankful for the chance to be a part of your awesome book!! Big hugs and lots of love right back at you!!