I just thought I'd compile a list for those who may not necessarily like to cook, or are just learning how. When I first decided to stay at home, I ate way too much, and cooked way too little, lol. I lived at the .99 cent store, which seemed great for the pocketbook, but wrecked havoc on my waistline. We kept quick, boxed, processed things on hand at all times. I began to realize that the more that I cooked things myself, things would actually be cheaper, my hubby would be happier, and my family (and myself) would be much healthier. Some things that I've learned along the way (and trust me, I'm still learning!) :
~ Get a good set of pans! This is something I learned a few (dreadfully cooking) years into being a housewife - but I'm putting it first on the list, because it has made such a difference in how I feel about cooking (and the cleaning that comes after). I have finally traded out all of my dollar store pans (you know the ones that the eggs are stuck on for months? lol) For a few good finds. One year my MIL bought me the T-fal cookware set w/thermospot - it tells you exactly when the pan is hot enough and WOW do they clean up sooooo easy. I promise you, anything you put in those bad boys will literally rinse right out! Really worth the small investment.
Also, cast iron, if seasoned and cared for properly, can be just as good as nonstick (and much healthier for you!). Same goes for good, sturdy, stainless steel pots/pans. My cast iron and stainless steel are among my fave pans now that I know how to treat them. So stop walking past them in the thrift store
~Start small, don't attempt to make a 9 course meal if you can't even boil water, lol. I know this seems like a given, but trust me. I've attempted Martha Stewart type concoctions, far before my culinary time had really come, and it wasn't pretty. Get a subscription to (or check out from the library) quick cooking type magazines (i.e. "Simple & Delicious" or something similar) that has simple yet tasty meals that you can get under your belt until you have your family's trust in the kitchen (took me about 3 yrs or so to get my son's, because of my non-Martha mishaps). You may not be Paula Deen / Rachel Ray, etc., YET, but you can be w/practice! Also, don't underestimate the power of the internet. Most recipes, are just a click away (try www.allrecipes.com for starters)
~If you don't know...ASK!!! (or google!) Don't attempt to "saute" if you don't really know what it means. Or if you run across words that seem foreign, like "dredge", "knead", "julienne", etc., or unfamiliar ingredients like "shallots", "semolina", "gruyere cheese", etc... ask someone who may know, or save that recipe for another time. Which brings me to my next one...
~Read every recipe through completely (way) ahead of time before attempting to create it. You do not want to get halfway into the recipe, 10 minutes before you need to get dinner on the table, and realize that something needs to marinate for 2 hrs, chill overnight, or simmer an hour. You also want to double check that you have all of the ingredients at this time. You may think you have something, and then find out that you don't at the last minute. Also make sure that you understand and are fully capable of following each step (another one learned the hard way).
~Have a plan! Figure out on Sunday what your menus for the week will be, and shop for them on Sun or Mon. It is so much easier when you wake up each morning and know exactly what you're having for dinner that night. This way you have ample time to prepare for recipes that may have multiple steps (defrosting meat, marinating, soaking beans, etc). It will help to avoid that "I don't feel like defrosting meat, let's just eat out" feeling.
~Get the kids to help! Sometimes we use the kids as an excuse not to cook. Instead, have some simple task that they can assist you with, so that they are kept busy while you prepare meals. If they are young, it can be something like setting the table (silverware and napkins), stirring, passing you pans, etc. (it can be something that really has nothing to do w/cooking like putting some flour in a bowl and letting them stir it to feel like they're helping ). If they're older, give them more responsibility like chopping veggies, making the salad, or even making the whole meal once a week to give mom a break (if they're capable!) We have staple recipes that my son can make unassisted and when mom needs a breather, or has to do another task, he makes dinner (homemade sloppy joes, homemade hamburger helper ~pretty much anything w/ground meat, lol). But because I started him so young, by 9 years old, he was even making us homemade pizza and calzones! The patience of getting them involved as soon as possible pays off. When all 8 of us lived together, my mom only had to cook like once a week, tops. Her kids (of all ages) took over the kitchen the rest of the week! (And we ate home for most meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner!)
~And last for now, tools, are crucial to getting the job done. (GOOD knives, measuring cups, spoons, etc.)
