The Potato Peeler (or a very non-thought provoking post)

It's the most wonderful time of the year because I get to do one of my favorite things: cook lots of food.

J hates it. But it makes me happy so he only grumbles instead of trying to talk me out of it.

It's also the only time of year that I peel potatoes and apples. I feel that peeling fruits and vegetables is a waste of my time. What's the point? There are a lot of nutrients and fiber in the peel and it's liking throwing food away - something I am strongly against.

I asked around - why people peel their fruits and vegetables? Some people felt the skin had a tart flavor they didn't like, others didn't like the texture, and some people said that they peeled their fruits and vegetables because that's what they saw their moms do growing up.

The first two answers I can live with (but personally disagree with).

The third answer I don't like. Doing something because that's what you saw someone else do growing up is no way to live your life.

I have spent some time justifying to myself how this tradition began. I'm linking it to a subtle display of wealth. It takes time to peel and there is a portion of the food that is either tossed or composted (but not eaten). Taking the time to peel or paying someone to peel the food for you would indicate that you have the money to spend the time to do that (or pay someone to do it for you) and that you are well enough off that you don't mind the portion of lost food. Bind blowing thought, I know.

When my mother and mother-in-law were here after Baby #3 was born they helped with the cooking. They both asked, at different times, where my potato peeler was. My mother almost seemed offended when I said that I didn't have one.

I did have one, at one point. And they're pretty cheap (I saw one for $1 but I doubt it is very durable). But in my mind I wouldn't use it often enough to justify spending that $1 and it would just be taking up space the rest of the year. Which is kind of hypocritical since I have a potato masher and an apple slicer that I never use and they take up way more space.

So why do I peel potatoes and apples at this time of year?

The potatoes are to make mashed potatoes which then go into the dinner roll dough. The mashed potatoes make the rolls soft and moist (for dayz). And no one wants potato skins in their dinner rolls.

The apples are for Apple Bundt Cake. And no one wants apple skins in their cake.