Giving Thanks by Cooking and Baking from the Heart
Cooking and Baking from the Heart
Whatever you do, do it with Purpose
Once long ago in a land far far away….
Okay, actually more like 23 years ago (that is a rather long time ago) in Illinois (I live in Florida now), I was (and I still am) very fortunate to have had an amazing support network with friends and family that helped me out in many ways. I was a single mom so I could not afford to dine out or give gifts to others. The one way that I was able to show gratitude and appreciation was to cook or bake for those to whom I was grateful.
Still, to this very day I find that cooking and baking are often my favorite ways to give thanks and demonstrate love and also to celebrate.
I feel that I am a better cook now than I was then, but I cooked rather well. I was probably a better baker than I was a cook at that time too. I grew up in a household in which “Depression Era” cooking was referenced and not much went to waste, which I think is a good thing. Though I have come a long way since then, a lot of what I cook and bake was and is in large part taking some of the bits and pieces of “knowledge”, inspiration and experience(s) from recipes, cooking shows, meals or desserts I want to duplicate and sometimes what I have for leftovers and creating or duplicating a dish.
Birthdays and holidays are my favorite ways to “cook and bake with a purpose” but I also find that recognizing everyday random or extraordinary things is fun too! What are your favorite ways to show you care or to show gratitude when cooking and baking from the heart?
A few of my favorite things to make for my family
because they are some of their favorite things:
For my husband Pete
Coconut Macaroons: This recipe is a new find for me. It is a simple 2 ingredient recipe and it is my husbands favorite version so far. I drizzled them with dark chocolateand then hit them with a light sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt!
Please click here for the recipe.
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For my son Kyle
Jimmy Dean Sausage Cheese Balls: I still make these on either Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. They are like little bite sized meals in themselves and are great to tide you over until dinner is served!
Please click here for the recipe.
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For my son Alex
Kheema: Indian Ground Beef and Peas: For a kid who would not eat vegetables or most meat at one time in his life, I am always amazed that we have come so far. This is simple and delicious and also a pretty quick fix. I have used ground lamb and ground turkey in place of the ground beef. The aroma and flavors are amazing. I add a salad to the meal plan and serve this dish with rice or Naan.
Please click here for the recipe.
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I look forward to hearing about your favorite things to make for your favorite people!
DMG
