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“All Washed Up”… Hand Washing Dishes, A Chore or A Pleasant “Dish-traction”???

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My dishwasher died last week . I simply went to turn it on before I left to go to work, and it didn’t come on. After all connections were checked, called the manufacturer, etc, we decided it was time to begin looking for a new one. No further “dish-cussion” was needed!

My kitchen window where my sink has a view… the view changes from season to season, but one thing is consistent, plants are always growing and happy here. A great excuse to enjoy doing the dishes, lovely plants and flowers to enjoy!

Much to my dismay, as I believe is the now the norm, the “box” store stock remains very low and the dishwasher has to be ordered. It’s not ideal. But I do want to shop around a bit in order to find the best option. I realize that this appliance is not a life altering product for us… if it was a washer, or a stove … well that would be a much more serious problem. But, we can definitely manage without a dishwasher.

My mind quickly went back to my Grandparents homes. Both sets of my grandparents had dishwashers and they rarely used them. I feel confident it was the era they grew up in, and hand washing dishes was just second nature to cooking a meal.

Granny kept a dishpan in her sink as a “catch pan” for loose dishes in between meals. She also washed dishes in the pan… saving water and detergent. After family meals we all piled into the kitchen, washing, drying, and putting the dishes away so that she didn’t have to do all those dishes. We had fun laughing, and telling stories, as Granny sat smiling, and of course, supervising all of us. The dishes didn’t take long when we all pooled together and did them together.

As my experience has begun without a functional dishwasher, I pulled out an old dishpan as a “catch-all” for my miscellaneous dirty dishes. A very sweet memory of my Granny’s kitchen.

Hand washing dishes isn’t glamorous but let’s face it, not many household daily tasks are! So I needed to simply reframe my mind about this new daily chore I was facing. Using the fond memories of washing dishes side by side with my Granny and other family in her kitchen, I am ready to “wipe up” my success in hand washing dishes.

Washing dishes shouldn’t be monotonous, but a therapeutic “cleansing” experience… not leaving me “sloppy, soppy wet” like a well used sponge.

Sponges! Available at Wilkes County Hardware. Sponges have a short lifespan in the kitchen. When they start to “smell” they need to go away to the trash. The average lifespan is 2 weeks to 30 days depending on how often it is sanitized/ used.

After all, we (Richard and I) both hand wash several items already each day. Yes, he helps me with the dishes every evening, since I do most of the cooking before he gets home from the hardware store. It is rare that we put any pots or pans in our dishwasher. Those go straight to the sink for immediate attention.

Hand washing dishes shouldn’t be big deal, right??? Hmmm, I’m “dish-tracted” by the thoughts of using paper plates, cups, and utensils for a while. No, I shall not be “bowled” over by such thoughts! I’m not “throwing the baby out with the dishwater” as they say. Keeping the sweetness of the situation while focusing on what needs to change… the dirty, dingy dish water. A new scenario of being without a dishwasher and how to manage a load of dirty dishes without kitchen chaos.

The ultimate goal… a clean sink and kitchen!!! I thrive in this type of environment.

Management of hand washing dishes without a clear plan could prove disastrous or chaotic, so I’m sharing a few tips and tricks that you could implement whenever you find yourself hand washing dishes. I hope these suggestions are useful to you and your family … not leaving you all wet and soggy! I have definitely used several of these tips myself as I have ventured into back into hand washing dishes in earnest.

Before You Begin….

1. Begin with a clean sink! Reduce the chance of bacteria by beginning with a clean and sanitized sink.

Easy cleaning products for sink cleaning and much more always available at Wilkes County Hardware.

2. Evaluate your needs to be successful… Take a quick inventory of your scrubbing tools. Invest in tools of the trade, scrubber, brushes, detergent, gloves, sponges etc. Purchase good quality cleaning products that you love. This will make hand washing dishes easier and less stressful when you have the right tools! Think about a carpenter or a plumber not having his tools to make a simple repair… it’s the same thing!

