My sister Phooey is pretty amazing. Actually, all of my sisters are quite extraordinary, but Phooey in particular is downright ridiculous in the kitchen. Other than tricks from experience passed down from the family, Phooey is self-taught through her copious amounts of research, books, and watching endless cooking shows.
People are typically in awe by her creations, wondering why this pharmacist doesn’t go pro. Heck, I wish she would too so I could play in her bakery kitchen. However, she insists it would lose the fun of it all and prefers to “experiment in the lab” (as she refers to it) without pressures. She produces dishes that are downright cookbook-picture-perfect and follows the same philosophy that our mom passed down to each of us—–use the freshest and best ingredients you can get a hold of.
It goes without saying that this Foodie-Wanna-Be attributes a lot of her interest and drive to her sis who first introduced me to the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmer’s Market, Hog Island Oyster Company, Frog Hollow Peaches, Bonny Doon Wines, AG Ferrari’s Caesar Dressing, Rigolo’s Almond Croissants, Mama’s in North Beach—and so much more. Each, holding a significant love in my culinary heart. I will also only briefly mention how she quasi-tortured the bf and I last Turkey Day by making us peel fresh chestnuts. O-M-G. Did I have the cuts and shell shanks to prove that battle!!! And why? Because she said we HAD to try to do it at least once. 🙂 She, of course, was right.
And because my kitchen tools were pretty junk back in the day, Phooey has also outfitted me over the years with the best kitchen gadgets–a 14 cup Cuisinart being the latest (Hey–I’m the baby of the family!).
So, in honor of my sister Phooey who would never show off her culinary skills, please allow her little sis to brag to the cyber world with a sample of her delish experiments. Please note that all items are hand made from scratch—she takes no store “short cuts” that I would have no problem doing 🙂
Needless to say, the family (and her co-workers) are a good extra pounds heavier as a result to her yummy care packages she sends every so now and then. But trust me, it’s worth the calories. 🙂
And if you would like to have some of Phooey’s delish creations, leave a comment to this post. Through mass persuasion, maybe we can all coerce her into a side catering career. 🙂
theculinarychronicles.com 
Yes, our family especially reaps the benefits during the holidays!
I despise your sister in the nicest way possible =)Those dishes are outstandingly delicious looking! I wish I had the patience and time to make everything from scratch.
Everything looks so yummy! I would definitely splurge on any of those dishes! 🙂
hey, you’re talking about me! thanks nammie!
I sure am, Phooey! 🙂 Thanks for always filling our tummies with yummy goodies!!!!!
sigh. must remember not to look at this blog before eating breakfast, lunch, dinner or even mid-day when i need something yummy to fill my tummy…especially those braised short ribs which i have yet to try, and really do what to try! argh. this is torture….
on another note, those cookies are really the world’s best! we were the benefactors to these phooey-ish delights over the summer. at first, i was like, hmm, good stuff. then, hmmm, really good stuff. then, hmmm, is this what crack tastes like because i can’t stop stuffing my face with them. then, help, take the box away from me! : P
I’m getting hungry and I just had a huge dinner. I’m loving the picture of the profiteroles.
I hate to rub it in, Allan—but the Profiteroles were divine! 🙂
Thanks for checking out The Culinary Chronicles!