Getting the Quirks Out

Before I start with the Friday food thing, I want to share a little about how I operate in the kitchen. I can sometimes be a bit of a "food snob" and wanted to do some explaining before you start reading and thinking "WTF is she talking about now?" This may be totally unnecessary, but I'd rather you were aware of my quirks from the start.

1. Feelin' Fresh: I always use either fresh or frozen produce. I don't like canned veggies, it kinds freaks me out thinking of them submerged in water for countless months before I decide to eat them. I rarely ever use canned fruit either, don't like the extra sugars and syrups. If I get a good deal on fresh (or when we're picking it from the garden) I buy a lot and freeze it myself, especially with pricier items. If I'm adding a can into anything, it's because I haven't found a better way to do it yet.

2. Opting for Organic: I am so not committed to exclusively buying organics, but if they cost about the same as the regular stuff I always buy them first.

3. Dinner Anatomy 101: Lots of times I will eat something somewhere and like it so much I try to dissect it and recreate it. Sometimes my recreations turn out fabulous, sometimes we throw them out and order pizza. I promise to inform you beforehand if I'm working from scratch on a Friday.

4. 30 Minute Rule: I consider things quick if I can go from start to finish in 30 mins or less. This doesn't include baking time because I don't consider that work, but it does include anything on the stove top that is boiling, bubbling, simmering, sauteing. I take shortcuts when I can and try really hard to have my veggies and things precut.

5. This Is My Day Job: Since I don't work outside of the house I devote a lot of time to this food thing. Besides caring for the kiddos, making the food around here is my #1 priority. I spend a lot of time planning weekly meals, finding new recipes, and shopping for the goods. By the time I get to Friday I have almost everything ready to go. I'll try to give you as comprehensive a list as possible for what I'm using right away.

6. Unfinished Business: There are most likely a bazillion things I am leaving out. I'll let you know if goofy things come up as I go along. See you Friday!