Making time to cook at home can be a daunting task, especially when you are juggling a busy schedule. However, the rewards of home cooking are immensely gratifying. From the aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen to the satisfaction of tasting your own culinary masterpiece, home cooking is an experience that transcends mere sustenance. It’s about the joy of creation, the love for wholesome ingredients, and the memories forged around the dinner table. To aid in this fulfilling journey, finding the best recipes becomes crucial.

Why should we prioritize home cooking? Firstly, cooking at home allows you to have control over the ingredients. It’s easy to fall into the trap of processed foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. However, when you cook at home, you can ensure that the ingredients used are fresh and nutritious. You can curate your meals based on your dietary requirements and preferences. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with food allergies or specific dietary needs.

Another advantage of home cooking is the cost-effectiveness. Eating out can be expensive, particularly if you do it regularly. When you cook at home, you can save a significant amount of money. Plus, leftovers can be refrigerated and eaten the next day, thereby saving even more.

Home cooking also provides a unique opportunity to explore different cuisines. The world is full of diverse and delicious food cultures. By trying out different recipes, you can travel the globe from the comfort of your kitchen. Whether it’s a spicy Thai curry, a flavorful Italian pasta, or a comforting bowl of Japanese ramen, the possibilities are endless.

A great way to start your home cooking journey is by mastering some basic recipes. One such recipe is Cinnamon Challah Bread. This traditional Jewish bread, known for its beautiful braided appearance and sweet flavor, is a perfect example of comfort food. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home as the bread bakes is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile – you can have it for breakfast, use it to make sandwiches, or enjoy it as a snack. To learn how to make this delightful bread, check out this recipe.

In conclusion, home cooking is a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits. It allows you to control your ingredients, save money, and explore different cuisines. Most importantly, it provides an unmatched sense of satisfaction and joy. So, step into your kitchen, find the best recipes, and embark on a culinary journey. Happy cooking!

Uluwatu, Bali

Roughly 2 days before our arrival in Indonesia we decided to go the the Mentawai Islands.  The Mentawais are a group of islands off the west coast of Sumatra.  When Willie explained that we would need to take a 2 hour flight from Bali to Jakarta, a 2 hour flight from Jakarta to Padang, a 2 1/2 hour van ride to the ferry landing, a 12 hour overnight ferry, and a 2 hour motor boat ride to get there, we all agreed, “let’s go!”.

Leaving Bali.

Leaving Jakarta, Java, Indonesia.

Arriving at the airport in Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia.

Ambu Ambu Ferry at Port Bungus, outside of Padang.

Siberut ferry landing in the Mentawai’s.

Motorboat to Macaroni’s Surf Resort.

Finally arriving at Macaroni’s Surf Resort over 24 hours of travel later.

We arrived in Bali on May 19th and stayed at the Holiday Inn outside of Kuta for 2 nights before heading to the Mentawai’s.  The hotel is just north of the Airport in Denpasar.  Surprisingly, the airport traffic is barely audible.  We stayed there due to the easy access to surfing. You can hire a boat driver for about $4 to take you to the surf breaks at the end of the runway. Apparently, you can also have pet monkeys and take them swimming.

One of the highlights of our trip to Australia was visiting Maura, an old friend from my home town, and her husband Paul.  Maura gave us a tour of Manly and the waterfront.  It is a beautiful town filled with active, young people.  It reminded me a lot of Boulder, but by the sea.  We surfed, shopped and ate together at the local cafes.  It was a wonderful way to end our travels in Australia.  I am already thinking about returning for another visit and Paul and Willie are making plans for buying a boat and sailing to French Polynesia.  Our next adventure?

Manly beach.

Old friends.

Maura and Paul.

Shopping.

Leaving Manly and heading to the airport to board a plane for Indonesia.

After touring the waterfront in Sydney, we headed to Bandai beach.  Willie and Wylie could not leave Australia without surfing this famous beach break.  While they donned their wet suits and headed out into the cold surf, Aimee and I bundled up and headed out to seek the warmth of the local shops.

Wylie checking out the scene.

Like kids in a candy shop.

Uncrowded surf for Bandai.

Avoca was a great beach for family surfing.  It was getting a bit chilly as we headed south along the coast.  The waves were small, but we all had fun.  I wish we had more pictures of Aimee and I surfing, but often times we were all in the water.  The problem with being a surfing family is that no one wants to stay on shore and take pictures.

View of Avoca beach from our apartment.

Aimee on the rocks at Avoca beach.

Willie riding small waves at Avoca.

Wylie riding small waves at Avoca.

Wylie, the bird whisperer.

Cockatoos are everywhere.

Parrots, too.

Our eco villa.

Bridge over river mouth to the beach.

The main beach at Crescent Head.

Willie surfing the beach break.

Another beautiful rainbow.

Unfortunately we did not get any surf in Yamba, but we did see our first kangaroos in the wild!