Babies, babies, everywhere

Well, it is officially a babyfest in my life at the moment. Nooo, I'm not pregnant, nor have I given birth recently, but it feels like ALL the other women in my life are. Except Mum, oh, and Grandma....anyway, moving on.
One of my good friends gave birth on Wednesday to a handsome healthy baby boy. Hooray! Congratulations guys! The young man's name is Jason, welcome to the world Jason, nice to meet you. :)
We went to visit them at the hospital last night, very nice visit. He has the finest hair, and his father's chin (much to his parents dismay!). He slept through the entire visit, so we now think of him as the best baby in the world, no screaming so far! Hubby b and I both got to have a hold, hubby looked very natural and nice holding the bub, inspiring speculating looks from everyone. I was looking around, notice these looks....hey everyone, I have to be involved here too, don't get too many ideas!
Not that I am against having children. Definitely not. It's just such a huge daunting step to take. Firstly, the pregnancy does NOT look like fun. Morning sickness, discomfort, giving up the finer enjoyments of life (alcohol, soft cheeses, caffeine etc). And what is it with the total stranger or distant acquaintnce touching the stomach. My sister in law was at a friends place when she was about three months pregnant, her friend's Mum yanked up her shirt (in front of a bunch of people), and said "So, are you showing yet, let's see!" W.T.F ???
Then there is the actual labor.... hmmm.. didn't help when the recent father told me HE cried during the labor because his wife was in so much agonising pain and he felt helpless..... hmmm... sign me up for that, sounds GREAT!
All this I feel I could do, (I'm not a total wuss...really, I'm not!) but then you have a baby to look after ALL the time. I just can't get over how much they take over. I mean, it is fair enough that they do, I don't expect them to be able to make their own sandwiches, and program the video at 1 month old!, but sheesh, 24 hours a day, every day!
I am sure that it is worth it, but I don't know if I am ready to change my life completely, have the usual fears that I may not be good at it, I really want to do a good job of it.
However, I know if I don't, I'll regret it, I will feel that I have missed out on a large piece of life.
Oh, and if my hubby's genes predominate (fingers crossed!), then we would have VERY good looking smart children, so that's nice.

Recipe of the Week - Caesar Salad

Hi everyone, this week I bring you a recipe that I did in a Community College course on Italian cooking.
NB. This recipe contains uncooked egg, I have seen this warning on other recipes, not sure what the issue is, but thought I'd better put it in!

Ingredients

2 x small (or 1 medium) Cos lettuce
3 slices of thick bread (sourdough or ciabatta works well for this)
6 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tsp garlic (1 big clove), chopped fine
2 eggs
sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper
8 Tbsp olive oil (use 4 at first, then add more to taste)
4 Tbsp lemon or lime juice
200 g (7 ounces) parmesan cheese (grated)
6-8 anchovy fillets (optional)

Method

Wash leaves under cold water and dry. Cover and chill.
Cut bread into large croutons. Cook in hot vegetable oil. Lift and drain croutons.
After browning croutons, add garlic to oil, and then add the croutons back in. Stir for a minute, then lift, drain and let cool.
When ready to make salad (should not be made far ahead of time), plunge eggs into boiling water for 10 seconds. Remove and put to one side.
Take a large chilled salad bowl. Break lettuce leaves into serving size pieces and scatter in the bottom of the bowl.
Add pepper and sprinkle of salt and olive oil and toss, coating all lettuce.
Break eggs into bowl and toss. Add lemon juice and toss. Ensure that all dressing is mixed well with lettuce.
Add cheese and anchovies, and toss lightly.
Scatter croutons on top and serve chilled.

This is very much a bare bones version of the famous recipe, but I wouldn't be tempted to add bacon or chicken to this one. It has a very nice tang to it, and the subtle tastes would be overwhelmed by stronger flavours.