Blog Post 5.28.23

5/28/23

One of my favorite food memories…

WELCOME! DO YOU LOVE FOOD? AS IN, REALLY LOVE IT? DO YOU WAKE UP THINKING ABOUT YOUR MEALS FOR THE DAY? WELL, I DO. I'VE HAD A LOVE AFFAIR WITH FOOD SINCE I WAS A YOUNG GIRL. SO, AFTER MANY YEARS OF COOKING ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, I WENT TO CULINARY SCHOOL AND BECAME A CHEF AT 40 YEARS OLD. BUT THAT'S THE SAME AGE THAT JULIA CHILD STARTED HER CULINARY CAREER. I'VE ALWAYS FELT COMFORTED BY THAT FACT. 

SO, WHAT'S MY BLOG ABOUT? IT'S ABOUT FOOD, COOKING, THE KITCHEN, SHOPPING FOR FOOD, AND SOME BITS AND PIECES OF NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION, SO YOU MIGHT BE INSPIRED TO EAT A LITTLE HEALTHIER ALONG THE WAY. I WANT TO SHARE MY STORIES ABOUT MY FAVORITE FOOD MEMORIES, DISASTERS IN THE KITCHEN (YES, THEY HAPPEN, EVEN TO THE BEST OF US), AND OF COURSE, RECIPES. 

ONE OF MY FIRST FOOD MEMORIES IS AROUND A PERFECT PIECE OF CHOCOLATE CAKE AND ICE-COLD MILK. I WAS PROBABLY AROUND 10 OR 12 YEARS OLD; MY SIBLINGS AND I WOULD GO ALONG WITH MY MOM, WHO USED TO GO GROCERY SHOPPING FOR HER GREAT-AUNT (WHO WAS MY GREAT-GREAT AUNT). SHE LIVED IN A VERY SIMPLE AND SMALL HOUSE WITH ONLY PARTIAL ELECTRICITY (It WAS The EARLY 1970'S AND IT HADN'T BEEN FULLY UPDATED). HER KITCHEN WAS SMALL, AND I REMEMBER A BASIC STOVE/OVEN COMBINATION ALONG WITH ONE OF THOSE CLASSIC ROUNDED-TOP REFRIGERATORS. WE WENT TO VISIT HER ONE DAY, AND SHE MADE THE PERFECT DOUBLE-LAYER CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING. SHE SERVED IT TO US WITH AN ICE-COLD GLASS OF MILK, WHICH WAS DELIVERED BY AN OLD-FASHIONED MILKMAN. TO THIS DAY, I CAN STILL TASTE THAT CAKE IN MY MIND, AND I'VE NEVER HAD ONE LIKE IT. IT WAS PERFECTLY MOIST, AND THE MILK WAS ICE COLD. AS A CHEF, I THINK BACK TO THE HOW. HOW DID SHE MAKE SUCH A GREAT CAKE WITH SO LITTLE TO WORK WITH. SHE DIDN'T HAVE A KITCHENAID LIKE MOST OF US DO, NOR A FANCY CONVECTION OVEN. 

THAT PIECE OF CAKE HAS INSPIRED ME MANY TIMES OVER. FOOD DOESN'T HAVE TO BE FANCY TO BE MEMORABLE. IF YOU COOK WITH LOVE AND CARE, IT WILL SHOW.

TILL NEXT TIME FRIENDS,

JODI

The Joy of Cooking from Scratch

Cooking from scratch is more than just a culinary technique; it's an enriching experience that connects us to the very essence of food. When we cook from scratch, we engage in the time-honored practice of transforming simple, raw ingredients into delightful and nourishing meals. This process not only enhances the flavors and nutritional value of our dishes but also gives us a deeper appreciation for the food we consume. In a world where convenience often overshadows quality, cooking from scratch serves as a reminder of the authenticity and love that goes into preparing a meal by hand.

The benefits of cooking from scratch extend beyond the taste and health aspects. It offers a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from creating something unique with your own hands. Whether you're baking bread, crafting pasta, or simmering a rich stew, the process requires patience and creativity. These moments in the kitchen can be meditative, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus on the art of cooking. Moreover, cooking from scratch enables you to control the ingredients and techniques, ensuring that your meals are free from unnecessary additives and preservatives.

Embracing the practice of cooking from scratch also fosters a deeper connection with the people we share our food with. Meals prepared with care and intention have a way of bringing people together, creating a shared experience that strengthens bonds and fosters community. When we invite friends and family to partake in a meal we've lovingly prepared, we're not just offering them sustenance; we're sharing a piece of ourselves. Cooking from scratch is a celebration of tradition, creativity, and the joy of sharing delicious food with those we love.