My knives are another one that I just got a few years ago, and I did not realize what a difference it would make. I bought a set of Farberware knives (from Walmart) and they work great. They were the higher of the middle end as far as price range (not the super cheap ones, but not crazy $$). I researched on amazon, first to see how they were rated, and was satisfied with the review. I also pick Farberware (for most of my kitchen tools), because they have decent customer service, are reasonably priced, and come with a Lifetime warranty. For example, over the last couple yrs. I've sent my paring knife in twice, my santoku knife once, and had a new ones sent to me immediately, no questions asked. Once they even sent me the wrong knife, by mistake ( a smaller version of the santoku I sent to them for repair). I just gave them a call, and they sent out the right one immediately, and I got to keep the first one. And as for measuring cups (and spoons), get some, period. Get cups for both wet and dry measuring, and use them for their respective purposes. This is ESPECIALLY important if you plan on doing any baking. I don't know how many times I tried recipes and thought that they were nasty, just because I didn't have the equipment to measure properly. There is a HUGE difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon, DO NOT try to eyeball it or guess (unless you're a seasoned pro, who knows your stuff) - this is especially true when it comes to stuff like salt, baking powder/soda. Too much or little of any of those and your family will not be very happy w/you on that day (You can still hear the occasional snicker around my house, "remember when mom made those salty pancakes, ugh!" ~ yeah don't think I'll ever live that one down )
These are just a few, I'll post more as I think of them. Anyone else have tips?
Participating this week in The Homemakers Haven Challenge, sponsored by Stephanie over at A High and Noble Calling.
1) Begin Your day in God’s Word
I've been "love dare-ing" my hubby this month. So in addition to my regular Bible reading, I'm also trying to read a chapter of the "Love Dare" book each morning. We pray together as a family before hubby heads out the door.
2) Complete Your Morning Routine
wake up (the hardest part, lol)
get coffee ground and brewing
get breakfast on the table (read Bible while brkfst bakes/cooks)
wake hubby and son
eat breakfast
pray w/family
get hubby out the door, on time (w/lunch and coffee)
get breakfast dishes in dishwasher and run it
mom's coffee/Bible time (if didn't have it earlier)
check email, read blogs, etc (basically the quiet before the storm of the day begins)
My big confession: OK, so I've been "using" homemade laundry soap for the last 2 years, but I can't honestly say that I've been "making" it,... my mom has. I've never actually made it myself. My mom recently moved out, but not before making me gallons of laundry detergent. So, to say the least, I've been spoiled. A couple of weeks ago, I ran out of detergent, and being accustomed to not buying any I had to figure something out. So I did a quick search and found some highly rated powdered laundry detergent recipes and have been making that ever since. After having to make my 3rd batch of detergent in a 2 week period, I realized that the powder is not quite as cost effective as the liquid/gel even thought it is definitely easier, lol. So I finally decided to stop being lazy, and begin my experiments of making my family's laundry gel. Sooooo, 20 youtube videos later (I have to be completely sure I've seen the process done, and fully understand it, lol) I've made my first attempt. I only made half a batch (5 gal recipe) because I only had a half bar of soap, and I was scared to mess up more than that. This way if I failed, I was just using what was on hand....
The recipe/video used Fels Naptha, Washing Soda, Borax, and water. I used Colgate's "Octagon"
(because it's what I had, what my mom always used, and I can't find Fels Naptha anywhere), but all other ingredients were the same. I just halved the recipe.
The video I watched (and paused at each step, lol) is from christianhomekeeper
And here's the end result (after sitting the recommended 24 hours in order to gel):
You can't really tell from the pic, but it had gelled completely! I was so excited!
And here's AJ pouring it into an old gallon vinegar container for me. (After I whisked it as she said in second video showing the finished product). This made me 2.5 gal, and after sitting in the bucket 24 hours and whisking, I poured it into 2 old laundry detergent containers (1 gal and 1 half gal) and the rest in the vinegar container (1 gal).
I know that making homemade laundry detergent is not new to most of you virtuous frugal ladies out there, but for me it was a first! Today is laundry day, so the proof is in the pudding, I'll let you know if it actually cleans, LOL!
In the meantime, for more frugal tips, head on over to the Home of Tightwad Tuesday hosted by Canadagirl!
What part of the Proverbs 31 woman do you struggle with?
I've been thinking on this for quite some time. I would have to say for me, by far, it's her discipline: "She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, and work to her maids" Prov. 31:15
For many years, I've longed to become the woman that the Lord has presented for us as an example of virtuous wife. But while desiring to become more like her, I've also allowed my spirit to be filled with all kinds of excuses of why I could just never be this woman in some areas. One example is this particular verse. For many years I told myself (and my husband on occasion) that, "of course, I would get up while it was still night if I had someone to delegate the work to like she did." Of course, I was talking about her "maids." I mean, if I had maids, I'd get up tell them what to do and go back to sleep, right?! The Lord has shown me that I am all too wrong here. And this has become my ongoing struggle w/the Lord, where He is constantly telling me to "get up while it is still night" (which is like 5-6am in the winter), and I'm telling him that it's too dark to get up, and the bed feels too good! I mean, this may have been "easier" when my son was a baby (easy meaning I didn't have a choice), but he's 12 now and will sleep til noon if I let him!
