Ready...Set...Let's Get Cooking!!

I am always fascinating by the married couples who fight over who gets to cook. Who gets to?!? They actually enjoy it and find it relaxing. For me, cooking is something to check off my list at the end of my day. I certainly see the value in it, but I cannot say that I particularly enjoy it.

Still, cooking at home has made a comeback. In all fairness it may have never actually went away, but it seems to have gained popularity in recent years. Beyond Julia Child and Martha Stewart, there lies a plethora of shows for the cooking enthusiast: The Rachael Ray Show, Hell’s Kitchen, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, and my personal favorite, Master Chef. And those are just what is on regular network television. There are endless possibilities found on cable TV, too.


The simple fact is America is tuning in to hone their skills in the kitchen and, at least for the moment, we’re captivated.

For me, learning to cook was borne out of necessity. As a single woman, I did not cook anything more challenging than spaghetti or scrambled eggs. But when I married a man who had custody of his two young sons, I knew cooking was not an option. I had to learn quickly–my family was depending on it.

Maybe you are like I was and don’t cook at all, or maybe you already cook but want more variety in your repertoire of recipes after hearing one too many times “Not this AGAIN!”

The initial step in beginning to cook is taking stock. It’s time to open up your cabinets and assess your current cook-ability. What do I mean by that? Over the years you may have collected cook books and cooking magazines ,or even a lot of index cards and newspaper clippings of dishes that sounded great and you thought you might like to make some day. Even if you have never cooked before, you may be pleasantly surprised to see the number of recipes you’ve amassed over the years. You may be very encouraged to learn that you already have a head start.

Supposing that you do not already have a stash of recipes and are truly starting from scratch, you have a number of options. There is no limit to the number of cook books available in your local book store (and probably your local library). There is also a mind-numbing list of cooking magazines for every cuisine or lifestyle goal (such as weight loss or heart smart).

As far as cook books go, I feel the best cookbooks are collections of favorite recipes submitted by families who compile them into a formal book to be sold as a fundraiser (usually churches, schools, scouts and other non-profit organizations). They are chocked full of tried and true recipes from real families with real schedules. Usually void of any rare ingredients or labor intensive directions, they are family-friendly.

In addition to my cookbooks, early in my marriage I subscribed to Taste of Home’s Quick Cooking magazine. Not only was I venturing into new territory of being a new wife and full time step-mom to two young sons, I also worked full time. As much as I would have loved experimenting and challenging myself, it was about getting a kid- and husband-approved meal on the table quickly. All of the recipes were simple and to the point. It was a great starting point for me as a newbie chef.

If money is tight and you aren’t wanting to spend a lot of money to increase your recipe options, consider recipe swapping with friends and family members. Be willing to share some of your own favorites in exchange for them supplying a few of theirs. The internet is also packed with on-line recipes. In fact, many of the monthly issues of cooking magazines such as Cooking Light and Rachael Ray print their recipes on line. It’s not something they are going to advertise. After all, they would rather you buy the subscription than to obtain it free. There is the obvious downside of the general inconvenience of having to go on line to find a recipe, especially if you are hoping to find a new recipe quickly, or want the recipe in front of you without having to print it out.

Hopefully, this article will inspire you to try something new. For some people it might inspire you to start cooking and for others, to breathe new life into a chore you may not necessarily enjoy. Either way, your family will thank you for it.

From Cradle to Grave

Growing up I remember reading the Mad Comic book “Cradle to Grave Primer” by Larry Siegel., a satirical American series that was often politically incorrect and racy by even today’s standards. The premise was simple but entertaining: A man recounts his life, from—what else—cradle to grave. It was a humorous look at how he developed into an awkward, gawky, nerdy teenager, unpopular with other kids; finally settling down and having a son of his own. His son, of course, was his antithesis. Popular, good looking, successful.


And the thing is I realize I am remembering this book because I can relate. To the awkward, nerdy part. For as early as I can remember I lacked confidence. In everything. I dreaded gym class because I was almost always the last one picked, which was for good reason. I lacked coordination in all things sports. I never took gymnastics, dance, soccer, softball. Unfortunately, I did not make up for academically. I was not even a particularly brilliant student making mainly B’s. I did try to play the guitar once but found myself hopelessly unable to learn the simplest of songs and quit after a matter of weeks. The only thing I was remotely good at was bowling. I stayed on a league for a few years and won many team and individual trophies. I also twirled a mean baton. Did I stay with either of those into my mid teens? You would think so, but sadly, no. What I lacked in talent, I did not make up in physical beauty. I was short, skinny, and developed very late in my teens. Even though I had a great childhood in many respects, I would never want to go back and live them again. My parents encouraged me to go after my dreams and try new things. My regret is that I didn’t take those opportunities and make the most of them.

As life imitates art, or in this case, a book—I have an overachieving son. In a totally great way. He is proof that sometimes recessive genes are more dominant. He plays the piano, the violin, and for the last year and half, the cello. He is an ‘ear player’ with music, which makes him a gifted player. His strings teacher recognized this natural ability and asked him to join her Honors and High Honors Orchestra groups, which met two mornings a week.

