Thus begins the 52 Weeks of Cooking Challenge. 

So I have decided to (try) to complete the 52 Weeks of Cooking Challenge. (Try) being the key parenthesis in that sentence. I missed the first week because, well, frankly I completely forgot. I guess that would technically make this the 51 Weeks of Cooking Challenge - but lets not dwell on that because I'm already behind on Week 4. ANYWAYS... I know Marsala wine is a pretty liberal interpretation of "Alcohol" since I don't think I've ever actually drank the stuff outside of the sauce that I pour over my chicken. Not to mention the 'wine' used is actually cooking wine, so you wouldn't drink that anyways! And yep, 'drank' is the correct verbiage to use for both the wine and the sauce. But I digress...

Before anyone argues that oxtail isn't offal. Technically, it is. I wasn't nearly brave enough to try hearts or tripe. mostly because I don't think I could get over the grossness factor. Something about entrails really creeps me out. I'll just stick to the visible bits, thanks. For this week's challenge, offal, I spent a lot of time considering different things I wanted to try to make. Finally after much Googling, I decided upon Oxtail Stew. And it. was. delicious.

G'day mates! Me mates and I just got back from a refreshing dip in the billabong with my trusty dingo! Seems like it's about time to slap some prawns on the barbie! Crikey! 

Muggles, hold on to your hats. I think I might have fared well in potions class after the endeavor I undertook this weekend. Week 6's challenge was to create a dish two or more ways. I had been struggling to think of what meal I was going to make in multiple fashions when a coworker just so happened to provide the answer: The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook

These stuffed mushrooms are uhhhhmazing. A perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack - you'll be rethinking everything you've ever thought about fungus filled foods. If you've never had a stuffed mushroom before, stop. Drop whatever you are doing and go to the store and get these ingredients. RIGHT NOW.