File Under: Do People Really Make That?

I’m always amazed by the fanciful, delicate pieces of art that come out of some kitchens, mostly from the dessert chef. You know what I’m talking about : curlicue slivers of chocolate, honeycombed confections, arabesques of color. It’s hard to believe people actually make these wondrous creations.

Definitely way above my pay grade and ability. Our soul food kitchen is more of a common man type of place, stuff, you know, most anyone can cook if you take the time. Nothing too fussy.

Still, there is one cool-looking thing I like to make that finishes off some of our soups: parmesan crisps. The picture here doesn’t do these things justice, which really look more like a french lace cookie, only with parmesan cheese. They are super easy to make: a teaspoon or so of finely grated parmesan, spread thinly on parchment paper and baked in the oven.

Every time I take a batch out of the oven, I marvel a bit at the result. It’s not so much of an ego thing (“look what I did”) as it is a bit of amazement that something could be that elegant and simple. The biggest problem I have is a tendency to gobble them all up before they every grace the top of one of our soups.