On a sliver of a wall in my kitchen I have painted over the stark white with chalkboard paint. On that I have written the words “the work itself will teach you.” And it does. In that kitchen I have taught myself the basics of baking and am now venturing out into experimentation.

Anne -- I completely agree and hold onto that philosophy as well. When able I will go ahead and pick up a jar or two or a box or three of something I wouldn’t normally pick up. It’s like saving up for a rainy day. I found Reed’s article an entertaining piece.

The only thing I can hope for is that the average reader will read Reed’s column and see it for nothing more than what it is--a humorous fluff piece meant to capitalize on where the nation’s interest currently lies (the food industry, its evils, or the romantic tales of Julia Powell and Julia Child).

There was a challenge I caught on the web a few months ago that I think Reed’s little trial actually mirrored--don’t go near a market or grocery store for just one week and use the contents of your pantry. What her piece seemed to capture--at least more than trying to explain how one can dine on $50 a week did--is how much Americans collect and hoard for the sake of having (I also have a collection of books collecting dust after my first thought to read them occurred over three years ago). The better challenge is to use what you already own instead of going out to collect more in the hopes of having fodder for a future fluff piece. Accomplishing that would be well worth the extravagant dinner after “slumming” through my cupboards.

There are so many “not eating out” moments that I have been quite fortunate to have experienced with my now husband. But one in particular is one that I have tried to recreate twice now but it can never capture the same magic as the first moment. During our first year of dating I would sometimes go over to his apartment where we would cook something together. This one particular evening it was fish tacos and all I was required to do was to pick up the red cabbage. It was the first time sampling a fish taco and the first time I had ever consumed cabbage (knowingly anyway). It was delicious and so simple and one of my favorite memories. I still enjoy reliving it and I still enjoy nothing more than being in my kitchen with my husband cooking together.

Many thanks, Kim. :-)

My favorite cookbook this year has been “Rustic Fruit Desserts.” However, I was just recently gifted with “Baked,” Waters’ “The Art of Simple Food,” and “The Flavor Bible.” The last snuggled with me in bed a few nights before Christmas.