The Kitchen Counter Cooking School

I grew up in the sixties when there was a strong movement toward moving back to natural foods. I had a mom who was a stay-at-home mother and prepared a big dinner ever night for us. When I had a family of my own, I prepared dinner every night, as my mother had modeled for me. Gradually, however, after I went back to work fulltime, I found it increasingly difficult to cook a meal every evening. My husband and I fell into lazy habits, popping in a frozen pizza one night and stopping by Subway for a couple of sandwiches another night.

This book was, then, not only a wonderful story to read, but an inspiration for me to get back to what I knew was best, preparing simple meals to share with my husband. I was reminded that prepared meals are much less expensive. I was reminded that there is something delightful about cooking that doesn't occur with carryout. I was reminded that preparing one's own meals allows one to choose nutritious ingredients. I was reminded of the fun that can occur when one cooks with others.

So, this book has changed my behavior. I've tried for the first time to roast a whole chicken. (It was great.) I made an omelet with leftovers. (Yum!) And I've set out in search of good knives. (The most important thing about cooking, I've learned from this book.)

Please cross your fingers that I can maintain this change and keep cooking.