Let's Get Cookin'...

Is this you?

With few exceptions, we all love to eat! Some of you are in the 'eat to survive' category. You do not especially enjoy eating because you might not have the benefit—some would say "luxury", of regularly partaking of tasty, delicious food. And mark my words, one need not go out to a restaurant to enjoy great food!  If you, your significant other or your parents do not know how to cook, or, you or s/he lacks confidence in the kitchen, help is here! You only need to know a few fundamentals and execute them with good technique in order to build your confidence behind the stove. Once you learn how to cook, your quality of life (and those you cook for), irrespective of your station or financial status, will improve. Let's face it—when the 'eats' are good—life is good.

For starters, every major meal (ideally) should have three components: a protein, a starch and a veggie. Since many people skip breakfast and/or dessert, a piece of fruit would suffice for these situations. I am realistic. I realize that people's eating habits rarely live up to the recommended 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. It is said that half of your plate should be filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, in the real world, your meals are probably mostly protein (meat) and carbs (starch); if there is a little green on your plate, you get bonus points, right?

Ahhh, gotta love that comfort food...but her portion size might be off a touch.

Sure, in some places, the 'kale revolution' is in full swing—it's hip and swag to be a vegan or to know the gluten and nutritional content of your fare. But let's face it, most people just want to get their eat on! A coffee table or sofa tray has supplanted the dining room table, and your favorite tv show has proved to be more entertaining (or at least more consistent) than the rantings and drivel uttered by your family and friends. Casual eating and dining is the new 'normal'. Going out to eat once in awhile is great; it could be a lot of fun and good memories can be made. But, if you HAVE to go to a restaurant to have fun and create meaningful memories, this is kind of a bummer! Would you rather have 'comfort food' at home or in a restaurant? Would you prefer to get cozy at the Olive Garden, or in front of a fire with some relaxing music of your choosing? This blog will not transform you into a chef overnight, but you will learn a few tips that will allow you to create tasty, satisfying meals.

Cooking at home is not free, especially if you use good ingredients. But, you can eat well at home and save thousands of dollars per year. Save the restaurants for 'date nights', traveling and special occasions. In this way, you will also appreciate them more. In the followings blog posts, I will also recommend specific products and ingredients—this is practical cooking. I do not get any compensation for recommending one brand of food over the other, or Trader Joes over Ralphs. As a private chef, I will make suggestions, but you are free to make your own buying decisions as you source your ingredients. Are you ready...let's do this!

This can be you!