Understanding What Constitutes 'Cooking from Scratch'

When it comes to the culinary world, the term 'cooking from scratch' often evokes images of home-baked bread, artisanal dishes, and fresh meals prepared with whole ingredients. But what exactly does 'from scratch' mean in the context of food preparation? In this article, we delve into the nuances of making dishes from scratch and explore what it really means to cook with your own hands, down to the very essence of your ingredients.

Personal Perspective on 'Cooking from Scratch'

My own experience defines 'cooking from scratch' as combining all the necessary ingredients for a dish, rather than relying on pre-made mixtures or processed products. When making a sauce, for example, I use fresh tomatoes, seasonings, and meat, allowing them to simmer together. Similarly, when baking bread, I mix the ingredients myself, ensuring no shortcuts with store-bought mixes. This hands-on approach extends to cakes, where I measure out each ingredient, rather than using a pre-made mix. In my view, 'from scratch' cooking implies the use of unprocessed or minimally processed basic ingredients to create a dish.

The Art of 'From Scratch' Cooking

While some people might go to great lengths to churn butter, grind their own grains, or harvest their own produce, I don’t feel the need to do these things. However, I do recognize that such practices can elevate a dish to an artisanal level. The term 'artisanal' refers to the skill, care, and craftsmanship involved in the process, which is different from the simple act of combining ingredients. For the most part, even those who practice traditional farming often process their grains at community mills or send their loaves to community ovens for baking.

The Evolution of 'From Scratch' Cooking

My journey in becoming a more hands-on cook began with buying pre-made pies and gradually progressing to making them from scratch. Here’s a breakdown of my steps:

Buying a Pie: I started by simply purchasing a ready-made pie. Warming Up a Pie: Next, I warmed up a pre-made pie before enjoying it, adding a can of whipped cream on top. Buying a Pre-Baked Shell and Filling: I then bought a pre-baked pie shell and a can of pie filling, placing the filling in the shell and topping it with whipped cream. Using a Raw Shell: At this point, I began to feel like I ‘made’ the pie by using a raw pie shell and canned filling. Making the Filling: As a more advanced cook, I started making my own filling using canned pies, raw piecrust sticks, and raw ingredients like apples and cinnamon. Preparing the Filling from Scratch: Later, I began making the crust from raw ingredients and preparing the filling using store-bought items. At this stage, I considered it 'from scratch' cooking, as the crust took the most skill and judgement to make. Going from Store-bought to Home-grown Ingredients: I then bought ingredients like wheat berries, salt, a shortening, and honey, grinding and preparing them myself. Farm-to-Table: Finally, I grew my own wheat, apples, and lemons, kept a beehive for honey, and a cow for butter, grinding the wheat, cinnamon, and chia seeds, grating the nutmeg and lemon peel, and squeezing the lemon juice. This step represented the most radically 'from scratch' cooking in my experience, but it was also the most labor-intensive.

In summary, 'cooking from scratch' means using fresh and whole ingredients, using basic processed ingredients, and applying your own labor, skill, and judgement in the kitchen to create a dish that reflects your personal touch and culinary expertise.

Conclusion

The concept of 'cooking from scratch' is not just about the ingredients but about the process of creating a dish that is unique and tailored to your own taste. Whether you start with store-bought mixtures or go all the way to growing your own ingredients, the key is to understand that the flavor and taste of your final dish are determined by your own labor, skill, and judgement.