I had an impromptu late lunch with Donna today and we got to talking. I said something which surprised her: cooking is not in my nature.
Cooking is not in my nature.
Yup.
Cooking is something I do because I have to. It is something I have had to do, having a child with multiple food allergies. He was born allergic, thirteen years ago, so cooking for him/us is now old hat. But, that has not changed the fact that my deepest desires do not ever involve cooking.
I don't begrudge it, despite having my moments of resenting the tedium of the toil. (And it is something I have always enjoyed doing in celebratory spurts...Solstice parties, anyone?) Luckily, what is in my nature, is having my breath taken away by the experience of beauty...something home cooking of whole foods is replete with.
I love food and find joy in celebrating even the smallest occasion for breaking bread. The looks, the aromas, the textures, the flavors, the colors...the company, the communion, the connection... I have learned some neat tricks, I have gained skills and my time in this earthly realm has most certainly been enriched in pleasurable ways because I have cooked and cooked and cooked.
But, it's true. Cooking does not come naturally to me. And times like now when life "stuff" converges and leaves me drained, it's good to acknowledge that home cooking takes time and energy for me, more than others. I'm in a downshift right now and the imbalance is uncomfortable...but cooking will right itself again, soon, no doubt.
Peace.
4 comments:
I'd say that statement surprises me. Even before kids I remember you cooking and seeming as if it came easy to you. I on the other hand can easily say that "cooking does not come naturally to me!" I believe many people will back this up. Do you remember the lemon chicken fiasco?! I also don't love food the way you do. I'm content to have cereal for breakfast or some popcorn.
However, I do enjoy baking and that comes much easier to me. Of course, I need to stay away from too much sugar so I don't bake much anymore. I did try baking with sugar substitutes (apple sauce, etc.) but it wasn't very tastey and seemed to take the joy out of it.
Luckily, you're a really good cook!!
I was long content with my packages of instant ramen and eggs. I have always loved eggs and perfected my scrambled eggs long ago :-) Cap had more of an interest in cooking than I did, he brought that to our relationship, for sure.
I remember making a lot of pasta pre-kids, and our big party feasts, but that's about it. Pre-kids we ate a lot of pizza, Chinese food and subs...a lot :-)
Thank you, I think my love of food has helped a lot in making palatable food. I think somewhere in my brain, my brain got the message: if you have to make food, then let's at least make tasty food :-)
That statement surprises the heck out of me, too! Also, it does not diminish at all, the inspiration I get from seeing you in the kitchen, and imagining you in the kitchen (which I do, often, because I am so often loathe to cook, but cook I must), because I have eaten enough of your food to know that somewhere, cooking is deep in your soul. I have become a better cook, and a better person in the kitchen, for knowing you. And my family has benefitted immensely.
Kelly, thank you! I was moved to tears to read your words...and, truly, hardly feel worthy. Love and hugs, my friend.
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