Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette

I went to the store today to pick up a few things, and while I was there I decided I wanted to make a dressing instead of buying one. My thought was on the spicy yogurt dressing I got on my Med Salad from Noodles last week. So I picked up a lime and lemon, a poblano pepper, some cilantro and some Greek yogurt. I figured I wouldn't need all these ingredients, but I'd find something to make out of it. While I was putting away my groceries, I found a bunch of cilantro in there already, so after slapping myself in the head, I went in search of cilantro-based dressings. What I found on Epicurious isn't what I started out searching for, but it looked so good, so I tried it. Until I realized halfway through that I should have gotten olive oil instead of extra cilantro. So, back to the store as soon as my son wakes up. But for now, the recipe as I found it. It's good with only half of the oil, I'm sure it will be fabulous when I add the rest!

Here is the recipe on Epicurious: Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced (I used my zester)
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp ground coriander
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (I just realized I added two. Probably because I have twice as much in my refrigerator as I need).

Mix ingredients together with a fork. Serve. Yum!

I've been inspired

I've been inspired. Hence, the title of this blog. I have had a love for cooking for some time now. Whatever someone wants to eat, I will try to make it. I've tried to be adventurous (Saucy Salmon, homemade boneless buffalo wings, a few of my own creations) and have fun with it. I've thought about culinary school, but don't think I'm cut out for that. So I cook. I watch Food Network all the time. There are at least 5 episodes of something food-related on my DVR at this time. I read cookbooks and cooking magazines. READ them. Not just look for recipes, but actually read what they have to say.

When I saw the previews for the movie "Julie & Julia" I thought "Hey, that would be fun!" Today I actually saw the movie. As it was ending, I was getting choked up. I thought to myself "I wish I could be inspired like Julie was!" And soon, it hit me. I just was.

This blog is my adventure in cooking. I don't know where it's going to take me, but I'm going to have fun with it. I'm not putting a 500 recipes in 365 days limit on myself. Because then what? What happens after that? I have a recipe blog right now, where I put the recipes that I like or want to try. This will be different. It will be more of a story.

I'm so excited and happy to be going on this journey. Thanks for coming along.

*Thank you to Melissa for going to the movie with me!!