why do you love cooking essay

Beyond the Recipe: Why I Love Cooking and Its Impact on My Well-being

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: May 30, 2023  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Lifestyle

As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, nothing is more liberating than harnessing the power to concoct mouth-watering dishes in your kitchen. Cooking unlocks endless creative possibilities and grants you the freedom to savor life through all its diverse flavors.

Now picture yourself as an artist and scientist – wielding wooden spoons like paintbrushes and blending ingredients like a master chemist. When cooking, you can experiment with various flavor combinations and craft delicious masterpieces that tantalize everyone’s palate.

There’s no greater joy than seeing loved ones gathered around a table laden with delicacies created by your hands while engaging in lively conversations filled with laughter and warmth.

In this article, we’ll embark on a journey exploring why I love cooking so much – from honing essential life skills to fostering community connections through shared meals; discovering cultural diversity via cuisine; supporting local agriculture through farm-to-table initiatives; expressing love and care for others; promoting sustainable living practices; and reveling in the boundless creativity that makes culinary artistry such an exhilarating adventure.

The Art of Culinary Creativity

There’s nothing quite like the colorful dance of ingredients blending to form a masterpiece in the kitchen. As you embark on your culinary journey, you’ll bask in the joy of culinary improvisation and recipe fusion, transforming traditional dishes into your own unique creations.

Cooking allows for endless possibilities as your senses come alive with each new flavor combination or experimentation. In this realm of creative freedom, you can redefine what it means to be a chef. You can break boundaries and explore uncharted territory by combining flavors from different cultures or experimenting with unconventional techniques.

Every dish becomes an opportunity for self-expression and growth, allowing you to leave your mark on every plate in your kitchen.

The Science Behind Flavor Combinations

Imagine the explosion of tastes on your tongue as you experiment with different flavor combinations, unlocking the hidden secrets of delicious culinary creations. The science behind these mouthwatering concoctions lies in molecular gastronomy and flavor chemistry – two disciplines that help explain why certain ingredients work so well together and how to create new, exciting flavor profiles. By understanding the principles of these sciences, you can transform your cooking from a simple hobby into an art form that allows for endless exploration and creativity.

Dive into the world of molecular gastronomy and flavor chemistry by considering these fascinating aspects:

• Food pairings : Some ingredients naturally complement each other due to their shared chemical compounds. For example, chocolate and coffee contain pyrazines, giving them a rich aroma that pairs beautifully together.
• Taste balance : Achieving harmony between sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami flavors creates dishes that are complex and satisfying. Understanding this balance lets you play with contrasts or innovatively enhance specific flavors .
• Aroma profiles : A dish’s aroma is as important as its taste. Experimenting with herbs, spices, or unconventional additions like flowers can introduce captivating scents to your culinary creations.
• Texture manipulation : Molecular gastronomy techniques such as spherification or foams can completely change a dish’s texture while preserving its original flavors – think liquid olives or airy whipped cream.
• Temperature control : Temperature plays a crucial role in how we perceive taste; cold foods tend to have more muted flavors, while hot dishes often feel richer. Mastering temperature manipulation can open up new possibilities when presenting your food.

By embracing the scientific side of cooking through molecular gastronomy and flavor chemistry knowledge, you unleash your creative potential and embark on a journey towards culinary freedom – where rules are bent or broken entirely in pursuit of extraordinary taste experiences.

Building Community Through Shared Meals

It’s no secret that breaking bread together has a magical way of bringing people closer, and in today’s fast-paced world, shared meals have taken on an even greater significance.

Like a symphony orchestra where each musician contributes to the harmony, connecting with others through food allows us to share our stories and experiences while weaving them into a tapestry of friendship and understanding.

Communal feasting, whether a family dinner or potluck gathering among friends and neighbors, has been at the heart of human connection since immemorial.

These events remind us that we are all part of something greater than ourselves – an interconnected web that thrives on generosity, openness, and a willingness to engage with one another.

As you cook for these shared meals, take pride in knowing that your culinary creations provide sustenance, nurture relationships, and foster camaraderie among those around the table.

Experimenting with new dishes or simply preparing tried-and-true favorites allows you to express yourself creatively while sharing your passion for food with those who appreciate it most.

So go ahead – host your communal feast or join in on someone else’s potluck gathering; there’s no better way to celebrate life’s simple pleasures than by sharing them with others who share your love for cooking and good company.

Developing Essential Life Skills

The joy of cooking extends beyond the satisfaction of a delicious meal; it also encourages the development of essential life skills. A culinary endeavor, whether it’s preparing a simple breakfast or an elaborate dinner, is a hands-on experience that strengthens various abilities and aptitudes.

• Problem-solving : Confronted with a missing ingredient or a dish that didn’t turn out as expected? Cooking naturally teaches you to think on your feet and find creative solutions, much like solving real-life problems.
• Time management : Juggling multiple dishes simultaneously calls for strategic planning and effective time allocation, skills that translate well into professional and personal life.
• Budgeting and financial planning : Cooking at home often involves shopping for groceries within a budget, understanding value for money, and reducing waste – all crucial for effective financial planning.
• Creativity and Innovation : With thousands of recipes and countless flavor combinations, cooking provides a platform to experiment and innovate, fostering creativity.
• Mindfulness and Stress Relief : The cooking process can be therapeutic, promoting mindfulness and serving as a stress reliever.

These skills honed in the kitchen readily transfer to other areas of life, underlining why I love cooking and its holistic benefits.

Exploring Cultural Diversity Through Cuisine

Diving into various cuisines worldwide offers a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate cultural diversity through food. For instance, attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony could deepen your understanding of their rituals and values while savoring matcha-infused delicacies.

As you venture further into exploring different cultures’ culinary creations, you’ll satisfy your taste buds and gain insights into the rich history, traditions, and techniques that form the foundation of these dishes. You may create cultural fusion dishes in your kitchen or seek out authentic street food during your travels, further broadening your horizons and feeding your desire for freedom.

Some experiences that can evoke an emotional response include:

• Savoring a steaming bowl of pho in Vietnam as locals share stories about their heritage.
• Biting into crispy falafel at a bustling market in Israel while absorbing the vibrant atmosphere.
• Indulging in handmade pasta at a family-owned trattoria in Italy, feeling connected to generations of culinary tradition.
• Sampling smoky mezcal with freshly made tortillas in Mexico, appreciating the craftsmanship behind each sip and bite.

Embarking on this journey to explore global cuisine not only satiates your hunger for delicious flavors but also nourishes your spirit by exposing you to new perspectives and connections. Doing so grants you the freedom to break free from routine meals and step outside of your comfort zone – ultimately allowing you to grow both personally and gastronomically.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Cooking

As you delve into culinary arts, you’ll discover that whipping up your favorite dishes can be more than just satisfying cravings – it’s a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and stress relief.

Engaging in mindful cooking allows you to focus on the present moment, appreciating each ingredient’s colors, textures, and scents as they come together in harmony. This heightened awareness transports you away from daily stressors and into a tranquil space where creativity reigns supreme.

