A Life in Exile

I recently bought a new kitchen appliance—something I haven’t done in years. I’m very loyal to the things I brought with me from overseas; plus, I don’t cook that much anymore. However, I am enjoying my new air fryer and don’t feel guilty that it’s not the large model, but meets my individual needs.

Still, getting a new gadget made me reflect on the kitchen tools I came to rely on during my years in overseas mission service. Let me share with you a few of my prized possessions and why they are important to me.

Copper-bottomed pots and pans

When Raouf and I married in 1990, I knew I couldn’t have a lot of things on my registry list, because we would be moving overseas, but I did know that starting off right with good pots and pans was essential, so I asked for Paul Revere Ware with the copper bottoms. I still have the original set we were given over thirty-five years ago. The handles do not shake, and I haven’t lost a pot!

These pots have traveled to over six countries and back to the United States. They’re great on gas stoves and heat evenly. I used them to cook countless meals for my family and guests.

I recommend getting a good set of pots and pans, because they are the foundation of every meal. Even when I couldn’t take the entire set, I’d still pack one or two in my suitcase to last me until the others followed. Nothing electric compares to the utility of the standard pot!

The pressure cooker

I know that we now have Instant Pots, which are anything but instant, but I will never replace my good ol’ pressure cooker that requires no electricity. Though I don’t exactly remember, I think I bought mine in Syria, and it has never failed to maintain pressure and cook food well.

The reason I like my pressure cooker is because you can cook meat and vegetables together, making a good stew or meal for a large crowd. I cannot tell you how many times I made the main part of Tunisian couscous in that pot. I had a couscoussier then too, but didn’t keep it upon leaving the country though my pressure cooker kept moving with me.

When I had small children, having a pressure cooker was great, because it could make a meal quickly. Surprise guests didn’t throw me off, because I knew the pressure cooker could bring a meal together in a snap.

The crock pot

Okay, I know you realize I’m showing my age to say that I received a crock pot when I married, but it really was “the thing” in cookware back in the day, and I’m glad I lugged it around the world, even if I had to use a transformer to adjust the voltage from 110 to 220. Being able to make soups or a roast without having to think about it was great, and I will still pull it out from time to time to cook beans or a winter soup.

I know there are many varieties on the crock pot, but I encourage you to find the one that meets your needs and helps cut down on your time in the kitchen, allowing you to spend more time with your kids or guests.

The griddle pan

I didn’t know how much I needed this item until I had one. I picked this up while we were serving in Tunis, and I think it was a leftover from another missionary, so it was already well used. It’s a heavy flat square of metal with a removable handle. The top is ridged, so juices flow under the item cooked.

I used this on a daily basis to make toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, pancakes, and hamburgers. Again, no electricity needed. The griddle pan is still my go-to pan for grilling needs.

The Pyrex dish

If I needed to bake a cake, which was almost every week, I could not have survived without my Pyrex baking dish. Still, cakes were not the only item I used this for, because I could make a mean lasagna as well, and that dish met my needs. These can be bought almost anywhere, but I encourage you to get one to be able to save money on buying baked goods. I made countless spice cakes for company, and the Pyrex never failed.

So, whether you like to cook or not, it is part of life wherever you live or serve. Stock your kitchen with items that help you meet your family’s gastronomical needs and can help you prepare a welcoming meal for the expected or unexpected guest.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Mission Monday post, click HERE, or check out these other posts on cooking or hospitality: Cooking in Ministry, My Go-To Cake, It’s Too Hot to Cook, More with Less, and Eggs and Pastrami.