My mother is an amazing cook. Of course, after being cooked amazing meals for the majority of my life, I arrived for my freshman year of college able to make pasta, make toast, and scramble eggs. I was able to successfully follow a recipe (with only a few major screw-ups), but would by no means refer to myself as a cook.
Sophomore year, I was thrust into the world of non-existent meal plans. Sadly, I did not handle it well and the trader joes frozen isle became my area of expertise. After several Spring break cooking lessons, an amazing experience discovering European cuisine while abroad, and lots of time watching Tasty videos on “quick cooking,” I have come a long way from my measly pasta dinners.
Tasty videos, daily cooking videos put out by Buzzfeed news, are an amazing source of recipes and directions for all beginning cooks. Only 15 months since it was created, the videos are now not only insanely popular but are also the number one driver of video content on Buzzfeed’s site. (http://digiday.com/publishers/just-15-months-old-tasty-driving-buzzfeed-video-facebook/). With recipes ranging from how to make deviled eggs, to complicated stew recipes, I would highly recommend signing up for the email video list.
I consider cooking to be an art, and, as with any artistic work, I like the preparation aspect the best. I love meticulously chopping and laying out all necessary ingredients before adding them, one-by-one to my pot, bowl, or crock pot.
As with any artistic endeavor, one has to be prepared to accept minor failures at times. This evening, while making breakfast for dinner, for example, the waffles I was attempting to make exploded from all sides of my waffle maker. Much mess. Less food. Womp.
It will take many years before I consider my cooking to be up to par with my mother’s. However, after this morning’s breakfast experiment and yesterday’s homemade blueberry muffins, I think I may be quickly catching up.
Shannon — I couldn’t agree more with your statement, “I consider cooking to be an art, and, as with any artistic work, I like the preparation aspect the best.” As a self proclaimed food blogger and foodstagram extraordinaire, I’ve found that I’m happiest while cooking and experiencing new foods. Like you, I’m nowhere near my mom’s level of cooking, but I’m hoping to reach super chef status some day. Despite the fact that I’m always trying new recipes, I’ve actually never tried one of Buzzfeed’s Tasty videos. Today may be the day though, I have the ingredients for french toast roll ups so I just might have to try it out. I’ll let you know how it goes! Thanks for sharing your cooking experiences 🙂
I loved reading about how you are transforming as chef. Coming to college I
didn’t really know how to cook but have found it a lot of fun experimenting even when the meal doesn’t necessarily turn
out how I planned. Cooking is all about patience and creativity! If you need some more inspiration I find the PBS cooking hour to be very informative for quick and easy recipes!
Hi Shannon! Thank you for sharing by your kitchen adventures with us, I loved reading about how you are tr ansfoe
Hi Shannon,
I loved reading your post! I bet your meals are very tasty! You reminded me of a time when I legitimately cried over spilled milk in the process of making something. 🙂 Sometimes I wonder if I will ever get to my mom’s level of delicious cooking, too. I agree with what you say about it being an art – something about “you eat it with your eyes first.”
Bon voyage! Enjoy your continued cooking experimentation!
Jasmine