A little about Young Goods and Eats and how this project came about. For years, people have commented on pictures of food we prepare. They’ve asked for recipes, resources, and suggested we write a cookbook. Recipes and tips are pretty simple, but pieces of paper get lost, little flip books are forgotten, so I started pondering. Forever Young Grill and Eats started as a “check in” to post our dinner photos on social media. We got together regularly with our group of friends for a meal, wine tasting, and music collaborations. But in between we wanted to see what everyone was cooking. Then, my husband and I moved out of the area so it became a fun way to keep in touch.
Young Goods and Eats was the next logical step. I began diversifying work, hobbies, and interests and this combined many. I grew up around family and friends who enjoyed cooking, gardening, and preserving as a way of life. Resources for great recipes, as well as tips for gardening and preserving seem to be something everyone needs. Or maybe that’s just something we love to share and talk about. And, I like to write and share stories. Family history can get brittle and is so easily lost. I thought this could blend some of my favorite things. Hopefully it’s as fun for everyone else as we’ve found it to be. So, now you’re here and I hope you keep coming back for more.
I hope that this project will grow and expand as seasons change. Feedback from those of you who follow along will help guide me as well so be sure to leave a comment or send an email. I will develop a newsletter in the future so we can all keep in touch as well.
Hi, I’m Vickie, here’s a little more background….
I love good food, enjoy the activity of cooking, and have fun sharing the experience with friends. Cooking and enjoying food, discovering flavors, pairing great wine, and sharing memories around the table is something within everyone’s reach and a favorite activity in our home.
I was fortunate to be raised in a family of gardeners, cooks, and bakers. We wouldn’t think of getting together without having a meal. Which turned into stories and laughter over dessert. Time spent in the garden with a baseball game on the radio, in the kitchen with loved ones preparing a meal, or around a table sharing stories is irreplaceable. Connection, laughter, sharing of views and perspective to gain understanding just seems to happen best when your hands are busy. These are treasures that everyone deserves to experience and hopefully expose their children to so they might have the valuable seeds of traditions sewn in their memory.
One of the most rewarding feelings is the security of self sufficiency. To learn, improve, and enjoy the skills of gardening and preserving is so fulfilling. Annual planting, nurturing, and harvesting an edible garden for fun. Then preparing, preserving, and cooking delicious food for family and friends is nourishing for the soul as well as the body. With a little reading and practice, you can learn all of these skills. If you need assistance, it’s one of the most fun hobbies to share and brainstorm about.
Most of our family has spent some time in the restaurant business which is a great way to learn some skills, shortcuts, and work ethic. I admire and appreciate anyone who has put in their time, sacrificed their body, and spent time away from family to serve others. I prefer cooking as a hobby, encouraging others to try something new, and sharing recipes.
My Mission
My goal is to inspire you. While I share some of these experiences, you can enjoy along with us. Starting in our home garden, continuing into the kitchen, through processing and preserving, culminating in delicious and nutritious meals, and ultimately, providing you with the enthusiasm to do the same.
My Vision
If we all work together as a community, growing edible gardens, preserving for the unknown, nurturing our body, mind, and soul, we’ll all prosper! When I spend time outside, working soil and communing with nature, it builds health and eases the mind. Harvesting and preserving provides a comfort in knowing there’s plenty for the future. Cooking together with friends and family then breaking bread around the table brings joy and laughter to the home.
What can be better than making memories together?
I hope to empower others to make great food! Bring friends together for a home cooked meal, and spend time sharing ideas. Gardening and cooking are never mastered, only practiced, let’s practice together and share in the fun!
Pretty pictures are fun, but an arsenal of knowledge is priceless. Join the journey, share your knowledge, feed the community!
