How people prepare food in their own kitchen is strictly their business. Even in the finest restaurants, not everything (typically) is made from scratch each day. And while it’s great to encourage people to become better cooks, how they go about that is solely up to them.

In my opinion, as long as someone is eating and cooking to the best of their abilities, that is all that matters…effort is what counts. Whether at home or out and about, it’s about feeding ourselves and our loved ones in the best way we can, and approaching all food with respect and reverence for how it nourishes our bodies.

For what it’s worth, I think most people who criticize the products or ingredients one chooses to cook with aren’t just complaining about using prepackaged or convenience foods for the sake of convenience. In truth, I think they are aggravated by the healthful (or more appropriately, the lack of healthful) repercussions of cooking with convenience foods, as often prepackaged foods aren’t the healthiest choices. That, or they truly are obnoxious, outspoken food snobs of the most impinging variety impinging on other people’s freedoms and happiness).

But again, what people choose to eat and cook for themselves and their families is strictly their business. Even though health concerns and opposing opinions can be valid, I say, “To each their own.”

Eat and let eat, cook and let cook. It really is that simple, and people should be allowed to make their own food choices – good or bad – without hearing someone else’s opinion in the process.

And really, when brownies are calling me, I’d rather rip open a box and add eggs, oil and water to answer that call in a jif!

That is a wonderful cake, btw.

I think we all need to start somewhere with this cooking business, and since I grew up on my Mom’s Betty Crocker recipes (you know, the olive green box with all the recipe cards?), I don’t mind a shortcut or 2 once in a while.

I completely agree with you about getting convenience help. During the week, it’s what keeps me out of the drive thru. Knowing that I can get some help from the pantry keeps me from blowing my budget on quick spending in the drive thru.

This cake looks great and goes to prove that if you have time for homemade, it doesn’t even have to be hard.

Great recipe by the way.

Love the look of those brownies – I’ll be marking this to try!

PS Your brownies look great!

Well you are a fab cook so I’m passing on an award to you- you deserve it!

Here’s the link:

http://www.thefeastwithin.com/2008/06/04/the-year-of-blogging-deliciously/