Make It a Me Time
by Orielle Heilicher, Tastemaker in Residence
I find the most relaxing and serene time is when I am in the kitchen alone, listening to my own music, while making the dishes that I love most. Often times cooking can be thought of as a laborious task that takes time out of each precious day. I hope to dispel this common conception; by convincing you that cooking can become the time of day you look forward to most.
When my day is full of homework, class, and many other things that I don’t really want to do, I want to find time to do something that calms me. So, I figure, I have to eat right? I might as well make that a time not just to eat and fuel myself for the rest of the day/night, but also a time to relax and spend some quality time with my kitchen and myself.
When I am ready to eat, I take a look at all the stuff in my fridge. Do I have some protein that I can make? If I have some chicken or tofu, or whatever might be laying around, I’ll most likely use that as my starting point. I then turn to the Internet, per usual, and search for simple recipes that include whatever protein is on hand. Lastly, I survey my fridge and cabinet to see what else I can use to make it a meal.
By using the Internet, you can create a meal with whatever you have on hand in 20 to 30 minutes. Once you have the recipe down, turn on some music, whatever you desire (I like Frank Sinatra to make me feel extra spicy or The Weepies Pandora station), and start cooking. This can take as long or as little as you want, but make it a time where you aren’t rushing, but you are taking the time to appreciate the food you have and the free time away from your class and homework.
This is a time for you. Cooking is not about just eating. It is about the whole experience around food. The cooking, the eating, the time spent in the kitchen alone, or with company. Using your time in the kitchen and every meal as a second me-time away from life will allow you to appreciate not only the food but the time you have with yourself.
Alone time is something my generation struggles with: It is now filled with phones, computer screens and a search for companionship. The time in the kitchen can help my generation get away from this technological lifestyle.
Quality time is essential to understanding yourself and allowing yourself to grow as an independent person. Using the kitchen to facilitate that is one of many ways to foster a quality relationship with yourself.
Put the phone down, get cooking, and allow yourself to relax and live in your own headspace. It may be hard at first, but I promise, it is a skill that will last you a long, long time.