Welcome to the Beginning!

I enjoy reading different types of blogs.  I once thought I would try my hand at blogging, but I couldn't remember the title of my blog to log on, so I guess it's gone off to the cyberspace somewhere.  Recently I considered starting another blog, but wanted to do something a little different but couldn't think of anything creative.  I was fixing supper the other night and it came to me.  I really enjoy cooking (not baking).  It takes me a little bit to plan a weekly menu for the family because I scour recipes, blogs, cookbooks, etc...for new and yummy meals.  I always include a few tried and true recipes and then add some new stuff.  I have found favorite chefs that I like to try, favorite websites and cookbooks.  It always feels good to prepare a meal and serve it to the family.  I come from a long line of excellent cooks - my grandmother, my mom, my aunt, etc.. - so I grew up with yummy meals.  My grandmother made the best chocolate pie - with no recipe!!!  I haven't gotten that good.  I have always believed in cooking fresh.  We eat very little pre-packaged foods.  I also LOVE variety and detest leftovers.  I have had my share of disasters and successes.  This summer, everyone was home.  I had to plan meals that included a vegetarian, a chicken-only eater, a "I don't like many vegetables" eater and 3 "I'll eat whatever is fixed" eaters.  It was a challenge, but it was fun to try and figure it all out.  I have never been a believer in making more than 1 meal.  I have a saying hanging in my kitchen I have lived by; "Todays special - Take it or leave it"

Our supper meal is where we gather as a family at the end of the day.  We talk about the day, things that are going on in our lives our people we know, we have trivia, laugh and we discuss some pretty serious topics. The dining room table always been a place that as a family we know we can share and we can talk about things and it is safe, honest, caring, fun and relaxing.  We also pray for many of our family and friends together as a family.

Earlier, I mentioned that I am not that great at baking.  It's not for trying that's for sure.  I just get a little distracted and impatient and that doesn't bode well for a baker.  I have put things in the oven, and set the timer, and then gone outside to enjoy the great outdoors, while my baking bakes away into a hard, burned stone.  Baking is exact and I am not.  I have a daughter who is an excellent baker, so I leave the baking to her.

So, I hope you enjoy some of the recipes and a little look into our lives and what we are up to.