Last night I ventured far out of my cooking comfort zone and made fish for dinner… tilapia to be specific. Have you ever noticed how most of the menu items at Mexican restaurants are the same four of five ingredients just cooked, stacked, or served in a different way? Well, generally, the same could be said of the meals I make.
But, back to last night…
The tilapia turned out well. Granted, it’s hard to mess something up when it comes straight out of the freezer. I did at least spice it up with some Jamaican jerk rub and olive oil (that’s where things got fancy). And, I added broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and the requisite pan of Sister Schubert rolls.
As one can imagine, I was feeling quite proud of myself for putting together this quasi-gourmet meal. So, I told the Spouse I was going to need some words of affirmation about my cooking since it’s long been one of my weaknesses.
And, his reply?
“Cooking is not your weakness, honey. The desire to cook is your weakness.”
Somehow, I feel like that statement would fall more into the category of “words of truth” rather than “words of affirmation.” There’s a difference, you know.
But, I’ll admit it. He nailed it on the head. When it comes to cooking, I don’t feel the slightest tinge of passion. I used to think (perhaps hope) when I was younger that when I became an adult I would naturally acquire an interest in reading cookbooks and putting together fun and inventive meals for my family. The problem is, I’m still waiting for that to happen. I own the cookbooks, I have a perfectly functional kitchen, and I have a family to feed, but I haven’t found that burning desire to cook well or with any enthusiasm. It’s simply a means to an end. I could take it or leave it. Or, call it in for that matter…
So, I’m wondering how I can overcome this lack of desire to move toward what Julia Child mysteriously referred to as “The Joy of Cooking.” Those two words “joy” and “cooking” seem so unrelated to me. It’s kind of like saying “the joy of shaving.” Sure, it’s necessary and the end result is nice, but can it really be joy-producing along the way? Since millions of people, and maybe many of you, find great pleasure in the art of cooking, I know the answer is yes. I just need to know the secret. Do share.
Meanwhile, I’ll be adding “Tantalizing Tilapia” to the weekday meal rotation around here…
Holliaba,
Though this is a late post…I just wanted to say "Bravo" for cooking! I too have had to force a joy for cooking, as my joy lies in baking…a trait that produces nary a nutritional meal. I do not "love" to cook and was quite overwhelmed by the prospect of doing it everyday, but…over time have learned to find little meals I am good at and enjoy eating. Though much is still to be learned, my husband's reassurance and affirmation have been the only thing pressing me on. It will come…keep taking little steps, feeling that since of "wow…I just made fish!" and eventually a week's worth of meals will be easier to do. You can do it Hollie!
Love and miss you,
Becky Sutphin
Becky! So good to hear from you! I consider you quite a cook, so I'm surprised to know that you have to force the joy. Maybe there's hope for me yet… thanks for the encouragement!
I hope you're doing well. Send an update when you can.
Love and miss you, too!
Hollie