At church he volunteered to be part of a small core of kids who learned a Sticks routine. It’s a choreographed routine while holding sticks, much like a drumstick, set to music. After they learned this routine, they performed it twice in front of parents and other students. When he had the opportunity to take this class again, he did. This time, the kids performed in front of the church. Currently, he is learning sign language. He challenges himself time and time again.

Most recently, he’s moved into competitive gymnastics, competing for the first time in January. He even volunteered to go first on his team on all the equipment. I would not have won any parenting awards in the weeks, days and hours leading up to his meet. Rather than encouraging him on what a great time he’ll have and how great he’ll do, I prepared him for coming home without a trophy or medal. Apparently I forgot this was my successful, overachieving, confident son I was talking to. He showed me by bringing home three individual medals out of six events, with their team taking 2nd place overall. In his third championship meet just this weekend, he placed in the top four in all six events (earning a medal in each category): floor, vault, pommel horse, rings, parallel bars and high bar. He placed second overall, earning his first trophy.

Academically, he is a consistent B student. Occasionally, he earns an A but overall he is still an above average student. He is studious and considered a role model by his teacher. Even though school does not come naturally--he does need to work for his grades--he has a great attitude and a model student. What more can a parent ask for?

The fact is that I in awe of the confidence that he has in what I think are scary situations. And I wish I had half or even a quarter of his successes growing up. With all things being even, I am not sure why I was a quitter, while he is a joiner. Fortunately, he got the best of our traits, and forgot the rest. And for that, I am grateful.

Carriers and Cruises

In less than a month, my husband and I will be celebrating our 13th anniversary. Thirteen might be an unlucky number but I feel fortunate that we have beaten the odds and have weathered the stormy times and come out victorious. I look back at our wedding and reception and smile contentedly. It was a magical day.

Most married couples have at least one moment from either their wedding or reception that is memorable for all the wrong reasons. Whether it is something small like an uncooperative flower girl or something more sizable like thunderstorms during an outdoor ceremony, the reality is that it never goes flawlessly. In fact, despite my fastidious planning, I knew that most likely something was going to go wrong and was determined to not become a Bridezilla in the process.


I must admit that I was almost disappointed that it all went without fault on our mildly sunny spring day. As our ushers rolled out the aisle runner, the string broke, which forced them to kick it down the aisle in a less-than-elegant fashion. At our reception we were greeted by our DJ before we made our official grand entrance urging us to immediately proceed to our cake to cut it before it toppled over. Unfortunately, it wasn’t looking quite as sturdy as the Tower of Pisa and no one was convinced it would hold up another 60 or 90 minutes. Still, as far as wedding ‘mishaps’ those are almost non-issues and I almost felt like something was wrong because nothing went wrong. Yes, I was almost disappointed.

But then we went on our honeymoon. Apparently, I spoke too soon.

The story began a few months before The Big Day. I volunteered regularly for a friend named Alice who had founded a pet rescue and adoption service. Mentioning our honeymoon plans of a cruise departing from Puerto Rico, she asked us a favor. She and her husband often traveled by cruise to various places, such as Puerto Rico and multiple Caribbean islands to rescue, spay/neuter and adopt cats and kittens from the region. (For anyone who has traveled those regions, homeless animals are plentiful). Alice asked us to allow her organization to tag approximately 20 cat/dog carriers of various sizes as check-in luggage for our flight. At the airport, a representative would be there to whisk the carriers away to the appropriate destination. They would handle the whole process and we would never been involved. With some trepidation, and as a favor to my mom who was also actively involved in their mission, we agreed.

As promised, everything went without hitch that very early Sunday morning before our flight. Truly, we were none-the-wiser that any extra luggage was checked in and we boarded our cruise line, relieved that our relaxing honeymoon was about to begin.

Until we came to our cozy cabin room and found 20 dog carriers piled high next to our luggage outside of our door. I was mortified.

Knowing that the ship was due to leave the dock in about 2 hours, we were panicked. Actually, I was panicked and my new husband was angry. From the beginning, he had more reservations about doing this ‘favor’.

Our ship purser was no Gopher from “The Love Boat”. While they tried to remain sympathetic to our cause, they also knew that this was not their problem and we were going to have to find a solution–which meant it had to be out of the hallway by the time the ship left the dock.

Fortunately, I was able to reach Alice by ship-to-shore phone lines. After she recovered from her fits of laughter she rectified the situation. In the end, the porters were able to get the dog crates back off the ship, meeting with the animal rescue group representatives.

So much for nothing going wrong. At the time, it seemed disastrous. Even though it is fun to hear “Mr. and Mrs. Krueger” for the first time, it is not fun to hear it over the intercom system of a cruise ship multiple times the first two hours of your honeymoon. Now? OK, I can talk about it, write about it–even laugh about it. And can honestly say I had that “memorable moment” (that is supposed to bring you good luck in your marriage anyway!)

And, it’s definitely one in a million.

What are YOUR memorable moments in matrimony?