Creating "Cozy"

When something yummy is happening in my kitchen, those arriving home in the cold late afternoons and early evenings from long days at school or work invariably step inside, stomp the snow off their boots, and while unbuttoning their coats, exclaim, "Oh, it smells so good in here! What'cha making, Mom?"

When the weather outside is frightful, warm titillating aromas emanating from stove and oven do more than bring physical comfort - they become soul food. Instant soul food. Of course, it certainly helps that those aromas attest a mouth-watering meal meant to satisfy these weary loved ones, but those smells bring immediate warmth to heart and soul.

Hence, the advice once given me years ago from a more seasoned woman: when the time has gotten away from you and you see the clock has stolen your afternoon meal prep time; when hubby is due home soon, you have no plans, and the dreaded question is bound to be asked, "What's for dinner tonight?" - it's time to pull out the no-fail strategy. Quickly dice up some onion or garlic and saute' it in your favorite oil. Aromas full of promise will soon fill the air, so when the question comes, it is a question of expectancy and positive anticipation. You can smile and say, "You'll see!" It buys you some time for creative ideas while the family waits a bit more contentedly. (And anyways, almost every creative idea begins with sautee'd onion or garlic, right?)

Happy home-making!