Brushes, sponges and more! Making hand washing dishes a little bit easier, all inside your local hardware store at WCH.
Use the dish soap that you love! These Meyers soaps are great selling items at Wilkes County Hardware.
For greasy messes and much more! Sold at Wilkes County Hardware.

3. Set the Mood… that’s right, get your mind on the task at hand and get ready!!!Find your favorite playlist, podcast, or even set a timer be finished (washed/dry) by a specific time (15-20 minutes). Don’t procrastinate, just be vigilant and get it done.

Let kids help pick music or set the timer. Make it a family event/game time on how fast you can get things finished and put away!

4. Consider the Bin/Dishpan Method

A. Presoak in separate bin… allows you to keep those miscellaneous food bits away from your sink drain, and the plumbers away!

My sink is a large one bowl sink. For small handwashing tasks, the dishpan method works well! Bravo Granny!!! She definitely knew what she was doing with that technique.

B. Stash the bin under the cabinet with the dirty dishes if you don’t have time to do the dishes prior to your departure OR use the bin in the sink as a catch all prior to doing the dishes.

C. Wash in the bin or dishpan…save on water/soap instead of filling up sink especially if you just have a small batch of dishes to clean.

For small handwashing tasks, the dishpan method works well!

D. Use a dishpan/bin for a hot rinse soak after hand washing. Using extra hot water helps to sanitize your dishes and remove any excess residue that might be left from the dish soap. Make sure that you use gloves to protect your hands from the hot warm or wait until water cools before drying and putting away.

This large white dishpan is extremely versatile for many uses in your kitchen! Stop by to pick one up at WCH

Doing the Dishes: Washing Up

I’ve totally converted to these!!! These wash up your dishes beautifully and are virtually indestructible! One of our best selling gifts! Hands down one of my favorite things!

1. Clean in order… glasses, silverware, plates, dirtier pots/pans go very last!

2. Presoaking is your friend! Pre-soak dairy and starchy based foods in cold water instead of hot water it should clean up easier.

3. Turn up the heat… I’m talking about your dish water, add gloves if necessary. The hotter the soapy dish water, can help sanitize your dishes effectively.

4. Scrape plates/dishes off prior to hand washing. Remove excess food bits to keep dish water as clean as possible.

5. Be proactive, don’t let the dishes stack up, do the dishes as you cook and prep for your meals.

6. Keep the sink clear… consider using the bin method for dirty dishes. Placing dirty dishes into sink as you go through them… glasses, silverware, plates, etc.

7. Go by the feel of your dishes… One way to tell if a dish is still dirty, it may have a gritty, greasy, or possibly a soapy feel. Keep washing and scrubbing!

The Rinse Cycle

1. Just Eyeball it… a dish is clean if you can see a smooth stream of water across the surface of the plate as you rinse it.

2. Use a dishpan/bin for a hot rinse soak after hand washing. I’m well aware that some people say that the water/steam in a dishwasher is the only way you can properly sanitize your dishes… Hmmm… but I would bet that everyone doesn’t have a dishwasher. People have existed without dishwashers for decades, and germs were kept at bay. So what can you do to properly sanitize??? Using extra hot water helps to sanitize your dishes and remove any excess residue that might be left from the dish soap. And using dry, clean towels as you put your dishes away helps to avoid cross contamination. If you decide to rinse with extra hot water, make sure that you use gloves to protect your hands or wait until water cools before drying and putting away.

Drying Time

These gorgeous handmade towels are perfect for daily use!!! Stop by and pick up seasonal favorites to make your kitchen tasks more enjoyable. Yes, you deserve a few special items in your kitchen!!! These wash up extremely well. Another kitchen staple found! 💕

1. Have plenty of clean, dry towels on hand for drying dishes. Do not reuse a wet towel. A wet towel will slow down your work and definitely take longer. Take all wet kitchen towels to laundry basket for washing. Kitchen towels can harbor bacteria if not properly washed and dried or if reused multiple times before laundering.