The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the sizzle of aromatic spices hitting hot oil, and the satisfaction of seeing a beautifully plated meal emerge from raw ingredients all serve as mini escapes from reality.

These sensory experiences provide stress relief and foster deeper connections with yourself and others by sharing meals prepared with love.

Experimenting with New Ingredients and Techniques

Embarking on a culinary adventure, you’ll unearth a treasure trove of new ingredients and techniques, adding vibrant colors to your palate’s canvas while expanding your kitchen prowess.

Ingredient experimentation allows you to break free from the monotony of everyday meals, opening up an entirely new world of flavors and textures. As you bravely take that leap into the unknown, exploring exotic spices or dabbling with unconventional produce, you’ll revel in the thrill of discovery – taste and technique mastery.

As you dive deeper into this uncharted territory, each experiment will further hone your skills as a fearless culinary artist whether it’s mastering the artful swoosh of a sauce reduction or perfecting the delicate dance between heat and timing when cooking seafood, every challenge conquered will fuel your desire for more.

Your newly acquired techniques will become powerful tools, enabling you to create dishes that tantalize the taste buds and set hearts ablaze with passion for life’s boundless possibilities. With each daring endeavor in ingredient exploration and technique mastery comes newfound freedom – the freedom to create gastronomic masterpieces that bring joy to your table and soul.

The Satisfaction of Home-Cooked Meals

You’ll find something extraordinary about the satisfaction of home-cooked meals, as they nourish both your body and mind while fostering a deep sense of accomplishment. The process of meal planning and recipe customization allows you to express your creativity in the kitchen, crafting meals that are tailored to your unique tastes and dietary needs.

Consider these benefits of embracing the joy of home cooking:

• Control over ingredients : When you cook at home, you have complete control over what goes into your meals – from selecting fresh, wholesome ingredients to adjusting portion sizes for optimal nutrition.
• Personalized flavors: Recipe customization means experimenting with spices, herbs, and other ingredients to develop flavors perfectly suited to your palate.
• Quality time : Preparing and sharing a home-cooked meal can be an opportunity for meaningful connection with family members or friends, building memories around the dining table.

As you explore new culinary techniques and embrace the freedom associated with creating your dishes from scratch, you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking. Home-cooked meals encourage mindfulness in both their preparation and consumption; by taking time to savor each bite, you can fully experience the deliciousness created through your efforts.

Furthermore, this mindful approach can extend beyond just mealtime – it empowers us to live life more intentionally and authentically. Embrace the gratification derived from homemade creations; let it fuel your hunger and feed into that subconscious desire for the freedom we all seek.

Boosting Confidence in the Kitchen

As you savor the satisfaction of home-cooked meals, another delightful aspect unfolds in your culinary journey – boosting your confidence in the kitchen.

It’s time to unleash your inner chef and explore the endless possibilities that come with kitchen empowerment.

Daring to experiment with new recipes and techniques enhances your cooking skills and fosters a sense of accomplishment as you create delicious dishes from scratch.

Embrace recipe experimentation, take risks, and learn from success and failure.

As you master new recipes, please share them with friends and family or even host a dinner party to showcase your culinary prowess, fueling newfound independence and freedom within yourself.

The Joys of Baking

Diving into the world of baking can be a delightful adventure, with each recipe symbolizing a new opportunity for personal growth and scrumptious satisfaction. Even when faced with baking mishaps, embracing the process teaches you valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. Each mistake provides an insight into the importance of precision and patience in dough handling, ultimately leading you closer to mastering the art of baking.

As you delve deeper into the world of pastries and confections, you’ll find that your creativity flourishes in ways never imagined before. The joy and freedom of experimenting with flavors, textures, and presentations will fuel your passion for this magical craft.

So roll up those sleeves, dust off your apron, and embark on a thrilling journey filled with endless possibilities as you uncover the secrets behind delectable baked goods that’ll delight not only your taste buds but also your soul.

Mastering the Art of Presentation

But let’s not stop at the sweet satisfaction of baking. There’s another aspect of cooking that truly allows your creativity to shine and elevates your culinary creations to a whole new level.

Enter the world of mastering the art of presentation, where you’ll strive for presentation perfection.

Plating techniques are essential in this journey, as they help transform an ordinary dish into a visually stunning masterpiece. You can play with colors, textures, and shapes to create a beautiful canvas on display your delicious dishes.

And it doesn’t just end with how it looks; perfecting your presentation skills also means ensuring each element on the plate complements and enhances the flavors of your creation, leaving your guests in awe and craving for more.

So go ahead—unleash that inner artist within you and explore newfound freedom in expressing yourself through food!

Farm-to-Table: Supporting Local Agriculture

Embracing the farm-to-table movement not only supports local agriculture but also brings the freshest ingredients straight to your kitchen, allowing you to create vibrant and flavorful dishes that showcase the true essence of each season.

By choosing locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable food system that nourishes both people and the planet. The benefits of local food reach far beyond its delicious taste; it helps preserve our agricultural heritage while fostering a sense of community among farmers, chefs, and consumers alike.

Experiment with new recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients or put your twist on classic dishes for an unforgettable mealtime experience. And remember: every bite counts when it comes to supporting our agricultural impact on this beautiful earth we call home.

Cooking as an Act of Love and Care

As you embark on this culinary journey, let your kitchen become your canvas and each meal a masterpiece, reflecting the tender affection and care you pour into every dish. Cooking isn’t just about preparing sustenance; it’s an art form that allows for nurturing relationships and expressing affection in ways words often can’t capture.

Dedicating time and effort to creating a sumptuous feast or even a simple meal for your loved ones sends a powerful message of love and care. The tantalizing smell wafting through the air as you cook creates an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

Recipes passed down through generations carry with them stories of love, laughter, and shared experiences – making every bite taste like home. Sharing a meal cultivates emotional connections, allowing for open conversations that strengthen bonds.

Tailoring meals to suit individual preferences or dietary needs demonstrates attentiveness to their well-being.

Remember that cooking’s an act of love transcends borders, languages, and cultures – uniting us all under the universal language of deliciousness!

The Role of Cooking in Sustainable Living

Now that we’ve explored the emotional aspect of cooking as an act of love and care let’s dive into another reason to be passionate about this art form – its role in sustainable living.

Embracing cooking can help you contribute to a greener planet by promoting sustainable meal planning and zero-waste cooking. As someone who cherishes freedom, you’ll appreciate how these practices offer independence from wasteful habits and reliance on environmentally damaging food systems.

Sustainable meal planning involves choosing ingredients mindfully, focusing on locally sourced, seasonal produce to reduce your carbon footprint. Doing so supports local farmers and reduces the energy consumed in transporting food over long distances.

Zero-waste cooking further complements this approach by utilizing every part of the ingredients you buy, minimizing packaging, and repurposing leftovers creatively. This way, you prevent unnecessary waste and save money while creating delicious meals that nourish both body and soul.

So go on – indulge in the joy of cooking while playing your part in preserving our beautiful planet for future generations to savor!

