Cooking from scratch can be a wonderful enhancement to your life, as well as a boon to your health, and it's easy on the pocketbook! (And it can be easier than you think!)

One major benefit of cooking from scratch is that it can save you money. Processed foods sell at a premium, because so much of the preparation is done for you. In most cases, fresh, unprepared foods are going to be easier on your budget, and if you learn how to cook from scratch, you will end up with a much better, more filling and nutritious meal, for a lower price overall.

One thing many people don't realize is that the more processed a food product is, the more nutrients it loses. Even something as simple as chopped vegetables! Yes, that's right -- cutting vegetables exposes them to air, and the nutrients they contain begin to break down quickly. When cooking from scratch, you can chop your own ingredients quite easily in just a few minutes -- just invest in a good knife, and it will serve you well for many years. (There are many good brands of knives out there -- ask your favorite cook for a recommendation. We like Chicago Cutlery -- this is a great brand, with excellent quality and durability -- which we highly recommend.)

If you're the adventurous type, you'll love cooking from scratch, because you will be able to experiment with new flavors, herbs, and spices, and try new cuisines you've never experienced before, while exposing your tastebuds to new and delicious foods that will nourish both your body and mind. If you like to walk on the tamer side, you will also find cooking from scratch an excellent option, as it will allow you to tailor your meals to your own palate and tastes, all without having to worry what hidden ingredients might be in your meals.

Chicago Cutlery Knife Set

Isn't it worth a little bit of preparation time, to be able to know exactly what you are eating? Prepared foods are loaded with hidden sugars, salt, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. And not only can cooking from scratch offer you better taste and nutrition, but it can even help relieve stress!

Many people find cooking from scratch to be a great way to wind down from a stressful day before settling down to a delicious dinner. If you are a beginner to cooking from scratch, we recommend starting simple. Find a simple, easy recipe, with ingredients you recognize, and invest in a few, good pieces of cookware (we like Lodge cast-iron, for its life-time durability, low cost, and natural non-stick properties). Make sure you  have purchased and gathered all the ingredients ahead of time (sometimes it is even a good idea to bring the recipe with you on your shopping trip).

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

The best place to find fresh, nutritious ingredients for your meal is at your local farmer's market, or by joining a community supported agriculture program in your area (some of these will even deliver fresh food directly to your home!). Or start your own organic home garden for the ultimate in freshness!