Cooking is a creative, relaxing and purposeful activity. Once you learn the basic techniques to prepare a homemade meal, you will discover the many rewards that come along with it. It is unfortunate that some people don’t realize this and see cooking as a chore or a skill you are born with. Cooking isn’t as hard as you think. American chef and author Julia Child wrote in her novel “My Life In France,” “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.”
Once you learn to appreciate the art of cooking, you will know its importance from the way it changes your lifestyle. When you hear “cooking is rewarding” it is easy to just think of the typical reasons, such as, “it helps save money,” or “it is healthier than eating out.” Yes, these things are true, but cooking is so much more.
When I was a little girl I would always help my mom and Nana in the kitchen. I was fascinated with the idea of ingredients coming together to create something so tasty. At a young age, cooking and eating at home were social events for our families. It brought my mom and Nana so much joy to share their creations with the rest of the family. One of the greatest benefits of cooking is that it can be an expression of love to others.
Cooking can be a very creative activity. There are so many flavors from all kinds of ethnic cuisines that your taste buds haven’t experienced. Different flavor combinations can take you to different places. The creativity of cooking opens doors to endless combinations in the kitchen. You can make anything you want and make it your very own. When someone enjoys something you have created, it is truly fulfilling. Now something that was once a chore to you, is rewarding.
So how about you give it a try? A simple Google search to find everyday techniques like how to saute vegetables, or how to puree a soup can go a long way. The point I am trying to make here is that you don’t have to know how to poach an egg or julienne an onion to be a great cook. You just need a little confidence. Do a little homework and keep practicing — you might just surprise yourself and your friends with what you can create.