The Endless Possibilities of Culinary Creativity

You’ll be amazed by the boundless opportunities for culinary creativity await you in the kitchen, allowing you to unleash your inner artist and experiment with flavors, textures, and techniques! Culinary improvisation is an exciting way to transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

The freedom to play around with ingredient fusion can lead to unexpected combinations that tickle your taste buds and broaden your palate. Imagine combining sweet mangoes with spicy sriracha or mixing creamy avocado with tangy goat cheese; the possibilities are endless!

As you delve deeper into culinary exploration, don’t hesitate to challenge yourself by trying new cooking methods or venturing into unfamiliar cuisines. By doing so, not only will you develop a greater appreciation for diverse food cultures, but you will also expand your repertoire of skills and knowledge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some reasons people love cooking.

There are several reasons why people love cooking. For some, it’s a creative outlet to experiment with flavors and ingredients. For others, it’s therapeutic, providing a sense of calm and control. Cooking can also be a way to express love and care for others, creating meals that nourish and comfort. Moreover, it directly connects to cultural heritage, passing down recipes and traditions through generations.

How does cooking enhance personal well-being?

Cooking has many benefits for personal well-being. It promotes mindfulness, as preparing food requires focus and attention to detail. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment as you transform raw ingredients into a delicious meal. Additionally, home-cooked meals are healthier than fast food or processed foods, contributing to better physical health.

Can cooking help improve relationships?

Yes, cooking can certainly help improve relationships. It’s a cooperative activity that requires communication and teamwork, especially when preparing meals. Sharing food you’ve cooked can foster a sense of community and intimacy and provide an opportunity to create shared memories. Cooking for others is also an act of care and generosity, which can strengthen relationships.

How does cooking contribute to self-sufficiency?

Cooking equips individuals with the skills to nourish themselves and others, leading to greater self-sufficiency. It offers control over ingredients and portion sizes, enabling informed choices about dietary needs and preferences. Cooking at home can also be more economical than dining out or buying prepared meals, providing financial benefits.

What can someone do if they want to love cooking but find it stressful?

For those who find cooking stressful, starting with simple recipes and gradually tackling more complex ones can be helpful. It’s also beneficial to view cooking as a process of learning and exploration rather than focusing solely on the result. Online tutorials, cooking classes, and cookbooks can provide guidance and inspiration. Organizing the kitchen and planning meals can also reduce stress and make cooking a more enjoyable experience.

5 Reasons I LOVE Cooking

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #9b9b9b;”] L[/dropcap]ast year I had a huge ‘a-ha’ moment about my business and my blog. One of those big ‘lightbulbs-flashing’ realizations.

Basically I’ve been doing you a disservice.

I’ve been apologizing for asking you to spend time in the kitchen (I did write a whole book of 10-minute recipes ) instead of inspiring you to enjoy your time cooking.

I still believe that delicious, healthy food need not be complicated nor take hours and hours. And I still believe in the power of keeping things simple.

But from now on I promise to lead by example. And inspire you to enjoy one of (my) life’s biggest pleasures more often.

So let’s get the year started in a positive way with the 5 biggest reasons I just love hanging out in my kitchen (with a baby playing on the floor).

1. It’s fun.

I love that cooking give me a chance to be creative and indulge in some ‘play’ time – something we adults could do with a lot more. I adore losing myself in the rituals of chopping, stirring and tasting.

2. It’s delicious.

When you’re cooking you get to choose what you make AND what goes into each dish. You also get to choose the quality of the ingredients. So it’s easy to make things that are the most delicious to you.

Love chilli (like I do)? Then add more. Love sharp, acidic flavours (like I do)? Then add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon.

Think of it as a choose your own (tasty) adventure.

3. It’s good for your body.

The more I learn about nutrition the more I’ve come to realize that the most important factor for healthy eating is to avoid processed food and focus on using real ingredients.

And the best way to do this? Cook for yourself as much as you can.

4. It’s good for the soul.

Spending 30 minutes in the kitchen preparing dinner will put me in a much calmer, less frazzled mood than sitting on the couch for the same amount of time.

Plus it gives me an opportunity to nurture my family and friends. To express my love and take care of them.

5. The praise!

As much as I’d like to think that all these lofty benefits were what first got me into cooking, really, it was the praise.

Hearing the words ‘this is amazing’ was a huge motivator for me to keep spending time in the kitchen when I was learning to cook.

And still is.

________________________

Sunny Roast Peaches

I only became a huge fan of peaches a few years ago when I started roasting them. It’s almost magical how a little spell in the oven transforms them into super sweet sunny globes of goodness. Now they’re one of my favourite Summer fruit.

Roasting fruit like this is brilliant for enhancing the natural sweetness without having to rely on adding processed sugar.

Fergal and Finbar just loves these peaches and will happily gobble up as many as I keep feeding them. But they make a super lovely dessert for adults too. The quantities are totally a guideline, you can double or halve the recipe depending on how much fruit you have.

takes: about an hour makes: enough for 4-6 4-6 peaches

1. Preheat your oven to 180C (350F).

2. Rinse peaches and layer in a baking dish. Cover with foil and baked for 30 minutes.

3. Remove foil and return to the oven uncovered this time and bake for another 20-30 minutes or until the peaches are soft and squishy.

4. Serve warm or cold.

different fruit – my favourite way to cook all stone fruit (think apricots, nectarines, plums, cherries), apples and pears. I usually quarter apples and pears to remove the seeds. And sometimes I halve apricots or plums and remove the stone, if I can be bothered. I usually pit cherries first because I’m feeding them to little ones (who I must really love because it takes for- ev -er). Smaller fruit will take less time to cook.

different flavourings – feel free to add a chopped vanilla bean or some lemon zest.

more ‘saucey’ – leave peaches to cool with a foil cover on.

short on time – serve fresh berries or peaches with ice cream or cream.

paleo (gluten, grain + dairy-free) – serve peaches with coconut cream or coconut yoghurt.

With love and best wishes for the new year! Jules x

15 Comments

I very much enjoy cooking and do it well, but rarely hear strong compliments on my cooking – it’s just not in my husband’s nature to do that. I’m afraid that cooking leaves me feeling frenzied all too often, but every now and again I come across a recipe like the one I made for dinner tonight that do result in my feeling calm, because they come together so nicely. Love the idea of roasting peaches. Now, if only I had an oven at the house (at the beach) where I can get really good peaches… BTW, I have found you inspiring, because I’ve learned so much from you (especially simplifying and substituting ingredients).

I share the same reasons as you, I also find it incredibly calming (most of the time). Love the idea of simplifying life for 2017 :)

Yay for simplicity and kitchens Ruby!

Couldn’t have said it better myself! I luurrrvve my kitchen time, daily at least, for exactly your reasons! This is what we call “FUN”. And rewarding fun at that, as you say!

Keep up the great work. Bill

Thanks Bill! Good to hear I’m not the only crazy one out there :)

Great blog. I would like to add couple points on why i like to cook. 1. I can share my cooking abilities 2. I can have people over and try my authentic cuisines 3. I can make money hosting events at home

http://www.cultatrad.com

Good for you Randy!

