Manny, you’ve nailed it once again in this post about the “revival of the home cook,” it’s the true spirit of not just this blog but you as a chef. I’m looking forward to your renewed outlook and plans for this blog as well as your foodie adventures.

I love being in the kitchen. I love doing the work myself. Give me those onions and bell peppers (and garlic!)! Let me whip it together. Let me pour myself into it. Let me practice the art of cooking. Let me create a masterpiece!

YES!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Marcelle Bienvenu last summer. She shared with me a delightful insight, one that confirmed something that I already knew deep down inside myself. She told me that cooking is supposed to be fun. And when you are having fun you are less afraid of making mistakes. And home cooks like myself WILL make mistakes. She told me that a recipe is not so much a “law” that must be followed as it is a list of “guidelines.”

And here’s the secret: cook it the way you like it. Change things up if you want to. Experiment. And have fun!

Thanks for a great blog post, Manny! Keep up the good work!