The cook's table

I got all mushy about Shaune here but this isn't one of those posts again. I do want to tell you about his cooking blog though. It's listed on my blog to the right here. You should check it out. He posts new recipes all the time and takes all the pictures himself and the best part...I get to eat all the food you see.

I've mentioned it often but it really does warrant repeating. The man can cook!! I don't have any hobbies that I can really speak of. So it's pretty neat to watch someone do something that they get lost in. On his free nights, he can always be found in our kitchen creating something devine. He takes his time and has a very peaceful look about him when he's cooking. You always hear people say - if you can afford to do what you love than you will be a happy person.

Shaune did go to school for culinary arts and he did train in some fancy-schmancy restaurants in Toronto and then he did cook for a living, and then he even managed some kitchens. But he didn't enjoy cooking for a living in those situations. So he moved on. But cooking is in him.

Even if we're having people over for an impromptu cocktail party or a last minute lunch, he gets serious about the menu planning and he absolutely can not do half-assed. I think this is when you know that someone is serious about something. Everytime they do it, they pour their soul into it.

You should check out his cooking site. You should try some of his recipes. Leave a comment if you feel inspired.

A few words about Shaune

Usually I only mention Shaune in passing here on my blog. Mostly I talk about Deaglan or the experiences that have impacted me. But today I wanted to stop and tell you some little things about Shaune.

He’s a pretty funny character, a really great husband and a fantastic daddy. He’s passionate about animals (I’ve often warned him that if he doesn’t stop cuddling with the cat, one day Deaglan’s buddies will refer to him as that weird Cat Guy) and lawn maintenance. And he’s also a wizard in the kitchen.

He keeps me laughing and well fed. Here are a few more odd tidbits about the one I call husband.

-He refers to me by my maiden name (Maheu) instead of Kim or sweetie or Honey

-He LOVES the food network

-He is creeped out by flat feet

-He calls Deaglan “Word” not Deaglan, not buddy, not sport (I'm not sure why and I've never asked)

-He thinks anything to do with poop, flatulence, or burping (well just about any loud noise emitted from the body) is downright hysterical – I’ve seen tears roll down his face from laughing at a fart joke

-And yet he gets completely squeamish when he sees Deaglan’s poopy diapers

-He is a huge fan of Zombie movies and can watch any one of the Night of the living dead series over and over and over….

-He is quiet around most people but sometimes I can’t get him to shut up

-He's smart and skilled and can figure out how to put just about anything together

-He is kind and generous and would help anyone in need

-He is not vain or self-centred

-I’m lucky to have him in my life

Friday shoot-out Eh?

Reggie at Midlife, menopause, mistakes and random stuff has Friday shoot-outs and the theme today was your hometown eateries. We live in a medium sized city in Ontario and although it isn't our hometown, it's growing on us. We've lived here for about ten years. We miss the beautiful beachfront of where we grew up but this place is special because this is where we got married, and had our son. I had to include this - our national treasure. Tim Horton's or as as we Canadian folk refer to it - a Timmies or Tim's.

This is Joe Kool's and it is specific to the culture of our city. People come here just to have lunch or enjoy the nightclub atmosphere after the kids have gone to bed. We live in a college and university town which means this place is packed throughout the school year with students.

The Tasting Room is lovely restaurant with a wonderful wine list and great food. It's close to where I work and is one of the places workplace occassions are celebrated.

Our city has some really good places to eat but it also is over-run with roadhouse type chain restaurants. Having a resident chef and a baby who is in bed by 7pm, we rarely go out to eat anymore. Mostly you'll find us at home enjoying a delicious home cooked meal.

The apple and the tree

My friend Kelly over at My voice, my view tagged me to do a post on picky eating. My journey in this area has only begun and I'm already feeling defeated on a daily basis.

The surprising thing is that Deaglan is the offspring of two very enthusiastic eaters. Shaune and I spend a good portion of our time either planning what we're going to eat, preparing what we're going to eat, or eating. It's a love we share. Shaune is the best cook I've ever known. (Check out his recipes over at the Cook's table) When we were new, food was central to our falling for each other. We went through all sorts of phases - different restaurants had us hooked, Indian, Italian, diners, breakfast food, seafood, sushi, steak houses - you name it we would try it.
Shaune is a very generous cook. He gets pleasure from watching people enjoy what he has made. Often I've said to him - I don't know what you would've done if you ended up with a picky eater for a partner. It wouldn't have happened he always replies.

So it has been quite heartbreaking for him when our pint-sized dictator won't even taste the hand-breaded chicken fingers before throwing them on the floor or refuses to open his mouth to try the homemade butternut squash soup his dad has worked all afternoon to make.

I really hope this changes. For now there are a few things Deaglan won't say no to. I'm embarrassed and ashamed to tell you that a lot of them include sugar and deep frying. He loves the chicken nuggets that McDonald's makes and will gobble up chocolate chips if I offer them. He also loves cheese - in fact it's the one word he's been saying lately. Cheese! He also tolerates yogurt, pizza and bacon on most days. I'll tell you one thing. My idea of good parenting certainly has changed over the last year and a half. You won't find me judging other parents easily!

Just to continue this fun I would like to tag my friend Jenn over at Monkeyland.