Thursday, February 19, 2009

Three foods from scratch that always seem like magic

There are three things that I cook regularly at our house that some how have managed to consistantly seem like magic to me. I know it's just a bit of science and smidge of planning, but still I feel like amazed that it actually works every time:

1. bread
2. yogurt
3. dried beans

I am also find myself amazed at how much it costs to buy these things in the store and how lousy they taste compared to my homemade versions. So, if you are attempting to cook from scratch this is where I'd start. Every loaf you take out of the oven will leave you feeling better about the world, every batch of yogurt will make you feel brilliant and every batch of beans you cook up will feel like you won the lottery. Okay, maybe that's taking it too far. At the least though, it'll make you feel like you won a game of cards.

For the next three posts, I'll cover how to start making these three things from scratch.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

What are we having for dinner tonight?

About 5 times a day, my two and a half year old asks me this question: "what are we having for dinner tonight?" I know this is the age old, 5 o'clock dilemma for most families, but in our house it is genuine curiosity about the food we're going to be preparing, eating and enjoying together. Cooking and eating is as central to our families existence as it has been for the entirety of human existence, but in the face of modern food culture--fast, cheap and out-of-control--it can be a struggle to eat well, stay relaxed, enjoy what's on the table and to know what you are actually eating.

So, this blog is my effort to explore how families can cook their food from scratch so that they can enjoy their food and enjoy each other.