How can Cooking Help Promote Family Time

While writing this blog I've learned so much about cook and doing some research on how others cook. One thing I believe that stands out to me more than anything is how cooking can bring families together. One reason I’ve noticed this is due to the fact why I cook. Since I’ve started to cook, I can say it has helped be become closer with my mother and grandmother, now that we have more topics to talk about. With that being said, my brothers and friends now have the desire to cook more. This is beneficial because not only will they learn how to cook for themselves, but also they can become healthier eaters.

Spending time with family and friends is important to passing down knowledge and history. In today's society, family time is rear, few, and far between. I personally find it difficult to find the time to spend with family and friend because of my hectic schedule. While taking classes during the summer and trying to do well in the short amount of time, it can be very challenging to try and find time to spend with the ones you love. Moreover, it is still important to make time when ever possible. Family and friends can help you get through hard times by simply being there. A simple phone call can help your day tremendously. 

Cooking is something that we can all have in common. In my blog I have made it clear how I found much proof that anyone can cook. As shown on food network's website, there are levels of difficultly, while the food still has great quality to it. You can cook for the fast pace person or the person with nothing to do all day long. It many feel like a challenge at first, but I can lead to you become a cook. This is how I started. Moreover, after looking at the recipes online, I branched off into communicating with my grandmother and mother about food. Furthermore, it led to me discussing my cooking plans with my aunts, brothers, cousins, friends, and many others loved ones. 

Being away from college is a drastic change for me because I don’t get to see my close friends and family. In addition, I am extremely close with my brothers; so cooking helps give us more to communicate about when we are on the phone or when we do get to see each other. I can honestly say time spent with loved ones is extremely important for anyone, so lets try and use the kitchen to help us connect with the important people in our lives. 

Shrimp Alfredo

So I think I took my own advice by cooking some Shrimp Alfredo. I believe this was my first time cooking shrimp. Surprisingly, the process did not go as bad as I expected (I thought I would be extremely lost). However it turned out good. In spite of that matter, the actual Alfredo was no issue. Furthermore, I added steamed broccoli to go along with the Alfredo for the night. 

First off I had to go food shopping, which I haven't I only God knows how long. As a result, I took a trip to the supermarket, in search for a pound and a half of shrimp and seafood seasoning. I remembered a comment my grandmother made to me referring to old bay seasoning. She let me know that I could not go wrong with it concerning seafood. Evidently, she understands I have a way of potentially messing up a meal (Another story where I almost burned my grandmother's cabbage when left in the house alone. consequently, I left the kitchen... but she still doesn't know this to this day, I hope she does ever read this).  Nevertheless, I used the old bay-seasoning combine with redfish seasoning. Admitingly, I can say this my idea, which may not be that big of a deal for you but one for me. 

In comparison to the recipe I discussed previously from "Simple Recipe" I deviated somewhat, which is not surprise by now if you have read my previous post. I started of with some choked sweet onions and red and green bell peppers. After cooking these ingredients down some, I added the shrimp (which I already seasoned earlier in the day with the seasoning mentioned above).  Moreover I steamed the broccoli and boiled the noodles simultaneously. After the noodles were done, I mixed them in with the Alfredo sauce, which I used Rago roasted garlic Parmesan. Finally I added the shrimp to the already mixed sauce and noodles. 

This dish was fun for me due to the fact that I’ve never cooked it before. I also was a bit unconventional when it came down to the bell peppers, which I’ve used 

The Godfather's Influence

The Godfather & Food

When I think of Italian food, The Godfather is not far behind in my thought process. On one hand I can recall Peter Clemenza cooking spaghetti and meatball. On the other hand, according to Clemenza, "...Leave the gun take the cannoli" is one of the famous quotes of the movie. This quote is referred to in different movies over time. For instance in "You've Got Mail" Meg Ryan confides in Tom Hanks character for advice on how she should approach a problem. Likewise he tells her to "Leave the gun and take the cannoli".

The Influence 

As The Godfather makes continued references to Italian food, due to the fact that most of the characters of the movie are of Italian decent, other movies latch on and run with the idea. Moreover, in some cases unaware of the Italian reference being brought up. Many people assume "The Godfather" is arguably one of the greatest movies of all time, with this being said I would have to agree.  Furthermore, this movie introduces Italian culture to many of us that may have never gotten to see it up close in that way. As a result allow us to become familiar with it. 

Types Alfredo

Today I would like rambling about my favorite Italian dish (as of right now), Alfredo. When I think of this dish, the first thing that comes to mind is "Which way are we going to make it?" Clearly, there is much way to go about preparing this pasta. Whether it is classic Fettuccine Alfredo, Shrimp Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo or (one I was not aware of) Sausage Tomato Fettuccine, it can be done. 

Fettuccine Alfredo

The most interesting aspect about this dish is, its quick and easy. However, Alfredo gives a formal feel, ultimately an easy dish that looks difficult to make. With the specific recipe from "Simply Recipes" they incorporate nutmeg. On the contrary, I've never used it; furthermore, I believe I would like to try it. Different is fun and Why NOT!

