Kitchen Wisdom

When I got married in 1977, I didn't know how to boil water!

I know that sounds like a joke, but it is true. I was so bad at cooking, I'm not sure why my husband married me. I burned hard boiled eggs (can you say ditsy??) and the smell was worse than anything I had ever smelled. I tried to make steak under the broiler in the oven like my dad had taught me. That was a disaster, too. To the point that my husband went to work and complained to one of the guys. Well one of those guys made the mistake of repeating it to me...I didn't cook for a month. My husband and I learned two things from that experience...My husband learned to never again criticize me to his friends and I spent the month learning the basics of cooking.

I'm sure I must have cried to my mother because she came up with this wonderful book that I have used and almost destroyed throughout the years, but would never give away. The name of the book is KITCHEN WISDOM by Frieda Arkin.

Through the years I have added many items to my beloved book. If I saw a hint or a tip in Good Housekeeping magazine, I'd clip it and find the subject in my book and file it away.

Now that I have adult daughters of my own, I wanted them to have a manual for reference as well. Not that they need one...they are fabulous cooks and love to create in the kitchen. However, it feels like tradition for me to provide them with a book of their own "Kitchen Wisdom".

I found this book on a blog site I love! Cook Like Your Grandmother is a blog written by Drew Kime and he has a couple books for sale on his site. One of them is STARTING FROM SCRATCH. This book promises to explain what all the so called 'experts' believe we already know. This book is available as an ebook download or the old fashioned kind that we hold in our hands...my personal preference.

My kitchen wisdom didn't come naturally. I am grateful for those people who are able to organize their thoughts and put them to paper for the rest of us to enjoy!

Introducing...

Abbie!

As this is my first post, I have a feeling I'm writing to myself. Well, that's OK, I'm a good listener.

I'd like anyone who reads my blog to know a little bit about me. I consider myself luckier than anyone deserves. I am married to a wonderful guy (Stan) and we have 2 adult daughters. Each of our daughters had the good sense to marry great guys who work hard and love them deeply. Daughter and husband #1 have 2 daughters, which makes me one very happy Grandma! Daughter #2 was recently married...grandchildren are still a wish and a prayer away.

I live in a small community which provides a good quality of life. My husband supported me as a stay-at-home mom. I have considered that my career. I know, my profile says consulting, but who among the mothers out there are not consultants? I could have listed chef, housekeeper, waitress...you get the picture. I am a jack of many trades and have spent 30+ years honing my "work at home" skills. I am proud of the home I've made for my family, the children we have raised and the (mostly) quiet life we live.

I have jokingly said that when Stan and I got married I couldn't boil water. Well, that was almost the truth. My mom was a fabulous cook during my childhood. Often cooking with few resources and finding a way to make a meal out of meager pickings in the cupboard. As the years have progressed, I've taught myself to make pie (yes, home made pie crust!) baked goods and according to my family, pretty good meals. My mom's forced frugality has served me well. An example...I do not throw away those last few bits of veggies away. You know, a tablespoon or two that no one ate from the pan or serving bowl? Mom always kept a container in our freezer, in which she put those little bits of veggies. When the container was full, Mom made vegetable soup!

I was introduced to sewing at a very early age. I wouldn't call myself a seamstress, but if forced, I could sew together a simple garment. Sometime in the 90's I discover quilting. I love everything to do with creating quilts...the feel of the fabric, the sound of the sewing machine humming away and the satisfaction of a completed project. I try a new concept each time I make a quilt so that I am always learning. The current craze for wool has caught my attention. I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say I am hooked on wool. I scour second hand stores, the Salvation Army and Goodwill for wool. Felted or Fulled wool can cost up to $58 a yard when purchased retail. I am forced to buy some retail pieces, but mostly I bring home skirts, jackets...anything I can find and I felt it myself. There are endless things yet to be learned about this craft.

I take time every night before bed to read a book or magazine, exercise every day except Sunday and spend as much time as possible with my family and friends.

My blog goals...
Primarily,I hope to share my love of food, the things I've learned in the kitchen and share some of my favorite recipes. Along the way I'm sure I'll throw in a project unrelated to food, but mostly I hope we can share about food.

Be patient with me...
I am new to this. Uploading pictures may be tedious for me at first. My posts may be somewhat sporadic. What I consider important is that I share openly with you and hopefully, I'll learn from your comments.


So make yourself a cup of hot tea, find a comfortable chair and...be Epi-curious with me!