Have you ever stopped to look at ingredient labels? This past year I have become very conscious of the foods we are putting into our bodies. To my surprise when I looked at many different labels, the ingredients were not what I expected. Quite frankly I didn't realize how naive I had been to what is actually put into our food. There are so many preservatives, color additives, "natural flavors" and flavor enhancers in many products. While not all preservatives are a bad thing, this and other food additives is something we have been working to cut out of our diet. The more I've researched, the more I've been motivated to provide clean, healthy, nourishing meals for my family, after-all food is one of the best medicines we have!
After doing a deep dive into our cupboards, I've found that most things we have been using for years are ultra processed. Which led me to do a little research. One statistic I found is that about 70 percent of the U.S. food supply is ultra processed foods. We have been overtaken with the convenience of these products. It can be so easy to get stuck in the rut of quick and easy meals. While sometimes there may be a time and place for that, I have been focusing on providing from scratch meals for my family. At first it might feel like a big undertaking, but with a lot of practice and time, you will find that it truly is a simple process. If you break it down into steps it can really help to simplify the process. Here are 5 tried and true ways to help simplify from scratch cooking in your kitchen.
1. The first step is to get organized: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients, tools, and equipment ready to go. This will help you avoid any last minute scrambling, either running to the pantry or out to the store. When I say equipment I do not mean to go out and buy all the newest gadgets, many if not all of the things you have at home will be perfect! I have also found it easiest to measure out all of the necessary ingredients before you start cooking, putting them into small bowls or dishes so that all you need to do when that step of the recipe comes is to dump it in.
2. Follow the recipe: While it can be tempting to experiment, I have found that it's important to follow the recipe closely the first few times you make something from scratch. This way you can get comfortable and familiar with the process and make the necessary adjustments for your taste.
3. Taste and adjust: After you've cooked the dish, taste it and make any adjustments to the flavor or texture as needed. This can be done by adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon! Don’t be afraid to try something new! In our house we love bold flavors, many recipes we try the first time need a little extra seasoning.
4. Write it down: As you start to experiment with a recipe, keep track of the ingredients and measurements you used, so that you can replicate the dish in the future. This is a must! It is such bummer when I have forgotten to write things down in the past, especially when the changed recipe turns out perfect.
5. Practice makes perfect: The more you practice cooking from scratch, the better you'll become at it. So don't get discouraged if the first few dishes don't turn out perfectly - the more you cook, the better you'll get! Mistakes are a part of the process, if you never start it will always be something you can't do. Just give it a try, I know you can do it!
At the end of the day what really matters is your family and their health. You know what is best for them, trust your gut. I'm just here to share my thoughts and findings from over the past year, there is so much to learn and I will be on this journey for a while! There is such a peace that comes with slow living and finding our roots again, I hope you’ll join along in this journey.
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