This week is the one I have been waiting for in the Real Women of Philadelphia competition….Desserts! I just taped the making of Death by Chocolate Cheesecake. I know there will be tons of cheesecake recipes but I have to honestly say this is the best cheesecake I have ever tasted. I got it from Bella’s “handler” Elise. She is 14 and loves to cook. It is amazing how much Elise reminds me of myself. She cooks all kinds of things for her family but her current passion seems to be desserts. She loves to read cookbooks and is always asking me for tips. It is her curiosity that I promise will make her a great cook. I also believe the fact that her Mom encourages her and even helps Elise by getting out the old recipe box. It is fun to look at the old recipes and think of the memories of that cookie, casserole or side dish that “they used to make all the time.” Now Elise is getting her chance to go down “yummy lane” learning about food and a grandmother that is now gone! A recipe is just a way to make something but it is the memories that make it last! Behind every great recipe card is usually a great story.
It is nice to see that the art of cooking is still growing in the next generation. I believe it was harder for my group of women because we were the generation who were told we “could have it all.” That meaning, we were supposed to go to college, get a job, travel, marry, have kids, and a home all while looking effortless. (Thank you Martha Stewart) Now, if you actually try it “all” you may find that you will never truly be able to do it “all” or you will die. I was a business woman for a while but I always kept my passion for cooking alive. It was my way to relax after a long day at work. Some people workout…I baked. With all of that said, I am the exception. Cooking took a backseat for many people. I always told girlfriends that if they could do a spreadsheet they could surely figure out how to measure and read a recipe. Even with that advice it did not seem to energize them to get in the kitchen. Now do not get me wrong, these ladies had all the “stuff” but did not have a clue how to use it. Now come on ladies….you can do it! One of my friends had me over because she could not figure out what in the world convection meant and how to turn her new oven on (she had lived there for 2 years). With a quick lesson she was off and cooking…I told her to just off that Kitchen Aid she had gotten as a wedding gift years before and make that man of hers some chocolate chip cookies! Call me the kitchen whisperer.
I am here to tell everyone to get cooking. I promise your family will appreciate you so much! Food is love. Quick marriage advice: Men love homemade chocolate chip cookies. No not the slice and bake but the type you had to make from scratch. Remember….your man had a mom and I bet that he would love nothing better than have a wife make him a treat. I am not saying a cheese souffle. Just something. Time spent in the kitchen for your man with equal a man who is happy! And we all want our men to be happy.
I truly believe that it is not a coincidence that Jesus had a last supper and not a last shopping spree. Fellowship through food that is made by loving hands is the basic need we all share. Think about all the holidays that require us to eat at a table together..Now there are even video games encouraging us to cook!..Start small at first and I promise it will not be long till you are one hot mama coookin!