My Last Home Cooked Meal: A Celebration of Homemade Cooking
Homemade food holds a special place in my heart, and I strive to incorporate it into my daily routine as much as possible. Nowadays, I find myself dining out more frequently due to various reasons, such as busy schedules and the allure of hotel food. However, I make it a point to cook at least one meal a day. In the past, I would enjoy all my meals at home, but now, my culinary adventures often begin and end at my table.
Yesterday, just like every other day, I prepared both lunch and dinner myself. Today, I will once again savor a homemade meal, nourishing my body and soul with the warmth of home.
Turkey for the Crows and Magpies
The turkey has been hanging dry for an extended period, attracting the attention of several carnivores in my neighborhood - crows, magpies, and other birds. In the serene activity of watching ants forage, I observed one lone crow pecking at the game hen. Earlier, I snapped a photo to capture this scene, and while I don't have the photo at hand, I assure you that the turkey is already in a state beyond being edible. It is now ready to be returned to the earth.
Brunch of Today: From Morning to Afternoon
Emphasizing a day filled with homemade indulgence, the brunch I prepared today was a delightful feast. The centerpiece was a delicious air-cured tsurushi bacon wrapped in an omelette, folded over a rich leftover Bolognese sauce from the night before. Accompanying it were hashed browned potatoes, English muffins, a refreshing lettuce and red bell pepper salad, and an aromatic coffee. To complete the meal, I enjoyed milk and a yogurt drink, adding a touch of indulgence to the morning.
Recalling past homemade meals, I fondly remember cooking a stuffed roast pork with crackling skin on New Year's Eve. It was a festive centerpiece that brought warmth and joy to the gathering. Additionally, a hearty chicken soup with veggies was another comforting dish on a chilly evening.
Cooking from the Ground Up
On another occasion, I prepared a whole, previously frozen chicken in a Dutch oven, using a propane oven in my trailer. While the meal didn't have the crisp, roasted texture typical of a conventional oven, it was still a satisfying and diverse dish, crafted piece by piece in the refrigerator.
On particularly busy days, a simple t-bone grilled with BBQ might suffice, as I focus more on the fuel for my body than indulgence. Truth be told, the last time I even ate potatoes or rice was a long while ago, marking an interesting trend in my eating habits.
The Value in Home Cooking
Through these varied culinary experiences, I have come to value the art of home cooking more than ever. Each meal, from the humblest to the most elaborate, offers a unique blend of flavors and memories. It is not just about the food but the nourishment, both physical and emotional, that these meals provide.
So, whether preparing a hearty turkey or a simple t-bone, each meal holds a piece of my heart and the essence of home.