Let's get cookin' with Barbara

Cooking.  Most people who live here hate to cook.  Usually it is because they are only cooking for themselves.  

What do I care what I eat?  

If they are cooking for someone other than themselves it is always for only one other person.  Anyone living three to an apartment here?  I thought not!  So that one other person can't possible keep up the positive remarks (especially after many years together) and the cooking becomes a chore, a drudgery.  You look at the clock and it is heading towards late afternoon.  Oh jeez, what will I fix for dinner tonight?  Do I have to?  How about a few crackers and some cheese?  

Of course, I know among us there are a small number who delight in cooking and welcome creating magnificent spreads and appealing feasts or tasty soups.   Often they could have been career chefs if they chose to go in that direction.  I envy them. There are also others who like to cook once in a while when they feel inspired.  That is lovely too especially if you can afford to go out and eat on your  off days.  

We are forever thankful for Busy Butternut.   We get to pick and choose what we want to try each week and the menu is always different.  It is a source of comfort on those days that we have that meal tucked away in the refrigerator ready to assuage the pangs of hunger. Three cheers for Cindy.

Years ago I landed in London after a not so restful night on an airplane.  My friend and I went to meet a rental agent in one of those big squares that they have in the city.  He could show us where our apartment was located and give us our key.  We were very early.  We were also hungry.  We wandered around thinking of eating something.  We came upon a restaurant that served baked potatoes.  We rushed in and each ordered a loaded baked potato.  Comfort food to the max!  No baked potato ever will taste as good as that potato did that day.  We still remember that meal with great fondness.

Can you think of other foods that you regard as comfort food?  Naturally most meals that  your mom probably made fit that title.  I think grilled cheese sandwiches are one of my favorites.  Then there is macaroni and cheese.  It certainly fits the bill even if it is out of a box.  What kid doesn't love Kraft dinner?  

This next part is not for people who are serious cooks.  Just stop right here.  (If you dare!)  The other day I came across a recipe which claimed to be the ultimate way to cook a box of macaroni and cheese.  (They did recommend using the brand Amy's though.)  You cook the macaroni and then just add half of that tasty powdered cheese.  Add two tablespoons of Lipton's onion soup mix.  Instead of using milk and butter for the other two ingredients use one fourth cup of sour cream.  Taste it and maybe add a little more cheese or soup mix to balance it out.  If it gets too salty or thick a splash of milk should fix it.  I dream of making this but I never have.  Would  one of you please put this together and let me know if it as good as I think it might be.  I really want to know but things keep preventing me from actually cooking it and trying it.  I think I am afraid of the onions or something.

Thanks for reading and that's all I have to say!