Great blog! I like to eat. Most of the time, if I want to eat what I like, I have to do it myself!:)

The roast peaches look sooooo amazing! I will have to try them this weekend.

Well, there was one thing I wanted to do more than anything – cooking. When I was a child, watching my mother cook always made me want to try. Maybe this is the way to take my stress away (btw, I’m a Vietnamese psychologist!). This is why I created my own website about cooking.

Jules I love how you have expand everything in so much detail and I love that we booth love cooking really healthy meals that are good for our bodies. Laylah

Oh yay Laylah!

HI, Jules I really like the way you describe cooking. You will be happy to know that I have loved cooking for a long time. I love to cook, especially if it’s for my family. To put it bluntly, Cooking yourself is risk-free and healthy. There is a love in it because everyone in the family is involved with it. Besides, the description of the roast recipe that you have made me think specifically. I want to apply it too. Can anyone tell me how much roast a day can be a good dose for a human being?

[…] and you are going to start to feel a lot more at home before you know it. For instance, if you enjoy cooking, then you should be sure to have your kitchen laid out so that it is easy to prepare some of your […]

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Please support us by disabling your ad blocker on our site., i love to cook, and it’s not because my mom taught me, how a little bit of free time and patience steered me into the kitchen.

Before coming to college, I could confidently prepare three kinds of food for myself: pasta, sautéed vegetables, and smoothies. During high school, I felt like this was more than enough to sustain me for the rest of my life. If not, I used to tell my mom that I hoped I’d make enough money to have a personal chef. I never wanted to prepare, cook, or clean up meals. Oh, how the times have changed. 

I’m not sure where my aversion to cooking came from. My best guess is that in high school, I was always in a rush, so cooking seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford. I often needed to eat in the ten–minute windows between school and practice. My mom is a great cook, but I never thought deeply about eating her food because at the end of the day—it was a race to eat my dinner so I could get back to my homework. 

When asked to help with preparations for dinner, I would groan. To me, cooking was housework, and I wasn’t a fan. I would peel potatoes, cut the ends off of green beans, and chop onions. I would even make my brothers shuck corn for me in return for favors. I hated it that much. 

It’s not that my mom never taught me to cook. If I would’ve asked to learn, she would have been excited to help me. But I never did.

My mom tells me I’m impatient. As the oldest of three younger brothers, I’ve become accustomed to waiting for things to happen: waiting for them to be old enough to talk to, to get their shoes on to leave the house, to get down the ski slopes. I’ve never been good at waiting for meals at restaurants, or for breaks from school. I guess I’ve never wanted to cook with her, because I was impatient and hated having to be told what to do.

This past summer, with more free time after graduating from high school, and with the anticipation of only eating out of dining halls, I became more eager to cook. I made a smoothie every morning and perfected my recipes. I made chickpea pasta combinations almost every day for lunch. I had no idea what I was doing. I experimented. One day, I’d add capers and lemon, and the next day, it would just be lemon and tomato sauce. I began to tell how much oil the vegetables needed in order to be cooked, how the pasta felt when it was ready, and what the aroma was when my creation was ready to be eaten. I’d never been told how much to salt things or how to cook veggies. I flipped the veggies like I’d seen my dad flip bacon—it was often a mess. I would spend a lot of time cooking and cleaning, forcing my mom or brothers to try what I had made. It was nothing special, but it was something I had created on my own: no recipes, no instruction. 

Something clicked during the first semester at Penn. All of a sudden I was craving a kitchen environment. While talking to my college house director one night at a house–wide dinner, she mentioned that I could cook in her apartment for her, her husband, and eight of my friends. I took up the opportunity—despite still only knowing how to cook pasta, veggies, and smoothies—and we set a date. 

My friend and I came up with a menu: pesto pasta (I was confident I could cook that, at least), chicken, and Brussels sprouts.

We ended up getting a pre–seasoned chicken to keep things safe. We went to their apartment in the Quad an hour before everyone else and starting cooking. I’d ask her for oil, salt, pepper, butter, etc. I cut the Brussels sprouts and seasoned them as I’d done at home. Still, without any real knowledge on the proper way to cook, I rolled with it. I added dates, capers, bacon, and lemon. It was a random collection of ingredients—things that I thought would work well together. I got lucky. It ended up really good. 

That night changed me. I was cooking for ten people, in a kitchen I’d never been in, and without any knowledge of how to cook what I was cooking. I told a friend who wasn’t at the dinner about this afterwards, and she was astounded that I’d had the confidence to do that without a repertoire of recipes. 

The conversations that we had at that dinner in the Quad made me so happy. I loved Penn, but I was missing a homestyle forum. We talked about school and family while sharing home–cooked food, and went in for second and third servings. 

Suddenly, I was enveloped in cooking. I went home for winter break and made cookies, my Brussels sprouts recipe, and plenty of pasta. I even tried to follow some recipes. 

Over spring break, I cooked dinner for my extended family. I bought cod, pasta, and carrots to prepare. Following a recipe for the first time in my life, I pan–cooked the cod in a bath of chickpea, onions, mint, and oil. With the pasta, I thought about what might taste good and put it on top: garlic, parsley, salt, and butter. I also tried to replicate Magic Carpet's cookies by adjusting a recipe for oatmeal applesauce cookies. In the end, as I was running out of time (amateur mistake!), my mom prepared the carrots and my brother made the cookies, but all under my instructions. I even felt fancy, and put out some burrata with crackers and olive oil. Is that how it is served? I’m not sure, but my family liked it!

Bobby Flay would be insulted by my technique, but my family and friends love my cooking, whether they know I’m improvising or not. And it makes me love it too. 

Figuring out how to cook on my own has made me more confident. I may not know the proper techniques, but I’m confident that that will come with time. Some might call it bullshitting, but I call it finesse.

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8 reasons why i love cooking, cooking is life.

When I was a little kid, there was one thing I wanted to do more than anything: cook.

Watching my parents cook was always something I wanted to try. Now that I can, I cannot get enough . There are so many different things to try and no matter how I feel, I want to cook. Here are some of the reasons why I love to cook.

1.) Stress Reliever

If there is one thing that will not make me stressed, its cooking. I love just going over to the stove and making something that not only will take my stress away, but eat some delicious food as well.

2.) Trying new things

3.) teaching and learning from others, 4.) making up your own recipes.

There are always different ingredients in your house that can be made into almost anything. Find a new dessert or dinner food based on what you have in the house and make a new creation.

5.) Sharing with others

When there is a dinner party, or even just a get together, there is always food that you can bring that will be a crowd-pleaser, and everyone will ask you to bring it again and again.

6.) Good at anytime, any day

7.) better than any other food.

If you go out to eat, it is a nice treat once in awhile, but making your own food is much better for you. You can make whatever you want as long as you have the ingredients, rather than going around trying to find the food that you want in a restaurant. Besides, nothing beats home cooking!

8.) Having fun!

Cooking is not for everyone. There are people who can burn water, but hey, for those of you do like to cook it is a great experience that makes you happy and makes others happy as well. There is no better feeling than that.

