Ok I'm going to be blunt here, and I apologize if I offend anyone it's not my intent.

Life can really suck sometimes. People can let us down, we get hurt, things aren't always fair in fact sometimes it seams like the deck can be stacked against us. But there is one thing in life that is good and that is having a nice meal. Our taste buds can bring a smile to our face, it can remind us of things long forgotten. Smells and aromas can make us forget all the nonsense life can dish out at times. Having friends and family to share this with is like icing on the cake. Seeing your friends and family enjoy something you created whether simple or complex is very rewarding. I don't need fancy food, but I do require food that has been prepared properly. Nothing turns me off more than a meal thrown together with no thought or care. Also on that list is undercooked, or overcooked and even burnt food. With a little practice and thought anyone is capable of turning out an enjoyable meal. A good dose of love for those you prepare food for goes a long way.

I also have an analogy for cooking that I like to use. Cooking in many ways is like making love. You can rush into a quickey and it's over before you know it and it's not very satisfying. But when you take the time to properly prepare a meal, the aromas are like foreplay, it's enticing and makes you want more. It's exciting and you just know it will be worth it in the end. A fine meal is just an ultimate way to express love for others and even youself to an extent.

Well that's my philosophy :o

and a very good one it is -

I don't believe in "thrown together" meals - yes there are times you need to make something quick - but if it is done with care and love it is exceptional. You don't have to slave all day to make a good meal. Us old timers did the slaving for years - and we still do - maybe it makes us feel like we are accomplishing something - who knows. Yes - I can make a quick meal - but it is a good meal.

I could never serve someone something that I myself would not want. Would you want to eat it if it were made improperly? and not only do we want good taste - but it has to look appealing.

Another "thing" I have is what I am eating off. Regardless of what I am serving I put out all the silverware and set the table properly. Even for snacking - I want to serve in pretty dishes (even if I use plastic holiday dishes, etc.). I am not into eating off plastic - but I do have some melamine dishware that with holiday scenes that I use for snacking or serving - it's the cheapie plastic I cannot stand.

And my table has to be clean at all times. Not only do I not want to eat off a table with a purse on it, or mail, or dirty dishes, etc. - I would never expect anyone else to.

Even for quick meals - I don't fire up the stove full blast to cook it quick. It takes away from the flavors.

Oh yeah, plastic is a no no. I drink out of a glass and eat off real plates. Mind you it's not fine china and crystal, but it sure isn't disposable junk.

Exactly!

And I don't keep chipped dishes or cups - out they go.

Great read...

mama- also loved cat ching-up at your blog site! Loved the recent posts- especially the one on your "ORIGINAL DON CORLEONE KILLER SANDWICH"!!!