Really. A whole ding-dong day in the kitchen. That's what I did yesterday. But it was worth it.
I've been thinking (ouch) and planning ahead to the coming busy season when my kitchen is frequently without a cook. Getting the freezer stocked and as much food preparation done ahead of time is my current agenda. I was able to cross quite a few items off my list of same yesterday and felt like I'd accomplished a lot.
Started the day with a double batch of spaghetti sauce. (My stove top always gets a good cleaning when I make this sauce. I simply can NOT make it without splattering sauce every which way 'til Sunday.) I put meat in my sauce but usually also have meat balls (still on the list to do) in the freezer to add for that man I live with who needs more meat protein than I do.
Having pre-made burgers all ready for the pan is always a quick, easy meal for me. (Blurry pic, I know, must not have had my glasses on. Looks a lot like the spaghetti sauce, doesn't it, except blurrier.)
I mix seasonings in with the ground beef before forming it into patties and wrapping for the freezer. I add prepared mustard, catsup, salt and pepper, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, bread crumbs, onions and an egg for each pound of meat.
It's not homegrown pork (we're trying to simplify here, folks) but I've found a pork sausage mix in one pound packages at our co-op in town that we both really like. I divide the pound into six pieces, form the pieces into patties and freeze in that form.
I made a batch of Italian bread and formed it into four small loaves. They're wrapped and stored in the freezer and are wonderful for Garlic Cheese Bread. Each little loaf is just right for two people to share.
Traditionally I bake sugar cookies at Easter. In the shape of eggs 'cause they're so much easier to decorate than rabbits. (My mama didn't raise no dummies.)
Mixed up the frosting and have it waiting in the fridge to tint pastel colors but won't decorate the cookies until Saturday.
These Chicken Squares are delicious and something a little special when having company. The filling is chopped chicken, cream cheese and some veggies of your choice.
I serve them with Chicken Gravy so I made a big pan of it using some of our chicken bone broth.
The above took me until about 6 o'clock last night with three meals squeezed in there somewhere.
Why is it at the end of a day like this in the kitchen, I feel as if I'd done hard physical labor outside? Awww, must just be my imagination. Everyone knows being a homemaker and cooking from scratch is a snap. (Cough-choke-gasp-chortle-snort.)
It's totally worth it though, and I wouldn't trade my job (or very soiled apron) for any other.
The Great Worcester Maise Maze
3 hours ago