I pull at least two or three basic towels out for hand drying and then they go into the laundry basket for cleaning to prevent cross contamination.
Yes, you can use your handmade towels for drying dishes!!! These are meant to be used!!!

2. For air drying your dishes, have a dish drainer ready to go! Make sure air flow is good. Hand dry any pieces that don’t fit onto your drainer.

3. Encourage your family to help clear away the clean dishes. Make it a game, such as… I bet we can do it in so many minutes… or play favorite songs while they help. It’s good character building and life skills for younger kids.

4. Clean your sink again after draining out the spent, old dish water and you are done for the day!

5. Moisturize your hands! The hot water and detergent can do a number on your hands so be kind and do a bit of self care to your hands afterwards.

The best moisturizer lotion.. hands down!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

The Physical Science of Hand Washing Dishes may actually speak for itself. Hand washing dishes can be therapeutic, calming, and a stress reliever. The repetitive act of washing dishes can relieve stress by providing a sense of accomplishment of a job well done and task completion. That being said, for some, washing dishes can be a very stressful chore, and overwhelming, especially if the sink is loaded down with stinky, dirty dishes!!! If your mindset is not working towards a positive outcome, then take time to reframe.

Once you are ready to scrub into the warm hand dishwashing water, the constant heat of the water can create a calming effect upon the body and senses, aiding in stress reduction. Muscle tension can be lowered, by hand washing the dishes. Increased circulation and movement are added bonuses.

Lastly, hand washing dishes is an iconic activity of the 5 senses to be performed and enjoyed. Use your body’s physical cues… staying in the moment… Sensing the warmth of water and the feel of the dish in your hands, gripping a soft sponge, the sound of water splashing in the sink. Catching the lingering smell of the scented dish soap, hearing the sound of the squeaky clean dish as you rinse it off. And the sounds of family members clanging the dishes into the cabinets after the muscle motions of drying the dishes after a meal around the table filled with laughter. What more could you ask for… Family togetherness in your kitchen and home. I think I’ll do the dishes for a little bit longer and enjoy my newly found love for hand washing the dishes…. At least for a few more days.

Autumn, blogging, Crockpot Cooking, Crocktober, Fall, Hardware Store Life, Home, recipe, Shop Local, southern cooking, southern living, supper

Crocktober

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There’s simply nothing better like the smell of dinner cooking as you walk through the front door.

Welcome home!

After a long day at work, the aroma welcomes you back home. But wait… Dinner is really almost ready??? You have been gone all day… yes, the Crock-Pot has magically been slowly simmering your dinner nonstop and the smell of a delicious dinner yet to come is wafting throughout your home. The aroma is welcoming you back, like two little, happy puppies wagging their tails anxiously awaiting to greet you as you enter the front door.

These two are waiting for their favorite humans to come back home!

Crock-Pot recipes are a mainstay in the playbook of comfort foods 101 in my opinion. The advantages of using a crock-pot or a slow cooker are plentiful. For one, the crock-pot will use less electricity than cooking a full meal on your stovetop.

Baked potatoes in crockpot??? Try it if you haven’t done that before. Yes, save electricity by using your crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of using your oven. I brush mine with olive oil and salt pepper and cover it and walk away for a few hours.. dinner success!

Another advantage of using a crock-pot, Family evening meals can be prepared ahead of time… meaning that it can save you time, and of course, less dishes to clean up after the meal! If you are a meal planning cook, the crock-pot is for you! That’s a definite win in the family meal game plan!

This creamy chicken crock-pot recipe is one of the most versatile dishes that I make that can be used as a base for chicken pie, chicken casserole, or served over pasta. The leftovers can make a creamy chicken soup.

