Where to begin?

First: the Name.

Sometimes, people ask me if I'm a chef. I usually respond with "no, just an enthusiastic amateur". A quick check of Blogger confirmed that someone already had that name, so Amateur Enthusiast it is.

Second: the Purpose.

I love to cook and explore the culinary world. I think about food and drink a lot and I used to enjoy writing (there have been other blogs...). Put that all together and it spells B.L.O.G.

I want to share that excitement with those of you who are (or will be) reading. I want everyone to participate in the conversation and I hope that I learn at least as much as I teach.

Am I a great cook?

Maybe? Most of the people I cook for love what I do, but they might be biased. I enjoy feedback, so let me have it.

Third: What will I be writing about?

Ingredients. My favorites, new ingredients, unusual ingredients, strange things that men may not wot of and so on.

Books. I've got a lot of these and I'd like to share some of my favorites and books I think you should own.

Techniques. I learn new techniques all the time, although I usually learn them through trial and error (sometimes a lot of error). If I can give you a shortcut or help you to avoid some of my mistakes, so much the better. Sometimes you may see me directly in the path of the error, please feel free to warn me.

Recipes. I tend to be a researcher. I take recipes apart. I compare recipes. I don't really cook by them, but I do record what I'm doing and then occasionally try to replicate it. Then again, if I'm just learning about it, I might follow the recipe slavishly. I will share what I learn. I will try to keep the spreadsheets at a bare minimum though.

Equipment. I admit it, I love toys (especially the sharp ones). I will happily give you my opinions and let you know where you can get one of your very own.

Philosophical musings about things culinary. They could occasionally get long winded. You have been warned.

I'm sure I will come up with more things and ideas as I go along, but that seems like a good start.

Thanks for coming along for the ride!