But the truth is, Brady, as he is commonly referred to by friends and family, really is just hoping to get a taste of my newest concoction. And considering today is my first attempt at a new and unique version of Turkey Chili, Brady is right by my side.
You see, Brady is my 90-pound Chocolate Labrador Retriever. As well as the Chief Tasting Officer of Barrelhouse Group. No dish goes untasted before leaving the kitchen or being perfected.
I've been making my traditional chili for going on 10 years now, and it is nearly untouchable. I've come a long way since scraping burnt pans of chili that actually more resembled dog food than people food. Even Brady would have turned his nose up at those early versions. Though I don't foresee Turkey Chili to be much different, the point is to perfect it and today was the first step.
One of the exciting things about my cooking adventures today was it is my first time with newly added surround sound in the kitchen. There are few things I love more in life than music and cooking. But actually having surround sound wired into my area is truly awesome!
I put on The Killers and got to work. As I type, the Chili is simmering and should be ready just in time for the Rose Bowl. Initial thoughts are that it tastes pretty good, but needs to be a little thicker. But I'll save final judgement for the official tasting, currently projected for 2 hours from now.
In the meantime I'm going to work on a little shrimp concoction as well as the menu for a new concept I came up with this week. Shrimp would be a new one for Brady, so we will see how it goes!
Have a happy new year everyone. I predict 2010 will be a great year!
Till next sign,
Ryan
