Making Your Own Food

Today I'd like to jump on one of my favorite subjects.

Making your own food.

We are now full swing into the microwave generation. We want our food to be done I Dream of Genie style with just a magic nod of the head. I hate to break it to you, but food takes time to prepare. I suggest we stop getting mad at the microwave for not having our food perfectly cooked in 5 seconds and instead prioritize food.

I, being a college student, understand time crunches. I realize that we don't always have time to make a 5 course meal with a perfect table setting. I get it. But, what you do have, is a secret weapon.

That weapon is...

...

...


A Crock Pot!



For the crock pot, all you do is throw a cut of meat (like a pot roast) in it with some cut up veggies (like carrot, celery, onion, parsnips, and anything else you have on hand) with some seasonings (like pepper, salt, a bay leaf and thyme) and some stock (or a good beer) in to the pot. Leave it on low all day or high for 4 hours or so depending on your meat and BAM! Dinner. Beef stew. Make some mashed potatoes to go with it and YUM! Plus, any left overs will easily save for left overs.

If you don't have a crock pot, they are a huge time and energy saver. Not only can you have a delicious meal with low effort, but you can have that with out heating up your entire house with an oven on.


By making your own food, you safe money, have better food, and can have community with your family. Somehow America has lost the idea of families eating together. I saw we need to put down the cell phones, turn off the TV and have an actual conversation for once. Heck, even once a week to ease into it. Our families have become more and more distant from each other. This can only lead to trouble, in my opinion. Kids do not have the same responsibility or respect they used to. In my opinion, I think that comes from lack of a solid parental influence. If you disagree, please feel free to argue.


Also, for clarification, when I say "make your own food", I DO NOT mean Kraft Mac and Cheese. I mean a real dinner. Meat, veggies, fruit, some grains. Nothing that comes from a box with a cartoon character on it. I realize that mac and cheese is easy and good (heck, it's one of my comfort foods) but try making it from scratch. I'll post a recipe later for a healthier mac and cheese that will blow wind up your skirt, I promise.

With the idea of making your own food, if you have kids, have them help you! Have them stir things or if they're old enough, prep some vegetables. Make cooking a regular part of the day. It is rewarding to all involved. Parents don't have to cook the entire meal by themselves and kids feel accomplished by helping.


So please. Pretty, pretty, PRETTY please. Try making your own dinner at least once every week. My personal goal would be that people would eat at home the majority of the time and make things like fast food a rarity if ever.