A third person, linked to in the Living Small post, called "bullshit" on the idea that we all lead such busy lives that we don’t have time to cook. He said that we all have the same amount of hours in a day and what causes us to not have enough time is the choices that we make. We too often put cooking good food too low on the list, after things like TV and spending time on the computer (partly because Big Food has persuaded us that we don't need to think about cooking good food). Furthermore, he/she says that it does not take much time to put a chicken in the oven and roast it.
I totally agree, and confess that I've pulled the "I'm too busy" excuse out a few times in my life.
These days however, my excuse is that I don't have a working oven. I cooked my entire Thanksgiving meal in a toaster oven and am here to tell you that yes, it can be done. Whole turkey breast, stuffing and all. The toaster oven tends to burn things. It is, after all, designed to cook toast, not turkey.
I read the Living Small post, looked at the picture of the yummy-looking roasted chicken and said to myself, "That's it! Time to get a new stove!" One that has sealed burners that mousies can't come through!I picked this one out almost a year ago, and have been keeping an eye on it. I looked again today and it's, honestly, $270 cheaper than 3 weeks ago. Seems like an omen that it's time to buy.
So I bought. It will be delivered on Sunday. Soon to be followed by roast birds, bread, and all that other wonderful stuff that people with ovens can make. If they take the time, that is.
Congratulations! Isn't it cool how online friends, acquaintances, and even strangers give us the encouragement (kick in the pants?) we need to get moving on things we really want to do? Good luck with the new range. I'm really, really happy for you.
ReplyDeleteWoot! Next dinner is at your place!!! You're a better (wo)man than me, Gunga Din. I couldn't live without an oven/stove. Well, I could, but I wouldn't be happy. Nice stove!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Nuthin' makes a house seem like a cozy home more than good smells coming from the oven. I'm waiting to see pictures of the first loaves of bread!
ReplyDeleteRight on! Good things will come from this! Woohoo.
ReplyDeleteNothing like a brand new (working!) stove!
ReplyDeleteMy .02 on overcoming the "I'm too busy to cook" thing:
If you don't already have them, get yourself a crockpot and a pressure cooker. With the crockpot you can prep the next night's meal the evening before, stick it all in the fridge, and then just pull it out and plug it in before you go to work the next morning. With the pressure cooker you can have a good meal on the table in about 20-30 min, give-or-take.
Check out no-knead refrigerator breads, if you have the fridge space.
Most recipes are for 4-6 servings. If you don't feel like splitting the recipe, freeze the other portions so that you have something quick for when you really are too busy, or are just too drained to want to cook.
so glad you got one! I give you a huge pat on the back for doing toaster over thanksgiving! In a couple of weeks you'll wonder how you ever got along without one!!
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