Growing up, my mother was a teacher and earned a modest salary in the 80s. However, despite limited resources, she always made sure to provide us with the best she could. Whenever she got paid, my siblings and I had to choose between a treat in our lunch box or a Happy Meal that came with a toy. Looking back, I realize that those small moments of joy brought immense happiness to our lives. It taught me that even with limited resources, we can always find a way to make the most of what we have and bring joy to ourselves and others.
In "Twinkie, Deconstructed" by Steve Ettlinger, the author takes readers on an eye-opening exploration that breaks down the ingredients of a Hostess Twinkie, revealing their surprising origins and uses beyond the iconic snack. The book delves into the world of food science and manufacturing, uncovering how seemingly simple ingredients are sourced, processed, and utilized in multiple products beyond the beloved treat. It goes over how certain changes the little cake had to go through just to keep its reputation on the shelf.
However, sometimes change is not necessarily a bad thing. "My Drunk Kitchen Holidays" by Hannah Hart is a delightful exploration of festivities and food through the lens of Hart's unique cooking show. The book combines recipes, personal stories, and celebration ideas for different holidays while bringing Hart's signature humor and charm. Her unpretentious attitude towards cooking makes the book accessible to everyone, regardless of their culinary skills. Get a glimpse into Hart's hilarious mishaps and heartfelt moments as she navigates through recipes, often with a drink in hand, and shares her experiences, encouraging a sense of togetherness and enjoyment of the cooking process, even amidst potential kitchen chaos.
All in all, this resonates with me as I sought both culinary inspiration and a good laugh, inviting me to embrace the joy of cooking and celebrating with a playful and lighthearted approach. Even though we had limited choices, there were times I truly enjoyed being with my family. Sometimes my sister would choose a cake or brownie mix that we would bake together. It was our only bonding time that summed up how fun and full of great memories siblings can have. Or the times spent with Ms. Loretta, aka Grandma, baking oatmeal cookies, pound cakes, spice cakes, mincemeat pies, and fruit cakes. It was the time that was spent and how much love was put into the finished product. Just don't forget the most important ingredient: love! Make everything with love!