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If I had to stir it, It’s homemade.

I’m not sure how much this resonates with you, but when I first got this kitchen sign from my daughter in law, I was a little offended – actually maybe a lot offended – as someone who identifies myself by my cooking it got under my skin.  I think maybe more the hurried story she told me from my son saying I tried to pass something off as homemade that wasn’t – I would never!

Then, I thought about it – I sure have used a doctored mix for this or that. Taken one pre-made item and turned it into something else… and I will tell you I may know how, and may have done it a few times but I am surely not making phyllo dough every time I have a craving for my favorite home-made baklava!  

The sign itself was actually pretty funny. And pretty representative of how life can be even for serious cooks like me. I personally have access to a lot more fresh meat and vegetables than most people today and am not far from an area with access to ingredients from all over the world. But I haven’t always been so lucky and not everyone is.

The thing is yummy food can be made from a variety of things. And what I think is yummy may gross you out…. We all have a unique palate and idea of what tastes great to us. So, I may love that special dressing from the store just as it is on a salad – but you may want to add a little more salt or vinegar and use to brine a chicken. In fact, that may be your special ingredient to Sunday roasted chicken and potatoes… Actually, now that I think about it, that sounds good, I think I’m gonna go look at some brine worthy dressings later today –…

The most important ingredient for any of us is an open mind and a willingness to try anything – how else are we going to figure out what flavors, textures, tastes we like? And why not try all those things already put together too – somebody somewhere thought enough of them that they are available for us to open our minds with – why not? I love finding something new at the grocery store I have never heard of to try.

To me, food is my language of love – my time and effort spent on those I care about.