Cooking has always been a fun experience for me, and having a family to cook for has been such a pleasure. I don't always have time to make every meal a work of art, but I always make sure that we eat healthy, well balanced meals. The quality of the ingredients will definitely affect the final meal, but quality ingredients are not necessarily the most expensive ones! I hope that these recipes can contribute to your household's dining experience. These recipes were created within a family budget during economic turmoil. College students can enjoy the money they will save, as well as the left-over's. This book is the perfect size to throw in your carry on for your get-away. Instead of always going out, stay in, relax. Enjoy a homemade meal that is easy to cook, does not require a lot of fancy ingredients, or cooking gadgets, and is simply beautiful and delicious. Cooking is fun. After all, they are just recipes! Karen M. Fjeldheim
About the Author: Living in the Roaring Fork Valley, I am exposed to a diverse palate of cuisines due to the influx of world travelers and chefs. The creations these mountain living chefs prepare involve flavor combinations that are common in their countries, but are uniquely familiar to most of the flavor combinations we are accustomed to in the United States. This makes it easy for me to gain ideas from them and grab the ingredients from my grocery store. I want to inspire non-cookers to be top chefs in their own kitchens, and to not be intimidated to experiment with different flavors. Other than the grocery store, I obtain my ingredients from the glorious farmer's markets in my valley, as well as plucking fruit from trees in my own yard. These fresh additions create delicious flavor to my cooking- Colorado. My two year old daughter is my ultimate test subject- never failing to throw politeness out the window and telling me exactly what she thinks of the food I prepare for her. This makes me more creative with spices and vegetables. My husband grew up in Montana, where meals were eaten as nourishment to carry them through their next round of ranching chores. Having been there and tasted their wonderfully satisfying and filling meals has also provided me with ample inspiration. All those ranching women know good food. I love to cook great tasting food for my family and friends. Growing up in the Midwest with three brothers, I learned that if there was going to be a homemade meal, it was going to count. My stay-at-home mother was on a tight budget and created hearty and delicious meals to feed our family of six. This was my first glance at using ingredients we already have in the kitchen and utilizing left-over's. College taught me how to maximize the little money I had to create quick, wholesome, beautiful, and delicious food. Other than cooking, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, hiking, reading, and wine. I live outside of Aspen, Colorado, and am eternally thankful for the natural beauty I sees outside my window every day.