A.Letarte's Profile

Mmm, I come from a family of apple lovers, but I hate making pie dough... so I've learned to make apple crisp that is even more tasty than a slice of pie. It draws people whether I'm at home or college!

Oh, and it make the house smell phenomenal.

I inherited several old fragile teacups from my darling great-grandmother after she passed, and I find a middle ground by displaying my favorites to look at, and use my favorite to hold on a daily basis. When the one I'm using breaks, it becomes part of a mosaic and I pick a new one. She used them, why shouldn't I?

I make nearly everything from scratch because it's cheaper that way... but I dearly love Jiffy mix, and always have a couple of packages tucked away. Cornbread can become a quick topping for tamale pie or cornmeal pancakes, and a box of muffins can be ready in no time at all, something that is much appreciated on short winter mornings and surprise visits from friends.

Ooo, an excellent pot and an excellent pan.

I'm a broke college student, but I saved my pennies and bought a little All-Clad frying pan and a Le Crueset dutch oven (Salvation army for 9 bucks... they didn't know what they had!). There is nothing more discouraging than trying to cook something and having it cook unevenly or scorching because of poor quality utensils.

Plus, they last forever and a half if you treat them right. My parents are celebrating 30 years of marriage this October, and still use the same All-Clad frying pan every morning that they received as a wedding gift!

It is nice to have nice knives and measuring cups, but, the basics, man! Good cooking vessels!

I like to snack on something with carbs and protein in it. The protein helps to rebuild damaged muscle tissue, and the carbs replace your glycogen (read: energy) stores that were repleted during the workout.

I'll have vegetables and bean dip, a hard-boiled egg or egg salad, or yogurt with fruit.

There is a sixty minute window when you are finished working out to eat. If you don't eat something then, your recovery time extends. Also, do drink a lot of water. IT helps your muscles more efficiently clear waste products out so you hurt less the next day :)