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25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

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Cooking Essay | Cooking is a Necessity, Essay About Cooking 850 Words in English

November 1, 2021 by Prasanna

Cooking Essay: Cooking or the art of cooking is the art and science of preparing food for consumption by humans. The techniques of cooking and the ingredients used for it vary from place to place and from human to human. There are various types of gas stoves which are used for cooking food like an electric stove, gas stove, ovens and even baked Chulhas.

The history of cooking is still unknown but our ancestors or the early humans invented fire and gradually started using it to cook their food. In earlier times people used clay pots as vessels in which they used to make their food. Earlier people were not aware of so many types of dishes, they only used fire to cook the raw meat which they got from hunting animals. With time and evolution of human beings the cooking methods and the cooked menu list has also changed.

You can also find more  Essay Writing articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long Essay on Cooking

Cooking is a need for one and all and everyone must learn how to cook to make their lives easier. Cooking is the skill of making food by making use of many ingredients. Cooking can be done through various methods like boiling, grilling, sautéing, etc. It is not clearly known when did our ancestors started to cook but studies show that they began Cooking using fire some million years ago. Cooking is required to make the food items edible and healthy. Cooking is also an art as the cook is using all his abilities to prepare a masterpiece in itself that is fit for consumption by a human being. Cooking techniques and ingredients vary from region to region and person to person. In early times clay pots were used for cooking on open fire. Cooking makes it more tasty and presentable, more easier to digest, and kills the bacteria present in the raw ingredients.

Cooking is a necessity for all of us but some also follow it as a profession. But according to our society Cooking is only meant for females, which is wrong. Nowadays it is a requirement for both the genders as it makes us independent and also we can support our family in difficult times. It is a source of pleasure and satisfaction for some people. Cooking like other subjects should be a part of your curriculum. In this way children will get to learn the importance of it which will be helpful to them in their near future. It is a good productive activity as it includes the use of both mind and body. It is a kind of stress buster for someone. We all have seen our mothers, grandmothers and sisters Cooking in the kitchen and that too in the most loving way. But the introduction of fast food has changed the basic concept of cooking. It is human tendency to incline towards the things which need less or no effort. Fast food is one of them, no second thoughts that they are not good for our health.

The convenience of fast food has made people forget the benefits of cooking food at home. Yes, it is true that Cooking is a time consuming and difficult process but it has some fun values also especially if our family, kids come and help us in the kitchen. It increases the bonding and love between a family as the more we spend time with each other the more we become close to each and everyone. Cooking at home is a lifestyle followed by many health influences also as they make people aware about its benefits. Therefore we must encourage our children and teenagers to learn Cooking and improvise their cooking skills.

Short Essay on Cooking

• In simple words, cooking means to make food with the help of fire whether through a gas stove, electric stove or oven.
• Cooking is a need of our life as it is also a means of exchanging our tastes, traditions and cultures.
• We need to cook our food so as to make it more tasty, easier to digest and presentable. It also kills any type of bacteria present in the raw uncooked food.
• There are many types of cooking methods used by people in this world like grilling, baking, boiling, simmering, roasting, sautéing, etc.
• We should all try to follow the rule of healthy cooking by avoiding oils and butter, minimize the use of salt, etc.
• It is important to understand the proper method or techniques of cooking to ensure safety and maintain the original and proper taste of the food.
• Cooking is a habit or it is a need. It is essential for both the genders to learn cooking so that they can survive on their own in a difficult situation.
• It is a life skill because home-cooked food is the basis of healthy living and we all should possess it.
• It is also helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. It makes a person feel alive and productive.
• Our mothers and sisters have been cooking food with love for us for a very long time. The fragrance of spices in a mother’s kitchen keeps a house alive and connected to each other.

FAQ’s on Cooking Essay

Question 1. What are some of the things to be considered while Cooking?

Answer: When Cooking we should take care of what ingredients and in how much quantity they are to be used.

Question 2. What are some of the simple Cooking methods?

Answer: Some simple Cooking methods used worldwide are boiling, frying, roasting, steaming, grilling, etc.

Question 3. How to avoid common Cooking mistakes?

Answer: Some mistakes we should avoid while Cooking are losing the track of time needed for a dish to be cooked, not tasting the salt and other spices, not reading the proper recipe of the dish, overcrowding of the things on the kitchen shelf.

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The Joylessness of Cooking

In theory, I love to cook . I’ve been reminding myself of this lately, repeating it almost like a mantra, humming the percussive, iambic rhythm of the phrase while I clatter around in the cabinets in search of whatever skillet is inevitably at the very bottom of a teetering stack of pans, or ram the blade of a knife through the stalks of yet another head of celery, or fling a handful of salt resentfully at a wholly blameless chicken. In theory, I love to cook.

To cook, as a home cook, isn’t just to cook—it’s to plan, to shop, to store, to prep, to combine, to heat, to serve. If I don’t love all those things, all the time, I can at least reliably expect a jolt of pleasure from one or two: the bland labor of chopping onion is paid for, more or less, by the rich smell of the stew as it simmers. But what I love most about cooking (in theory) is that it’s a puzzle to be solved. In its best form, cooking is a practice measured not in individual dishes but in days and even weeks—a strategic navigation of ingredients, expiration dates, uses and reuses, variety and sameness. I’m no good at chess, but in my mind the rush of realizing that the jumble of aging ingredients piled up in your fridge composes exactly what’s needed to make a beautiful dinner has to be, on some level, how Kasparov felt when he realized he was about to sock it to Topalov.

In March, when it began to seem likely that the coronavirus pandemic would lead to a serious bunker-style hiding out, I felt the expected fear and anger but also, I admit, a certain thrill at the idea of a major shift in the rules of the kitchen game. How do you make it work when you don’t know how often you’ll be able to grocery-shop? In early February, I had spoken, for a story , to a couple in Shunde, China, who had somehow been composing culinary sestinas in the midst of a strict lockdown, with minimal access to fresh ingredients; following their lead, in the weeks before New York City issued its own social-distancing mandates, I started growing my own herbs, bought jars in which to put up pickles, scoured cookbooks for recipes that used nothing but pantry ingredients and yet wouldn’t feel like military rations. We would be eating paella, I informed my husband, and cassoulet, and miso soup with homemade tofu, and fresh pasta, and Niçoise salads without the lettuce. We might be prisoners in our apartment, but at least we’d eat like kings.

