Ten years ago today...

 Today, 10 years ago Geoff and I went on our very first date.

I'll never forget that day and I can still remember exactly what I wore. It must have been a cool Autumn evening because I decided on wearing a long black skirt, boots, a long sleeved grey and black top, and a grey jersey. I didn't have my licence and wasn't driving yet, so my Mom dropped me off at Tygervalley - we thought it would be better to meet there. I clearly remember the conversation that went on during the drive there, a lecture about how this was just not the way to do it and that I'd better introduce this guy to them, and fast.  I remember being really annoyed, but it did get rid of a few nerves at the same time!

I met Geoff under the stairs at Spur and we decided to watch Miss Congeniality. It wasn't until after the movie came out on DVD that I actually paid attention and followed the storyline! I was so nervous sitting next to him in the cinema and I wasn't paying any attention to what was happening on the screen in front of us.  I kept putting my hand on the movie chair's armrest in the hope that he would take it. Just as I was about to give up, it happened - he grabbed my hand and held it in his, and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.

After the movie, we went to a coffee shop and had cokes and chips. Talking wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, and we were really just starting to get comfortable with each other when I happened to look over his shoulder. Wouldn't you know it but there casually walking around and having a good old look at the two of us, was my family. I was mortified. Luckily, they had the good sense to keep walking and not come over to say hello!

The evening ended off with a somewhat awkward hug at the mall entrance. There was definitely no way that our first kiss was going to be in front of my family, let alone a bunch of strangers!

I can't believe that we've been together for 10 years already, it really feels like only yesterday that we went on this date, not knowing a thing about each other. Little did we know that six years later we'd be married, and 10 years later we'd be looking back at this very day.

My latest obsession: Food Network Channel

Ever since we signed on to DSTV earlier this year, I've been slightly hooked on watching the Food Network Channel. There's an endless variety of shows to suit anyone on this channel, and in order to make myself feel better about watching them, I remind myself that they are both entertaining AND educational! Perfect couch-blobbing-TV-viewing for those cold and rainy winter days coming up.

You've got your step-by-step cooking shows with entertaining cooking hosts that include: Barefoot Contessa, 10 Dollar Dinners, Paula's Best Dishes, Guy's Big Bite and Boy Meets Grill.  Then, for something a little out of the ordinary there's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and this will leave you wishing you lived in the States without a care in the world for your wasteline! Every time I watch this show,  I can't help but want to eat a huge greasy burger and fries covered in cheese sauce! The show Unwrapped uncovers a world behind mass produced products and gives an interesting behind the scenes look at how candy and other American favourites are made right from the factory until the point where they arrive on the shelves of hundreds of retail outlets. My favourite shows though are the cooking competition shows, and they include: Top Chef, Chopped, Food Network Channel Challenge and Ultimate Recipe Throwdown. These shows, though highly entertaining, don't come close in comparison to an all time favourite and classic that unfortunately is no longer on air,  Ready, Steady, Cook - hosted by the legendary chef, Ainsley Harriot.

For those of us who don't have a decent recipe cookbook in the kitchen, this channel provides a convenient and entertaining alternative.

This week I made North African Meatballs with Cous Cous, a recipe I'd seen recently on Melissa D'Arabian's show (Ten Dollar Dinners).  The combination of a few key ingredients in this recipe really give it that exotic flavour and include: lemon zest, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, olives, dates and white wine. I was  surprised at the flavours that came out of this meal and I could literally picture myself sitting somewhere in Morocco, eating this spicy and delicious meal!

It's the perfect comfort food for one of those cold, wintery nights coming up. Here's the recipe, enjoy!

North African Meatballs & Cous Cous