Food

I've always liked good food. My mom cooked pretty often when we were growing up, and though she wasn't the most imaginative (sorry mom, it's true) it was usually fresh. In fact, she had a strong dislike for anything boxed. Pancakes, biscuits, waffles...all from scratch....no Bisquick for us. Heck, I never even had Kraft Macaroni 'n Cheese until I was about 14. I had no idea mac 'n cheese could be made with milk, butter, and a mystery packet! The only time I ever tried Spaghetti O's was when I first gave them to my kids. And I couldn't understand WHY they wanted that stuff from a can.

My grandmother, like Julia Child, learned to cook only after she was married. My grandfather liked his meals on time, hot, and served with bread. Breakfast was her forte, and her biscuits are second to none. In fact I've tried and tried to replicate her recipe, but mine are hard and heavy where hers are light and fluffy.

My great-grandmother was the only person that could make leftovers taste better than the original. Actually, I've managed that a time or two. But, she was great at it. And Thanksgiving was her day. Nothing was better than stuffing yourself full of turkey, ham (I ate it back then), dressing, and cranberry sauce and then reveling in a tryptophan-induced reverie.

But the common thread between all three was fresh and home made. Cans and boxes gathered dust in our pantry - in fact one can of Spam that I can ever remember owning probably sat in our pantry for at least 10 years...but I hear it never goes bad.

As a busy mom in the workforce, I used everything packaged, pre-prepared, frozen, or fast that I could. And I feel guilty about it. The store-bought offerings at school carnivals filled me with guilt. But TIME.

And then I just got tired. Of eating out. Of fast food. Of how terrible I felt when I ate anything processed. I lusted for the taste of fresh ingredients, full of flavor and smell and texture. Nothing is more divine than the smell of fresh ginger grated into my Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. I love the bite of a fresh green jalapeno on a tostada. And garlic. There can never be too much garlic. And so I started cooking. I love browsing through recipes. And finding one that makes me say "mmmmmm". I have a favorite knife. And cutting board. And pair of tongs. I experienced the joy of cooking with gas when I moved into my home 8 years ago. I will NEVER go back. I have learned that prep makes everything easier. Oh, and reading the recipe completely too. That's important.

That's what's led me here. Plus the fact that I'm going to be an "empty nester" with more time on my hands in the next year. So time for me to take my hobby, throw a little more time and passion into it, and see where it takes me, and enjoy all the flavors, smells, and textures that come my way.