The last advantage of using a crock-pot is simply the monetary savings from each grocery store trip. When you slow cook in the crock-pot, you can buy a tougher cut of meat ( saving a bit of money) and it will come out tender after cooking low and slow all day long. Crock-pots are designed to tenderize and add complexity of flavors to your protein as it simmers low and slow. The slow cooking process helps to preserve the nutrients. In a higher heat setting, those nutrients can be rapidly broken down, reducing the flavor profile.

As I write this blog post, I realize that some are probably rolling their eyes saying, “good grief girl, get in the 21st century and buy an instant pot”. Here’s my reply… Well, honestly I don’t want one. I love the idea of prepping before I leave for the day, and simmering my food low and slow all day long… nothing beats spaghetti sauce that’s been cooking all day long in the crock-pot and we love it. I’m the “set it and forget it until later” meal game planner.

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/10/22/crocktober-recipes/

I don’t think of a crock-pot meal as a “boring meal” that is often repetitive… week after week… “Mom, we are eating the same old stuff” type meals… that’s the whole point of “Crocktober”. Thinking outside of the usual crock-pot mindset and experimenting with new ways to use the traditional slow cooker.

SO…. Here’s a sampling of some of the amazing products that Wilkes County Hardware has to offer you that could add some extra flavor to your favorite proteins or vegetables slowly simmering away in your crock-pot. Hopefully you can find a bit of inspiration for some new “Crocktober Recipes” to make for your family.

This rub is a great addition brings flavor to any type of steak, or beef roast in your crock-pot!
Hand choppers are great for making quick work of a large cooked pork lion, or even chicken as you make chopped BBQ or tacos in the crock-pot
The best BBQ sauce… AND it’s locally made!
Traeger sauces and rubs can add extra flavor to your crock-pot meals
Pick your favorite!
Use your imagination and available ingredients from your pantry and refrigerator and get cooking in your crock-pot for October! The options are endless!!! It’s Crocktober

Let’s celebrate the month of October with the Crock-pot… and get the slow simmer going … it’s Crocktober time!

FYI: Two recipes are linked in this blog post if y’all are curious… Happy slow cooking!

Autumn, Crockpot Cooking, Fall, family, Hardware Store Life, Home, recipe, southern cooking, southern living, supper

“Crocktober” Recipes

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Sharing a few featured October favorites for the crockpot. These may not be new and different to you but they are well loved in “The Hardware Life” and easy to prep for any weeknight meal. Enjoy these Crocktober family favorites!

Creamy Crock-pot Chicken

Yummy Crock-pot Comfort Foods… Creamy Crockpot Chicken

Ingredients for Crock-pot Creamy Chicken:

2 Cans Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup

1 T butter

1 package chicken tenders

Note: You can use more chicken to adjust to your family size! I’m cooking for only two people right now.

1 cup chicken stock

Note: You can thin it as much as you like by adding more chicken stock, but I like to leave mine on the thicker side.

Get it Simmering in the Crock-pot:

1. Add chicken as the bottom layer first, season chicken as desired.

Note: ( I season my tenders with minced dried onion and black pepper )

2. Combine all other ingredients and stir into crockpot and cook on low for at least 6 hours or chicken throughly cooked. Mine usually cooks all day while I’m gone to work.

Alternate versions of Creamy Crock-pot Chicken:

1. Add frozen biscuits (cut into 4’s ) cook for about hour on high in crock-pot for chicken pie or dumplings type meal.

2. Use cooked creamy chicken as a base for chicken casserole and layer into casserole dish.

3. Creamy chicken & Pasta : Cook pasta and steam veggies and top the chicken with parmigiana cheese.

This pasta and chicken recipe make a hearty comfort dish meal. Ready to eat when you are hungry.

4. Creamy Chicken Soup: My Creamy Chicken leftovers and pasta combines to make a fantastic soup!!! Add a bit more chicken stock to thin if needed or another can cream of chicken soup and add your favorite vegetables or pasta. Simmer until vegetables/pasta is cooked.

