In my travels from Cedar City to Blanding I was listening to NPR radio. There was an interesting interview with a fellow who had written a book titled: "Out of the Kitchen Onto the Couch." His book was about cooking or the lack thereof and how it relates to television. The top ten viewed television programs include cooking/food shows. They are a hit in America. (I love them myself - favorites being "How it's Made" "Dives, Diners and Drive-Ins" "Paula's Kitchen" [ had to take a break from it as I'm trying to cut back on fat and you know Paula and butter] and others depending on my mood!). Somehow they have managed to capture audiences of all ages, including men - now how did they do that? Well, they have made them like "athletic events" with hype, competition, slashing swords, back flips and show downs big cash pots. These particular offerings are strictly "entertainment" not really teaching anything about cooking and not even providing recipes either during the show or on the web. (It took the author of the book to point this out to me - I didn't figure it out on my own!) So what does this mean to the average American? Well, he is spending MORE time watching cooking and shows and since the advent of so many of new cooking programs - LESS time in the kitchen cooking! Aren't we an enigma as a society. Evidently the average American spends 26.6 minutes per day "in the kitchen." The author of the book (sorry I was driving and didn't get his name) pointed out what a detriment this is to the American family. Cooking, gathering in the kitchen, interaction with family members and creating memories are being lost. Not to mention, Americans are getting "broader and broader" each day, developing more and more preventable diseases. He says, "we are cooking vicariously" through the cooking shows. Hmmm. So I just found it a very thought provoking program. I'm working very hard this week to spend more time in the kitchen cooking, cooking healthier meals, creating memories, talking, laughing, helping each other, eating and sharing our day. To anyone who reads this - I'm throwing down the challenge (just like "Throw Down with Bobby Flay") Don't knock your self out in the kitchen - just spend some quality time there!
5 comments:
It gets harder to do this as our numbers get smaller. But more important to remember to do it.
2 week menus! I save the ones I write too in the recipe cabinet, then when I can't think of anything to make I can pull out old ones.
I heard part of that same interview and thought it was interesting when they talked about the fact that most of the chefs on the shows aren't even the greatest chefs.. they've just got star power. Gotta love NPR!!
I have the opposite problem. I feel like I live in the kitchen. This week my sister and I made cinnamon rolls, navajo tacos, chicken salad, chicken noodle soup, rolls, and chocolate chip cookies. Not so good when you're trying to loose weight, but lots of fun memories. You should send some of your healthy recipies my way!
I'd be happy to do the cooking if i coudl pay someone to give me ideas and then pick up all the ingredients.
Post a Comment