Shrimp or Chicken Alfredo

A regular in my house is Chicken Alfredo, why I might add; broccoli is included normally for my cooking. In contrast, I've never added the broccoli to the Shrimp Alfredo, like that in the recipe for " Simple Recipes".  Furthermore, chicken is so commonly used by me, as a result shrimp is a great substitute to give a different look and flavor to the dish. 

Sausage Tomato Fettuccine

 Now to my new venture, the Sausage Tomato Fettuccine, which I've never heard of. Basically this recipe is saying to use a pound of Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and 2 large garlic cloves as the bases of the dish. Accordingly this will draw me to the plate if nothing else with.

Admittedly, Alfredo can be done many way, like that of other dishes. As I state constantly, cooking is about putting your own flavor into the dish, that’s what makes every dish unique. By extension, this website "Simple Recipe" has some great idea for quick and easy meals. I definitely suggest trying one sometime.

I'm Sorry for Being Impatient

As I go along with the memory idea, I can remember cooking the first time for my parents. I would like to apologize for over seasoning the first meal my mother had to taste of my cooking. I was worried that she would not want to taste anything else after that meal.

What I can Remember

 I believe it was baked chicken and green beans. As you can remember from the previous post that I recently took up cooking, so when I had this opportunity it was going to be interesting. My mother's main issue with me cooking was I always found a reason to leave the kitchen, weather it was for TV, cell phone, or company. So my goal was to not burn anything.

I can recall, on this afternoon I had everything planned, I wanted to have the meal ready before my parents got home from work. This would be helpful to me because she wouldn't be standing over me with questions, just how I like it. I made sure I stayed close by during the time the food was being cooked. Once again, I could not get the words out of my head, "To cook, you don't leave the kitchen...you have to be patient". In like fashion, I tried to be as patient as possible. However, I honestly think I got tired of seasoning; as a result I rushed through the process and put the food in the oven.

Please Let It Go

I would like to express great remorse for the salty and spicy baked chicken. I’m sorry for not being able to adjust to the larger portion of food needed to be cooked at home with way more people than I am use to cooking for. I apologize for trying to make sure your chicken did not taste as if it were taken right out of the freezer and put right in the oven. For this purpose, I honestly felt you deserved quality flavor and a little spice. With that being said, I must of tried just a little too hard. I hope you can one day give me a chance to cook chicken for you without you commenting to me about this small mistake. Please mother, I am sorry and I hope you will please try and not walk behind me as I cook, while checking the food I cook. 

Life Changing Health

In today's post I would like to discuss eating healthy. The challenge to eat healthy is one we all can say has somewhat of importance in our lives or the lives of people we come in contact with. However is eating healthy a life changing event?

I did some research, one article I came across on Food Network discussed "Italian Favorites, Lightened Up" This article gives examples of tasty Italian meals that are normally loaded with calories and gives suggestions on how to adjust then to fit a more healthy life style. To illustrate the article uses Fettuccine Alfredo, a 1200-calorie dish, giving examples of how we can ultimately use less sauce, limited portions of protein, and vegetable additions.

On one hand I agree that we need to try and look to eat healthier meals, while on the other hand, it is hard to believe that watering down the sauce and reducing the protein will leave me as satisfied with my meal. To put it bluntly, I am not just eating for substance, yet for pleasure. I WANT MY FOOD TO TASTE GOOD!

The article goes on and elaborate about how large portions of a pasta dish in particular can be the worst things you can do. While not completely throwing this idea under the bus I can say I do agree with this statement. Ultimately this idea is effective mainly because it does not take away from the quality of the food. In short I don't mind eating less, while maintaining the character of a dish. Moreover I see portion control as being a key to being smart. Common sense will get you a long way, so if you are full stop eating. In addition, including vegetables in the meal as the article mentions can help keep a balance of what you want and what you need.

So is eating healthy a life changing event? Not at all, minor tweaks are sufficient for quality food. 

Memories...

Where it starts

Cooking is something I've seen my mom and grandmother do very often. I believe it's safe to say great cooking runs in the family. Furthermore, I hope I can one day become as good a cook as they are.

Avoiding the Kitchen

I never thought I would have the desire to be in the kitchen...Ever! When I was younger my mother's main goal was to get me to enjoy cooking. While I don't think I didn't want to enjoy it, I honestly had a problem with her trying to teach me. I can recall starting to cook a meal with her one night, and basically I couldn't get through the whole "Watch the Food" idea. Both my mother and grandmother's mottos were the same, evidently your not suppose to leave the kitchen while cooking. That would include being patient, something I know I lacked. So boring myself with something as slow as cooking was a challenge for me. (While some nights it still troubles me)

Growing Love For Cooking

When I went away for college I quickly realized that I wouldn't be satisfied with fast food every night. In addition, it would be nearly impossible to be healthy by eating Burger King every night. As a result, I had to pick up the phone and call my mother for help. She was excited and willing to help me anyway I need it. Consequently, cooking is somewhat of an everyday venture for me. 

Afterwards, when it comes down to my grandmother, she moved to Georgia not to long ago, consequently I don't get to see her as much. For this purpose I go to visit as often as possible and she was waiting will list of recipes. 

 As I stated in my previous post my mother and grandmother where the main influences in my life when it comes to cooking. While thinking about how I started to cook, I can really say if I didn't see then cook I probably would have a problem. I only wonder, will I do the same with my children?