Crock-pot Spaghetti Sauce

Crock-pot spaghetti sauce simmers and adds layers of flavors all day long!!! Your meat is tender and delicious.

Ingredients for Crock-pot Spaghetti Sauce:

1-2 pounds hamburger

1 container of fresh mushrooms (fine chop)

1/2 c Chopped carrots

2 T Italian seasoning

Fresh Herbs (Rosemary/oregano)

Spaghetti sauce base:

1. Shortcut- Add in favorite Jar Spaghetti sauce to your cooked hamburger, spices, and simmer away all day

OR….

2. Make your own spaghetti sauce base- 1 T tomato paste, splash of wine, crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning, I usually add extra Italian seasoning( if using dried herbs, you will need to use less by 1/3 vs using fresh herbs… use more than dried)

Get Simmering in Crock-pot:

1. Brown Hamburger in crock-pot on low heat for 30-45 minutes. Chop hamburger into smaller pieces as it begins to cook down. Drain away any excess liquid.

The slow cooker hamburger browning process is slower but well worth it. I usually brown my meat as I am getting ready in morning and then head back to kitchen to add spices/sauce before I leave.

2. Add herbs and Red Wine(if desired)

3. Add chopped mushrooms and carrots

This is a good way to sneak in veggies into your sauce, a fine cop makes these pretty invisible in your cooked sauce.

4. Add Spaghetti Sauce base ingredients and stir well.

5. Top sauce with fresh herb bundle, cover and simmer 8 hours.

I tend to add spices and flavors as I cook. Please add your favorite Italian blended spices and flavors to your sauce. The process of cooking the sauce slowly is a definite step up from the rushed cooking process of making a “quick spaghetti sauce”. The flavor profile will be different from a skillet spaghetti sauce made quickly.

Enjoy these “Crocktober Recipes” and enjoy cooking low and slow adding a bit a flavor as you go!

Hardware Store Life, Morning Coffee, Pancakes, recipe, southern cooking, southern living

Making Pancakes

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One of my favorite old black and white Christmas movies has a scene where the star, Barbara Stanwyck, is asked to flip a pancake high in the air as she is making her trademark pancakes for breakfast for a group of House guests that have gathered in her kitchen.

She is terrified that she will be unable to make the flip high in the air because truly she isn’t a cook, unbeknownst to her House guests. After encouragement, she goes for it, eyes closed and the flipped pancake somehow leaps back into the pan. The room is filled with joy and laughter as the completed pancakes are laid out for the breakfast bounty.

Christmas in Connecticut, Making Pancakes for the first time

Pancakes have to be one of the best meals for morning or even a special evening meal. Whether you are a novice or a cooking pro in the kitchen, I hope this recipe that I found a few years ago for making pancakes, will inspire y’all to “flip them high” as you make the lightest, fluffiest pancakes ever.

Stack them high… For National Pancake Day or just any day…
Dry mix ingredients… this can be prepared ahead of time and stored in pantry, ready to go when you are all set to make pancakes or even waffles. The basic recipe calls for 2 cups of the combined dry ingredients with wet ingredients added.
Wet ingredients… FYI: A dash of vanilla is always a good addition to your wet ingredients, which I usually add into my pancake batter.
Combine wet ingredients with the dry mix
I use my favorite skillet or waffle maker to make these. OR
Try something new!!! Make the Pinterest version of sheet pan pancakes!!! Find your favorite baking pan, spray with baking spray, or butter well. Preheat oven to 425. Add in pancake batter as an even layer across baking pan. Sprinkle in fruit or other toppings if desired. Bake 15 minutes.

The potential is endless! Y’all might just “flip out a bit” over how easy this recipe truly is once you make it.

