I wish I were a foodie

Cooking has always been a part of my family.  For as long as I can remember, my family has gathered to feast for large and small events with enough food to feed an army.  Cookbooks fill many kitchens in my family along with cute little boxes of handwritten recipes from my great-grandparents.  I owe most of my cooking and food knowledge to three reliable sources: mom, Granny, and the interwebs/Food Network.  My mom battled a busy work schedule growing up so I took over cooking for my family at a young age, but she continues to tackle those large family gatherings with classic family favorites or an attempt to sneak in something new and different (my favorite).  Granny taught me a lot about the basics: how long to boil an egg (even though now I bake them!), how to set a table, how to be a good hostess, and to always serve the eldest first.  She's an amazing cook and truly an entertaining wizard.  I love cooking with her.  And good ole Food Network/internet food finds...well this has given me something to look forward to.  You see, I set off the fire alarm at least monthly and see that look of "well, it's good, but I won't be going for seconds anytime soon" on my husband's face at least once a week.  I'm constantly battling what the directions tell me to do in a recipe and my desire to use what I have....this is not always a good combination....as I have found.  I even made a goal this summer to cook through an entire cookbook.  Did I even look at a cookbook to cook through? NO!  Argh.  We did try E-meals for a good two weeks or so, but those looks I mentioned from Logan from before came up more than often so it's back to me making a menu and not relying on someone to do it for me.  I guess in some ways food also is a big enemy of mine because not only do I want to cook delicious amounts of it and be that mom who is a good cook, but I really try to be healthy.  Unfortunately, food has been a comfort of mine for many years and I know it can't be.  God is my comfort.  My strength, my shield.  So I was pretty excited when tonight I got lots of compliments from Mr. Logan about my meal choice.  Pioneer Woman's Lasagna!  It was delicious and I know it wasn't as healthy as I'd like, but it was good to know I made something right!  Thanks PW, you're the best...and I really think our families could be friends.  We both have a ranch, and cows, and like to cook?  You see the similarities.

If you want to teach me any secrets you're keeping to yourself about food or ordering well off a menu or planning a menu for a week or following directions on a recipe, then please share.  I need all the help I can get.