Cooking Is A Necessity & A Lost Art

Whether it's hearty stews, scrambled eggs, frying chicken in a pan, and much more. Knowing how to cook opens up a brand new world of endless possibilities using ingredients and craftsmanship to create savory dishes and introduces you to many different cultures, customs, and flavors. With cooking, you have more control over your health, diet, and finances and can share the love with people through indulgent recipes for hospitality, caring for moms who've given birth, a sick elderly neighbor, and more. It's one of the timeless skills to have in this day and age of smartphones and technology that has lost its meaning for many people. Cooking goes beyond just tasty food, it's a tradition that's passed down for memory's keepsake and sharing joy in bringing families and friends together. Something that quite frankly is overlooked thanks to a combination of factors in modern society.

Before TV dinners and microwaves were invented, people had to learn how to cook to feed their families and communities. It was a necessity to know how back then but nowadays, this important life skill has been neglected by many who prefer the convenience of instant or microwavable dinners and fast food. While I enjoy feasting on top ramen (a college staple) especially during winter because all I add is hot water to the noodles and it's ready after five minutes, I get bored with having the same thing everyday (unless it's PB&J and pickles for lunch lol) and want to expand my horizons by trying something new or different. It keeps things more interesting and fun besides satisfying my palate.

If you're a single lady looking for a husband, you need to learn how to prepare nutritious and delicious meals for him. Yes, there are men out there who don't mind cooking (and some can cook better than their wives) but men always love and appreciate a good home-cooked meal made by his wife. (After all, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Lol) Though husbands should learn how to cook too especially if both contribute to the home financially. Or in case their wives are ill or recovering from postpartum. It's a basic survival and life skill that both genders should have equal part in. Cooking together in the kitchen also improves coupled relationships in intimacy and spicing up the heat in the bedroom......

But even if you're not married or choose to stay single, the benefits of cooking your own food are enormous. It can reduce stress, boost your energy, help you look good and feel better about your health, stabilize your weight and mood, and also improve sleep. Plus, it's less costly than dining out or ordering takeout. Hence why it's never too late to start! And don't say you can't learn how to cook. That is absurd. You can take classes, ask your friends and family for their favorite recipes, peruse cookbooks and magazines, watch videos or the Food Network channel, browse online or download a cooking app. That being said, there's no reason why you can't be taught. If you can read, you can learn. All it takes is practice and patience.

I'm not a chef or a great cook but I've gradually gained confidence in my cooking abilities the more I learned and practiced. I give credit to my mom for showing me how while making fun of my chopping skills and overthinking tendencies. If you're intimidated, start slow with learning simple and easy dishes first until you've mastered those and gained confidence. You might want to practice with some easy and simple recipes from my recipes tab. That's why it's beneficial for parents to teach their children how to cook early starting at age 5 or toddler years. Not only will it introduce them to kitchen basics and safety but also help them with creativity, gaining confidence and knowledge in the kitchen. Which will help them immensely in adulthood. It is messy and hard work, but it's worth it! Kids are more capable than you realize. Everyone can learn regardless of ability and age.

There are a lot of young women in their 20's and 30's who can't cook or were never taught by their mom, aunt, grandma, etc. And with both parents working and coming home late, exhausted from work, parenting, etc. It's less time consuming to settle for unhealthy fast food or microwave ultra processed meals to feed themselves and their family. Plus, home economics isn't taught in schools like it used to be which is one reason why many students can't perform basic life skills after graduation. Cooking being one of them. A seventh grader in Louisville, Kentucky wrote a piece in a column article pushing for Home Ec classes to be taught in a generation that desperately needs it. Which can be read here.

Home Ec used to be a requirement in school but nowadays it's very limited apparently because of budgeting issues or the stereotype being that it's "oppressing" women to be doormats and slaves to their husbands. Something that radical feminists came up with, you can read more about what submission and femininity actually is in this post. (It will trigger radical feminists) Regardless, I've heard women say they wished they were taught as a teenager or younger and learned during college or after they got married. 

For those who are burdened by their jobs and juggling added demands of family and school, or those who often travel for their job or don't come home until really late. One option is to gather all your ingredients and dump them into a crockpot or instant pot before you head out. Another time saving option is to prepare meals over the weekend and use them as leftovers throughout the week. If you need to save time on grocery shopping and meal planning, try meal subscription boxes that delivers healthy ingredients with printed recipes at your door. There's lots of options with good deals for all levels from a novice home cook to seasoned chefs that also takes dietary restrictions into account. 

However, if you're too exhausted to cook and need a break, and you're tired of having PB&J sandwiches for dinner, I've got your back! Lol. If you're looking for an alternative to ensure you or your household stays alive with healthier options over highly processed foods, here's a clear and concise review to check out. if you should ever need it.

If you tend to associate being in the kitchen "tedious", make it fun (or more bearable) by playing music that fits the season, theme, or mood you're in. In December, I'll play Christmas music or carols when I'm baking treats or decorating cookies. (I'll never pass up Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas") It's just a sweet and fun tradition I like to embrace and it's more fun with family or friends pitching in. Whether it's playing the radio, CD, a playlist, or podcast, incorporating background noise or entertainment can make the kitchen experience less boring and daunting.  

Cooking isn't really difficult or boring unless you make it so. It's healthier, better for your wallet, and creates memorable experiences that last a lifetime. What's better than eating nutritious and delicious foods you've prepared?