I didn’t mean to upset anyone with my food snobbism post. Once again, I think I didn’t get my “point” across, must be related to me being French and writing in English, or something. I think it has more to do with my brain being fried, but that’s a post for another day.
Let’s see if I can explain myself a little better. I do know that not everything in cans or jars are bad for us. But I also know, that when you look for better quality ingredients, the price is also higher. I do read labels, for the few cans we do buy, and I try to find the lowest carbs, sodium, cholesterol, etc., and it’s not always obvious.
I will spend two hours (including cooking time, that is!) preparing a big batch of spaghetti sauce, that I will freeze, rather than buy a pre-made sauce from a jar that often doesn’t contain that many vegetables and might be full of salt and sugar. Last week I made Sheppard’s Pie, it took me less than one hour and made 4 meals out of it. We ate one that night and the other three are frozen, ready to be thawed and heated. I do the same for lasagna, meat pies or chicken potpies.
When I lived alone for two years, I would prepare food in advance (on weekends) and freeze it so that instead of eating a frozen dinner I would have my “home cooked meal” and enjoy it. It was better, tastier, and also cheaper. Trust me, if there’s one lazy person around, after a day at work, it’s me!
I meant to say that I’m a snob when it comes to ingredients, for myself. You’re right (Kara) I wouldn’t snob a reader on account of their liking Spagettios, and I would NEVER walk out of a dinner party because of the food they serve because I love food. I’ve had some pretty “interesting” meals, things I’ve never thought I would eat, but like I wrote on my previous post, I will try everything at least once. And Canadian "cuisine" isn't really my favorite. I much rather enjoy any good "ese" cuisine (like Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese, Vietnamese) than Canadian, that's for sure.
I’m a snob when comes time to choose between olive oils. I like the good one, the one where you can really taste the olives, the one that is green. Same for good olives. I’m a snob for bread. I love crusted bread, and I will make a detour to get the right baguette. Same thing for cheese, I’m willing to pay more for good old cheddar. And yet, I’m also known to enjoy a good slice of Kraft Singles in a grilled cheese. It’s all about taste and money, because to eat well with fresh ingredients it is costly, but it is so worth it as well!
10 comments:
I wasn't offended and my comment was definitely meant as a joke. :-D
My mother has a fantastic recipe for spagetti sauce and I LOVE it. But I rarely eat pasta so it's easier for me to just buy a jar. I don't mind throwing away what I don't use because it's pretty inexpensive but I'd hate throwing out something I spent 2 hours preparing! I also make most of my own food because it's healthier for me and most importantly, CHEAPER!!!! For the cost of a drive-thru meal, I can buy a roast that will feed me for a whole week (what can I say, I live alone). Plus, I need the extra money to put in my gas tank these days. ;-)
I do resort to jarred pasta sauce sometimes, but only after I've read label after label. WHO NEEDS SUGAR IN THEIR SPAGHETTI SAUCE? I usually end up buying the expensive organic stuff, and you're right...I'd be doing myself a favor by making my own.
Of course even more often than I buy sauce, I just toss the pasta with veggies sauteed in olive oil and garlic. Yummy AND good for me.
gulp...just finished up my frozen lean cuisine.
hangs head in shame.
I am a total snob when it comes to condiments and beverages. I have a knack for liking things that are impossible for me to buy locally.
I guess it's time for me to throw my hat into the ring.
I used to be the chef around here with my famous chili and beef stew--both from scratch, of course, and plenty to be frozen until we were sick of it.
Nowadays, however, Martha cooks on weekends or puts something in the crockpot to simmer all day. During the week we're more can- or packaged-oriented. And I'm shocked by some of the ingredients.
I've read here and there of "high fructose corn syrup" as a possible cause for obesity--and it seems to be in all kinds of things. Those folks who drink "diet" sodas are getting a big dose of it. Sucrose, fructose, glucose--anything with a "tose" at the end is good ole sugar.
I don't know if I've said anything relevant, but at least I wrote a lot of words.
I love to cook, but honestly do not have time. Even our weekends are booked solid. Often, I'll try to throw a roast or a chicken in the slow cooker, but even that requires some prep time.
As a result, we eat at restaurants a lot. WAY too much, seriously. I put my foot down, though, at fast food. Just can't make myself eat it. We try to stick to restaurants that use fresh ingredients and make everything on site... not always easy to do, however.
It's ok to be a food snob. :-)
BJ grew up eating sandwiches; my mom cooked homemade dinners every night. So there's often a discussion around here over "what's for supper?"
That said, I go for what tastes good, not necessarily what's good for me. I've found few dishes in my day not made tastier with a big ole slab of butter. So yes, I'm a snob, too -- but of a different sort, I think.
Given your vocation, my lady, I would be surprised if you weren't a food snob. No offense was taken. I'd love to have the time and energy to explore my culinary powers, and maybe someday. But we do try to avoid the more eggregious of the pre-packaged stuff. For example Hamburger Helper hasn't been seen in our house in years. :-)
ananke: And let's not forget your computer fund!
lizgwiz: You are so right, there's nothing like olive oil & garlic! Yummy, indeed!
princess: No shame, no shame, please... ;-)
pink: Taste is expensive! ;-)
charlie: You did good! ;-)
dcmm: Restaurant can be ok, just like everything else, we have to choose the "good" ones...
tammie: I think we are all snob about something rather...
marius: Now that's good news! There are so many other good options!
ananke: And let's not forget your computer fund!
lizgwiz: You are so right, there's nothing like olive oil & garlic! Yummy, indeed!
princess: No shame, no shame, please... ;-)
pink: Taste is expensive! ;-)
charlie: You did good! ;-)
dcmm: Restaurant can be ok, just like everything else, we have to choose the "good" ones...
tammie: I think we are all snob about something rather...
marius: Now that's good news! There are so many other good options!
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