Of course, that’s not how things went down. It became clear, almost right away, that, besides a few precarious weeks of toilet-paper shortages, any worries of major supply-chain disruptions were unfounded. If anything, by April, home cooks (at least, those whose incomes hadn’t evaporated when the nation began its economic domino-fall) had access to more and better ingredients than we’ve ever had before: as restaurants were forced into state- and city-imposed shutdowns, their suppliers started scrambling to sell their now-homeless inventory at retail, and often by mail. Steaks once destined for steak houses, chickens of rare and beautiful breeds, exquisite olive oils and vinegars by the gallon, gorgeous cheeses, freshly milled flours, a dazzling cornucopia of specialty fruits and vegetables—the sorts of rare and sensitive specimens that risk-averse grocery stores would never consider making space for—were suddenly available, and at shockingly attainable prices. During the past seven or eight months, my refrigerator has been stocked with the raw materials of fantasy; you could dive into my spice drawer like Scrooge McDuck into his swimming pool of doubloons. I’ve stir-fried Sichuan-style cumin lamb, made slow-roasted pernil asado, fired up pots of oil for a farmers’-market fritto misto; I spent the summer juicing limes and slicing fish for a nonstop parade of tart, light-as-air ceviches; I’ve made hundreds of dishes for hundreds of meals. And I am so bored. I am so tired. In theory, I love to cook. But I am so, so sick of cooking.

I take some comfort in knowing that I’m not at all alone in this feeling. “I hate cooking now, and I hate that I hate cooking,” my friend Sarah confessed to me recently, after months of making and eating meals by herself while her partner works a schedule that, thanks to COVID -19, means he’s never home for mealtimes. A recent Quartz report points to increased sales of prepared foods as evidence that COVID -related kitchen fatigue is a bona-fide trend. The critic Tejal Rao wrote recently, in the Times , about culinary burnout : “I don’t think I’m supposed to admit this here in the Food section, but when I think about cooking, I’m filled with dread.” My social-media feeds are full of individuals regarding their own culinary ennui with something adjacent to awe. “I don’t know what to make for school lunch. or for dinner. or for breakfast. i no longer know what i like to eat, what i know how to cook, what is healthy, what the children enjoy, or even what is actually edible,” the novelist Rumaan Alam tweeted recently. Others yearn for a sci-fi future where dinner is distributed in pellet form, or own up to subsisting on candy bars, or grudgingly admit to, finally, understanding the allure of zero-effort meal replacements like Soylent and nutritional drinks such as Carnation Breakfast Essentials® products. I keep thinking about a post from earlier in the fall (now deleted, but seared forever in my screenshots folder, and on my heart), which made the rounds among my friends: “gotten to the point with eating where i basically just want a nutrient slurry injected into me,” the Twitter user wrote.

Feelings of emptiness are normal, even expected, in times of stress and uncertainty. (“Stress and uncertainty” being at best a tiptoeingly diplomatic way to describe the experience of the past year in America, with its million and a half dysregulations, both ambient and immediate.) But isn’t cooking supposed to be a balm for this sort of thing? Much of the happiness I used to find in cooking—even when cooking became, sort of, my job—was rooted in how tangible it was, in both labor and outcome. Simple, repetitive, semi-creative tasks like kneading dough and chopping dill are supposed to thaw us when we’re frozen with existential dread, to ground us in the tactile world, to give us a sense of power and control over the small universe of the cutting board and the stovetop. This makes sense, I know it’s true, and I guess I remember living it, and believing it. But lately it feels awfully far away. I don’t want to re-center myself by being mindful while I peel a head of garlic for the hundred-and-thirtieth day in a row; I want to lose track of myself entirely by playing seventeen straight hours of a battle-strategy video game in which I get to be a military-school professor with magical powers and green hair.

Much has been made, in these months of the pandemic, of the wisdom to be found in “ How to Cook a Wolf ,” M. F. K. Fisher’s great guide, from 1942, to cooking and provisioning during the extreme shortages of the Second World War. I’ve always loved this sharp, snarky little book, particularly the way Fisher walks a tightrope between buck-up bonhomie and stark misanthropy. She doesn’t pretend that circumstances aren’t dismal well beyond the contents of her pantry—the wolf of the title is fatigue and anxiety as much as it’s hunger. But she makes a good case, in chapters like “How to Be Cheerful Through Starving” and “How to Rise Up Like New Bread,” for finding the fun in misery. “Here are some suggestions which sound touched with a kind of sordid whimsy until you try them,” she says, to introduce a list of alternative fuel sources culled from books dating back as far as the Victorian era. “Then they really work, and make you feel noble and brave at the same time.”

From the vantage point of abundance, this sentiment is inspiring; in an era of need and shortage, it’s timeless and practical. For me, right now, it makes me want to hurl a cabbage at the wall. (I’ve had a cabbage taking up space in my fridge for over a month now; this use for it seems as good as any.) Behind Fisher’s exhortations was an engine of higher purpose: the rationing of that era was a cost of fuelling a war, the sacrifices on the home front motivated by a narrative of patriotism and righteousness. The COVID -19 pandemic is sort of a war, but only in the most absurd and nihilistic way: the economy hasn’t been diverted to wartime production—it’s just in crisis. The people trying to make do with limited resources are in that position because they don’t have jobs or adequate (if any) governmental relief, not because all the butter is earmarked for our boys overseas taking down the Nazis. “I believe that one of the most dignified ways we are capable of, to assert and then reassert our dignity in the face of poverty and war’s fears and pains, is to nourish ourselves with all possible skill, delicacy, and ever-increasing enjoyment,” Fisher writes, beautifully, and to my great irritation. My enjoyment is anything but “ever-increasing.”

I actually have grown as a cook a fair amount during these months of social distancing: I’ve read some marvellous cookbooks; I know how to shuck an oyster now; I’ve mastered the art of slow-roasting a duck until the skin crackles and the meat is tender as a sigh. But the moments of glittering satisfaction are duller, and less frequent. I’ll try to muster up the thrill I used to feel after finding bundles of Chinese pink celery at the farmers’ market, or scoring a really excellent jar of jam, and it’s more like a memory of delight than the actual sensation. (And I can’t remember what I even used to make with jam—what on earth do people do with jam?) When I cook now, it’s not because I have to—though I realize this is a great luxury, to be able to give in to the lassitude and tap out, to order delivery saag paneer or (I refuse to be ashamed) crack open a soothing can of Beefaroni and leave the rest of my household to fend for themselves. (That I’ve ever been able to think of cooking as an unadulterated joy—that cooking gets to be a choice at all—is itself a privilege.) When I cook now, it’s because I ought to: it’s not a necessity driven by material limitation but, rather, an amorphous sense of moral imperative. In COVID -ravaged America, restaurant dining is still forbidden in some states; many establishments have closed forever, and ordering delivery from those that remain is an ethical minefield. Just when I started feeling like I might be up for the idea of bundling up to eat a wintry outdoor meal at a bistro table sandbagged in the middle of a parking lane, New York City’s infection rates started spiking again. Obligation, it turns out, is the real thief of joy; they wouldn’t make so many TV commercials featuring women who seem ludicrously happy to be doing laundry if endless compulsory domesticity didn’t slowly sandpaper away at the soul.

