Since most of the major chains originated in the United States, there exists a nearly universal perception that it is a fast-food nation. Rising rates of obesity and type II diabetes lend credence to this view. But when we dig a little deeper we find that home cooking is not a lost art in America. In fact, it is more popular than ever!
Julia Child was the first bona fide celebrity chef. All of the gastronomic stars of today owe her a huge debt of gratitude. Without her there would be no Gordon Ramsay, Paula Dean, Rachael Ray or Bobby Flay. And there certainly wouldn't be a Food Network or a Cooking Channel. These personalities and networks exist because Julie Child convinced Americans that cooking could be rewarding and fun.
When her show, The French Chef, deputed in 1963, the average American home cook knew a handful of simple recipes. Hamburgers, meatloaf, casseroles, and spaghetti were standard fare. But Julia Child got them interested in more exotic dishes that could easily be prepared at home. As a result, the size of the average American kitchen expanded, as homeowners purchased more appliances and cooking implements.
Where are we now?
America has always been a nation of extremes. Cooking is an art that some homeowners love and others loathe. But according to the results of a recent Harris Poll, people enjoy it far more than they did in the past. Four in five Americans say they like to cook, while three in ten say they love to cook at home. Now, that might seem like a small number, but historically it's not bad. Cooking was almost always seen as a chore. But now thirty percent of us love it and think of it as a hobby. Why the change?
There's no doubt that culinary shows have changed the way we cook at home. Some experienced home cooks can prepare restaurant-quality dishes in their kitchens. This would have been unthinkable before cooking shows caught on. What's more, these programs have helped alter the perception that cooking is only for women. According to the results of the poll, men are now more likely to say they love cooking than women (32% versus 28%).
While it is true that Americans eat out more than they used to, most serious home cooks prepare meals in their own kitchens at least four times a week. Even more interestingly, they don't do it to save money. Fast food and casual dining is often less expensive and much faster than making food at home, which means that people cook in their own kitchens because they enjoy it. They like trying out new recipes and feeding their families with what they make.
Popular Kitchen GadgetsHome cooking takes time. Cutting corners is one thing, but using gadgets that help sped up the process is a practical necessity. Most modern kitchens are now equipped with microwaves, coffee makers, and dishwashers, all of which make cooking and cleanup faster and easier. There are also gadgets that make preparing specific dishes a breeze. Let us take a moment to discuss them.
Popup Poultry TimerTurkey is the traditional meal for popular family holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most new homeowners try out several recipes before they invite their friends and family members to their new abode. But one thing they often forget is to buy a proper meat thermometer or popup timer. Contrary to popular belief, not all frozen turkeys are equipped with these handy and necessary devices. Cooking a turkey or a large chicken without one is not only difficult, it can be dangerous. Salmonella poisoning kills about 50 people a year and makes 1.4 million folks sick. It is almost always the result of consuming poultry products that are undercooked.
A reusable pop-up timer is a convenient and affordable way to ensure that the food you are serving is safe. There are many different models out there, but we prefer ones that are made of stainless steel and silicone, because they are dishwasher safe and very durable. Most can be used for years before they must be replaced. Not bad for a product that costs less than a sawbuck!
Can CrusherWhile not a cooking utensil, appliance, or implement, can crushers can help any home cook keep things neat and tidy and cut down on waste. Instead of hauling out the recycling every week, a compactor can make it a monthly process for pennies on the dollar. Most models can be wall-mounted in the kitchen, pantry, or laundry room.
Hamburger PressThere's a reason supermarkets sell hamburgers in preformed patties. Rolling and patting ground beef into hamburgers isn't quite as easy as it seems. A lot of times the patties fall apart in the pan or on the grill because they are too soft or have too much air in them. A hamburger press is a simple machine that produces perfect patties every time. Look for one that is made of non-stick aluminum and is dishwasher safe.
Kitchen gadgets can make preparing a meal at home faster and more enjoyable.
