You and I both love cooking. Yes, you and I. Not convinced yet? Don’t worry, that will change really soon after you read this, and hopefully, you’ll change your mind about cooking. My passion for cooking came when I was about seven years old. You may be wondering how a seven-year-old suddenly discovered her passion for being in the kitchen all day. One day during my summer break, I realized how bored I was. Clearly, being on my tablet and watching YouTube videos all day wasn’t entertaining enough. So I went to bother my fortunately patient mother, who was cooking in the kitchen, and thus began my fascination with cooking.
What do you mean you hate cooking?! Well, you are in the right place! Hating cooking is, unfortunately for me, very understandable. There are a few valid reasons why people hate cooking. Those reasons include cleaning up messes, not having the skills for cooking, boredom, time consumption, and being a perfectionist. First, let’s start with the aftermath of making a delicious meal in the kitchen. Cleaning up messes after cooking is the least exciting process. It takes up a lot of time and can be stressful at times, depending on what you are making. Secondly, not having the skills for cooking is a problem. Some examples of skills would be following directions, time management, and organization. When you do not have the skills for something, it can easily discourage you from actually fulfilling a job or task. Next is the feeling of apathy that comes up when you have no choice but to cook. This boredom usually arises when you are cooking a dish that you have repeatedly cooked multiple times and dread the thought of having to make it again. Then comes time consumption. Some people don’t have the time or energy to cook after coming home from a demanding job. Last but not least is struggling with perfectionism, which is something that I, unfortunately, struggle with. In my experience, being a perfectionist ruins activities that were supposed to be fun and turns them into an intense game of tug-of-war with your brain.
Cooking offers many benefits that can significantly strengthen your life. For starters, it encourages healthier eating habits by giving you control over the ingredients and portions you eat, which leads to more balanced and nutritious meals. Also, cooking at home is often more budget-friendly than dining out, helping you save money. It also serves as a creative release, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures, which can be both satisfying and rewarding. Cooking can improve essential skills such as time management, organization, and multitasking. Lastly, sharing homemade meals with family and friends fosters social connections and creates cherished memories.
Now, let’s talk about how to make cooking fun and enjoyable! Changing cooking into an enjoyable activity involves finding creativity and ways to make the process engaging. Start by exploring new cuisines or experimenting with different ingredients to keep things fresh and exciting. Include family or friends in the cooking process to make it into an event, turning meal preparation into a collaborative experience. Listening to music or podcasts while cooking can also add entertainment and relaxation to the task. To reduce stress, focus on simple recipes that don’t require large preparation or cleanup. Additionally, consider meal prepping on weekends to save time during busy weekdays. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and remember that cooking is about enjoyment and nourishment, not perfection. By incorporating these tips, you can find a love for cooking and transform it into a fun and fulfilling activity.
Convinced yet? Here are some tips and lessons that I have learned from my experience with cooking and how you can begin your journey with cooking. Some important tips that I have learned are to clean as you are cooking, read recipes thoroughly, and set up all your ingredients and tools before you start your process. These simple practices can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Cleaning as you go helps keep your workspace tidy and reduces stress when you’re done. Reading recipes thoroughly ensures you understand each step and prevents surprises during the process. Setting up all your ingredients and tools beforehand, known as mise en place, allows for a more organized and efficient cooking session. As you start your journey, remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of learning and experimenting in the kitchen. With time and practice, you’ll find cooking to be rewarding and calming.
Overall, cooking is a rewarding skill that promotes healthier eating, creativity, and social connection. By overcoming challenges and making the process enjoyable, anyone can turn cooking into a fun activity. Start simple, stay organized, and embrace learning with patience. With practice, you’ll find joy and fulfillment in cooking.
Nora Morrison – Loyola Academy – DMSF Class of 2029
Photo Credit: VICUSCHKA – Adobe Stock