Sometimes I'm grumpy at the beginning of the cooking process because I'm tired from the day, but I generally feel better a few minutes in and always feel better once I see what I've made! Cooking is kind in that way!
I’m with you — I love cooking dinner too. I find being in the kitchen comforting and the process of cooking supper meditative. Sometimes I have music on, sometimes it’s just me and my thoughts, but the best is when Katie’s sitting at the counter chatting. Those times are magic. How do I choose what to make? If there are new cookbooks on the counter I’ll make something from them or I’ll pull a favourite from the list (like you, there’s no room for guilt or shame either on those light/no cook days — it’s all good).
I TRY to love cooking dinner but I don’t always. I always have tofu in the fridge because it lasts even if I don’t use it that week. Eat Your Books has been a godsend for using what I have in the fridge and finding a recipe in my myriad cookbooks. I’m a planner—on Saturday I make the shopping list and plan the meals for at least the first three days of the week—my spouse does the shopping. I generally love to cook, but sometimes those weeknights after a long day are a challenge.
Yes I totally agree! I think be kind to yourself on those days. We don't have to cook gourmet meals every night. I would happily eat white rice with soy sauce lol
As always, a great post with generous information and recipes. I love being in the kitchen and these past few weeks being off my feet, when I have had to guide my husband who never cooks, it pleases me that I am now able to get back in and cook. I usually plan several days ahead to ensure that everything I need is available, even making a list so my husband knows what we will be eating, albeit every now and again I swap the meals around which throws him. I occasionally use a jar of Arrabbiata or a Curry Paste and we rarely if ever buy takeaway. Like most I have saved a zillion recipes, and am re-building my collection of recipe books, I just can’t help myself, and I have now taken to buying for our grandchildren as well, all of whom enjoy cooking.
Thanks for sharing Sally! So happy you're back on your feet again. Meal planning is a skill I don't have but I think it is partly because of my job. Also I love to shop everyday for food because the supermarket is my happy place LOL
Hetty, I have always loved your food philosophy but this post really struck a chord! Cooking is such a meditative process, when you allow yourself the grace of enjoying what food gives us. I often despair when I open the fridge and there's little ingredients left and I'm tired but after a few minutes of thinking, a more creative approach to a meal ends up coming through. My partner is a better cook than me but his absence the past few weeks allowed me to reignite my own love for cooking and making food that I really want to eat, and trusting my own creativity in the kitchen.
Sometimes I'm grumpy at the beginning of the cooking process because I'm tired from the day, but I generally feel better a few minutes in and always feel better once I see what I've made! Cooking is kind in that way!
I have to agree! That’s me too. Like once we start cooking, the stresses of the day melt away.
“cooking is kind in that way” — what a lovely sentiment!
Agree!
100% relate to this feeling!
I’m with you — I love cooking dinner too. I find being in the kitchen comforting and the process of cooking supper meditative. Sometimes I have music on, sometimes it’s just me and my thoughts, but the best is when Katie’s sitting at the counter chatting. Those times are magic. How do I choose what to make? If there are new cookbooks on the counter I’ll make something from them or I’ll pull a favourite from the list (like you, there’s no room for guilt or shame either on those light/no cook days — it’s all good).
Thanks for sharing that Kris. I’m glad you agree. I’m all about finding the joy in cooking dinner, even for the simplest meals
i’ve always been afraid of risotto — but this is something i think i can try!!! looks delicious
Don’t be afraid. It’s super easy!! Light too because of all the veg!! Let me know how you go!
I toast myself every now and then for all the dinners I have made. Night after night! My biggest is hurdle is what to make.
I wasn’t able to access the lemongrass tofu recipe. Is it free? Because I happen to have lemongrass right now and would definitely make it!
Also Lynn, I have another lemongrass recipe coming this week!
Oh, can’t wait!
Yay celebrate all your meals! Love that.
Try this link / you do need NYT cooking subscription but this link should be free https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025400-lemongrass-tofu-and-broccoli?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share
I TRY to love cooking dinner but I don’t always. I always have tofu in the fridge because it lasts even if I don’t use it that week. Eat Your Books has been a godsend for using what I have in the fridge and finding a recipe in my myriad cookbooks. I’m a planner—on Saturday I make the shopping list and plan the meals for at least the first three days of the week—my spouse does the shopping. I generally love to cook, but sometimes those weeknights after a long day are a challenge.
Yes I totally agree! I think be kind to yourself on those days. We don't have to cook gourmet meals every night. I would happily eat white rice with soy sauce lol
Thanks for sharing this Rebecca
As always, a great post with generous information and recipes. I love being in the kitchen and these past few weeks being off my feet, when I have had to guide my husband who never cooks, it pleases me that I am now able to get back in and cook. I usually plan several days ahead to ensure that everything I need is available, even making a list so my husband knows what we will be eating, albeit every now and again I swap the meals around which throws him. I occasionally use a jar of Arrabbiata or a Curry Paste and we rarely if ever buy takeaway. Like most I have saved a zillion recipes, and am re-building my collection of recipe books, I just can’t help myself, and I have now taken to buying for our grandchildren as well, all of whom enjoy cooking.
Thanks for sharing Sally! So happy you're back on your feet again. Meal planning is a skill I don't have but I think it is partly because of my job. Also I love to shop everyday for food because the supermarket is my happy place LOL
I just love to shop!! 😂
I love roasting chickens. Recenters my gravity.
YES! 🙌
I LOVE cooking dinner! This recipe looks amazing, I will try it this week.
Hetty, I have always loved your food philosophy but this post really struck a chord! Cooking is such a meditative process, when you allow yourself the grace of enjoying what food gives us. I often despair when I open the fridge and there's little ingredients left and I'm tired but after a few minutes of thinking, a more creative approach to a meal ends up coming through. My partner is a better cook than me but his absence the past few weeks allowed me to reignite my own love for cooking and making food that I really want to eat, and trusting my own creativity in the kitchen.