The Chef Within

I’ve learned many lessons in the kitchen over the years.  And some I’ve had to learn the hard way.  One thing I’ve learned and wish I could convince others to do is always put on an apron the minute you step into the kitchen.

When I was married (in the 70’s) I inherited some aprons from my mother.  They were half aprons made with purple and pink smocked gingham fabric that tied at the waist.  Honestly, I just didn’t feel inspired to wear them.  So I cooked in my regular clothes and over time my clothes became ridden with grease stains.  I didn’t realize this was happening until years had gone by.  I assumed all the stains were coming out in the wash but one day I couldn’t find a single article of clothing that didn’t have some kind of grease spot on it.  And at the time I didn’t make a connection between wearing an apron and avoiding stains.  I just bought new clothes and thankfully a friend told me that dry cleaning could get alot of tough stains out.  So I took some of my favorite articles to the cleaners and that helped.

Well one year, for Christmas my husband presented me with a very stylish blue and white striped Bistro apron.  It was quite professional looking and so I started wearing it.  Before long I noticed that the apron was developing a stained area.  Even after several washings the stains were still there.  It was about a year after wearing the apron that I realized my clothes no longer had stains on them.   The apron was taking all the abuse.

There are alot of cute aprons on the market today.  Buy one and get in the habit of using it.  It will save wear and tear on your clothes and it may even inspire you in your cooking.