In the kitchen: a beginning

When I was a little girl, my favorite books to read were the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  I must have read that series at least a dozen times, if not more.  Something about the wholeness found within Laura's story. The community, the family togetherness, the living off the land. Not to mention the cooking, the sewing, and the living found within it. Everything about it - that story spoke to me. Hmmm... what's my point? Weeeeeeell, recently I stumbled upon a blog that seems to embody everything that I loved about that series. Are you familiar with Amanda Soule's blog soulemama? It is an amazing read! Amazing read. I stumbled upon her blog when I checked out her second book handmade home from my local library. Her words speak to the heart concerning family, connecting, and togetherness. I recently bought her first book The Creative Family  and have enjoyed it thoroughly. I've been reading while I breast feed... which is a lot. I've actually been able to  read it twice in two days!

Well, her blog has inspired a new section within my blog. In the kitchen. Cause my love of feeding my husband and entertaining family, brethren, and friends is such a large part of me. Because when I feed my loved ones good food it fills my cup.

In the kitchen -

:: I've finally succumbed to using my crock pot and have found that I love it! I am playing with my roasts recipes and love the use of fresh herbs from the garden.

:: I had a successful experience with baking whole wheat sandwich bread! After doing the math - it is actually so much cheaper to make your own!

:: I have had to experiment a lot with dairy less cooking since I suspect Liam to have an allergy. Having to put the bricks of butter in my fridge into the freezer to use for a later date is worth it to see Liam's rashes clearing up! Made blueberry muffins and whole wheat bread entirely without dairy!

:: After seven weeks, I was finally able to put a hot breakfast on the table for Ross before he left for work. I just had to learn to get up after Liam's 5:00 a.m. feeding to do it. Totally worth it to send him with a full tummy and ready to work all day.

:: Filled the cookie jar for Ross to enjoy. Can't help smiling every time he comes home and eats from it.

:: Harvested the first of the dill and scallions and made ranch dressing to share with family.

:: Made refrigerator beets again from the beets I bought at the farmer's market. Was blessed to share it with family.

Was just so blessed to be able to finally start cooking and baking again for us. Seven weeks after Liam's birth and I am starting to find my rhythm with taking care of him, taking care of us. It was an amazing week. An amazing week in the kitchen.