Hi all!  Sorry for the late reply… I need to start checking my planner more diligently!  My name is Jennifer, but I will answer to almost any variation of the name.  Just don’t whistle at me!  I am in my final semester here at CSUDH and have found that the dreaded “senioritis” is starting to set in.  As much as I enjoy learning and listening to the conversations that arise in class, it’s getting harder and harder to bring myself into a focused state.  I just keep reminding myself that we have less than a month before we finish and I am out of here!  (In the most positive and respectful way)  As fond as I have grown of my surroundings and the familiar faces of my IDS classmates, it’s time to move on and up!

Instead of a favorite food, I chose to share a picture of a dish that I was very proud of.  I am not the best cook and I don’t always derive pleasure from creating in the kitchen, however when I finished this I felt AMAZING.  I slaved over a hot stove one afternoon making mushroom risotto and asparagus and cheese stuffed chicken breasts.  It was something far outside of my comfort zone but I thought that I would make the effort anyway.  I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.  The cheesy saltiness of the risotto was cut by the addition of rich Portabella mushrooms while the chicken, which had been sprinkled with Parmesan and different seasonings, was cooked to near perfection.  It was juicy and flavorful, a well-paired complement to the crunch of the grilled asparagus.  Add in some wine and votive candles and you have a bona fide romantic dinner.