I ran across a post today, that I found through Twitter (I've become addicted!) called Retake Homemade. What does that mean? Well, here's a little quote:
I am proposing that we start a movement, people! To teach people that good food does not have to be complicated or come from a box. That you can put a meal using fresh, healthy ingredients on the table in the same amount or less time than it takes to open those boxes and cans and microwave dinners :shudder: To show them that it doesn’t have to be complicated or creepy...That's it. Simple. Basic. What I want to do! You can read more about it here on Pots and Plots by Kait Nolan.
So, what does all this mean to me? I try my best to serve good meals to my family. I'm not going to lie, we have definitely had our ups and downs when it comes to eating. We fall prey to the call of fast food. If I'm lucky, I get to go out for lunch with my best friend on a weekly basis. I'm not going to pretend that everything we eat is healthy, nutritious and homemade.
However, I will say that I don't use much prepackaged or convenience foods. I just can't tell that they taste of anything except salt. I'll never forget a couple of years ago, my oldest kiddo just had to have canned spaghetti that looks like an O at the store. I finally gave in just to see what his reaction would be! I totally admit it -- it was an experiment. I heated them up, he took about two bites, and said "Mom, this doesn't taste very good. Yours is much better." And he didn't eat another bite of them. He hasn't asked me to buy any more either! And just today, he saw a commercial for pancake mix. You know, the kind that you add water, shake, and pour. He told me it looked nasty.
I also want to make it clear that no matter what it sounds like, I am not passing judgement on anyone out there if you serve your kids canned spaghetti, use pancake mix, or anything like that. Velveeta is a staple in my pantry. I'll admit it! Some people take major issues with the stuff, but it has its uses! We all do what's best for our families. I have never understood the "mommy wars" and I certainly don't want to be a part of them.
But, I do want to be a part of showing people that it's not as hard as you think to make a homemade meal. Or even a homemade snack. I love to bake. I like to cook. Love to bake. And when I can share that love with others, it just makes it that much better.
I've been thinking for a long time about what I want to be when I grow up. I'm still trying to figure it out. But one thing that I've been coming back to is teaching people to cook. I don't want to be a fancy pastry chef. I don't want to slave over the stove for five hours to make a dish that no one can pronounce, let alone want to eat. I want to show families that there is something out there other than fast food and frozen dinners.
And if I can join in on something like Retake Homemade, then I will!
For today, I'm going to link to the first recipe that I posted on this blog: Alphabet Soup with Albondigas. (take pity on me, it was my second blog post ever!)
Enjoy! :)
Comments