Cucina di Kate: Grandma's Kitchen
By Kate DeLong
My grandparents were amazing people. Like many who lived through the great depression, they lived simply. They never paid for something they could do themselves, they never bought anything they could make at home, and they never threw away an item that might be useful later (which meant they kept almost everything). What amazed me most was that they always seemed to remember what they had, and at least roughly, where it had been stored.
I will be the first to confess that I have not done the best when it comes to perpetuating their legacy, but in recent years I have at least begun to understand the wisdom of some of their idiosyncrasies. Yes, as a girl, I thought the cabinet full of tubes of toothpaste and the hand written dates on the veggie cans were just a little odd. And don’t even get me started about the dish drainer filled with freshly washed disposable plates and cups!
What I have come to understand, though, is that my grandparents were exceptionally well prepared for almost any circumstance. Blizzard? No problem. Last minute family gathering? Covered. Sudden need to board a pet? As long as the animal was okay eating table scraps. More importantly, they were not only always ready; they were prepared at the lowest possible cost.
My grandparents took advantage of discounts. If canned corn was on sale, they bought as much as they could carry (they often walked to the grocery to save gas… yes, this was when gas cost less than a dollar per gallon). If they didn’t have a place to store the extra canned goods, Grandpa would build a shelf somewhere. They saved money, they had just the right ingredient anytime it was needed, and no matter the hardship; they always had at least a little breathing room.
Okay, I still don’t wash my disposable plates (I don’t generally use them), but I have learned the benefit of a well stocked pantry. At the very least, I always have the basics on hand, and I seldom have to buy an emergency can of French-fried onions at full price!
Until next time!
Kate
Lori D 8 months ago
Never thought of it but yes, you are right!! My parents are the same way, except building the extra shelf. I have a well stocked pantry, of odds and ends! I still have to purchase something at full price or run out right before making something to get ALL the ingredients. I only get what I need but buying the max makes so much more sense! Thank you for getting my rusted wheels in my head a turning :)