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Why My Kitchen is the Heart of the Home

farmhouse style, kitchen ideas September 17, 2015


Whenever someone asks me what my favorite room is, I always say it’s the kitchen. Not just for the way it’s decorated, but for what it means on a daily basis. The kitchen is where you provide nourishment for your family. It’s where loved ones come together during the holidays and special gatherings. And of course you remember the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” The kitchen provides our sustenance through food, but it’s also where special connections are made.
An American Farmhouse KitchenMy kitchen is simple and a little old-fashioned. I love baking cookies and making homemade meals for my family in my farmhouse kitchen. Some people don’t like cooking, but I enjoy putting a little creativity and passion into what I make. Food brings people together and more often than not, people flock to the kitchen when they get together for celebrations.
 

Tomatoes ready for canning and preservingThis time of year is especially enjoyable in the kitchen because I can pull produce from my vegetable garden or the local farmer’s market and make a variety of tasty food. Lately I’ve been exploring making food from a variety of cultures. America is considered a melting pot and we’re lucky to have access to such a diverse range of cultures and food.

 

Roma Tomatoes for Spaghetti SauceI find inspiration from other cooks, like some of the chefs you see on cooking shows… whether amateurs competing against one another or professionals like Giada or Bobby Flay. Hubby and I especially enjoy Anthony Bourdain because he introduces you to a variety of food and cultures that you might never think about.

 

Tomato Sauce made from scratchYes, it takes a little more effort to create food from scratch or try meals from other cultures, but that’s where the love comes in! For me, cooking for others is an expression of love and trying new things in the kitchen is an adventure.

 

Summer Harvest in a Farmhouse KitchenYou don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets to be successful in the kitchen, but quality appliances are important for cooking consistency. Like GE Appliances which have been in American homes since 1905. For a hundred and ten years, GE has been a part of the changing ways people cook, celebrate, live, and shape family life at home in America.

I’ve recently been inspired by GE’s documentary series, Our American Kitchen. One of the stories that stands out for me is “The Richards Family – Built with Love.” Their family includes 5 adopted children, three from Vietnam and 2 from Africa. They cook meals that are popular in their children’s homeland.

 

Watch the video and see how this family bonds in the kitchen and over meals.

 

Another inspirational story is “Chase’s Cooking Show” which features an autistic young man who found new purpose and passion through cooking. It’s truly an amazing story that I think you’ll love!

What does the American Kitchen mean to you? Tell me in the comments in three sentences or less and you’ll be entered to win a GE Cafe™ Series Refrigerator worth $3,100! Entries from participating blogs will be pooled and one winner will be chosen at random.

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on the blog post promoting this Promotion.  Your comment will be your entry.  In your comment, tell us what your American Kitchen means to you in 3 Sentences or less.
  2. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the [email protected] email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available http://www.blogher.com/american-kitchen-2-sweepstakes-official-rules.

This sweepstakes runs from 9/16/15 – 10/25/15.

Be sure to visit the GE Appliances brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

 

Filed Under: farmhouse style, kitchen ideas58 Comments

Comments

  1. Lani says

    September 17, 2015 at 8:59 am

    My American kitchen means family, love, fun, and wonderful memories. We cook and bake together-all three generations! It’s where we nourish our bodies, but most importantly our souls, by being together and sharing.

    Reply
  2. angela says

    September 17, 2015 at 9:21 am

    For me the kitchen is where good food is made and family to eat it with.

    Reply
  3. Stephanie Phelps says

    September 17, 2015 at 11:15 am

    My kitchen means love and devotion! It is were I show my love to my family and were we gather to share our lives!

    Reply
  4. SONJA HANSEN says

    September 17, 2015 at 6:22 pm

    When I think of my kitchen that I have used for 48+ years, I see the two little toddlers who first called this home. Then I see their youger brothers and sister, the many family and friends who have found their way here, and have found love and plenty of food. Happy days!

