Selzer & Smuckles

I've been inspired by Julie & Julia. Not inspired enough to actually see the movie, of course; I'm a man (I kid, I'll probably catch it on Netflix and really enjoy it). No, I've been inspired to pick a cookbook and work my way through it. You know, see what it teaches me about life, and whatnot. Now, I've never read Julie Powell's book or blog, so I don't know what kind of experiences she wrote about and I won't be trying to ape her in any way. I just thought the concept sounded fun, especially for someone with a completist collector's mentality like myself (in the sense that if I have one of something, I usually want the complete set). But what cookbook to choose?

Julie Child had already been done, so that was out of the question. Pepin's Technique? A little too, well, technical. And way to large; I don't have that kind of commitment towards this project. Giada DeLaurentis? I'd get too fat on her rich, Italian cooking, and those pictures of her might be distracting (as I joked with Melissa, I refer to her show as "Cooking With Boobies"...I'm 12). Jamie Oliver? Flipping through his cookbook, I think I might die of a smug overdose. Better Homes and Gardens? Again, too much. And what am I, a house wife? Then my eyes settled on a little wirebound book that would be perfect- "Achewood- Recipes for a Lady or A Man".

As you probably know (or would if you looked at the links on this page) I'm a huge fan of the webcomic Achewood. Melissa got me this cookbook for Christmas, and just flipping through it, it's hilarious. Now, a cookbook doesn't have to be funny. It just helps. The recipes range from super simple to slightly complex, but are designed to be accessible to Average Guys and Gals with stuff they probably have on hand. This is just perfect for someone like me who is looking to step up from "Guy who cooks food" to "Guy who cooks really good food." I had made my decision. Since Chris Onstad (the man behind Achewood) has been kind enough to offer not to sue based on the concept alone, I'm ready to go.

I'm not going to be following a strict schedule, this isn't about trying to complete a project in a set amount of time. I'll make 2 or 3 of the recipes a week and share my experiences here. I start tonight, check back tomorrow for the first installment. Join me, won't you?

Cheers,
Eli