What's with the Title?

Well first, I should introduce myself. I am Heather, sahm to two handsome boys, A and Q. A is 3 and Q will be one in March. I have been married to the love of my life, K, for 4.5 years. We live in a small town in western Massachusetts.

I have always had a passion to cook/bake. I can honestly say that my dad probably instilled that trait in me. He taught me the things in life that they don't teach girls...how to change a tire, use a hammer, and never say you can't do something because you are a girl! Somehow in my bumpy childhood he managed to teach me how to cook. He was always making something and chances are we usually liked it...and their were times when we didn't!

Anyway, I have recently fallen back in love with my hobby even more. I have always cooked for my home-cooked meal deprived husband since we've been together, but NOW it has become even more of a passion of mine!

As of January 1st, 2010 we have given up most if not all processed foods!! This was a huge undertaking and it also brought on some challenges. One challenge was that I was convinced it would cost MORE to cook this way...I was wrong. I still spend the same amount of money on items, but its all healthy food. I don't need to feel guilty for feeding my family "junk" food. I started reading labels and researching how to make EVERY.THING. from scratch. There are only a few things that I don't and I'm still working on trying and making these things. Crackers and cereal are the most that is still bought in a box!

If you take a moment to read what is in some of the products we consume in our daily life I bet you can't pronounce half of them! I mean whatever happened to making bread with yeast, flour, water, and salt?(maybe also sugar, milk, etc). Even if you think its "healthy", take a second look...I learned today that the cheaper condensed milk had hidden hydrogenated oil in...well YUCK! So I did purchase a more expensive one and what was in that you ask, Milk and sugar.

There is a growing epidemic in this country called Obesity...I unfortunately fall into this category. But I am in the process of changing this and I have been doing it since January 1st. The only person I can really blame my situation on is myself...but my goal is to show you how easy it is to make the switch. Yes it takes just a few extra minutes but think of all the health benefits. I also promise you will feel healthier and feel better about yourself. I take great pride in the fact that I KNOW exactly what my kids are eating and its not a bowl of chemicals!

There is one more aspect to this blog that is also important. In each recipe you will find-Kids Help. In this section will be ways that your kids can help you make dinner. This will teach them some very valuable lessons in math and nutrition. I've had A in the kitchen since he was 2.5 and he LOVES to help me! I have even witnessed him using measuring techniques while playing. It brought a smile to my face to see that he has seen me do this so much now that he has perfected it. I could ALMOST let him make a recipe on his own...he is getting pretty good with identifying ingredients.

So welcome to my journey and I hope you find it enlightening and I hope to challege you to go from the box to the kitchen!