16 Nov 2011 Just do it – cook
by Kellie Dye
Years ago I led an eight-week weight-management class, which was offered three or four times a year. Each week involved a different nutrition topic. The topic on eating out was always the most relevant and popular. The topic on cooking healthy was always the most unpopular.
Eyes would glaze over as I discussed sautéing, roasting, baking, etc. I finally realized what I’ve known all along – very few people cook anymore. Asking people if they cook is like asking people if they go to a barn to milk the cow. Or, I find that some people will insist that microwaving a hot pocket is the same thing as cooking.
It’s no secret that I love to cook, and I love to experiment in the kitchen. I accept that not everyone shares my love of cooking. There are more cooking shows than ever before, and yet more people are eating out more than ever. Lately there seems to be even more shows on restaurant foods than actual cooking.
If only we would spend less time watching cooking shows and more time cooking. I feel like we are raising a generation of kids who only know how to use the microwave. Cooking is an important life skill, and it’s much healthier than eating out or relying on overly processed convenience foods. To me it’s just as important as regular physical activity.
It doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it doesn’t have to take up all of your time. With the right tools and the right attitude anyone can cook more. Here is a list of essential tools to have in your kitchen to make cooking fun and easier. (These items also make great holiday gifts.)
Good knives Yes, they can be costly, but a good knife makes all the difference. You only need a few quality kitchen knives.
A food processor The ultimate in saving time. I use both a mini-processor and a large processor.
Non-stick cookware Like the knives, it is worth the cost. Cheap non-stick pans flake easily and must be replaced often.
A good garlic press I admit it. I’m a garlic snob. I don’t use garlic salt, garlic powder or pre-chopped garlic in the jar. Fresh, real garlic brings out the best in any recipe, making a garlic press a must.
Colanders This is a must for when you use fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Lemon squeezer Since I purchased this tool, no citrus juice ever goes to waste.
Casserole dishes Once you go to the trouble of cooking, of course you want to put the food in a fun dish. Food always looks better in a unique dish.
Favorite cookbooks One of the very best gifts that I received from my mother was a cookbook that she put together full of recipes from all of our relatives and friends in their own handwriting. Cookbooks seem to be used less due to the internet. A laptop in my kitchen has replaced many of my cookbooks. However the cookbook that my mother gave me can never be replaced by a computer. Putting together a cookbook such as this makes a unique and thoughtful gift that you might consider trying.
