Can I really cook?

To answer that question, I think you need to answer this question...

Does knowing how to cook mean you cant use somewhat prepared ingredients?

If your answer is no, then, victory is mine! I am a Chef de cuisine. Hands up for Rachel Ray! And if its yes, then you're a liar. Sometimes, you just need a little backup team.

This Friday, I had the great opportunity to cook for my favorites. The boyfriend, the brother and his girlfriend. My recipe memory bank was going in overdrive, but being that I had not shopped for any ingredients and still at work... Corners were tight and time was ticking. And then, I turned to my best friend; frozen puff pastry.

Do you have any idea how amazing this stuff is? I don't know why they just dont call it magic in a box because that is exactly what it was. The most magical $10.99 that taste like million dollars gift from the frozen food gods.

My menu was set. An italian feast. I couldn't help myself. No excuse to use the balsamic vinegar I got from Bologna. Not one bit.

I trusted my wing man site, Serious Eats, for a recipe for a goat cheese, zucchini & mushroom tart. Second appetizer; caprese salad. Main course; kale & white bean pasta. Dessert; lime jello shots. What went wrong there? Probably couldn't locate the tiramisu flavor.

The tart was an instant hit! Buttery, flaky... Why have a main course and another appetizer? Those would only fall last place to this delight.

A joyous Christine realizing her puff pastry didnt burn down the house.

And, the rest of the meal party...

Oh yes, we're very classy. Serving guest drinks in plastic Budweiser cups. We even gave them straws.

The meal rounded out to be a full on "I have no leftovers. Thanks for coming. Please find yourself to the door." kind of night.

No way. It was a complete success! Believe in the power of prepared ingredients. I wonder what other wonderful things lurk in the frozen food woods. Off to my next dinner party adventure. How about... Hot Pocket surprise?