So it's still February but wow, it is flying by.  I've been pretty busy which I much prefer and what started out as a slow month with business has changed for the better. 

The new cat is still a baby and will calm down.  That's what I keep telling myself.  It's either that or she's just bad.  In all my years of having pets that included dogs, cats, most recently a Great Dane and cats, I have never had a problem leaving things on the counter in the kitchen.  Until now.

Darling little Layla, weighing less than 5 pounds, has eaten through a bag of hamburger buns.  She took some tomatoes off of the counter, out of the bowl, I found one in the kitchen,  one in the dining room and there is still one missing. Maybe 2 missing. 

She had a nibble of pound cake of Friday, tried for some bread over the weekend and is lucky she's cute.  Tonight I placed my new glasses on the dresser to take a shower after Jazzercise.  The phone rang when I got out of the shower and as I talked I went to get my glasses.  Not there.  Of course I thought I left them at the computer - no, maybe the nightstand near the phone - no, maybe they went under the bed - no, maybe under the dresser - no.  I start all over - office, phone, dresser - no.  I finally look behind my nightstand and yes they were there.  They are very light and darling Layla likes to stand on the edge of the dresser to pounce on unsuspecting cats below, I guess the glasses were in the way. 

She's resting now so she can scurry over my head when I go to sleep tonight. 

The life of a personal chef can be interesting.  I had a new client interview last night and since I expect to get lost occasionally, was early to the appointment.  I stopped the car in a shopping center parking lot to wait 15 minutes.  Did the car start at 7:15?  No, the battery seemed to be dead.  I called my husband to warn him that I would need car assistance from him or AAA.

I called the new potential customer to say "hi, can you come and pick me up for the interview?"  They were very nice, picked me up, we went to their house only a couple minutes away and I am cooking for them next Friday. 

Of course it was then 9pm, wonderful husband did get the car started and we made it home.  Of course I had a new client interview this morning at 7:30 and a car with a dead battery.  Not to fear, I took the other car, husband got a battery and my car was ready for the day at 9 am when I got home.  And yes, I am cooking for the other new client on Wednesday!  And they didn't have to pick me up.

Tonight we had a great dinner.  I made it for two of us, didn't use that much cheese or meat but other than that followed the recipe.
 

Seared Rib-Eye Steak with Arugula and Roasted Pepper Salad from Giada De Laurentiis

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons for cooking steaks
2 (1-inch-thick) rib-eye steaks (about 1 pound each)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups arugula, washed and spun dry
11/2 cups roasted peppers, rinsed and pat dry
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Small block Parmesan (about 8 ounces)

In a large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season steaks with salt and pepper. When pan starts to smoke, carefully add steaks. Allow the steaks to cook for about 6 minutes on side, without moving or piercing the meat. This will help create a good, crusty sear. If steak starts to brown too quickly, reduce heat to medium. When steaks are brown, flip and sear the other side for 6 minutes for medium rare. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium well. Remove meat to a large plate and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Decoratively line a large platter with arugula. Tear the roasted peppers into large pieces and scatter over the arugula. In a small bowl, whisk the 1/4 cup-extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and any meat juices that may have collected on the plate from the steaks. Season with salt and pepper.

Slice the steaks across the grain and on a bias into 1 1/2-inch thick pieces. Lay the slices on top of the salad and drizzle with dressing. Using a vegetable peeler, shave about 8 pieces of Parmesan over the dish.

We're supposed to get some snow tomorrow and I hope we don't get too much.  I usually like snow but need to go to the cake store tomorrow to get something I can find no where else.  Hope for clear roads in the morning!