Project 365

Growing up, I always remember my mother keeping the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer full. She told me when I was older that it was sort of a compulsion after an experience she had when I was a baby. My father had lost his job, they had $20 to their name, and almost no food in the house. The stress of wondering how she would feed her children until my father got another job and got paid again was such that she vowed never to have an empty pantry again. Because I grew up that way, I guess, I can't stand to have dwindling food supplies, either. The grocery store is a 30 minute drive for me, so running down the street for something I run out of isn't really an option. I plan my menus two weeks at a time. We may not always stick to them exactly, but they are a guideline and a basis for shopping lists. On Sundays, I sit down with all my favorite cookbooks, and plan our meals, making my list for the grocery store at the same time.

Now, living in the south, food is a big part of our lives. Nearly all of our socializing is done around food or church, or both. I enjoy food. I enjoy the socializing that comes with dinner with friends. I can't tell you how many times we have been the last patrons to leave a restaurant after enjoying a delicious meal and a good wine. I enjoy the sensory pleasures of a rich chocolate cake or a savory pot roast, or a crisp salad. Oddly, though, I don't enjoy cooking. I am an adequate cook, at best. I can follow a recipe. But I am easily distracted from the task of cooking, and lack the creativity that comes for those who enjoy the process. These days, nearly all our meals come from Weight Watcher cookbooks. They really are quite tasty, and you don't think about it being 'diet' food. In fact, I would bet that no one would guess if they didn't see the cookbook. But since we are no longer young and seemingly immune to poor eating habits, we are trying to eat healthier and drink lots more water. And I greatly appreciate that while I may be a merely adequate cook, my dear husband is a fantastic cook!

I love having a refrigerator full of delicious foods and beverages following a trip to the market!