Making a basic pancake or adding in a sweet addition… sprinkles, chocolate chips, or blueberries. Take your pancakes from basic to simply light and delicious with this recipe the next time you are in the mood for this breakfast treat.

casserole, Hardware Store Life, holiday cooking, Home, recipe, southern cooking, Southern food, southern living, supper, Thanksgiving

The Casserole: A Southern Staple

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Which one of these statements BEST describes the cook in your household???? Are you the Southern cook who uses a recipe as the roadmap to the ultimate meal success making absolutely NO alterations to the recipe as you cook OR do you simply use a recipe as a reference… using available ingredients on hand??? Too hard to answer??? I think I’m both but it depends on what I preparing.

When it comes to baking, I’m always going to be a recipe reader prior to baking, and even during “the making process” of the dessert.

Here’s one of my main reference tools from my kitchen wall… family favorite recipes…thanks to chalkboard paint. Yes, you can find chalkboard paint at Wilkes County Hardware!

Casseroles… Creative Cooking:

Alternately, when it comes to making a casserole, I’m definitely the latter. I’ll make a new casserole based on ingredients on hand AND using leftovers found inside the refrigerator and pantry. My favorite phrase to describe my supper creations in this type of instance would be “creative casserole cooking”.

Pantry staples…

For the creative cook, Casseroles are a chance to experiment with different flavors, textures, and ingredients to create the ultimate family style casserole dish. That’s the ultimate beauty of a casserole, you don’t have to be a recipe follower, you have the freedom to make and create as you cook! Use the “formula” guidelines below for making the perfect casserole adding these different components. Keep on reading to make and create a new family favorite casserole.

Casserole Cookbook Fun:

I’m betting that you can find a multitude of casserole recipes in any Southern cookbook. Lol, there might be a whole section devoted to just casseroles! I would bet that you may find some casseroles that you have NEVER heard of before or maybe even have the curiosity to make them. Go and seek out your favorite church cookbook, or elementary school fundraiser cookbooks, and you can find many different versions of the same casserole recipe too!

I keep a small stash of my favorite cookbooks right on the kitchen countertop. The cute doggie cookie jar holds some of my handwritten recipes.

I’m not really sure when “The Casserole” came into existence, nor is it the purpose of this blog post today, but as the seasons begin to shift and change, and the holiday season begins soon, I have begun to think about my favorite casseroles to make and consume. AND potential new casseroles to try… Pineapple Casserole, you might be on the slate for the holiday season!

After all, casseroles are the ultimate comfort foods and have become a “Mainstay” in most Southern households. Casseroles truly hold center stage at the long table at church potlucks and are always at the forefront of family holiday meals. So let’s dig into “The Casserole”. I’m getting hungry y’all! Anyone else???

Components of A Casserole:

Casserole components are pretty simple in composition: protein, vegetables, binding ingredients such as (cheese, eggs, sour cream, cream base soups, etc) and the crunch. But, I must admit that the crux of a casserole has to be the binding… the creamy sauce brings together the ingredients formulating your casserole dish. The binding ingredients once completely warmed in the oven, creates a bubbly visual that lets the maker know that the final product is done and ready to eat and consume.

The beginnings of Chicken Casserole… a family favorite…. Starting with the chopped chicken chunks
Adding the binding… cheeses and soups. I add a bit of parmigiana cheese and cheddar cheese into my chicken casserole binder … it’s an flavorful addition. Milk instead of water adds a nice touch of a boost of flavor to the binder sauce.

Now, we must discuss the last component of a casserole… the crunch. Adding a bit of crunchiness on the top layer of the hot, bubbly casserole dish takes it to a whole other dimension of flavor, complexity, and texture not previously recognized.

Classic flavors like the crunch of a chopped Ritz cracker or French fried onions to top off old favorites casseroles, like the green bean casserole. Imagine taking these classic recipes to a higher level by adding a new flavor profile and texture with Panko, nuts, bacon bits, Saltines, or even crushed potato chips, or crushed pretzels. Your choices are endless! I bet it will be a smashing success!