    Reply
  5. Linda says

    September 18, 2015 at 7:37 am

    The american kitchen sets the tone for all of the family life, Its where we eat, talk over problems and connect at the end of
    the day. I’ts where we celebrate living.

    Reply
  6. Jill Nelson says

    September 18, 2015 at 8:00 am

    After 20 years of marriage and three children almost grown, we are finally preparing to buy our first home! Though we’ve rented all these years I still have amazing memories of teaching my children to cook as well as many young people without parents to teach them. Where else, but in the kitchen can you bridge any age gap, cultural gap, social gap but in the kitchen baking cookies and creating treats for family and friends?

    Reply
  7. Wanda says

    September 18, 2015 at 8:31 am

    To me the kitchen is the hub of the home. It is where we begin and end our day.

    Reply
  8. irene Peterson says

    September 18, 2015 at 9:39 am

    As a senior, I am returning to my home land in the suburbs of Atlanta GA. My dream is that of a gathering room/kitchen where my family and friends can enjoy being with one another.

    Reply
  9. LaTanya says

    September 18, 2015 at 11:10 am

    The American Kitchen to me is like the heart of the home. It is where meals are made with love and care. It is also where family can come together to work and share in laughter and brings back memories from when you were little and cooked with your mom or other adult. 

    dlatany at gmail dot com

    Reply
  10. Ti says

    September 18, 2015 at 8:45 pm

    American Kitchen, as with others, epitomizes the heart and soul of family. It is the heartthrob of the family, where lessons are taught and learned, worship is giving to the Father and learning of His Love, is shared, where day to day activities… school lessons, projects, meals, heart to hearts take place. It is the souls’ meeting place for the clan.

    Reply
  11. FABBY says

    September 19, 2015 at 10:27 am

    I don’t blame you, your kitchen is so pretty, charming and warm, Jennifer.
    I too love my kitchen the most and love cooking to cook, specially baking for the holidays… for any holyday, that is!
    Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  12. Cyndee says

    September 19, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    My kitchen is the place where we cook good food to nourish our bodies. We say a prayer before each meal to thank the good Lord for our food. Our kitchen table is where my family sits to enjoy our food, and we always end up laughing at some pretty good and funny conversations.

    Reply
  13. Margaret Smith says

    September 19, 2015 at 5:59 pm

    American Kitchen to me means that it’s the place in the home that families spend the most time together, catching up and enjoying meals and time together.
    Thanks so much.

    Reply
  14. Amy Tong says

    September 19, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    To me, American Kitchen means a place where my family shares happy memories together. We love creating good meals that nourish our bodies and our souls.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply
  15. Joan says

    September 21, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    Our American kitchen is where food, love and conversation are shared. Everyone who enters our home always ends up in the kitchen, just like at parties. We love to cook for any food lifestyle since that is where creativity and food is fun!

    Reply
  16. Chris says

    September 21, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    When I was a little girl my sister and I would play this game in our kitchen where one person closes their eyes and the other person goes into the fridge and no finds something to place in the mouth of the person with their eyes shut. Oh was that ever fun! We’d start out nice…and no pickle or olive, a piece of cheese but then kids being kids we’d always have to get a spoonful of hot sauce or horse radish in! We still laugh about it to this day! And if we had a friend over, better yet!
    American kitchen means, Mom’s venison roasts and apple pies. Lots of love and laughs.

    Reply
  17. Gina M says

    September 25, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    To me, the American Kitchen refers to the heart of every home. Families all over America gather together, share great food, cook together, entertain friends and family, work on homework with their kids, and so much more every single day right in the kitchen. American Kitchen=Love.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com

    Reply
  18. Rebecca says

    September 29, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    My kitchen is a place for friends and family to enjoy home baked goodies, and to feel comfortable and welcome.

