[HeyLaughingBoy]

What really bugs me about this (and yes, I realize I probably shouldn't care) is that the level of skill required to get to within 10% of the really good stuff is within reach of pretty much anyone. We're all so used to crappy store bought stuff that anything better gets labelled "artisanal" and sells for 5-10x the price.

Yes, I understand that there are many artists that are masters of their craft and deserve the respect and their prices. But there is also lots of crap that people pay good money for that tastes awful by any reasonable standard. A place near me makes these giant cookies that look awesome, but at first bite you can tell they're made with shortening, not butter. Sorry, but not worth the $3 price.

But any idiot with $10 can go to the store, buy the ingredients and make a couple dozen infinitely better tasting cookies by following the recipe on a bag of Toll House chocolate chips.

I think at the heart of it, what really bothers me is that because so few people grow up cooking anymore, we've lost touch with how easy it is to make good tasting food.

Rant off.