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? 

Not Letting What We Do Define Us

In a society where we constantly compare ourselves to people on social media and real life, it's easy to feel bombarded by expectations of others to do more and be more to be successful, popular, or well-liked. 

Numerous times in the past, I remember finding myself in "What career/ major/ degree I need to achieve" to be successful in my eyes and in others. And I'll just be honest and say that none of that really matters without knowing God's purpose for your life. Because you can be rich, successful, famous, and have everything you could imagine wanting and achieving in life, but if you don't know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him, you won't be living fully and freely. 

Whether it's homemaking, DIY projects, hobbies, sports, writing, blogging, etc. Ask yourself this question, "Who am I doing this for?" Because it's easy to get lost in the pressure of doing to impress people and be wrapped up in trying to define ourselves by what we do or think we should be doing, rather than aiming to please and serve God with our time, gifts, talents, passions, interests, resources, and ambition. 

When we aim to please the Lord by serving people around us and serving Him, we find more joy, peace, and fulfillment in our lives and it's more evident in our attitudes and how we treat people. All of that stemming from knowing who God is and who we are in Him who gives us our identity. And when we are confident and assured of our proper identity, opinions from people and ourselves won't really matter in the end. Watch this video below to understand more about not letting what we do define us.

Cinnamon Bread

Photo location: Pakistan

If you ever invite neighbors or friends into your home for holidays or any occasion, this delicious cinnamon bread will be a crowd pleaser and make your kitchen and home smell inviting with the lovely scent of cinnamon all around. Nikole Hahn, a missionary, shared this recipe which has become a tradition in Pakistan. The recipe video is 1 minute long. 

If you live at high altitude, you can click here to make adjustments. Baking time, temperatures, and ingredients might need to be adjusted if you live above 3,000-foot elevation.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon (I like to dump my cinnamon in the bowl)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs

Instructions: 

1. Grease the bottom of a loaf pan. You can sprinkle the bottom with a little flour to keep it from sticking, but I like to use cinnamon instead. After baking, the cinnamon on the bottom of the pan prevents sticking and gives a crispy cinnamon crunch to your bread.
2. Preheat the oven to 350* (or 375* if you are between 3,000 and 4,000 elevation level).
3. Mix dry ingredients together first. Then, add all the wet ingredients. Don’t overmix. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for almost an hour. It will be done when the bread feels firm to the touch, and you can insert a knife in the middle and the knife comes out clean.
5. Use a knife to gently separate the bread from the sides. Wait a minute, then turn upside down on a cooling rack or plate.

Eat with your favorite topping hot out of the oven. The smell of cinnamon will fill your home with warmth and memories.

Taco Soup

Dunguaire Castle in Galway

This original recipe was shared by Mandy Post who serves in Galway, Ireland with her husband Jason and their four children. Mandy and Jason moved from Texas to Galway to help establish Galway City Baptist Church and disciple college students nearby by opening up their home for fellowship and dinner, their taco soup becoming a huge favorite. It has made a significant impact in their community as they seek to share the love of Christ with the students and mentor them. Equipping them to lead and train a next generation to know Jesus and make Him known across the globe. Here's a 3 minute video demonstrating how to make their taco soup and Mandy discussing her life-changing experiences with the students. 

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• one large onion chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 2-3 sliced or chopped chilies
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans of corn (or 2 cups frozen corn)
• 2 cans of beans, drained and rinsed (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans)
• 2 cans stewed or chopped tomatoes
• 1 16 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 packages taco seasoning (or add your own seasonings to taste: salt, cumin, chili powder, paprika)
• corn tortilla chips
• sliced or cubed avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese for toppings

Directions:

On medium high heat, sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil in a large soup pan till soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add the chilies and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Add the ground beef and brown until cooked through. Once meat is finished cooking, add the corn, beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce, mixing well. Then stir in the taco seasoning, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat. Serve over tortilla chips with desired toppings. Enjoy!