Compared to, well, everything, this crisis of culinary anhedonia is small beans. (I’ve been telling myself every day for a week that I should start soaking some beans. I have not soaked any beans.) But it feels all the more acute as we round the corner to Thanksgiving, a day that has come to rely on the terrible notion that a home-cooked meal is essential, and that the work of cooking it ought to be both all-consuming and undertaken without complaint. This is a lie in any year—not only is it perfectly fine not to make turkey, it’s perfectly fine to try and then fail, or to outsource the meal, or to reject the holiday altogether. This year, when the still-unchecked spread of the COVID -19 virus means that gathering in close quarters with loved ones seems reckless, and dangerous, the idea of cooking a grand, communal meal feels all the more dissonant. The sprawling multigenerational crew that populates my usual Thanksgivings will of course be celebrating separately; there are plans for a group video call, so that we can raise a glass to tradition, and for a while we considered a plan for everyone to make one recipe in common—a thread of a shared dish (mashed potatoes? Some sort of green-bean thing?) tying us together while we’re all so far apart. But that idea fizzled. We’ll eat our own meals in our own homes, and call one another to say hello and “I love you.” And then dinner will be over, and the leftovers from the meal will last a day or two or maybe three. And then we’ll all find ourselves back in front of the stove, cooking another dinner, all over again.

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I Love Cooking Essay

Introduction: The Joy of Cooking - Exploring My Favorite Activity

In my life, I like to do lot of activities; those activities help me exercise and made me feel alive, and my favorite activity is cooking because cooking is very simple. I started to cook when I was about 10 years old, when I was home alone all by myself and I was pretty hungry, I just got some bread, some cheese and put it in a microwave oven for 30 minutes and made me a grilled cheese sandwich. Since then I had been cook my own food when I was home or I have a lot of free time, I.

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Cooking as a Stress Reducer: Finding Solace and Delight in the Kitchen

Cooking is my favorite activity because it is a way for me to reduce stress and I can be artistic about it and it never gets repetitive. First, its a great way for me to reduce stress. Cooking and eating always help me to reduce stress, when every time I got all upset or stressed up I can just cook something I want and eat it, the deliciousness of the food I cooked had help me to reduce stress, but it was after started cook good. And I can do it regardless of the weather.

Culinary Creativity: Artistry and Originality in Cooking

When its warm outside, I can fire up the grill. When its cold, I can use the stove top. Since I use cooking as a way to reduce stress, this is very important to me. Then I can be be artistic about cooking. To be real, I have no real artistic talent when it comes to drawing, painting or other things involve art. However, in the kitchen, I can use a variety of ingredients that add color and make the meals look as good as they taste.

The Social Side of Cooking: Bonding with Friends Through Food

Also I can different kind of goods mix together to make my own original dish, but usually the original ones are Chinese food, sometimes I mix pasta with shrimps or broccoli once, those taste pretty well. And after I done, I can post my dishes online or bring to school to share with friends, it help to bond with my friends.. Finally, it never gets repetitive. One of the reasons people normally have problems keeping a activity is they usually get bored with it if they are doing the same thing all the time. But for me and cooking, I dont have that problem because I can always change things up.

Even if Im making something Ive made before, I can try a different spice or experiment with a different ingredient, like to cook squid with beef instead use some vegetables or cook shrimp with beans, mostly those some Chinese food recipes I made. Cooking had always been my favorite activity since I was a kid. It always a good way to reduce my stress, it help me bond with my friends with food I made, I always can be artistic when I cook and it can never get repetitive. Cooking is my favorite activity and I love it.

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10 Reasons Why I Love Food and Why You Should Too

Julia Childs summed it up when she said “people who love to eat are always the best people”. SO…what makes food and the people who enjoy it so great? Food is not simply stuff that people eat when their hungry. Food is awesome, delicious, inventive, colorful, inspiring, and so much more. A mutual love of food can bring different people together and can make the saddest person feel a little better without even meaning to. I love food and think you should too. So, here are a few reasons why I <3 food SO much.

1. It brings people together. 

There’s nothing better than having your whole family home around the same table for dinner. Food is a catalyst that brings people together. Having the entire family together at your grandparents’ house for C hristmas Eve dinner or a Thanksgiving meal, treating a friend to a birthday dinner, or annual family celebrations are perfect ways to keep in touch and connect with your family and friends that you might not see regularly. I f a distant relative or family friend I hadn’t seen in a while was in Boston and offered to take me out to dinner to ‘catch up’, you bet I would take them up on the offer. Food is a wonderful thing that can bring people together and can help you keep the ones you love close.

2. It’s social.

Think about how many times you’ve texted a friend and said ‘hey wanna get ice cream’ or ‘rise and shine we’re getting brunch’. Even though you might not realize it, tons of social events are centered around food. Birthday or holiday dinners, city trips, lunch dates, cocktail parties, happy hours, and even pizza parties in your dorm room. The minute someone says ‘there will be food’ so many more people are apt to show up to the event or social gathering. People bond over food they enjoy and there are many different communities, like the vegan community, that have been formed all based on similar diets. Food makes everything more fun and it’s a great way to get friends together and to connect with others!

3. It’s always there for you.

Problem : Unexpected breakup

Solution : A tub of Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream and your bff’s shoulder to cry on

Problem : Haven’t started studying for your final tomorrow

Solution : Starbucks iced latte with a double shot of espresso and a bowl of cereal

Problem : Peter on The Bachelorette didn’t get a rose and you didn’t realize how emotionally invested you were until now

Solution : Ghirardelli Double Chocolate brownies and a Twitter rant

SEE???? You can always turn to food to make you feel better, even if it is just for a little bit. People even use food as motivation for finishing their homework before they can take a study break to eat. After a bad day or after something makes you sad sometimes all you need is comfy clothes, a good movie, and a tub of ice cream to cure everything.

4. It makes any party better.

The minute someone texts saying ‘there will be food’, I’m 200% more likely to show up to the party or event. Food makes everything better, especially a party. Themed parties like fiestas or tailgates wouldn’t be complete without tacos and queso or hamburgers and chips and guac. Let’s be honest, parties with food and drinks sound so much better than an iPod hooked up to a speaker in a random basement. Party less, eat more.

5. It’s fun to make.

Once I set my mind to making the multilayered rainbow cake I saw on Pinterest, there’s no one who can stop me. Food is straight up fun to make. Getting recipes online, inspo from Pinterest pages, watching Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network, or even making your family’s traditional Christmas cookie recipe is so enjoyable. There’s nothing more satisfying than pulling your gooey, homemade, and delicious smelling creation of out the oven and of course snapping pics to all your friends showing them how much of a chef you really are.

6. It allows you to learn about a new country/culture in a new way.

Traveling to new countries and trying their native food is so interesting and fun. It allows you to understand the culture more without anyone even having to say anything. Homemade pasta in Italy, handmade tortillas in a hut on a service trip in Guatemala, or even fresh strawberries picked off of a farm in Indiana gives you more or a glimpse into the lives of people living in different parts of the world and can even help you appreciate their culture a little more.

7. It shows people that you care.

You messed up and you want to make it up to your friend? Take her out to dinner at your favorite spot. Your sister just got her wisdom teeth out and is a mixture of pain and emotion? Surprise her with Wendy’s frostys, applesauce, and your favorite movie. It’s your moms birthday but you can’t make it home? Send her flowers, a box of Fannie Mays, and a card. 

