The New York Times Magazine depicts a kitchen covered with cobwebs on its cover. The title of the article is "No One Cooks Here Anymore".

Horrifying Example: The ready- food section of some local food marts may feature frozen peanut butter sandwiches for our children's lunch boxes.

Question: Do kids have lunch boxes anymore? I recall my boys choosing different themes: Davy crocket, Superman, etc. These containers were useful not only to protect sandwiches made on such soft bread that they could be flattened with an apple not strategically placed within, but they also became effective weapons during the fights they had in the return journey home. After it wasn't cool anymore…the boxes could be used to hold baseball cards, and other treasures not to be lost.

Question: What's so good about being in the kitchen anyway? Can I make time to be there? Why? We all know about the health drawbacks in processed food…the preservatives, the shelf life…(which sometimes reads like another language..) We hardly can change a habit like using the ready made, or eating fast food because it's better not to do it…..it takes effort in our busy lives.

Answer: It came from Julia Child. Her advice in the kitchen "Train yourself to use your hands and fingers, ..Keep your knives sharp…and above all, have a good time!!"

In her programs there always was a sense of fun and hope. The recipes were sometimes complicated, but the basic idea of adventure and accomplishment was there. These were tips that we could incorporate into our own kitchen. Julia was human and would laugh if something hadn't turned out as she expected.

We now have the cooking channel with numerous chefs outdoing one another. The Times points out that these often become unreal atmospheres that are entertainment rather than reality. One finds speed contests with weird ingredients that can only be found in large cities…..wild haired men eating great gulps of greasy food, chefs glaring at one another. A few are really interesting, and almost down to earth. But we're sitting there, watching the tube, when we could be putting together a chicken salad. (but maybe I'll add some grapes next time), (hint from the Barefoot Contessa)

So, why do I cook, and coming right down to it, why do I write a cooking column? Because it is interesting to do. . I find it fun to compare, to learn, and to share.

I think we all want something that is new, and a little different. It can become boring if we just make the same thing all the time. If I have learned anything, it's that each cook will probably change something in a recipe to make it "her own".

In the many places we have lived, family recipes have always been a topic of common ground, leading to lasting friendships. I have recipes from my mother and grandmothers written in their own hand. These I will pass on to my children along with memories of how I cooked together with them.

So, cooking is like the old theme, "Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue (or red or yellow or green!)

Join me in the kitchen, and have fun. And, thanks Julia! pgg