Thanks, Ma!

It is great how moms can teach you valuable lessons by not doing or saying what you expect!

On Wednesday or so, my boss decided we should have a potluck lunch this Friday. Last night, I was telling this to my mom. "But," I lamented, "I have no idea what to make!" This was her cue. I held my breath for her to say, "Why don't you come over Thursday evening, and we can make (insert usual crowd-pleasing dish here)?" No such luck. All she offered up was, "Make something you like," along with, "I'm sure you'll think of something great!"

I racked my brain. I scavenged the internet. I knew that I wanted to make something healthy and fresh, as well as some sort of sweet baked good. Finally, I settled on Quinoa Avocado Salad, and Pumpkin Angel Puffs.

When I returned home from Target today, ingredients in hand, it hit me: this might be a lot of work! Had I gotten in over my head? Would my co-workers even appreciate these foods? And, more importantly, were they really worth my buying an $11 bag of quinoa?

I shook off my doubts, turned on my Musica en Español playlist, and got to work. In no time, it seemed, I was drying the last of the dishes, with my potluck contributions stowed away in the fridge.

I learned the following from my culinary efforts this evening:

-Quinoa doesn't take very long to cook at all

-Wearing an apron makes me feel like a productive chef

-Angel food cake batter= very fluffy

-Things that touch the oven's heating element, including cupcakes, catch on fire

-Homemade whipped cream is not only easy to make, it tastes heavenly

So thanks, Ma! I never would have learned these lessons without, er, with you!

Here's one of my Pumpkin Angel Puffs: