incentives

I've always loved baking, but cooking dinner is not one of my favourite jobs. Tom is very understanding of this, and says he 'enjoys' making the evening meal most nights- so I feel very lucky. But I would like to get a bit more organised in the cooking department and perhaps get a new 'cookbook'- a blank one that I can fill with tried and true, quick-to-make recipes.

In NZ, I had a copy of the book 'The Cook's Garden' by Tichborne, Browne and Leach (which is excellent, but I can't find a link) that had a recipe section at the back. Naturally the recipes were ones based on garden produce, but more than that, the focus was on recipes that were so easy and quick, that it would allow the gardener more time outside- less time cooking. I loved that part of the book- and often dream of putting together my own version of a cookbook like that.

I thought a new apron might be a good incentive for getting excited about cooking again. I used the Lotta Jansdotter book's 'Reversible Apron' pattern (i made this for the first time here) using a great leaf-print fabric I found at the second-hand store. I love that fabric. It makes me think, 'early Ikea'? I'm not sure about that though.

The best thing about this pattern is its shapely style- it's lovely and not far away from a top you might wear when you weren't cooking.

Anyway- I will let you know whether it inspires a new enthusiasm for cooking dinner around here. You never know.

Comments

[kirsten]

oh, is that what i need? a new apron? :)

i think planning the meals is the hardest - deciding what to have. but we're working on it!

[Di]

I love your apron - it is a great shape! I love to cook but not just for me so often I'll end up having fish fingers and baked beans!

[lera]

great fabrics.

[Dawn]

I'm in love with the apron AND the fabric!!!

[Oshun]

I am all with you there: a new apron ! Especially as nice as this one.

[AJ]

Love the apron. I used her pattern for my first apron and I LOVED it! Happy cooking!

[Alicia]

I also think the fabric is from IKEA, great choice!! The apron is just perfect and cooking dinner is very easy...put everything you have around in the oven, go surfing the net just to kill the time...then, place your "everything" in the middle of a big dish just vertically...and don't forget to called your creation "Nouvelle cuisine" ;P

[Billie]

I love your apron!

[Ravenhill]

The fabric is wonderful and the apron is just perfect for you. I hope you will feel more inspired in it. You certainly inspire me each and every time I read your blog!

[Guendalina]

Beautiful work! I love the fabric too :)

[Ali]

I love that apron pattern too. And I like to cook, but I hate to stop what I am doing to go and do it.

[amy]

graet apron! i've promised a friend one like this but i am running so behind!

[Esther]

This is a great apron - I made one in black and white gingham/plain black and it has become my favourite. In our house we tend to cook the same few standards every week - a big pot of chicken n vegie soup and some lasagne - not very exciting but easy and nourishing. If I'm lucky I get pancakes on the weekend!

[Susan]

You use the most beautiful fabric! and the apron is great - I have Lotta's book now, I'll have to give that a go.

[lisaannette]

Well it is really cute whether it inspires cooking or not! :)

[Heather]

When I had young children, I was afraid of using a pressure cooker...and you might be, too...but if not, I recently discovered a wonderful cookbook that makes quick and delicious meals in a few minutes. "Great Vegetarian Cooking Under Pressure". Risotto in 15 minutes, delicious soups, quickly cooked dry beans (cheap!), etc. http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=VEGETARIAN+UNDER+PRESSURE&x=0&y=0

[Jo]

Beautiful apron and fabric. I'm sporadically inspired to cook but I am also grateful for B who enjoys it a lot more. I think it stems from not eating meat for many years - I just don't know where to start! Interested to see how you get on :)

[Alison]

You know if that apron doesn't inspire you, maybe a Jamie Oliver cookbook would. I've really been inspired by his Cook with Jamie. Not too shabby!

[jessica]

Hey Melissa, LOVE the apron!!! I am not big on the dinner making myself (oddly enough I am the daughter of a chef) but somehow my family doesn't hold it against me....yet. I get it done but need a bit of help. Recently I found the most awesome cookbook, two actually...The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters and The Splendid Table's How To Eat Supper by Lynne Rossetto Kasper and Sally Swift, the latter is based on a Public Radio talk show that I have long loved, both have been a huge help to me! Best of Luck!!
Jess-

[Jessie]

Beautiful fabric! I'm constantly amazed at how you fine such great fabrics, and used/thrifted no less! Great job!

[Nipper]

Yeah, I'd say early IKEA, too. You always fall into the best fabrics! Kudos for getting your hands on it at a second-hand shop!

[Lisa]

I always find going out for dinner quite inspiring, although it does leave very few evenings in which to recreate dinner delights! the apron is perfect of course!

[alex]

The apron is really lovely. Very chic and clean. I may go purchase the book now.

[Zia Meadows]

New aprons always look much better hanging up than on me as they end up deflecting the paint glue and baby slime off of my t-shirt and of course being used as oven gloves too as we wouldn't want them getting dirty either! Maybe its just safer staying out of the kitchen!

[Jannelle]

Oh! with that lovely apron and spring produce you can't help but get inspired can you?