Ah, it feels SO good to cook! Is it the control freak in me who can see exactly what's added to the food I'm eating or is it just that strange feeling of traditionalism I get when I cook for the people I love? Or both?

I'm on sort of a vacation from work. I wanted to do more with it, but really I don't feel like boarding a plane nor do I feel like making a very long drive. Instead, I am just chilling with family and the boyfriend.

Dad is in Chicago for job training. He is staying in Downer's Grove. I told him, "gee, that sounds like a really downer." He didn't quite get the joke at first, his mind being fried by all that study material.

The boyfriend, dad, and I went to an Italian restaurant called Gianotti's. In the heart of suburbia hell, here was an authentic mom and pop-type Italian restaurant. And it was GOOD.

Dad had veal, the boyfriend had chicken, and I had broiled sea bass with root veggies. We were also given a light chicken broth-based soup with escarole! Wow! That was NEAT! Also ordered grilled portobello mushrooms and insalata caprese as appetizers. The boyfriend and I had lemon ice for dessert. Oh, and of course Merlot for me.

Here's quite a strange recipe using stuff from Whole Foods. It's comfort food with an ER4YT twist! Kamut bread (purchased in the frozen bread section) and goat cheese as a grilled goat cheese sandwich. First thing I do is take the bread out of the freezer and toast it. Then I make a little sandwich with goat cheese in the middle. I spread ghee on top of the bread for grilling, and voila, even a junk food eating man like my boyfriend will eat it!

Woke up this morning to make breakfast for him. I love playing housewife! Sometimes I wish America were more family-oriented and traditional. Sure, the intellectual side of me might get sick of being at home, but it almost feels instinctual to do laundry and cook, haha!

Anyway, made an excellent frittata using salmon, kelp (yes, kelp!), garlic, and goat cheese. Also bought some nice freshly roasted coffee at Dunn Bros. Ahhhh...but trying to get the boyfriend to understand that whole catecholamine thing and why he shouldn't drink coffee. He doesn't care, he says he needs the caffeine!! Knowing where he works, I don't blame him.

That's all for now. I'll check in later with more adventures....