Food is a great way to show people that you care. People bring hostess gifts to their friends houses all the time- usually wine, dessert, or some other type of treat. Every time I’m going somewhere, I always find myself saying, ‘Is there anything you want me to bring?’ By making such a small gesture to pickup a box of cookies on your way to the party, it makes all the difference and shows how much more you care

8. It inspires people.

How many times have you seen a food account on Instagram centered around healthy living and been immediately inspired to go and make their version of healthy avocado toast? Or seen a photo of the biggest milkshake in NYC and decided to go the next time you’re in the city? Food can inspire everyone. Aesthetics of food pages and blogs can inspire creativity, recipes seen on Food Network can inspire tomorrow nights dinner, and the world Pinterest can bring out the inner Martha Stewart in almost anyone. 

9. It makes you feel good.

Although I’m unlikely to turn down sweets or a slice of pizza, there’s no denying that healthy eating makes you feel good inside and out. When you eat healthy and take care of yourself , you have more energy, look more alive, and are bound to be more confident. Healthy food like fruits and vegetables make you feel good and a lifestyle full of healthy eating can change someone’s life for the better.

10. IT TASTES GOOD.

Despite all of the other great things food brings to the table, people eat food because of the way it tastes. Whether it’s the sweetness of the glaze on a donut or the spicy flavor of wasabi on a sushi roll, eating and enjoying good tasting food is what a food lovers life is all about.

Overall, food is much more than what it seems on the surface. It is powerful and makes differences in people’s everyday lives. Now that you’ve read this article, I hope you have a greater appreciation for food and are able to recognize its impact and the way it makes you feel the next time someone sends you a box of chocolates on Valentines Day or invites you to a dinner party for a mini high school reunion.

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Essay on Cooking as a Hobby

Students are often asked to write an essay on Cooking as a Hobby in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Cooking as a Hobby

Introduction.

Cooking is not only a necessary life skill but also a fun hobby. It involves creating delicious dishes from raw ingredients.

The Joy of Cooking

Cooking as a hobby is enjoyable. It’s like art, where ingredients are your colors. You can experiment and create your own masterpiece.

Benefits of Cooking

Cooking helps improve creativity, patience, and time management. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle as homemade meals are healthier.

In conclusion, cooking is a beneficial hobby. It’s a fun way to express creativity, learn new skills, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

250 Words Essay on Cooking as a Hobby

The joy and advantages of cooking as a hobby, unleashing creativity.

Cooking is a creative outlet. It allows one to experiment with different ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors. It’s akin to painting, but instead of colors, you work with tastes and textures. The process of creating a dish from scratch brings a sense of accomplishment, making it a rewarding hobby.

Therapeutic Benefits

Cooking can be therapeutic. The act of chopping, stirring, and sautéing can be meditative, helping to alleviate stress. It encourages mindfulness as it requires one to focus on the task at hand, providing a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Building Connections

Cooking can also serve as a social activity. Whether it’s cooking with friends or family, or sharing the fruits of your labor with others, it can foster stronger relationships. It’s a universal language that brings people together, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

Culinary Knowledge and Skills

As a hobby, cooking broadens one’s culinary knowledge and skills. It encourages a deeper understanding of various cuisines and cultures, and promotes healthier eating habits. It’s a practical skill that not only benefits the individual but also their community.

In conclusion, cooking as a hobby is a multifaceted activity that offers numerous benefits. It’s a creative, therapeutic, and social endeavor that also enhances culinary knowledge and skills, making it a worthwhile pursuit.

500 Words Essay on Cooking as a Hobby

Introduction: the art of cooking, exploring creativity and cultural heritage.

Cooking is an artistic endeavor that lets individuals express their creativity. Like a painter with a blank canvas, a cook starts with raw ingredients and transforms them into a meal that is not only tasty but also visually appealing. Moreover, cooking allows us to explore our cultural heritage and other cultures around the world. Each dish is a story, a history lesson imbued with traditions passed down through generations.

Cooking as Therapy

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, cooking serves as a therapeutic escape. The act of chopping vegetables, kneading dough, or stirring a simmering pot can be meditative. It encourages mindfulness, requiring full attention to the task at hand, and thus helping to reduce stress. The satisfaction of creating a meal from scratch further enhances this therapeutic effect.

Nurturing Relationships and Community

Enhancing cognitive skills.

Cooking is a cognitive exercise that enhances various mental skills. It requires planning and organization, from selecting a recipe to shopping for ingredients and executing the steps. It also demands problem-solving skills when a dish doesn’t go as planned. Furthermore, cooking involves understanding the chemistry of ingredients, such as how certain foods react to heat or how flavors combine, which can stimulate intellectual curiosity.

Conclusion: The Joy of Cooking

In conclusion, cooking as a hobby is a multifaceted activity that offers more than just the end product of a meal. It is an art form, a therapeutic exercise, a means of cultural exploration, a tool for nurturing relationships, and a cognitive workout. As we cook, we learn, we create, we express, and we share. Cooking is a hobby that nourishes not just the body, but also the mind and soul. Embracing the joy of cooking can enrich our lives in numerous ways.

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Writing city tech, one blog at a time, why i love to cook.

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and was able to eat lots of good food! I know I did. If you’ve been following my blog posts than you know that I normally like to write about restaurants, lists of foods I like, and etc. Today I would like to share with you why I love to cook, because even though I don’t have time to do it as much as I’d like to I still love it! So here’s five reasons why I love to cook –

2. While cooking can be fun and easy, it can also be hard and challenging. However, if you don’t face the difficulties or challenges that comes with cooking, you won’t be fearless and you won’t ever know how far you can take something. I have gave myself challenges to learn how to make certain dishes/recipes and some have been a failure, but with more practice and effort they have become successes. I was never really good at folding dumplings in the crescent fold, but after learning from my boyfriend and more practice I became good at it.

3. Another reason why I love cooking is because I have the opportunity and ability to learn from foods I’ve eaten and restaurants I’ve been to  on how to plate food just by looking at it. Some of the foods I’ve seen presented have been incredibly amazing and just so artistic that I almost don’t want to eat it or touch it.

4. I like to control what goes into the food. There are times when I go to restaurants and I do like to pick out certain foods that I don’t like such as raw peppers, raw onions, ginger, and etc. When I cook, I am able to control how well I want certain ingredients to be cooked and whether if I want to add them or not. I also don’t like to add too much sugar to the food/dishes if I don’t need to. I also don’t like to add too much oil if I don’t need to either.

5. I love to cook because cooking has opened my eyes, heart, and stomach up to a lot of different foods that I thought I would never like or make. I never thought I would like Brussel sprouts, kale, and arugula , but I do! Cooking and food has motivated me to try different cuisines, foods, ingredients, and just be a little more opened and less picky.

There’s so much about the experience of cooking I enjoy. It’s everything behind-the-scenes as well – the scent of fresh basil, the fragrance of cilantro, the taste of butter, the crackle from the skillet, and the sight of a perfectly roasted chicken hanging up by the window at a Chinese restaurant. Cooking speaks to all of my senses.

Do you cook or bake? If you do, what do you like most about it?

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