1. My routine has changed over the past 10 days due to the beginning of a new school year. I like the routine of school, although let it be known I also enjoy the more carefree days of summer. The summer changes my cooking routine. We eat later, have breakfast later, and buy a lot more popsicles than should be humanly allowed. I keep the garage freezer stocked for kids of all ages to enjoy. (Beats the creepy “ice cream man” and the price-gouging to the tinkle of a bell.) On the other hand school invites me back to dinner a little earlier, planning for breakfast, and making lunches to send out in backpacks. And, just so you know, I might start going to the grocery on Wednesday instead of Thursday. I’ll keep you posted.
2. Perhaps I sound like a broken record, but I encourage you to pick one day (or night) a week to grocery shop. Go that same day every week. Stock up on everything you need. I know this requires planning. I know. That being said, this one small habit goes a long way in ensuring the availability of food and ingredients in your kitchen. I’ve decided regular grocery shopping (with a plan) is the best way to stave off eating out which to me is both a budget-buster and sometimes just not all that good.
3. No, I haven’t seen the movie Julie and Julia yet. I’ve heard mixed reviews but need to make an effort to go see the movie, especially since Irma Rombauer of the Joy of Cooking makes an appearance. For more about the Joy of Cooking visit the Joy Kitchen.
4. I don’t know if I mentioned back in March we adopted a dog from the animal shelter. She’s a cutie and has fit in quite well around the place. For the dog’s birthday my daughter was bent on getting the dog a birthday gift. We went to a local pet store and she bought a cookbook with recipes for making dog treats, complete with a bone-shaped “cookie” cutter. I can handle making dog treats because I’ve got a grip on cooking for us as well. Here’s my beef: don’t cook or bake for your dog and NOT yourself. That just doesn’t make any sense to me. As they say when you fly the friendly skies, put your own oxygen mask on first. Cook or bake for yourself and then the pets.
5. Our weekend is chock-full of events and I like this level of activity especially when everyone involved is excited. We’re going to need side dishes, coolers packed with drinks, ice, and sandwiches, and some sunscreen. If you have an action-packed weekend ahead revel in the good parts of that: health to participate and people to participate with. If you’re weekend is more low-key revel in that as well. Take the opportunity to do a pantry evaluation all in an effort to eat more whole, real food.