There is much to be learned from these shows if just in ideas and useful tips. I love down home but it gets boring as hell as far as I'm concerned. It takes only a bit more to come up with a fine tasting and appearing Tomato Basil Soup than it does to boil up some Campbell's.

There is also the satisfaction of being able to come up with a varied menu when your budget and health needs narrow the choices. How about a very low calorie and low fat Manicotti with true Italian taste and better than you will probably get in even the best Italian restaurants? Sound good?

Another great satisfaction is receiving the sincere compliments from those who eat your cooking. The husband of one of Karen's co-workers thinks I should sell my French Onion soup....LOL....So I send him some every time I make it. Last week I sent a small container of leftover Orange-Ginger-Honey-Glazed carrots and parsnips......Now he wants to know when I'll be sending more.....LOL.....

I have no objection to Pot Roast but why not slow cook it in beer and wine with garlic, Bay, Thyme, and Savory? Have you ever poached eggs in Riesling and served them over sourdough toast with a few sprinkles of Chives and Parmesan?

Spaw