A staple for Chicken Casserole topping (the crunch) and Thanksgiving Dressing!!!

I would just reckon that the top crunchy layer is the distinctive part of the casserole that sets it apart from someone else’s at the church potluck… beckoning the hungry parishioners to try that crunchy, browned casserole over the soggy topped casserole carefully situated next to the beautifully browned casserole. I know which one I’m spooning out and sampling.

Defining The Casserole:

As a student of history, I would bet that casseroles were a staple in Southern homes during the First World War, The Great Depression and also during World War 2. A casserole could easily supplement OR be the main course of the meal AND extend the number of people one could easily feed during a time of rationing. Of course, the use available ingredients on hand during the cooking process was crucial during these war years. Casseroles did become very common during the 1950’s when convenient, canned goods were the central ingredients, making the evening meal a little bit easier to prepare.

Dish It Out!

As I have mentioned, casseroles are a mainstay of Southern cooking, but I’m also suggesting that the casserole dish ITSELF is important! Whether you use the classic 9 x 13 baking dish or another baking vessel, my gut tells me that most of us probably use the same casserole dish EVERY SINGLE TIME we make a casserole! Let’s face it, we all have our favorite cooking utensils, and bakeware that we routinely use more than others. I know that I have one or two “go to casserole dishes” that I always use over all the others in my kitchen.

This Lodge Dutch Oven would make some amazing casseroles! You can find this available for purchase at Wilkes County Hardware!

According to one definition, a casserole is a dish baked and served in the same dish. In Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas casseroles are known as “hotdish”. A central ingredient of those “hotdish” recipes gravitates around the tater tot. There’s a whole debate about the hotdish vs the casserole … But for our purposes in the blog today, the dish itself is important “hotdish” or casserole!

AND remember, to never overfill to the top of your casserole dish prior to baking in the oven… are you chuckling as you read this??? It has probably happened to you at some point in your cooking experience, too much goodness in a dish overflowing everywhere all over your the inside of the oven. No one wants to be cleaning the oven as a result of the overflowing, bubbling, baking casserole. That’s definitely not magical!

Oven cleaner available at Wilkes County Hardware

Let the Casserole Magic Begin:

I firmly believe that part of the magic of the casserole has to be recipes themselves. The casserole recipes are as unique as each creative cook, using ingredients that you, as the chef, LOVE!

Enough said!! If you love it, and your family scarfs down the warm casserole goodness, SUCCESS !

Mojo Of Casserole Cooking:

There are definitely a few distinct advantages to casserole cooking, keep reading to get the casserole mojo mindset going right into the holidays.

Casseroles can feed a crowd, like the loaves and fishes in Biblical times. The spoonfuls of goodness can feed many in pinch or serve as a second meal as leftovers.

Casseroles can be prepared ahead of time… using the fix and freeze method which is a gift and a blessing to those who need a quick meal, like a sick loved one, a sleep deprived mom with a newborn baby, or even a family experiencing bereavement.

Casseroles can be the focus of the meal… breakfast, lunch or supper… yes, this dish can be served any time of the day. A versatile magical way to cook! Casseroles can also serve as a side dish, a “second fiddle”of sorts, to the main course. Have an abundance of vegetables from the garden???? Don’t be bewitched or bewildered by the excess. I bet you can find, make or create a casserole in order to use what you have! Now that’s just a bit of chef wizardry.

Casserole Comfort Food 101:

Nothing is better than on a cold, nasty day than making your favorite comfort foods. I have a few go-to dishes that I love as Comfort Foods. Casseroles fit perfectly within this description. With the ease of baking (using only ONE dish), then taking the hot, bubbly food out of the oven, casserole flavors wafting through the air, inhaling the first smells as it cools on the kitchen counter, and then finally the tasting… which warms the body, soul, and spirit. Comfort food at its best… right???Happy cooking y’all!

Happiest of Holidays to You and Your Family!