Although our summer has been unseasonably cold we finally got a crop of tomatoes. Actually a crop is an understatement- we got a whole bushel. So, we canned some, juiced some, sauced some, gazpachoed some and now we are considering other ideas- tomato muffins, tomato baths and hair dye? Anyway, here are a few photos of this year’s tomato journey. 
Although our summer has been unseasonably cold we finally got a crop of tomatoes. Actually a crop is an understatement- we got a whole bushel. So, we canned some, juiced some, sauced some, gazpachoed some and now we are considering other ideas- tomato muffins, tomato baths and hair dye? Anyway, here are a few photos of this year’s tomato journey.
Ever since I was little I can remember cooking with my mom. I loved to mix anything (and I still do)- I have to hold myself back from getting all the lumps out of pancakes, etc as I like the uniformity. My mom, who cooked every night, and my grandmother, who cooked often, were good inspirations for me- but honestly the best inspiration to cook is my daughter. Prior to having her, I found a weekend or an evening once in a while to make something really special, but most of the time it was just good enough to eat that evening. Now that I am a mom I am truly inspired to cook. It started when she was 5 months old and started to eat rice cereal. Like a lightbulb I realized that she was experiencing food for the first time and that I could shape this experience. So, I got the food processor out and started making baby food. Before I knew it I was making all of her baby food and loving it…..and better yet, she was eating it which is truly the greatest compliment of all. Now that she is older I find myself making more breads, egg dishes, creative dinner options, etc that we all enjoy. Even now that I am returning to work part time I plan on cooking food for her that is fresh and also food that I freeze because she loves it.
I credit my daughter’s wonderful eating habits- i.e. she will pass up anything else for something green and she eats extremely well balanced meals to the fact that I built her palate to enjoy fresh, healthy foods.
In honor of this I have started a set in my flickr account devoted to food I cook. I hope it inspires you to cook for people you love! 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33307475@N05/sets/72157623244278201/
Ever since I was little I can remember cooking with my mom. I loved to mix anything (and I still do)- I have to hold myself back from getting all the lumps out of pancakes, etc as I like the uniformity. My mom, who cooked every night, and my grandmother, who cooked often, were good inspirations for me- but honestly the best inspiration to cook is my daughter. Prior to having her, I found a weekend or an evening once in a while to make something really special, but most of the time it was just good enough to eat that evening. Now that I am a mom I am truly inspired to cook. It started when she was 5 months old and started to eat rice cereal. Like a lightbulb I realized that she was experiencing food for the first time and that I could shape this experience. So, I got the food processor out and started making baby food. Before I knew it I was making all of her baby food and loving it…..and better yet, she was eating it which is truly the greatest compliment of all. Now that she is older I find myself making more breads, egg dishes, creative dinner options, etc that we all enjoy. Even now that I am returning to work part time I plan on cooking food for her that is fresh and also food that I freeze because she loves it.
I credit my daughter’s wonderful eating habits- i.e. she will pass up anything else for something green and she eats extremely well balanced meals to the fact that I built her palate to enjoy fresh, healthy foods.
In honor of this I have started a set in my flickr account devoted to food I cook. I hope it inspires you to cook for people you love!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33307475@N05/sets/72157623244278201/
Even though I am working now, I am still trying to make my family healthy meals. In order to do this, I have been planning in advance, cooking on the weekends, etc. This weekend I made nutty cranberry granola. This stuff is easy to make, you have most of the ingredients in your pantry and it is dynamite. It is sort of the kettle corn of granola with a slightly salty and sweet taste. Although it is supposed to last a week, I don’t think it will. 
Even though I am working now, I am still trying to make my family healthy meals. In order to do this, I have been planning in advance, cooking on the weekends, etc. This weekend I made nutty cranberry granola. This stuff is easy to make, you have most of the ingredients in your pantry and it is dynamite. It is sort of the kettle corn of granola with a slightly salty and sweet taste. Although it is supposed to last a week, I don’t think it will.
