Do you cook most things "from scratch," or do you like prepackaged better?

I prefer to cook almost everything myself. It tastes better, it's healthier and it's cheaper. I prefer to know what's going into my food, so if I make it at least I know exactly what's going into it.

Yes, I always cook from scratch.. it's cheaper and healthier than prepackaged/processed meals..my specialty is filipino cuisine (sinigang, tinola, caldereta, menudo, beef steak, adobo, ginataan) among others.. i have learned how to cook when i moved out from my parents house.. i have got no choice but to prepare meals myself.. =)

From the health point of view, it seems we are lucky in India that the packaged food industry is not so popular. Well you would see rows of packed food on the supermarket shelves, packs you can just put into the oven and heat and eat...but I tried them a few times with disappointing results. The taste was definitely not like home-made, the quantity was not sufficient and in teh bargain, the pricing was quite steep. So I prefer cooking from the scratch...as it is we have our local markets where the produce is fresh so we buy few frozen food. Time is definitely a factor, but I have got used to it.

Well, I really want foods that were cooked by myself from specially if I have plenty of time. You can prepare it on the way you like it to be. But if time prohibits, instant foods are also welcome but yet am still checking and conscious on its label.

hi peacefulwnm9 i do not prefer cooking food from pre packed food package or canned food......they have all the tastes in them but i personnel feel that they lack in something......i generally prefer to cook food from the scratch........i love to cook from the scratch other than a few dishes such as pasta....i buy ready made pasta....as it is quite difficult to make pastas at home......but i make the sauce at home......my family also like food that is cooked from scratch and as i have one graduation in culinary i know to make sauces from scratch......

i think it is best to use a variety; buy pulses and grains tinned to avoid the hassle of soaking overnight then use these to create food from scratch. Tinned tomatoes are one of the most convenient items i use; and create just as rich and flavoursome pasta sauces as any bought from a jar or made using real tomatoes!

i love to cook from scratch. my speciality is sirloin steak with a brandy sauce with boiled potatoes and poached asparagus finished off in butter. i find the whole process of cooking a great destresser after a crap day at work.

I'm bad about not cooking from scratch, yet I find it much more rewarding when I do. Cleanup is what I hate lol. There is something deeply satisfying to me to get the hands messy kneading dough, and I find it fun getting out the mixer and beating ingredients. What really makes it worth it is the smiles and the "Yums" that I hear from both the husband and the children.

i love cooking from scratch. pre-packaged food is great on those days i'm too busy. but on my days off, i prefer cooking from scratch. for me, the whole experience starts from going to the market and buying the ingredients to actually pouring yourself into the task at hand. Its like a sort of art for me, with the reviews given once the food has been consumed.

I almost always cook from scratch. It's cheaper and healthier, and it needn't take too long. However, here in Spain, the packaged and canned food can be as food as fresh. I look packaged tortilla, and canned meatballs (albondigas). I do save time by using jars of cooked chickpeas and beans, instead of soaking dried pulses. I think the secret is not to rely too much on any single element of food. Everything in moderation, including moderation!