tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post7735739692306593605..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: How to cookUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57793058796573611542017-08-19T22:36:41.589+10:002017-08-19T22:36:41.589+10:00I tried to teach my children to cook with various ...I tried to teach my children to cook with various degrees of success. My eldest is a chef, my youngest can do and helps out sometimes. My middle child did not like to cook but would happily make vegetable mix-ups. She is now vegan and I think she does well. When my children were young I used to go to preschool and primary school to bake bread, make butter or help on cooking days.Suzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283293507101152512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85062422686560263302017-04-22T10:47:58.743+10:002017-04-22T10:47:58.743+10:00Cooking is not that hard, it is the silent sacrifi...Cooking is not that hard, it is the silent sacrifice of a homemaker that is worthy of praise.Jules Easthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02605711042337218568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-68738980427117160142016-09-05T11:47:18.803+10:002016-09-05T11:47:18.803+10:00"...instead of working for a living, I work a..."...instead of working for a living, I work at providing a healthy framework in which to live"<br />What a fantastic turn of phrase Rhonda. I will likely quote you in future, I have copied these words into my private notebook. I never know how to describe what it is I do for a living but now I do, thank you.<br /><br />AlanaAlanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09043931270195021483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-81118258070607226022016-09-04T11:57:34.623+10:002016-09-04T11:57:34.623+10:00Hello Rhonda. It gives me great pleasure to know m...Hello Rhonda. It gives me great pleasure to know my grown daughters know how to cook for their families and do it well. But the greatest pleasure of all is having my little 4 year old granddaughter cooking with me as well. Cooking will not become a lost art as long as we take the time and effort to teach our young ones. It is so rewarding and happy Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64191532664047850932016-09-01T13:38:17.942+10:002016-09-01T13:38:17.942+10:00I have just found your blog today and I am going t...I have just found your blog today and I am going to spend a lot of happy reading time here. We have 3 girls aged 2, 5 and 6. They all love to cook and at least one of them helps me in the kitchen every single day. The older two can pick what they need from the garden and make a salad with very little instruction as well as make scrambled eggs, pancakes, baking and lots more. We also have a veggie garden and some fruit trees that they help in on a daily basis, whether it be picking, watering, fertilising or just admiring alongside me. We still have a lot to learn and I'm so grateful my own mother instilled a love for all things gardening, cooking and 'simple' in me. My kids love and appreciate growing their own food and I'm really excited to have found another source to continue our education (along with hours spent with my mum in her garden and kitchen). Teeganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16892085653467039807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48974198173758416402016-08-31T12:02:11.903+10:002016-08-31T12:02:11.903+10:00When I was in junior high in the mid 1990s, everyo...When I was in junior high in the mid 1990s, everyone took home economics and shop - boys and girls. I don't remember learning anything in home ec that I didn't already know, but I'm sure some students did. After 8th grade, those of us on the college track didn't have time to "waste" on those courses - I had to take physics instead. I'd have preferred advanced sewing instruction or knitting! Kirstenhttp://www.twobirdsintherafters.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-627715172229430252016-08-28T22:14:39.931+10:002016-08-28T22:14:39.931+10:00I've taught my kids to cook from the age of th...I've taught my kids to cook from the age of three. My 7 year old can now cook full breakfast, cookies and basic meals like spaghetti bolognese. And my 10 year old can choose, plan, shop, cook and present a meal as well as I can. It has been one of the great joys of my life to pas on my love of cooking and food to my children. They pack their own lunchboxes everyday and understand the benefits of eating healthy and from scratch. Ericahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14290154552311165724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23962373879694368562016-08-27T00:32:27.896+10:002016-08-27T00:32:27.896+10:00For me, it is important that my son and daughter l...For me, it is important that my son and daughter learn how to cook, clean (wash clothes), mow the lawns, etc. Mr 3 helps me cook sometimes, he also helps with washing clothes and dishes. When Miss 5mths is older, she too will learn such things. I grew up with separated parents and I quite often had to mow the lawn, I want my children to learn all sorts of skills!