Riot and Frolic

Yeah, I totally stole today's post title from one of my favo cookbooks, which is also a television show apparently (how would I know; I don't have a tv, let alone cable).  

Like any Monday, I was going to post a recipe, but I've barely cooked this week.  I definitely have not cooked anything interesting.  Or ground-breaking.  Or worthy of repeat even.  

I did learn that cardamom is really expensive and that I would like to shoplift at the Stonewall Kitchen.  They have this..

And isn't that enough reason to turn to a life of crime?  I've done it for lesser reasons!

Anyway, I've been trying some new recipes and concoctions and that led me to thinking about cooking in general.

How did you learn to cook or bake?  There's a bijillion books on the subjects, but I'm pretty sure I learned some basics from me ma and pa.  Maybe a cooking show here or there.  A couple talented friends, aunts, and uncles.  I discovered my palate (sweet or spicy, not much in between) and embellished and explored.  Now I can cook some stuff.  Magic.

Do you have any specialty dishes?  Some killer recipe that you always get asked for at your dinner parties or block party potlucks?  Oh, Lord, do you throw dinner parties?  You must be grown-up then.  

I'd love to hear from y'all.  I'm just curious.  Like Alice.  

Tell me a story!