Juice Diet Gone Wrong

So, I have been carefully researching KitchenAid mixers for weeks on end, comparing models and features and pricing at a host of different stores.  My trusty Sunbeam mixer was on the outs, and I have been lusting after a KitchenAid one for years and years... Such a serious decision cannot be made lightly, so we went down to the local Williams Sonoma a couple weeks ago so I could talk to some experts and paw the merchandise some more.

Not prepared to make a final decision, we went home so I could sleep on it.  That night, I suggested we watch Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, a movie about the incredible benefits of juice dieting.  Go ahead and watch it too, and if you're anything like me, you will be absolutely hypnotized into giving up solid food.  For two days.  At least that's how far I made it before I got a little shaky and started dreaming about crusty baguettes.

Turns out, it's just want I needed to push me over the edge to commit to the KitchenAid, which is now sitting prettily on the counter where the juicer used to be.  And I am steadily working hard to put back every one of those seven pounds I lost on the juice diet (that can't be good right?) by heartily exercising my new mixer and just about every other gadget in my kitchen.  I've gone on a cooking frenzy this weekend, which is precisely the opposite intended effect Le Juice Diet was supposed to have.  Go figure.

Meanwhile, here are some things that I have learned:

1.  I love beets, but I hate their juice. (And there's no amount of culinary trickery that can cover up beet juice flavor, even vodka*.)
2.  If I were trapped on a desert island, I would faint and plead starvation in a matter of about 5 hours.  (You would not want to be there.)
3.  Relatedly, I am kinder on solid foods. (My spouse can testify).
4.  I will never buy another bagel again.  This is freedom.
5.  Happiness is warm bread baking in the oven.


I give you a smattering of the past few days' cooking adventures:

BAGELS!
You can make bagels at home.  Yes,  that's right, bagels.  Crisp, chewy, tender bagels warm from the over to your tummy.  I didn't think it was possible, but it can be done.  Straightforward recipe from The Sophisticated Gourmet.

Dough is formed.

Dough is boiled.

Dough is baked.

Bagel nirvana is achieved.

SUSHI
Hot off the cocky high  that I can make bagels, I decided I could make sushi too.  I know, I know.  Okay, five hours of slicing and prepping and fiddling later, here were the results.  (Sushi rice recipe from Alton Brown.)

Fried rice with jalepeno (an asian-fusion style inspired by Casa Mun).

California roll (back row) and two veggie rolls.

Spicy tuna.

 I think I need some more practice, but very fun to try and greatly increases my appreciation for the craft.


Various Mediterranean Mezze

Clockwise - Roasted Eggplant Spread, Tarama, Spicy White Bean Dip

POT de CREME

Little pots of chocolatey-goodness.

Now I'm off to make cupcakes with my new darling treasure... and then I'm done, I swear.  These juice diets are the WORST!

* Vodka is not an element of the juice diet, but I had to try for experimentation's sake.  Trust me, if you want a Bloody Mary, just go for the V8 from the store.