Roasted red pepper soup and a movie

We were lucky enough (mostly because I still don't have a real job) to run up to Salt Lake City for the entire week and spend a little time with my sister and brother in law. Originally, we came just for a Pearl Jam concert, but decided while we're still baby free we should have ourselves a little vacation. It's been a jolly good time, hanging out, goofing off, etc.

An added bonus for me is that I get to try out my cooking on new mouths, maybe mouths that are a little less biased than my wife's. So tonight I put together a recipe I found in "Sunset" magazine. I charred, peeled, and chopped some red bell peppers, then added onion, potatoes and broth. It all boiled down and then we threw it in the blender so it was smooth. I had to add some extra spices as the recipe did not call for any, and although it was still a little drab for my personal taste, it seemed to be a super hit with everyone else. I also grilled some french bread cheese sandwiches, which were also great.

We ate it all up, watched a movie, and even had some pumpkin pie (which I am not in the least embarrassed to say was purchased at Denny's, worth every penny.) I'm aware that they're all family, and probably still just as biased, but hey, we're together and it not only tastes good but it is good.

A little messy, but still good

Is it any wonder that my cooking is as hit and miss as my life? I started looking for a new job as soon as I knew we were almost done with our last job at the prison. I check multiple websites practically every day for at least three different cities, and not one has taken me anywhere. At the same time I'm not sure I was ever sure about what it is I want to do with my life. I feel like I just graduated high school and am figuring life out all over again, only this time I have to actually come up with something, and fast, or two other people are in the hole with me. Ugh.

Likewise, I've been in a maze with my cooking lately. I've skipped for up to a week at some points. When I do cook, it's usually alright, nothing too terribly awful, but the wild delicious ideas have most often slipped my mind. Breakfast is never more than just a couple pieces of soggy bacon and two slimy eggs. It's good, but far from great.

Tonight, I hope, has broken the death spin. I applied for yet another job, this one in Salt Lake City, where I would be taking some level of charge over catering in the area. It sounds pretty fun and promising (of course, so have others.) After I applied, we were hungry for a good snack. I didn't have anything great in mind, I just started pulling things out of the refrigerator.

First, some turkey ham, sliced thin and fried in olive oil. A good start, but I thought it needed something with it, not too heavy or intense. Back to the ice box, I found a red bell pepper, just waiting to be eaten. I cut it into little slivers and tossed it with the ham, letting it roast, more or less. I was about to start serving it onto some plates, when Jackie suggested "toast, with feta cheese or something." She was right on the money. I toasted some bread on the leftover oil, piled on the meat and pepper, and sprinkled feta all over it. I plated it, drizzled some olive oil on top, and we enjoyed. The only flaw was the bread, which should have been sourdough, or maybe a better olive oil, but for what it was... spectacular! Maybe my life is finally back on track.