Living in America

In the January 2006 issue of Gourmet Cooking, the magazine stated that America is not a "nation of cooks", and that Americans are spending less time cooking than ever before.

World Monitor wrote in a January 2006 bulletin: " When it comes to eating out, eating on the run, or bringing home prepared food, Americans are in the league of their own. Compared to the rest of the world, it seems America will do almost anything to avoid turning on the stove."

Indeed, coming from a Chinese culture where home-cooked meals and dining together represent traditional family values, there are so many products in the United States that leverage on the insight and benefit of "ease and convenience"

• American culture = Drive-thru
• With Ziplock Zip n Steam Bags, you can cook almost anything by throwing veggies or chicken in a plastic bag and punching some numbers on a Microwave
• American food = fillets. Rarely do you see bones in any type of meat, poultry, not to mention, fish! ( Now would I sacrifice eating delicious juicy meat that requires skillful eating, or just go ahead with a piece of dry chicken breast?)
• A whole aisle (or two) in the grocery store can be dedicated to frozen foods and TV dinners
• Campbell's Soup at Hand Cups is just brilliant
• General Mill's Betty Crocker Warm Delight Deserts...what an innovation! Desert for the lazy American...

More to come...