Find Inspiration For Cooking

For some people, cooking is a passion. Like my brother-in-law, they love trying new recipes, experimenting with different flavors, and feeding their friends and family. He and my sister collected cookbooks for many years. They enjoyed reading cookbooks and trying new recipes. For others, cooking is a chore. It’s something that has to be done in order to eat, but it’s not something that they enjoy. There are also stages you can go through where you’re bored and tired of cooking. I’m not a professional chef who makes extraordinary dishes with complex directions. I do enjoy cooking, but my focus is usually on eating healthier. I have allergies and try to avoid many common foods that cause problem. No MSG in my food. Then I get in a rut and need to try something new. Eating the same food over and over gets boring. Several of my retired friends have all said that they are tired of cooking. We’ve discussed standing and looking in the refrigerator hoping for inspiration.

If this has ever happened to you, there are of ways to rekindle your passion for cooking. Let’s discuss some ideas to inspire you.

1. Start Small

One of the best ways to ease your way into cooking is to start small. That doesn’t mean you have to prepare simple meals—it just means you should focus on perfecting one dish at a time. Once you’ve got that dish down, you can move on to something else. The key is not to get ahead of yourself. By keeping your focus narrow, you’ll be able to enjoy the process of cooking without getting overwhelmed.

2. Opt for Simple Recipes

One sure fire way to feel overwhelmed is to dive in head first with complicated recipes that have long ingredient lists. So, instead, start with something simpler. The Magical Slow Cooker has plenty of delicious recipes that don’t require hours of prep time or a degree in culinary arts to make. Take a look at my favorite slow cooker recipes on Sarah’s blog for easy cooking. On the other hand, perhaps you’d like to think about simple one pan options. BBC Good Food‘s great article, One Pot Recipes, has 68 one pot meals. Once you’ve mastered a few of your favorites, you can move on to more complicated ones.

3. Make it a Group Thing

One of the best ways to learn anything is by teaching it to someone else. Find a friend or family member who’s also interested in learning how to cook and team up. You can take turns teaching each other new recipes, share cooking tips and tricks, and help keep each other motivated. Or, invite friends over for a cooking night where you can all pitch in and then enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end.

4. Find a Mentor

Likewise, if you know someone who loves to cook, ask them for advice. A mentor can help you learn the ropes and figure out what type of cooking suits you best. They can also introduce you to new techniques and ingredients that you may not be familiar with. When I first moved to Miami decades ago, we had a pot luck lunch for Christmas. I brought a large bowl of fruit salad. That was my first experience of eating different kinds of Cuban food. I left that party with several recipes that I loved to eat that day. And if you don’t know anyone who loves to cook, there are plenty of resources available online, like cooking blogs and forums. Seek out someone who can help guide you on your journey to developing your love for cooking.

5. Take a Cooking Class

Yeats ago my friend Gloria and I signed up for a Chinese cooking class. Once a week we watched and attempted a new dish. This is a great way to learn new skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Plus we got to eat something new each class. You’ll get to meet new people who share your interest in cooking and try out different recipes under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

6. Experiment with Different Styles of Cooking

There are so many different styles of cooking, from Italian and French cuisine to Chinese and Thai dishes. And within each style, there are endless possibilities for experimentation. So don’t be afraid to try something new! You never know what might become your new favorite thing to cook.

7. Play With New Ingredients and Flavors

One of the best parts about cooking is that there are no rules. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and flavor combinations. You might be surprised at what you end up liking (and disliking). Who knows? You might even discover a new favorite dish.

Find Your Fire in the Kitchen

Cooking is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. It’s also a great way to show off your creative side. And best of all, anyone can do it. If you’re new to the kitchen, start small and focus on perfecting one dish at a time. It’s okay to play around with simple recipes and get used to new flavors and ingredients. By trying some of these tips, you should be able to build up a passion for cooking in no time.

There’s no one right way to find your favorite flavors and meals. It might take some trial and error, but eventually, you’ll find what works for you. Just remember to have fun and be patient.

Thanks for the visit. Get exclusive free printables & all the news straight to your mailbox!

Please see my Link Parties page for the parties where this post was shared.