<br />Kelly Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06712717891399007585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15333771469041324262016-08-26T20:32:38.366+10:002016-08-26T20:32:38.366+10:00It is a wonderful gift you have given your childre...It is a wonderful gift you have given your children! I often think that it takes all sorts to make the world go around and maybe your sons and thier wives have found a good team/balance in each other. I don't know whether your sons would prefer thier wives to help out as I don't know the full story but if it is the case that they are all happy with the arrangement then maybe thier wives are giving to the family unit in other valuable ways. All the best to you and your family :)Puccettanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-22278371600940517262016-08-26T20:27:44.079+10:002016-08-26T20:27:44.079+10:00Yes! I have a very informal 'curriculum for li...Yes! I have a very informal 'curriculum for life' in mind every day that I spend at home with my kids before they go off to primary school. One of the 'subjects' is cooking and together we routinely cook the foods that sustain us... my 4 year old chops all manner of vegetables and meats with a sharp steak knife and my 6 year old has graduated to being able to use the stove and oven where it is safe to do so. Obviously, i am present and watching at all times as they are participating in potentially dangerous tasks however they have been taught knife skills and safety in the kitchen from the very early days so the risks aren't as bad as they may seem.<br />I just think it is so crucial for children to see these life sustaining and enhancing skills as normal. Although it is fun and rewarding, i don't want the kids to see washing clothes, washing up, tidying, cooking, or mending as a game but rather as normal tasks....I worry that if it is too much of a game that they will tire of it (which they may many times throughout life! i have!) and think 'its not fun so why play anymore?'. Rhonda and the community here....you continually inspire me and keep me excited and motivated about these kinds of things! Thank you!!!!Puccettanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31978186660561904362016-08-26T16:19:29.207+10:002016-08-26T16:19:29.207+10:00My three year old is an avid cook already! It mak...My three year old is an avid cook already! It makes my heart glow when she says "let's cook mama"...even if that is often her way if getting cupcakes! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02785137957430733599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11722518013986245212016-08-25T22:08:07.570+10:002016-08-25T22:08:07.570+10:00Love this post Rhonda! My three are 11, 9 and 4. T...Love this post Rhonda! My three are 11, 9 and 4. The eldest is a great cook - she can loves baking and desserts, anything from making lemon curd to layer cakes, muffins and pancakes. She has also moved onto main meals (yay!) including ravioli (from scratch - pasta dough plus filling), kofta, risotto. The second is learning, he loves helping to bake and with supervision can make brownies, banana bread, prep veggies for dinner. The littlest loves rolling pasta, switching on the food processor, cracking the eggs, etc. When the elder two were little I baked with them as an activity, I needed snacks for them anyway and figured it was more useful for me than playdough... So they have always seen and been in the kitchen. Consequently they love eating, too! With Maia (11) I have even outsourced "bring a plate" requests when we are going to dinner somewhere. Bonus!<br />Great comments from everyone, these competent kids give us all hope for the future. <br />AllyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26590593671583942582016-08-25T21:07:34.290+10:002016-08-25T21:07:34.290+10:00It's sad to see our society descending into de...It's sad to see our society descending into dependency upon the industrial food complex for pre-prepared, poor-tasting and non-nutritious food. And this great post shows, it's sad to see something as basic to family life as home-meals disappearing. People who never learned to cook don't buy fresh produce, so the effect is felt by farmers like us who depend upon direct market sales. Having said all that, I'm hopeful that we're in the midst of a change back to food that is healthy, delicious and home-cooked. Thanks for waving the flag and being an inspiration to people. :)Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08859125602809246773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31679360908204459492016-08-25T16:07:42.691+10:002016-08-25T16:07:42.691+10:00I like your analysis, Mr Homemaker - we do well to...I like your analysis, Mr Homemaker - we do well to remember that it is people (not robots) who perform the "menial" tasks which keep Western society running the way many like it. However, there is a need for balance if we are not to deprive these people of their jobs - however badly paid they might be. I think it is incumbent on all of us to be wise with the way we spend our money - buying local where we can, but also lobbying companies which employ labour overseas to improve their standards and wages. We need to see that we can't expect cheap without cheapening someone else's life. <br /><br />This really is a global society - it has taken some time to get that way and it is impossible to make changes overnight. What we can do, however, is work at educating our own families to be more self sufficient so that there is more understanding of the value of the work people do. It is not enough to say that the world values work differently - obviously doctors should be paid more than the people who serve coffees, but we should appreciate the real value of what everyone does, and that starts in the home by learning to do the basic tasks ourselves. I learned to cook as a very small child, as did my brother. The next generation were let down horribly (in general) and it will take some time to bring all those household skills and the awareness of their value back.Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07332731223601172953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83200557503379339962016-08-25T14:29:51.361+10:002016-08-25T14:29:51.361+10:00Our younger son is a very good cook, and an even b...Our younger son is a very good cook, and an even better baker. He even made his own wedding cake. Our daughter in law can make a meal, if it is necessary, but she gladly leaves all the cooking to our son, who loves it. Our elder son learned the basics at home, but when he went to university, he had no kitchen available, and later he worked such long hours that he didnĀ“t have time to cook. So I am afraid he really forgot how to do it. But now, with a new job and a girlfriend who likes cooking, I hope he will remember what he learned at home with me!Hildehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447112312199912513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79557871261435638272016-08-25T14:11:44.808+10:002016-08-25T14:11:44.808+10:00Love this post and yes my girls cook in the kitche...Love this post and yes my girls cook in the kitchen with me. There is just something so comforting about a home cooked meal. Thank you for sharing, I just love your blog!<br /><br />Blessings,<br />JillJillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14904921240840944999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69860479800158208072016-08-25T13:37:37.967+10:002016-08-25T13:37:37.967+10:00Your writing always encourages me to love working ...Your writing always encourages me to love working at home more than I already do! Thank you!A Woman that Fears the Lordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028148446621304362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37975711670566386462016-08-25T11:08:38.846+10:002016-08-25T11:08:38.846+10:00My sons could make their own (uncooked) breakfasts...My sons could make their own (uncooked) breakfasts from 4 years of age. They could boil eggs and make toast at 6. Jamie is the same as your son, Sarah. He makes a mess but now at 5 he's starting to be more careful and tidy. Keep up the good work, love, what you're doing is important.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69417123390259564682016-08-25T10:40:14.962+10:002016-08-25T10:40:14.962+10:00"It is the quiet knowledge of what we get fro... "It is the quiet knowledge of what we get from them that keep my patterns of work going year after year."<br />This is powerful. Thank you for this post!<br />My 3yr old boy loves to help in the kitchen! As soon as he could help at all with anything, I let him. Littles can do so much more than we sometimes give them credit for. It was challenging at first because it was oh so messy and took MUCH longer, but now...he begs to help and is quite skilled...at only age 3. Of course, we will soon have little brother joining us (he is 8mos). They learn more than cooking (math, patience, cooperation, following directions, etc). <br />This post was a timely reminder for me, reminding me of some of the reasons why I do what I do every day.<br />Sarah from New Mexico Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10558882718576845511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53393521554847656682016-08-25T06:33:09.053+10:002016-08-25T06:33:09.053+10:00Hi Rhonda!
I've always been a home cook and ha...Hi Rhonda!<br />I've always been a home cook and have always enjoyed growing ,preserving as much as possible...my husband doesn't cook at all...but our 5 adult sons are all good cooks...our youngest , aged 24 was home recently and it warmed my heart when he said "Mom I REALLY miss your cooking....After his visit, he asked me to send my recipe for meatballs....He will make a great husband someday, I think!!!<br />I loved to cook and bake and the sons were always in the kitchen with me when they were young ,which yes, made for much bigger messes but I guess they learned, too...<br />One more thought...at every meal, their father always said..."guys this is the best meal EVER."...we never had fussy eaters...Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09531238590193331275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8079805857135781372016-08-25T05:30:28.146+10:002016-08-25T05:30:28.146+10:00I second that idea! Maybe an e-book?I second that idea! Maybe an e-book?juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16351247097680979735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78234094377051811322016-08-24T20:50:42.247+10:002016-08-24T20:50:42.247+10:00It's okay to cut the sugar down in these vineg...It's okay to cut the sugar down in these vinegar recipes. The vinegar will preserve the food. So just add the amount of sugar you prefer or none at all.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34696183515953468812016-08-24T20:25:36.401+10:002016-08-24T20:25:36.401+10:00Lovely to read, at first I thought your round of s...Lovely to read, at first I thought your round of scones was soda bread. Do you have a good recipe for beetroot? Ones I've tried before are always too sweet.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13866161214077269517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20713943185310074802016-08-24T19:36:40.913+10:002016-08-24T19:36:40.913+10:00Beautiful post.Beautiful post.Jagoda Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17465800744943164691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24891971958713568022016-08-24T19:12:56.224+10:002016-08-24T19:12:56.224+10:00My children are in their 30`s and all married. Bot...My children are in their 30`s and all married. Both my boys do all the cooking as their wives don`t/can`t cook which I find a bit sad. My daughter is a wonderful cook and makes (and grows) almost everything that her family eats. I`m tremendously proud of my children but I feel a bit cheated that my daughters-in-law weren`t taught by their mothers to cook. And they have no interest in learning either!!:-(Corinnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04793698960887667761noreply@blogger.com