Skip to Content

In My Kitchen

In My Kitchen

So this week, in lieu of a regular Monday post, I thought it would be kind of fun to do something a little different. I thought you might like a little peek behind the scenes in my kitchen.

The photo above is my itty bitty cooking space in all its antithesis of glory. I’m talking about this kitchen is a HOT MESS.

The reason I thought I should share my totally dysfunctional disaster is because when I first began this blog my goal was to inspire others to cook. To prove that seriously you guys, it’s not hard. I wanted to create a place for recipes that are not pretentious or scary or that call for spices you can only order on the internet (because when I wanna make something I don’t wanna wait 3-5 days, amiright?). I wanted to put tangible fresh food out to the world in a really easy family-friendly (budget conscious!!) way.

And I wanted to prove that it could be done without fabulous granite counter tops and a stainless steel fridge (although… I would like to note that I would very much love granite counter tops and a stainless steel fridge in our new house. Just sayin’).

In My Kitchen; Muffins

Blogging seriously intimidated me at first because EVERYTHING IS SO PRETTY. All the time. So my mismatched dishes and formica-filled kitchen seemed like a huge hurdle. Like I wouldn’t be a part of the club. When I’m having a crappy day, I still feel that way. But you- my readers- you all come from so many walks of life. I have some that probably make more money in a year than I will ever see in ten. I have others that scrape by and email me for vegan substitutions because dairy is not in their budget.

The food brings us all together.

I use really old muffin tins. I don’t own a KitchenAid mixer. Most of my photos happen on my kitchen table that I bought second hand ten years ago. If you all have been here for awhile you’ll remember that we live in a little shoebox in my version of nowhere while we save to buy a house. The only standard-sized burner on my stove doesn’t work. The knobs on my oven do not display the temperature. I have to lay a cutting board across my sink to prep my veggies.

In My Kitchen; My Table

But I still cook everyday all the time. And I still love it.

I guess the point to all this is that I’m just a home cook in a crummy little kitchen trying to feed my family and not cave in to the ease of take-out or monotony. I really truly believe that if you can read, you can cook. You just need the desire. For more about me, my background, and Sugar Dish Me read here. And here is Norma Jean, just so you know that yes, it is Monday.

In My Kitchen; Norma Jean

Beer Braised Chicken | Sugar Dish Me

Friday 22nd of November 2013

[…] kind of like to blame my very dysfunctional kitchen because if I have more than one thing going there is definitely a kitchen explosion happening in […]

JoAnn @ SweetPepperRose

Wednesday 31st of July 2013

Hi, cool post and blog! I was searching for ideas on manufactured home / mobile home bathroom remodeling and came upon your site Trailer Trashtastic - we own ours finally and are remodeling the master bath {quality depends on year, make and model} I like your style of commentary, and this post is so true... I don't have granite counter tops either, just the standard easy to clean formica, that has held up for 15 years and counting! New follower via BlogLovin'. And I love blueberry anything ;-)

Heather

Wednesday 31st of July 2013

Hi JoAnn! So glad you found your way here!!!

Ashley @CenterCutCook

Wednesday 24th of July 2013

I love this post, a lot. You are real, authentic, and don't try to be anyone else but you which is a really great thing! Keep up the great work! :)

Heather

Wednesday 24th of July 2013

Awww thank you Ashley! Sometimes I think posts like this are almost the most fun (but the most scary) to write :)

Meenakshi

Tuesday 23rd of July 2013

I loved this post, Heather! And you have shown us that success lies not in phancy photos and styling (though I'm sure it helps) but in great recipes and sincere writing. And when you have Norma, you don't need to dress up your photos :) Much love!! xoxo

Heather

Wednesday 24th of July 2013

Thank you sooooo much Meenakshi!! Just trying to keep it real over here :) Norma majorly helps-- but I'm not sure she knows that.

Simply Tia

Tuesday 23rd of July 2013

What a fantastic post! Always loved your style Heather.

Heather

Wednesday 24th of July 2013

Thanks Tia! Though I'm not sure style is the right word for what's going on in this kitchen...