Why I Cook...

I have not always "liked" cooking. Dinners were just ho-hum, nothing special. After years of just getting by, I realized that dinner on the table meant more. Now, it's my way of saying "Welcome Home" and "I thought about you today."

My family of 5 have very different tastes and somedays I can feel like a short order cook. I'm always looking for new recipes to try, hoping to find one that may actually please the majority. My husband is really honest, especially when it comes to food, so I would just make a mental note about what was a hit or miss. Life gets super busy and now I've taken to writing it down in a recipe binder. I keep a running list of "family favorites" and keep tabs on new recipes that made the cut too.

Where I find recipes...
Thank goodness for the internet! I'll start there and browse around some very reliable and tested blogs, recipe and tv show website.
Here's my favorites:
Full Bellies, Happy Kids Must try: Orange Chicken. not kidding around. try it. today. A little shout out to Sandra over there :)
Comfy in the Kitchen Must try: Cresent Chicken. made this last week, making it again tonight.
AllRecipes.com Great resource for finding great & rated recipes! i love how people comment and leave notes on what they tweaked.
The Pioneer Woman Can't leave out Ree! must try: Apple Dumplings. simply amazing. She's also getting her very own show on Food Network!!!
Food Network And you can't go wrong with Paula Deen on Food Network! Also a great site for searching and browsing through fun recipes.