Inspiration

With all my bragging about my cashmere sweaters and mink coat, I almost forgot to mention my latest thrifting treasure: a beautiful red, five-quart Dutch oven casserole dish! Priced at just $14.99, and with my additional 30% off, it was a steal for sure. I do love a good bargain, especially when it’s something as pretty as this! Now, I just have to stay home long enough to actually cook dinner in it. 

Tim has been grumbling lately that I haven’t cooked in ages. It’s nice to know he misses my home cooking, but these days, finding the time has been a bit of a challenge. I’m out teaching Mahjong, he’s out playing cards, and when we finally manage to have a night off together, our calendar is usually filled with other plans. Between friends, activities, and all the fun things we seem to squeeze into our days, sitting down to a home-cooked meal has taken a back seat.

Of course, as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, I keep telling myself that staying home and preparing some good old-fashioned comfort food will become more appealing. A hearty casserole, something simmering away in the oven, and a cozy evening at home sound pretty wonderful. Surely, that will happen soon… maybe next month! 

In the meantime, I have pointed out to Tim that he arrives home every day at least four hours before I do. Seems to me that it would only make sense for him to put those hours to good use and have a hot meal waiting when I walk through the door. But no, he likes to claim that he doesn’t know how to cook. I suspect this is another attempt to weaponize his incompetence in hopes of getting out of something he simply doesn’t want to do.

Honestly, how difficult can it be? Give an intelligent person a cookbook, a few ingredients, and a little initiative, and I’m pretty sure dinner could be on the table. 

I’m especially glad I made sure all my kids learned the basics of taking care of themselves. Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and even remembering to clean the lint out of the dryer before starting it… all essential life skills, in my opinion. My boys cook just as well as my daughter, and they can shop for ingredients, prepare a meal, and serve up something delicious without needing anyone to help. Heck, even my older grandsons can whip up a few dishes!

So, I’d say it’s about time Tim joined the family cooking club. Perhaps I should buy him a cookbook for Christmas. Or maybe I’ll start him off with something simple and work my way up to a full-fledged casserole. After all, even the best chefs had to start somewhere!

For now, my beautiful red Dutch oven will sit proudly in the kitchen, waiting patiently to be filled with something delicious. I may have purchased it with grand plans of homemade meals, but for the moment, it’s serving as a reminder that sometimes the best bargains come with a little motivation attached.

And who knows? Maybe this pretty pot will be the inspiration we need to slow down, spend a few more evenings at home, and enjoy a meal around our own table. Of course, if Tim decides to take over the cooking, I certainly won’t complain. After all, a girl can dream… and apparently, so can a Dutch oven! 

All things in good time. For now, I’ve got a bargain to admire, a kitchen to enjoy, and a husband who may just need a little cooking lesson or two...doesn't youtube teach everything?? 

“A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness.” — Elsa Schiaparelli