Have you ever had an extremely challenging experience, but once you completed it, you felt like you could do anything?! I recently cooked 45 recipes (in one week!!) for photographs for my upcoming book. Let me tell you, it was not only grueling, but it was strangely satisfying!
I felt like I was on Chopped as I revisited recipes. It was such an exhilarating ride! To produce something in your kitchen while being creative with food is an art form of its own. I’ve always said that food is art, and, in this case, it was! The presentation had to be just right so the photographer could capture each dish in the best way.
Although I was exhausted at the end of the week, I was so proud of myself for pushing through. I proved to myself that I could be a sous chef if I ever had the chance (I will probably never be one, but a girl can dream…right?). Cooking is therapeutic for me and something I have always enjoyed. If only all things come as easily to me as whipping up a meal in the kitchen. A colorful berry dessert, a perfectly dressed salad–these are not things to be undervalued.
So, get into your kitchen and throw on your apron! Challenge yourself to cook new recipes and try new things. The experience is similar to taking an art class. I’m not saying you must cook 45 recipes (even though it felt like 4,500) but step out of your comfort zone and get creative in the kitchen! Because once you produce a dish that is not only appealing to the eye but delicious as well…your confidence in the kitchen will only improve.
Let me know of any challenges you have experienced in the kitchen or please share anything you would like to try. We can all pretend we are contestants on Chopped together!
Always remember that we may not be getting any younger, but we are getting better. Embrace your life and live it to the fullest!
Bon Appetit!
– Maria
