Welcome!!!

When we got engaged 12 years ago, we began to combine our kitchen appliances, experience, and (heaven help us) methods. We discovered that while John had a great deal of experience with all levels of food, and Rachel had a great deal of experience in serving and eating all kinds of food, we truly had very different tastes. I'm sure this is not strange to most new couples. But we had a slightly different challenge than we've heard most complain of. John was used to cooking with many strange and wonderful ingredients, techniques, and tools...many of which included various forms of alcohol, liqueurs, coffee, teas, etc. And Rachel was adamant about not using those things at home since they are members of the LDS faith which believes in something called the 'Word of Wisdom' (found within the Doctrine and Covenants section 89). Within this section of scripture are found bans on using these things internally.

And so the quest began for our newly-gagged couple. Over the next several years, a great deal of experimentation on various methods began of replacing these ingredients in foods where they are often assumed to be essential. Added to that challenge was the fact that Rachel especially enjoys learning about the history of food and how to make it (when at all possible) from scratch.
And believe us, it really has been a challenge. There are often so many factors that need to be addressed whenever you replace ingredients, especially when you are either baking or attempting to use home garden grown items.

And then the wonderful, beautiful, miraculous children began to arrive, and with them other health concerns. What would be the healthiest options to cook and serve? Are there healthier was of cooking/baking so that we can still enjoy our favorites? And considering our at times frightening combined family history with health, various forms of cooking for diabetics, lactose intolerants, gluten intolerants, food allergies, etc.

So we figured that if we were struggling so much to find sources of information and recipes, we most likely aren't the only ones. So we wanted to be able to help out. So whether you are diabetic, lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, of a philosophy or religion which excludes certain methods/ingredients, or simply a real foodie that likes experimentation...we invite all to give a voice. We want to try out other peoples methods and test to find the best method or flavor we can based on our experience and the tastes of our family and friends. As well as testing new recipes (hopefully appliances...mother's and father's days are right around the corner, hint, hint) and other such, we want to try to offer choices for people who have needs for replacements or omissions. And if you have advice to share, PLEASE offer it! While we are typically found to be food fans, we definitely aren't perfect!

So come one and all, and lets learn together!