Cooking Through Chaos

It’s no surprise that in times like these, people may be looking for a retreat or escape. How are you coping during such chaotic moments? Me? I’m cooking through the chaos. Cooking is how I connect with what truly matters – caring for my body, contributing to my family’s well-being, staying mindful of my emotional health, and creatively relieving stress and anxiety.

Although I haven’t had a culinary career per se, I’ve been cooking for many, many years. All the oldest daughters, stand up!

As we move into the spring season, I’m excited to dive into seasonally fresh ingredients. To keep things easy while cooking, I’m leaning heavily on a great knife and my handy-dandy immersion blender. Ease is key because, ultimately, the point of these cooking sessions is to relax. Well, yes, having an edible meal at the end is important too, but you know what I mean. For years, I took for granted the value of owning a knife that’s impeccably sharp and easy to maintain.

Using my incredibly sharp knife, I’ve been enjoying chopping leafy greens. I can smell the fragrant aromas as I slice through fresh herbs. And the pleasure of my knife gliding effortlessly through perfectly cooked meats – it’s a level of joy you just have to experience. The seamless, symmetrical chopping and slicing really enhances the entire cooking experience.

The immersion blender has also made cooking even easier and more enjoyable. I first discovered it about eight years ago when I was living abroad. A wonderful lady accepted my request to teach me cultural dishes from her homeland. When she pulled out the handheld blender, it was love at first sight. I’d never seen one before, but I knew I needed one in my life. It’s definitely a purchase I have yet to regret. Since I cook most of my meals from scratch, this tool has been a time-saver when making stews and soups. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient for whipping up sauces, marinades, and salad dressings. Honestly, that’s perhaps my favorite use for it.

Here are a few steps you can take to create a relaxing cooking experience:

• Start in a clean kitchen with clean utensils.
• Organize all your ingredients and tools (utensils, measuring cups, etc.) before you begin.
• Make sure the recipe is easily visible (if you’re following one).
• Designate a prep area.
• Clean as you go – wash dishes and throw away wrappers and food scraps.
• Ensure you have enough time to fully cook the meal or dish.
• Play some music, a podcast, or a movie you’ve already seen. Don’t pick a movie you’ve never seen – trust me, it can get distracting, and cooking requires concentration.

Regardless of what tools you may or may not have, get to cooking. If cooking with others is your thing, go for it. If you’re like me and prefer to cook alone so you can manage the mess, then do that. After preparing a delicious meal with fresh, seasonal ingredients, keep the relaxation going. Grab that book you were once enthusiastic to read and pick up where you left off a few months ago. No judgment, just encouragement! Not big on reading? How about enjoying your meal in the fresh air? If you live in a climate that is currently experiencing mild weather, enjoy your meal on your patio, porch, or balcony. If you don’t have either of those, open the window and let the fresh breeze in.

If you’ve made a meal for your family, gather your loved ones around the table. Converse, laugh, and soak up the enjoyment of the moment. If you’re cool with silence, light a candle and savor every morsel of the meal you’ve prepared in peace and quiet. Do whatever you find relaxing while enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Could this be considered coping in the chaos? I’m not sure. But what I do know is this – I’m cooking. And hopefully, you are too.