My New Favorite Past-time

Being laid-up with a bum knee is harder than I thought.  Trying to think of things to do that don't involve walking, or too much standing for that matter, is difficult!  Today was one of the beautiful near 80 degree days that we occasionally get here in Santa Barbara in the middle of winter - trust me, I am NOT complaining.  So, today was easy, lay out in the yard in a bathing suit with a book & a crossword.  Can't beat starting the summer tan in January!  

Nice weather aside, because it won't last long, I've discovered the true wonder of YouTube.  I don't have cable at home because it's horribly expensive, especially considering that the cable company has a monopoly on they area.  The only channel I really miss ever is the Food Network anyway.  Now, through the wonder of the internet, I am no longer longing for FoodTV.  Aside from the Food Networks own CHANNEL on you tube, I can find every episode COMMERCIAL FREE of my favorite all-time TV chef: Alton Brown.  

For those of you who are unfortunate enough to be unaware of Alton Brown's show "Good Eats," you'd better check it out!  Cross Julia Child with Bill Nye the Science Guy, and you've got Alton Brown.  He takes the actual science and chemistry of food and ingredients, combines it with his culinary training and the occasional McGuyver style ingenuity, to make some awesome food!  My favorite show is Three Chips for Sister Marsha.  He explains and demonstrates how different ingredients, or even just different amounts of ingredients lead to 3 distinctly different cookies.

The show can get a bit campy at times, but usually it's full of interesting facts & intriguing ideas.