Food glorious food!  Food is not just our nutrition source, it is a part of our socialization.  Time spent in the kitchen together or eating together can be some of the best quality time.  Some of the best talks I have ever had with my children were in the kitchen as I was preparing a meal and they were hanging out or sitting at the table doing homework.  Now it seems folks gather together less and less to dine.

I enjoy eating out from time to time.  Having something prepared differently from how I'd prepare it.  Or having something I have never learned to prepare.  We all have times when we need to get a quick bite, whether it is take out or a frozen entree.   Yet, you can't beat cooking from scratch for quality, freshness &
nutrition.

I feel like I'm seeing home cooking and meal preparation become a vanishing art!  I know so many families that seem to eat out at least once a day and others who cook at home only once or twice a week!  It's not that I particularly enjoy cooking, but it's something we need and I do get pleasure from having myself and my family enjoy something I prepared.

Once years ago, co-workers were excited to buy chicken, broths, and packages of dumplings from Swanson's to make chicken & dumplings.  This set them back a good twenty bucks and this was back in the  eighties!  I couldn't believe it.  I can still make a pot of dumplings to feed two families for about $8.00.

The extra cost of all this eating out, and now this new trend of delivered meals ready to prepare!  The thought just sickens me.  I think of all the extra people who could be fed with all of that excess $$.

Do you still value home cooking?  How often do you and yours dine out?  What is your favorite kitchen memory?

Barbara