    Reply
  19. Rebecca says

    September 29, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    https://mobile.twitter.com/michael64263870/status/649037425738678272

    Reply
  20. Linda @ It All Started With Paint says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:20 am

    The American kitchen is the place we gather everyday and on special days. Isn’t that always the way? How the kitchen truly is the heart of the home!

    🙂

    Reply
  21. Pamela says

    October 2, 2015 at 11:45 am

    The American Kitchen to me means family. Our kitchen is where we come together at the end of everyday to connect and give thanx for all our many blessings. It is a place that we also teach from doing homework together to even making dinner together.

    Reply
  22. Barb Garrett says

    October 2, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    To me, Kitchen is family. Growing up on a large farm where so much of life was centralized in the kitchen, it was instilled in me at an early age that the family – and love – comes together in the kitchen. I still believe in that fully today!

    Reply
  23. Anne says

    October 2, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    The American Kitchen means, love, family, food and fun. Our kitchen is the focal point of our home. It’s where our meals and conversations bring us closer as a family. It’s where entertaining with friends and family brings joy and laughter.
    It’s memories of baking and cooking with my daughter. Our American Kitchen is our favorite room to be in.

    Reply
  24. Penny @ The Comforts of Home says

    October 2, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    What the American Kitchen means to me, is a place to prepare nourishing foods to feed my friends and family. My kitchen is the heart of my home and I love being in it.

    Reply
  25. Pamela @ FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com says

    October 2, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    The American Kitchen is where food and fun come together. Friends and family gather to enjoy life’s joys and challenges over great meals. Live, Laugh, Eat!

    Reply
  26. Kim (TheKimSixFix) says

    October 2, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    My kitchen is where my family gathers and are nourished with both food and love!

    Reply
  27. carol says

    October 3, 2015 at 8:18 am

    My American kitchen gives me a place to show my English husband and Australian born daughter how easy it is to blend all three countries into one delicious place. I love to cook them their favorite meals and to introduce them to all of my own American favorites. It is a place for me to show them how much I love them through food.

    Reply
  28. Michelle says

    October 3, 2015 at 8:58 am

    No matter the home or the kitchen, the American kitchen is where everyone always gathers to have conversation and share the days/months/years activities. There is a lot of laughter, love, passion and excitement that takes place in this very special place. It is the most important room in your house. It should be warm and inviting.

    Reply
  29. Lisa Brown says

    October 4, 2015 at 5:34 am

    The American kitchen means the place where family and friends get together, at the end of a long day or holidays/events, to relax and enjoy meals and conversation. The favorite place to hang out in the house.
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

    Reply
  30. sandra says

    October 7, 2015 at 9:52 am

    it means something that runs smoothly and seamlessly to help me get through the day

    Reply
  31. Henria O. says

    October 16, 2015 at 2:13 pm

    The American Kitchen is a place where memories are made, where stories are shared, and where love is reinforced. Food has always been a central feature complementing the most important events in life (holidays, weddings, birthdays, etc). This makes the American Kitchen a central feature of American life as well.
    sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

    Reply
  32. Henria O. says

    October 16, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sazzyfrazzy/status/655097880642908160
    sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

    Reply
  33. Betty C says

    October 18, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    I’ve lived in many places throughout my life and the kitchen has always been the center of our family home. We gather to enjoy meals, to learn to cook new foods and to share our day. It’s full of memories and love.

    Reply
  34. Betty C says

    October 18, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/655888842579296256

    Reply
  35. Debbie B says

    October 18, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    an American Kitchen means to me a kitchen with modern convenient appliances – its the heart of the home!

    Reply
  36. Debbie B says

    October 18, 2015 at 9:41 pm

    i posted a tweet here:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/655936622387572736

    Reply
  37. Shannon says

    October 19, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where the family comes together. It’s where dinner is made, kids learn to cook, lunches are prepped, Christmas cookies are baked, and family and friends come together!

