In the Kitchen

Last year, I was a hot mess in the kitchen. I failed more than I'd like to admit. I felt like I had to start all the way over. Not that I had too many great dishes under my belt; when we first got married and I was forced to cook meals with actual flavor, I was clueless. But I also had to start over with learning the basics in my new kitchen...without a large oven (I have something more like a glorified toaster oven that can barely fit a 9x13 pan), only 2 burners (last year, they were the light-with-a-match-and-try-not-to-catch-yourself-on-fire kind and this year they are flat tops, which I've learned to not completely hate), avoiding the faucet water, only having hot water in the evening, and working in a space that only 1 person can fit in at at time.

It has been quite a learning experience! Last year, I hated most of it. This year, I've really grown to love it! All props to the Man upstairs..I had many tears and whine sessions He graciously listened to.

I've tried so many new things this year. Most of them from scratch. I now love making things from scratch. Yes, it takes more time and effort, but after seeing and reading all the things about what's in processed foods, I'm on the make-it-yourself bandwagon. Don't get me wrong; I have a long way to go. I just ate some Oeros. It's all about balance, right?! :) Here are some things I've had success with. Not to boast, but to encourage myself and perhaps someone reading. I would hope that if we ever make it back to the US for an extended amount of time, I would make the effort to whip these things up from scratch. I'd be happy to share recipes if you're interested.

- sour cream
- ricotta cheese
- salad dressings
- apple butter
- ice cream (without an ice cream maker)
- crescent rolls
- chicken nuggets (similar to chik-fil-a...but not quite there)
- pita bread
- sausage (SOO easy!)
- tortillas (may never buy packaged again...)
- croutons
- granola
- granola bars
- peppermint patties
- naan
- veggies (this is still tough for me..I was so used to popping open a can)
- chai (still not perfect, but it satisfies my daily obsession)

Things I still want to try:

- cream cheese
- bagels
- pretzels
- crackers
- so many other breads...
- butter
- yogurt
- magic shell ice cream sauce
- fruit snacks

I'm thankful being here has pushed me in this area. I needed to be pushed. I definitely still have failures, but for the most part, my attitude is much better. I'm sure Michael is thankful for that, too. :)