Bucket List – The Winner

Posted byFractured Faith BlogPosted inA Fractured FaithTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Over the weekend I wrote about 9 ‘things’ I wanted to cross off my bucket list over the next 365 days. Oh hang on, make that 363 days now. Best get my skates on. Although, thankfully, skating wasn’t on the list. Neither the ice nor roller variety. I have all the coordination of a three legged elephant on a wonky skateboard. But, I digress. Let’s get back to the business at hand. Now, where was I? Oh yes, the bucket list.

A number of wicked female bloggers, whose identities I shall not disclose, suggested I cook a three course meal for my family. No problem, I thought. I can turn an oven or microwave on as well as the next man. The cruel caveat, however, was I had to do so from scratch. As in, raw ingredients, stuff like that. There’s stepping out of the boat and there’s being catapulted off the SS Titanic into the icy mid-Atlantic. This challenge is the latter.

Fionnuala was delighted when I broke the news to her. ‘I was going to suggest that myself, but thought you’d sulk’ she smirked. The Women’s Union had struck again and I was doomed. Despite being sorely tempted, I couldn’t find it in myself to delete the offending comments. Plus, I had given the word. I’m afraid I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. The hard place, being the largely alien environment of our kitchen.

It’s time for me to hit the books. The recipe books, that is. Starter, main meal and dessert. All from scratch. If anyone has any suggestions, then please feel free to comment below. Preferably with a recipe and easy to follow diagrams. Imagine you’ve been asked to show a caveman how to start a fire and you’re close. That’s the level we are pitching this at. In the meantime all prayers and/or positive thoughts are much appreciated.

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

42 thoughts on “Bucket List – The Winner”

  1. If EVERYTHING is to be made from scratch, I suggest a chicken Alfredo pasta dish. It’ll take a few attempts to nail the pasta, but the rest is simple, and getting the right amount of cheese and herbs makes it delicious. I make this dish from time myself.

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  2. “From scratch” can mean a lot of different things. I would not consider “from scratch” to mean that I have to make my own pasta. Because if it means that, then why doesn’t it mean you have to grow your own wheat first? Let’s be reasonable, here. Just in case, you might want to plant some wheat. Oh, and get a cow for the cheese, too.

    For the record, everything but the first two sentences was tongue-in-cheek.

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  3. Oh make shepherds pie, salad and an Oreo trifle! Easy as a piece of cake and tasty too! Seriously these are all quite simple to make and besides having a lot of steps, they are almost fool proof. As in, I’ve screwed up a lot of suppers, but this one always turns out well! If you like this idea, let me know and I’ll send you the recipes!

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  6. The majority of Chefs and other professional cooks are men. Have faith, and Chef Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935) “the king of Chefs and the Chef of kings,” will look down from his station at heaven’s hibachi and garnish your efforts with success.

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  8. Alton Brown is your man.

    The Chicken Parm meatballs are glorious!
    https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-meat-loaf-recipe-1937673
    – this meatloaf is a staple in our home.
    https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/baked-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe
    -1939524 You cannot go wrong with home made mac n cheese. Ever.
    https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/tapioca-pudding-recipe-1915917
    Using a slow cooker makes the stove/oven a bit less crazy. I have faith in you…
    And….. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/honeycomb-candy-recipe-1912725

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  11. Wish I could help, but my definition of cooking involves my sister and puppy dog eyes. With me making the puppy dog eyes, usually. Nevertheless, I wish you luck, and look forward to seeing how it turns out!

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  12. OK Stephen, this is a sure winner – throw about 8 cups of chopped fresh kale into a large pot with water and cook the hell out of it for 45 minutes. Ladle and serve with a topping of shredded cheese. It’s absolutely healthy and nobody will ever again ask you to cook. 🤣

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  14. Making herb and garlic bread, bolognese and apricot custard bake for dessert is one of my personal favourites. Bolognese is easy for beginners because you don’t need to measure anything, just know what you want in it and add to taste. Custard can be tricky to make without lumps, but making it into an apricot bake means the lumps don’t matter!

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  15. Salad three ways.

    For starter: Unadorned ie just leaves.
    Main: Add slices of Goats Cheese (no cooking req’d)
    Pudding: Add drizzle of honey.

    Ps Make sure you wash the salad first, having a mouthful of grit won’t enhance your meal.

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  16. You’ll be in our prayers and thoughts. Deep & meaningful intersessions are even now being raised to the great god-chef (aka Gordon ‘f*****g’ Ramsay). 😀

    Would you get away with a honeycomb ice cream based pudding?

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  17. I don’t know what your family normally likes, but I would absolutely love this. What a coincidence, my dad and I are handling lunch today ☺

    https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/14373/greek-salad-i/

    https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/simple-perfect-chili-recipe-2107099

    https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/flourless-chocolate-cake-14478

    Whatever you do, I’m sure it will be delicious! Take lots of pictures and let us know what goes down.

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  18. I started cooking when I was about 14, because my mom had a full-time job. So, she would tell me what to make and how to make it, and I did what she said, as best as I understood it, and I don’t think anyone died from it, but cooking was never the love of my life. I cooked because we had to eat. I make some things ok, and some things not. I am not particularly fond of cook books and reading directions, so I don’t think I can be much help to you at all. But, I admire your courage in going out into the unknown and trying it. My husband is actually a good cook, and he likes to read recipes. So, I am all for him cooking as much as he wants.

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  19. My motherhood blog has a section of cheap, easy recipes. -not that those are the calibre we wicked women were referencing. 😉

    Since you have a year, spend a week or two learning appetizers; same for main courses; same for desserts.

    It’s actually easier than you think.

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