Making meals

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine today regarding cooking. She asked me what foods I know how to make. Well I came up with tons of things, but somehow those things just seem so boring and usual and are "go to" meals. I'm kind of getting sick of those sorts of things, yet I don't really have time to experiment with foods lately. I probably won't have that time for about 2 years! I would just like to say, if you try to think of EVERYTHING you know how to cook it is really a massive list. I don't even know if it is possible to write it all out....

My kitchen appears on the bigger side, but it really has a poor layout and the storage is a problem. I tend to like to have quite a lot of supplies and variety, so my kitchen doesn't work well for that. I am kind of obsessed right now with figuring out what to do with the kitchen so that we have a plan and can figure out what projects to do, if we can change the layout or not, and seeking storage solutions. Eventually I will take some before and after photos and post them up here. There probably won't be any re-do for a long time though, so don't hold your breath!

Another thing with the kitchen that I kind of struggle with is the fact that it has a lot of character. 1950's vintage character. I love the 50's, and I love the retro vibe it has so I don't want to destroy it. However, I would like to update it as far as more modern function while still maintaining the character. That is easier said than done. I have limitations with placement of appliances, and storage locations. I'd consider a very small island or table in the center, but our kitchen feels kind of small for that. I don't want a drastic change either, but I would like to freshen the kitchen and make it more user friendly. Our current stove/oven only has two electric burners that work so making meals and entertaining sometimes proves to be more difficult than I'd like. Luckily we do have a new gas range in our garage but we have to do the switcharoo pretty soon or I will go crazy.

Now I am inspired so off to the kitchen I go- I'll be doing a little planning and organizing.