For the Love of Cooking

In case you couldn't tell, I love to cook.  Nothing gives me more satisfaction than preparing a meal for my family to share and enjoy together.  Family mealtime is something I refuse to sacrifice despite our busy schedules during the week. It hasn't always been easy, but by cooking larger main dishes a few times per week, and getting a variety of sides (vegetables), putting meals together have not been nearly as daunting as they were  when I started blogging a few months ago.

For example, this week I made a double batch of chili on Saturday (we had company that night) that will feed us once next week, plus be enough for a lunch or two.  Tonight, since our church small group isn't meeting I planned to make a ham that will not only feed us tonight and next week, but will also make sandwiches and snacks for my family for another month or more (after dinner, I'll freeze about 6-7 batches for future use).  I'm also using this evening to make the cornbread & cook the chicken for tomorrow night's casserole.  For sides this week, I got a variety of fresh vegetables such as sweet potatoes, broccoli & salad items, and also have some frozen packages that can be microwaved or stove top steamed just prior to dinner.  

One of my favorite things about cooking is that my daughter seems to have inherited that interest and loves to help.  The time we spend together in the kitchen is so special.  Below is a picture I took yesterday after we made a batch of fresh whipped cream for the pie we were serving for company.  One of the perks of being mommy's helper is that she gets to lick the bowl (and in yesterday's case, the whisk!). :)