Courtney & Philippe: Not as catchy as Julie & Julia, but...

This week I began the first class in what is sure to be a year of nothing less than culinary adventure with the oh-so-charming Chef Philippe Parola. Working with great local chefs is truly the highlight of my job. As most folks know, I love to cook. Well, I love to bake. Scratch that, I love to create mind-boggling sweets that are the piece de resistance at the end of a meal. I thrive on the attention that comes my way after wheeling out an amazingly decorated, fondant-covered, gumpaste flower-bedazzled cake. The "mmmm's" and "ooooh's" as guests savor each succulent bite of creme brulee is like music to my ears. I live for the look on my fiance's face when I flambe the bananas foster. To understand this passion, you'll need to know a little more about me. Maybe some things that even some of my relatively close personal friends might not know! Don't worry, it's all coming... So, bienvenue to Navy Beans, what I hope will be a relatively thorough record of my successes and failures in the kitchen this year... and beyond!