In The Age Of Technology And Hospitality

I enjoy gatherings in various formats. From potlucks to parties, entertainment, recreation, events, social activities, whatever it is and wherever it’s at, I’m an advocate for hospitality and camaraderie. But times look different in our current situation amid the pandemic crisis and government stay-at-home orders. Social gatherings have been put off or closed for an indefinite period. And while many states are looking to reopen their economy and churches sooner than deemed appropriately wise given the situation, all bets are off for me and my family concerning dining out, going to the movies, basketball games, parks, etc. Until a good vaccine has been developed and tested and prevents the virus from spreading.

Otherwise, giving and receiving hugs, exchanging a warm welcome up close face to face, attending church lunches and dinners won’t happen for me as I do not want to take chances.

Written by Brittany

You all have one of those friends, right?! You know who I am talking about. That girl who is like a second mother even in her 20 something years. Whose place (dorm room, apartment, house, etc.) is always put together. If a group of 5-10 friends stop by unexpectedly, she can easily throw together a 3 course meal with what she has on hand. She is always hosting and serving.

I want to be her! Let’s be honest, I have to plan 2 days in advance before inviting people over. The dishes aren’t clean, since there are only a few of them that I own. I can normally offer people water, an egg sandwich (if the bread is not hard) or cereal. And that’s on a good day.

My roommate is one of those girls! She is the sweetest. This was something I came home to the other day when she had friends over for breakfast.



And this!



And this was for 4 people! We felt very blessed that morning 

I tend to buy and prepare just enough for myself to operate comfortably. Then scramble to make it work when other people enter into the little kingdom I call my townhome.

There is nothing inherently wrong with that. Hospitality is a spiritual gift. It does not come easily to most. So in some ways, let those with the gift use it to serve in the way that makes them happy, and honors the Lord.

But let’s not be quick to use that as a cop-out. God still calls us to be in community with each other. Hebrews 10:25 says not to give up meeting together, but encourage each other. The early church is said to have been opening up their homes to each other, sharing everything they had, and breaking bread together. There is something essential to being in each others lives and homes.

God gives each of us special gifts for reasons, but that does not mean we are meant to neglect all the other gifts. He is still molding us and growing us in all areas of life. Each spiritual gift represents another aspect of God’s character. So by pursuing these things we are bringing Him glory and reflecting Him to others. Actively pursuing things that God values reveals that we attribute value to Him. To make ourselves uncomfortable to pursue things that reflect the Lord is the ultimate evidence of surrender and humility.

And! Bonus! It’s another way to practice dependence on the Lord. I am not a patient person. But I am still called to be patient. So I have to actively depend of the Lord to help me be patient.

This week, I will admit to you all that I have not been a kind person, especially in my thoughts. But God still calls me to be kind. So I have had to depend on Him to help me lay down my sinful heart and adopt a kind spirit. I know that might sound like I am being fake to you, but it’s not. I don’t do it perfectly, but any effort that I do toward kindness was not me. It was the Lord. I have to deny my feelings and my sinful pride in order to obey the Lord.

I am not being fake. I am not being something I am not. I have been made kind in Christ. Any actions that are not kind are a result of my sin, which is no longer my identity. So denying the sin and putting on the attitude of Christ, is me pursuing who I really am. Or who I am being made into in Christ.

So what does that have to do with hospitality in my life. I am not hospitable. I am kinda selfish and like to keep my life to myself. But God has blessed me with an opportunity to serve others in hospitality. So I want to learn to take better advantage of those times and learn to depend on the Lord to help me to grow in hospitality.

God gives and takes away. He has provided time and resources to serve those around me, and He has provided people to serve. I want to take advantage of that.

Also to observe those around me who have been gifted with this. To confess and turn from resentment and envy when they do it so easily. But to really humble myself to be a learner. To ask for help. To challenge myself to things that make me uncomfortable.

In the age of pinterest and smartphones, it is easy to compare and think that we will never measure up. We will never be able to make the coolest recipe and dessert. We will never have the most adorable house to host things in. We will never have enough money to do the things we want. We will never have time to plan theme parties every weekend. But the funnest meal that I shared with people this past week was a turkey burger on a piece of bread, and some left over broccoli. It was easy and tasty. And it allowed us to all spend time and fellowship together. It didn’t have to be elaborate. But the heart behind it pointed to the provision and humility of Jesus. It was a beautiful meal, with wonderful friends.