Dear Quarantine Cookers,
It has been so long since I have written to you. The cabin fever has official hit and I have been trying to find new ways to keep myself busy. As I have been looking for new things to learn my thoughts have turned back to cooking and as I have begun cooking again my roommate has asked me to share my love of cooking and all things meal prepping along with helpful tips and tricks I have learned along the way. I am obliging this request if for no other reason then to have something to do. And to hopefully sharpen my own writing skills. I will happily accept any constructive criticisms surrounding this, including the writing itself, to your own ideas and skills in the kitchen.
It is appropriate, I think, to begin with a discussion on where you get your food. After this whole fiasco, I have decided to do my utmost best to eat locally. I know that is sometimes hard depending on geographically where you are, but I see the pressing significance of this action in my own friends' and families' lives so that is my first change, in any way I can do so. I have locally sourced veggies and some fruits, there are locally owned grocery stores I do my best to use and then if it is a product such as a baked good I try to make it at home. And besides, I like the feeling of making something and knowing it came from your heart and hands. My next venture into this realm will hopefully to begin growing my own herbs, I am in no spot, plant wise, to grow my own vegetable garden but I do dream of one day having my own. Herbs I can grow indoors in pots, so oregano, here I come! Do you have any favorite herbs that grow well for you?
I will discuss some recipes here but keep in mind mine are not measured. I am a country girl who learned from her country mama and to this day my mama does not make the same chili twice. I make my own chili and change it and its flavors depending on the mood or what I use to measure it that day. So, a lot of things will not be precise but up to you depending on the type of love and how much goes into the pot.
Today I will start with my Brussel sprouts. I got my second load of produce and to say I was excited would be a gross understatement. In this load came a big 'ole bag of Brussel sprouts. Now, in my family, one of the best ways to eat Brussel sprouts is in a pan on the stove. It's simple but delicious. I start with a pan of bacon frying. After the bacon is finished I take the bacon out of the pan and put the Brussel sprouts into the pan, just enough to really mix them into the bacon grease. Pour just a little balsamic vinegar into the pan, along with some garlic and cook until the Brussel sprouts are wilted just a little. put the bacon back in, mix with the Brussel sprouts and wah-lah! This is the way with Brussel sprouts, trust me. I will eat a bowl of it for a meal. It is amazing.
I hope that your adventures into cooking during quarantine have been successful and fruitful. I hope that all future endeavors continue to be. I wish you many wonderful meals with your own families and friends. I cannot wait to continue cooking with you!
May the Force be with You,
Zita
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