    Reply
  38. Jeffrey says

    October 19, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    I learned many things spending time in my grandma’s kitchen when I was growing up, cooking and baking with love from my heart. My kitchen today is the hub of activity with our kids doing homework, snacking, preparing and eating food. Family dinners play a key role for us as they did when I was growing up.

    Reply
  39. Jeffrey says

    October 20, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    I shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/656598511237136385.

    Reply
  40. angie says

    October 23, 2015 at 9:35 am

    The American Kitchen is where family comes first and you cook to show you care. It is a gathering place for love.

    Reply
  41. Kerry says

    October 23, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    The kitchen is the place where our family gathers for conversation and nourishment over a wonderful meal that we prepared together.

    Reply
  42. Amber Campbell says

    October 23, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    The American Kitchen is the place where everyone comes together at some point of the day. It’s a place where stories are told, plans are made, and moments are shared. Someone can always be found in the Kitchen and just about any point of the day. In our house, it’s where everyone enters and leaves.

    Reply
  43. Thomas Murphy says

    October 24, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    The American Kitchen means a place for family and friends to get together for a great meal.

    Reply
  44. Ricky B says

    October 24, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/BurtArby/status/658139465790201856

    [email protected]

    Reply
  45. Ricky B says

    October 24, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    to me, the American kitchen means a place where I look forward to spending quality time with my family- where we sit together, converse & enjoy a meal or even cook together #SweepstakesEntry

    [email protected]

    Reply
  46. Atta Girl Amy says

    October 25, 2015 at 9:42 am

    The kitchen is a family gathering space where we come to share meals and bond. It is drfinitely the heart of our home.

    Reply
  47. Kristen says

    October 25, 2015 at 10:30 am

    It means a spot for us to be a family and a favorite place for my babies to help me make meals and other goodies from the height of their little step stool.

    Reply
  48. Kathryn C says

    October 25, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    #SweepstakesEntry – comment

    I feel the American Kitchen is the most important room in a house for the family as
    it is where we all grow. Not just growing from eating nutritious food prepared in the kitchen
    but growing (closer) as a family & individuals as we come together to eat, relax, converse & work on projects.

    KC
    [email protected]

    Reply
  49. Tabathia B says

    October 25, 2015 at 1:09 pm

    The american kitchen means to me a place to cook food from the heart. It’s a place for family members to gather just to sit and talk and catch up. it’s a place for families to sit and eat a home cooked meal together.

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  50. Kathryn C says

    October 25, 2015 at 1:09 pm

    my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:

    https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/658344587715588096

    KC
    [email protected]

    Reply
  51. Tabathia B says

    October 25, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/658343962692997121

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  52. KATHYSUE says

    October 25, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    MY AMERICAN KITCHEN is the hub or our home, it is where we all gather as a family. It is where memories are made, where new and old family traditions begin and happen. My little artist create pieces of art here and the entire family plays games at the kitchen table. All and all I would say it is the most important room in our home!

    Reply
  53. Erica Best says

    October 25, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    american kitchen is more of a state of mind and not the kitchen it self

    Reply
  54. Erica Best says

    October 25, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/658401823729065984

    Reply
  55. Angel Jacklyn says

    October 26, 2015 at 2:23 am

    2nd entry https://mobile.twitter.com/kytah00/status/658544119791374336

    Reply
  56. Angel Jacklyn says

    October 26, 2015 at 2:25 am

    The American Kitchen is a place my passion for cooking began and ends every night

    Reply
  57. Shawn Gallagher says

    October 26, 2015 at 2:32 am

    It’s a game changer- it changes with each generation like the conventional family unit…

    Reply
  58. Shawn Gallagher says

    October 26, 2015 at 4:21 am

    https://mobile.twitter.com/Esham4life/status/658573998679302144

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Jennifer and I'm happy to have you here! I live where the suburbs meet the country, which affords me the best of both worlds. Come along on my journey where I share decorating, cooking, gardening and more as it relates to both city and rural life. Visit my new sister site, Pond and Garden, for outdoor ideas and inspiration.

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