Cooking for the Bar

I'm studying for the bar exam. Or, I'm supposed to be studying for the bar exam. People say it is hard and you have to study a bunch, but what they didn't consider is that, obviously, you can't study on an empty stomach! So I'd better cook something. And while I'm at it, I figured: Why not cook something that is the best ever?


During the three years of law school that I just realized are over, I've probably expanded my culinary repertoire more than I've learned anything about the law. Why mess with that ratio now? Sure, we've all gotten trapped in this cycle occasionally. But the inspiration and effort is what its all about. So, in tandem with my last, most epic session of law cramming, in which I have to learn everything about the law, I am going to learn how to cook...well, why not everything?


I've got some cookbooks. 
I've got the perfect kitchen (I'm spending the summer at my parents' house in Belfast, Maine -- an epic setting for my cooking quest).
There is a glorious farmer's market in downtown Belfast - awesome!
I've got the will, and I'll fudge the skill.


So, here we go. This is going to be an evolving task, but it isn't going to be structureless (please!). Some of the tasks I plan to master, and document here:

1. how to cook an egg every way
2. roast the perfect chicken
3. homemade pastas (after all, I made my first homemade gnocchi and ravioli in this very kitchen, but these efforts were far from masterful)
4. create the best ever fish taco
5. cook something with every herb I can find
6. perfect marinades for salmon, tuna, pork
7. learn what to do with all those awesome grains: quinoa, farro, couscous, millet, cornmeal (hello polenta!), I mean I don't know, spelt? Let's go crazy. 
8. invent the best beet salad (I have high standards for this as I am obsessed with beet salads)
9. most delicious homemade tomato sauce
10. make savory meals out of awesome fruity things such as: rhubarb, figs, kiwi, blueberries, apricots, cherries
11. what the heck, artichokes? everyone thinks you are good, but I don't get it. Let's get to the bottom of this.
12. how to pickle veggies at home

Okay, that's enough inspiration for now. I'd better go pack up my kitchen here in Oakland (yes, I am bringing my knives to Maine). Not as fun as cooking, but necessary.


Got ideas for my list of tasks to master? Leave in comments!