Food Relations

Sometimes it doesn't always happen, but I aim to give my family quality food experiences and moments. In no way does that mean everything in my kitchen has be organic and locally grown from some exotic soil. Providing a quality food experience encapsulates the attitude of the cook preparing the meal and using whole ingredients to create something memorable. What do you mean by whole ingredients? Going to spend gobs of money at Whole Foods Market? (I do love their food, but can it can sure run up a grocery bill quickly!). The answer is: making a dish that comes from your kitchen - an apple pie not purchased from Costco, but actually buying the apples and flour to make the pie yourself (I LOVE Costco, and that's another post in itself) Instead of buying processed cans of soup, why not make a whole big pot from fresh ingredients? Cooking whole food meals really is possible on a budget.

When it comes to dining out, we rarely go out. Not going out saves us a substantial amount money. If it is a special occasion, my husband and I have grown accustom to shopping for once-in-a-blue moon ingredients to create a memorable meal. Think about it: the week it was our anniversary, we assembled four seared filet mignon pieces with brandy and a whole casserole amount of bacon roasted brussel sprouts and yukon gold potatoes. Plus champagne. The ingredients AND the groceries necessary for regular family meals totaled about $150. We even had leftovers from the special dinner. Had we decided to make reservations at a steakhouse, we would have spent at least $125 for our dinner out alone.

Greek coffee in the background, fresh espresso from home, discovering passion fruit, home made cheese cakes for Valentine's Day

Not everyone loves to cook and not everyone is as enthusiastic about food as I am. But I sure do love the delicious vittle experience and memories that come from my very own kitchen.