The Joy of Cooking

Dining out: A source of cooking inspiration.

While I've done my fair share of cooking for one - namely, myself, the joy in cooking is sharing what I've dished out. And that joy trebles when hubby and guests find my dishes a true pleasure to wolf down. So is it little wonder that when hubby's away for business, I have little motivation to cook my own meals?

I'll take those times to dine out with friends instead. And recently, I've revisited Au Petite Salute in Dempsey. And have found to my greatest delight that their souffles are still worth dying for. And this has inspired me to dish out from my oven a heavenly chocolate souffle when hubby gets back today.

And it would be a dessert he will take great delight in as he's just spent a fruitful week and a half in China. And as he'd have been taken to all sorts of Chinese banquets during his time there, he'll truly appreciate a home cooked dinner menu that draws inspiration from the west. So a succulent steak served with a peppercorn sauce will come before the delicate souffle.

And that's the ball park bench I take to planning my meals home: If he's been away in Europe, I'll look east for inspiration. So when he's been to Australia - where the cuisine draws strongly from middle eastern, European and eastern cuisines, I'll serve up some delectable African delights.

And hubby will be most appreciative that there's variety that's being served up on the home front. And the home cooked food will be an added incentive to concluding business to everyone's satisfaction at the speed of light.