To be honest, sometimes the whole concept of cooking everything from scratch is a little overwhelming. … especially when I don’t love spending my day in the kitchen.
Start small
Baby steps are usually the best way to make a change in life. Baby steps are the best way to learn something new - just start and put one foot in front of the other.
I was listening to a video today and the speaker pointed out that making one’s own spice mix is, indeed, part of cooking from scratch, as many store-bought blends have ingredients that are not part of the spice list. Huh!
Where to start?
Start with what you know and with what you use.
Now, I don’t make a lot of pumpkin pie but, when I do, I use the recipe that my dad used.
This is a great place to start, for me, - because there is an emotional attachment to it.
If I had this blend mixed up, I could add it to oatmeal or pancakes or hot chocolate or cookies…. So many possibilities!
My Dad’s Pumpkin Spice Blend
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp mace
1/3 tsp salt
If I quadruple this recipe or make ten times the quantity, I can store it in a jar and have it ready for pies (2.5 tsp per pie) or pancakes, or …
The bonus?
No additives, preservatives
And, it probably costs a lot less than a ready-made blend.
Tomorrow - I’m mixing up a batch and I’m sprinkling some into my pancakes! - Debbie