I went to the Lord in prayer many times on this one, each time still feeling like this is just one of those points in the Bible that couldn't possibly pertain to life today, especially not my life. But as always, the Lord is showing me that ALL parts of the Bible are applicable to our daily lives, we just have to ask Him to show us how and where to apply it. The Lord shut me up quick with my "maids" complaint, and showed me that I probably have more "maidservants" than even this woman of virtue had. Their names are: Frigidaire (dishwasher), Kitchen Aid (mixer), Kenmore (washer, dryer, microwave), GE (fridge), Rainbow (vacuum), etc... Soooo basically, I have no room to complain about not having the hired help that she did. And I also have an alarm clock to help me get my butt up like I'm supposed to. So there it is...I need to wake up earlier. Why? Because God said so, period.
I have noticed that when I do rise early, I receive the blessing of: time alone, time w/God, time to plan my day, time to exercise, and time to get a jump on my day and get those maids to work (load/unload the washer/dishwasher, get some breakfast started), all by like 7am, and my day goes so much smoother. I also reap what I sow when I don't get up early, my family eats something unhealthy, just because its quick (like cereal), my time w/God, and workout usually get skipped, I have no time alone, and all day/week long I feel like I'm playing catch-up w/ the laundry and dishes.
I now know why this woman did what she did, and now its my turn to follow suit, with constant prayer and discipline. For the sake of my family, which God has given me to take care of (Titus 2:4,5), and for the sake of my spiritual and physical health. God truly does know best, and may He give me the strength to accomplish His will.
So, my fellow wannabes, I pose the question again...where do you struggle w/the Prov. 31 woman?
I posted this on a forum, as well, but thought I'd share it here....
This often circulates through emails as a joke, where it is greeted by most feminists w/a "yeah right" , and most men with a hearty laugh, because this type of women is unheard of. However, this was sent to my dh by his father who laughingly said "do women like this even exist anymore?" Praise God that my hubby was able to email him right back and say that "Whoever wrote this must have been peeking into my house, because my wife already does all of those things!" While I wouldn't go so far as to say that I do ALL of them, I am grateful to God that He has touched my heart to be able to minister to my husband's life in such a way as being a homemaker. I am happy to be a part of my husband being "praised in the gates" when people look at him, and say "WOW! You're lucky.." astonished that a woman is still willing to live this type of life in this modern day and age (although I have definitely not "arrived" yet ). I decided to keep this list to remind myself of what women used to strive to be only 50 short years ago. Tell me what you think of this list...
HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE
Home Economics High School Text Book, 1954
Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal, on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the home just before your husband arrives, gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.
Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home.
Some don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.
The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
What do you think??? Is it too over the top/extreme? Should these things not be expected in 2007 and beyond?
I'm a wannabe in every sense of the word. I wanna be good enough to make it to heaven, but Jesus died because I will never be. I wanna be a mom of ten living on a farm in the middle of nowhere, training my girls to honor God & their husbands, by being content, happy homemakers...yet God has seen fit to bless us with the opportunity to help rear for Him two boys (22 and 12), in the middle of suburbia ;) I wanna be a helpmate to my husband in every way possible, yet more often than not, I'm in his way, lol. I wanna be the perfect parent, that raises perfect children, yet I am constantly humbled by the fact that only He is perfect, and I must allow him to lead. I wanna be the ultimate caretaker of my temple, and the pinnacle of health to all around me, yet no amount of healthy eating/exercise keeps me from dropping to my knees often, in need of healing from the Great Physician. I could go on and on about the the things that I am trying to be, but I invite you instead to come and join me as I travel on my path toward virtue... ~Proverbs 31:10-31~
). If they're older, give them more responsibility like chopping veggies, making the salad, or even making the whole meal once a week to give mom a break (if they're capable!) We have staple recipes that my son can make unassisted and when mom needs a breather, or has to do another task, he makes dinner (homemade sloppy joes, homemade hamburger helper ~pretty much anything w/ground meat, lol). But because I started him so young, by 9 years old, he was even making us homemade pizza and calzones! The patience of getting them involved as soon as possible pays off. When all 8 of us lived together, my mom only had to cook like once a week, tops. Her kids (of all ages) took over the kitchen the rest of the week! (And we ate home for most meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner!) 
(You can still hear the occasional snicker around my house, "remember when mom made those salty pancakes, ugh!" ~ yeah don't think I'll ever live that one down 
)
). I decided to keep this list to remind myself of what women used to strive to be only 50 short years ago. Tell me what you think of this list...
