I’m standing over a ripping hot cast iron pan at 11:40 p.m., cooking carne asada and waiting for the quesadilla that will result. An hour ago, I had no idea I was going to do this. Yet because of the Whitley Residence camaraderie and Walmart not closing until 11 p.m., I can achieve my goals. I can follow animal urges.
Some people follow their animal urges to Taco Bell. Now, I’ve done the midnight Taco Bell pilgrimage more times than my cholesterol would prefer, and I do not have any misconception that I am an amazing chef, but some don’t even know how to make more than a cup of noodles. If that’s you, and if you are already telling your friends about how elitist this article is and how cooking is too difficult or expensive, I implore you: learn to cook. The best French, non-rat, cartoon chef said it best himself, “anyone can cook.”
Saga is serviceable–and sometimes pretty good–but few things beat the taste of a home-cooked meal. Combine that with the satisfaction of achieving the food nirvana yourself, and it’s glorious.
Cooking isn’t just something that should be reserved for the fairer sex; many of the best chefs have been men. It is an incredibly diverse and accessible skill. A world where Alton Brown and Julia Child can excel in the same field is a beautiful one.
Your mom is no longer with you. She can’t make the comforting chicken noodle soup or chili for you when it is cold outside. It’s time to learn to do that yourself. Do yourself a favor. Combine calling home with a new skill. If you call your mom and get her reunion-famous rack of lamb recipe, you get a great date item and an easy conversation with the woman who raised you.
If you have allergies or food sensitivities, being able to cook can be crucial for your life. While an allergy alert can tell you that there is nothing harmful in the food that you eat, cooking your own food is the best way to know exactly what you eat. This also applies to the cavemen of Hillsdale who eat beef and raw eggs who strive to avoid the dangers of processed foods and unhealthy oils. The best way to avoid additives is to not add them.
Cooking also relieves stress. In the world you make, you are the master. Your comfort meal is only ingredients away.
It is not an insurmountable challenge. Pick something simple, follow the recipe, portion everything before starting, and enjoy your progression toward professionalism. When you pull the chateaubriand out of the oven on Christmas Eve for your in-laws, you’ll be glad you took the leap.
I finish this article in quarantine, and the brightest moment of this solitary confinement has been receiving homemade pancakes from Whitley’s Pancake Breakfast™. That moment of human connection shared through a flapjack and eggs can bring a person through the terrible time of quarantine. Cooking builds connection, and it strengthens joy. Start cooking today, because you never know when you’ll need to use the skill.
