Nutmeg's Cooking Philosophy

(Mary Englebreit's Recipe for Happiness print)


Welcome to the Nut-House Kitchen!

Here you will find the "keepers" of the Nutty Family Dinner Repertoire.

These meals, snacks and treats have been given two (or ten) thumbs up by our resident peanuts, and are Mama and Papa approved.

However, I must warn you...

I must tell you what you will not find here.

You will not find gourmet food.

Nope, not a whit. Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against moms who whip up amazing gourmet dishes for their charges... I just think they may be certifiable.
:)

I would love to be able to concoct magical dishes with exotic foods and have it be palatable to my children. It is just not possible for me on so many levels... time and money being some of the inhibitors. The palates of some of my children being the biggest one.

Someday, maybe...

Right now, though, I need economy, quality, and quantity. Much of what I will post here is guest-servable. Especially to those with children. And it is economical. For the most part. I will foray into the worlds of $11/4oz cheeses and Italian goodies like pancetta every now and then. But overall I'd say I'm a meat-n-potatoes kind of NY-Irish gal.

You will not find organic recipes.

I am sorry, but our budget won't allow it. I know you can substitute much of what I will post here with organic ingredients... like the meat and vegetables and such. I think that's awesome. Please do it if that is how you cook. But please don't tell me we are all going to die slow agonizing deaths if we don't. We have made a few changes to our diet (like our milk choices and such) but we simply cannot afford to make the full switch.

So, what will you find?

Comfort food. The kind you can multiply and freeze and that will simultaneously please the palates of children and adults alike.

Economically frugal meals. Lots of chicken and ground beef recipes. Lots of potatoes and pastas and such.

Extreme yumminess. Yes, that is a word. Just ask my kids.
:)

Lots of sweets! I know, it's Lent. So I'll spare y'all the agony and wait until after Easter... or at least until Holy Week, as we prepare for the great feasting of Easter. But I have to warn you, the husband of one of my friends always insists that I bring dessert when coming over... and he's got a wicked sweet tooth. If that isn't an endorsement...
:P

In the South they say that the heart of the home is the kitchen. It's where the ladies gather to chat while cooking and cleaning. We talk out heartbreaks and rejoice the triumphs... all while our hands fly in preparing sustenance for our families.

Thanks for joining me here!

:)