Is there something you do well now that you didn’t always do well? A certain task that’s become intuitive? But it didn’t used to be. It only became intuitive because you developed that skill set through experience.
I have such a skill. And it’s a very important one (cough, cough)—that my husband continues to call into question. Like he did two nights ago.
I was measuring ground beef for a Taco Soup recipe (that I got from good friend and author Tricia Goyer), and I had a 3 lb chub of ground beef on the counter. I only needed 2 lbs, so I eyed that sucker and walloped off a third.
Joe commented, “I’m guessing that’s 1 lb 4 or 5 ounces.” I said, “No way, it’s a pound!”
So out came the scale. And BAM!
He just looked at me and smiled.
When I’m cooking or baking in the kitchen, he’s been known to say, “Whoa there, you’re not measuring. How do you know how much you’re putting in?”
“I just know,” I tell him.
But that knowledge isn’t just intuition. It came from experience. From countless hours in the kitchen cooking and baking. You just know what a tablespoon of half and half or molasses looks like, or a teaspoon of salt or pepper, or a cup of flour or sugar.
And I have to say, I love cooking and baking this way. Especially when I’m making a family favorite like buttermilk biscuits. There’s something about not having to use a recipe, just as I don’t ever remember seeing my mother or grandmother use a recipe when they made biscuits. They just knew.
And then passed that intuition along to me. : )
What’s something you do well now that you didn’t always do well?
Joining in prayer with you for the people of Ukraine. Our God is able, more than able.
Tammy
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Tamera Alexander
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If the Taco Soup recipe is Low Carb or Keto, I would love the recipe. That seems to be the only diet that works for me…and makes me feel better too. I have not found a satisfying Low Carb Taco Soup recipe yet that felt hearty and tasty enough without using cream cheese. I’d love to see your recipe.
BYW: Huge Fan here… Can’t wait for your next 2 upcoming titles (Please make sure they have an option in large print.)
Thank you and God Bless you.
Here you go, Chrystal. It’s delicious and you can easily adjust the beans and corn to be Keto. Because this makes a ton of soup so even though you get carbs in beans and corn, it can be scant when dispersed over a whole pot. : )
TACO SOUP (from Tricia Goyer)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 can pinto or kidney beans
• 2 cans chili beans
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 1 can white corn
• 2 cans Mexicorn (Green Giant Steam Crisp Mexicorn, the cans are smaller than regular corn)
• 1 can stewed tomatoes, Mexican style
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes
• 1 pkg taco seasoning
• 1 pkg original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
Brown ground beef and onion, drain off fat. Add remaining ingredients (including all the liquids in the cans) and simmer for an hour or so. (I often put mine in the slow cooker and let it cook all day.) Serve with tortilla chips or Frito Scoops (that’s my favorite), shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream (all or none, your choice). I often substitute one kind of beans for another and may toss in an extra can of stewed tomatoes. Don’t forget to add the packets of seasonings or the soup will be very bland.
Admiring your skill in the kitchen. :-). Years of sewing have enabled me to recognize an inch, a 5/8 inch measure, and a foot. And though I don’t have perfect pitch, I can pluck a D out of the air and sing it. LOL! Some things just stick in your brain.
And I’m admiring YOUR sewing skill. I got none of that! Love the “D” too! Amazing that things that “stick” through the years, huh?
Making bread and pie crusts have come a long way since I first tried! I love to cook and bake and having things turn out scrumpcious is so rewarding! Thanks for the fun newsletter!
Yum on the bread and pie crusts, Kathy. Yes! Both the baking and the partaking are such comforts. : )
I’m impressed! I don’t have the skill of measuring ingredients by sight/feel. Nor do I have the skill of remembering recipes I’ve made over and over. Even if it’s a well-used favorite, I dig out the recipe and measure every item. (Even so, things don’t always come out tasting great.) Ha! 🙂
Ha! I’ve been baking and cooking since I was a girl, so I’ve had a bit more time at it than you, my friend. : ) I bet you’re a good cook!
I love it! I used to be better at “just knowing” but now that we live in our RV, the cooking has changed so much, I really do need to pay more attention to measurements. That tiny oven…