Baking in a Blizzard Continued

Today's treasure was making a lemon meringue pie the way my grandmother taught me. Mycala came into the kitchen while I was making the meringue and suggested I use a mixer but I cringed and continued whipping with my balloon whisk in my copper bowl There is a satisfaction with whipping a meringue that is similar to kneading bread. It is the physical effort that makes the task fulfilling. I've always believed that the we are 'fed' through the preparation of food. If we take the time to cut, chop, knead, whip, etc., we will eat less. My grandmother never had a weight problem and she cooked and baked constantly.

If I eat food that someone else has prepared I find myself eating more than if I make it myself. That may not be true for everyone, but it works for me! With all of the prepackaged food, pie crust mixes, bread machines, prepared soups and salads, many don't even remember what it is like to do the preparation. 

My grandmother taught me the tools and techniques of cooking and baking but she also left me with an appreciation for the satisfaction of not taking shortcuts. I treasure my memories of playing with her in the kitchen and am blessed that she entrusted me with using the best equipment and even more, her secrets for folding love into all of her culinary creations!