I use recipes that are usually simple, but from scratch. I like to do as much as possible in my own kitchen, using my own chicken stocks, breads, jams, and even yogurt. I also keep many staples on hand: rice, beans, wheat, dry milk, pasta, canned tomatoes, olives, corn, and frozen berries, mango, peas, and nuts. I cook and freeze chicken stock, dried beans, and have experimented a little with freezing lemon peel, juice, and herbs. I find that by avoiding processed foods, I avoid sugar, sodium, and preservatives, and keep our grocery bills down as well. I usually only buy fresh produce ($40-$60), fresh dairy ($25) and fresh meat and fish ($20) at the grocery market every week, and occasionally supplement with a trip to Costco, B.J.s, a health food store, or the Cannery for pantry staples.
My commitment to making our family’s food means I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but I love how willing and interested my kids and husband are to help and to enjoy the processes, from bread and pizza doughs to chocolates and yogurt. It’s satisfying and creative to work with food and my favorite way to spend time in our home.
Bees Knees Recipes 
Well aren’t you just the bees knees with all your recipes! How delightful. I feel my cooking dry spell coming to an end. Perhaps I’ll just have to contribute!
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This is a marvelous idea, Natalie! I’ve printed out several recipes to try and I’ll let you know how they turn out. I also have a few recipes I’d like to contribute but I need instructions about how to do that.
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So when I first took a look at your blog I have to admit I kinda wanted to shoot myself. You cook and you cook well and do so many other things. Meanwhile…. I am barely getting the frozen fish sticks on the plate each night before bedtime!
I am in a better frame of mind now. I think I can constructively appreciate and maybe even glean from your wealth of yumminess. Hoorah for food!
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Well, I may cook, but the last time I got the kids out doing something active . . . . hmm, I have many deficiencies, don’t worry! Besides, I think babies qualify any woman to take off as much time as she needs from whatever household chore she least likes (or dislikes, for that matter). I’m still not sure if it’s healthy that my favorite hobby includes lots of sugar and butter, but it does. Be glad if you find something else more fulfilling 🙂 but if you do have some extra time, you should definitely try the tres leches cake . . . 🙂
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Brynn, I feel the same way! I am always bragging about how my sister is so in control of how and what her family eats and makes such delicious food too. I am still getting on top of having ONE child (and no other jobs) but I too am hoping to be doing more in the cooking department, starting with all the lovely produce I brought back from the farmer’s market this morning . . .
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