What does the kitchen mean to you? Is it simply a place to cook, maybe a place you associate with end-of-the-day stress and tiredness, as you prepare an evening meal?
Or it is the heart of your household and family?
For many who embrace the 'country kitchen ethos', that's exactly what is it. It is a central gathering point in their house, where family members old and young congregate to talk, eat and hang out. It's where people tend to end up during parties, sitting around the kitchen table with a glass of wine, where kids sit and talk to Mommy while she cooks.
The kitchen is not just a place to make food. Cooking is seen as an act of nurturing; preparing a meal for your family to enjoy together, which is an act of love and giving. People who love to cook often love it because of the pleasure it gives them when they present their offerings to others, and in turn enjoy the receivers' pleasure in the food.
Make it your goal to find your inner country kitchen. If you feel that this is a long way from how you feel about your kitchen, take some time to prepare the scene. Clear those dishes from the sink. Wipe down the countertops and put a bit of shine to your stovetop.
Then find that cookie recipe you love. You know, the one where they're barely out of the oven and you have to 'quality test', just a tiny bit. Just one cookie. Or two, or three.
Don't have a cookie recipe? Well, you're in the right place to find one. This is Georgia, the home of the family recipe. Ask around for a recommended recipe - an older neighbor is a great place to start when looking for a tried and true classic that's been passed down for generations. If you still can't find anything that tickles your culinary creativity, try the internet - you can't get much more Georgia born and bred than Paula Deen and her cookie recipes are a great place to start!
Bake. Make your kitchen smell mouth-wateringly good. This is all part of 'setting the scene'. And yes, you're allowed to quality test. And lick the bowl, if you so please. And the mixing spoon.
Then - and this is the most important part - SHARE. Leave a plate of cookies out for your family, they'll love you even more for it! Take some in to work, and share with your co-workers as an afternoon snack. Bag some up and share with family and neighbors. Food in your country kitchen is about giving and sharing.
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