"I could not have predicted the residue and damage that a lack of cooking skills had on people's daily lives. Among the boxes and cans, I found a larger story of perceived failure that left them struggling with guilt, frustration, and a stinging lack of confidence. . . ."
--Kathleen Flinn, The Kitchen Counter Cooking School
This fascinating book follows the author's work with nine ordinary people who don't know how to live with real food or how to function in their own kitchens. By the end of the book, Flinn's compassionate, enthusiastic coaching has transformed them.
Cook your own food, and teach your children how.
I hadn't heard of this book before; but thanks to your recommendation, I just put it on hold at my local library. It will be a treat to sit down and read it! :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I'll put the book on my Amazon list. I know a few people who may find this under the tree this year!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting and enjoyable read!
ReplyDeleteI am forever indebted to my mother for her challenge to me as a young child: "When you learn to read, you can cook anything you want!" As a result, I have been cooking since about the time I learned to read, although my experience in the kitchen "helping Mummy" dates earlier.
Between the quotidian chores and hectic work schedules, my husband and I both find great fulfillment in being able to prepare tasty dishes from various cultures. Sometimes we cook together, sometimes we cook alone. Regardless, we enjoy the ritual of preparing meals. One time we tried a new recipe for a Thai Mussaman curry, which took about 3 hours to prepare because we ground all the spices. It turned out to be a flavor disaster; we couldn't eat it, but we enjoyed the process of making something so exotic, the aromatherapy of using so many glorious spices. (We've since found an easier, tastier recipe.) Of course, it is more fulfilling when the efforts are rewarded with deliciousness.
I don't find a lot of opportunity to pursue other creative outlets besides cooking and baking anymore (knitting excepted), but cooking is fundamental to our domestic bliss. We like the preparation of food and consuming of food, the gathering around the table, the sharing of life.
Our daughter is away at her first station in the AF. For her 18th birthday she requested some spices for her kitchen, so Penzey's it is!
I read this book a few years ago and still think of it when I pass by people in the grocery stores. Loved the book, and what a compassionate lady to help people in such a useful way. It is too easy to "give a man a fish;" "teaching a man to fish" takes a bit more thought. I hope to have an opportunity to help someone in this way one day.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun one to listen to on CD--we did on a family road trip a number of years ago and our daughters still talk about it. They also really enjoy cooking at the ages of 15.
ReplyDeleteAnna, I feel a little guilty asking this, when I know you're probably getting ready *bigtime* for your next wedding:) - but....
ReplyDeleteHowzit going with your one-year old stoves? I'm in the semi-desperate-for-a-stove spot now, and was thrilled to see a stove with no window, simple lines, no excess electronic doodads, etc. Is it reliable? Any info tids you'd be able to throw my way would be appreciated. Thanks, Anna - Diane
Diane, I heartily recommend the stove and in fact JUST BOUGHT #3 for the stone house. My only quibble with it is that the lowest setting is not as low as I would like--on the other hand, you can't turn it so low that the flame goes out (while you're still thinking it's on). They are also excellent to clean. Go for it!!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna - have you tried using a heat diffuser? It's a flat metal plate that you lay on top of the burner to "tame" the flame and control scorching, spilling over, etc. I think I got mine at Williams Sonoma years ago. Good luck and thanks for a lovely blog :) - Mary
DeleteThank you so much, Anna. Three for you, one for me, and who knows how many more have been inspired! Perhaps the Amana people would like to officially designate you as Amana Anna? Thanks again. ~Diane
ReplyDeleteoooh, delightful - just put it on hold at the library. I would love to somehow teach people to cook.
ReplyDeleteI put this on hold at the library and will pick it up next week....so excited to read it!
ReplyDeleteJust borrowed it on my online library, looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteI just read this after downloading it on my iPad from our library. Absolutely loved it! Thank you for the recommendation! Although I have been cooking for 30 years for a largish family, I learned quite a bit as well as just loving the stories of people learning how to cook.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the book recommendation! I just finished reading it and the book inspired me to put my family through a similar cooking course. My girls bake and cook certain items, but definitely need a good rounding out in their kitchen skills. Thank you for the inspiration! First step, buy them each their own high quality kitchen knife!
ReplyDeleteAmy F.