I Think I Figured it Out! It's Just a Matter of Semantics!

I have always wondered why it is people are afraid of or don't like to cook... I mean, seriously, how can a person NOT like to cook? I ask you?

First of all, "cooking" is a noun. (I bet you did not know that!) I find this interesting.  Why is this interesting to me? Because "cooking" is not a verb. "Cooking" is "food that has been prepared in a particular way."  See? I find most people say they 'don't cook' because it is too much 'work' or they 'don't know how' or they don't 'like to cook.' How can you 'not like' a measly little noun? "Cooking" is just sitting there, minding its own business when WHAM-O! Some person starts beating it up and knocking it about! I implore you! PLEASE! Give "cooking" a chance!

Secondly, "cooking" is the practice or skill of preparing food by combining, mixing and (/or) heating ingredients. (Keep this to yourself, but, "ingredients" is code for food. Don't you feel like a Secret Agent?)

So, "cooking" is a skill. A SKILL people! A "skill" is the ability to do something. The ability to DO something! In what universe is 'the ability to do something' scary or un-likable? The ability to do something (in most cases, anything) is both awesome and likable! Heck! 'stupid people tricks' is an entire genre! Think turning your eyelids inside out or patting your head and rubbing your tummy... Either way, "awesome" and "likable" are both pretty excellent adjectives for people to associate with you don't ya think?

There is one more reason why people are afraid of cooking and/or do not like cooking or believe it is too much work; it is the proverbial 'elephant in the room' and I'm just going to say it, "reality" cooking shows.

"Reality" cooking shows are silly, un-realisitic  and at best, ridiculous! You know the ones I am referring to here... The shows with the words "War" or "Battle"  in them. You see, "war" and "battle" are nouns, yes, but both are nouns defined by words like "conflict" or "fight" or "armed." "Reality" cooking shows change our mindset about cooking. Cooking is a loving and kind act, not a "war" or "battle." The equipment in your kitchen, from the apron to the chef's knife and the refrigerator to the stove and dishwasher is there to help you  if you simply get in the kitchen and acquire a bit of skill.

So, conquer your fear and suspend your dislike of cooking long enough to get in your kitchen and get you some 'SKILL!' I promise, only good things will come from acquiring the skill of cooking. What is the worst thing that can happen? Maybe the ingredients you combine do not look exactly like the picture. SO WHAT! Maybe you free wheel it because you have oregano instead of basil. SO WHAT! Before you know it, you are having fun! Before you know it, you are feeding yourself and/or your family and friends. Before you know it, you are addicted!

​Whatever it is that motives you to get in your kitchen and "do," don't let semantics get in your way!