Love this! I truly think of cooking as any meal I produce in my own kitchen versus ordering takeout... though I think some part of my brain also believes a stove or oven needs to be involved. But that feels way too literal for how all-encompassing this labor is!
I'm always a little surprised when people ask me if I cook for myself now that I'm alone. Why, yes, I do! I do miss the meal time rituals that my husband and I had, and I probably eat more simply these days. But eating well is important to me, and I take a bit of time to make sure I do. It might be a pot of soup that I eat all week, or it might be assembling a variety of leftovers from the refrigerator. Full disclosure--occasionally it's Top Ramen! Thanks Julia for all of your suggestions that make people want to dive right in! ❤️
I just love your writing so much, Julia! My take is like Virginia’s… anything I can do to not order takeout is cooking in a lot of ways. And sometimes that means just making sandwiches! 🥹
For me, I equate cooking with “providing” nourishment with food (physically or emotionally). Sometimes the nourishment is a well balanced, healthy plate and sometime nourishment is the comfort of an old movie and a giant bowl of popcorn. I could also say what I think cooking is “not”: buying a snickers and bag of chips at a gas station is not cooking (but still welcome at times!)
Thank you so much for this! I am often too tired for the shopping and the cleaning, but I've never thought about those as part of cooking. Also, I need that shirt!
I love your writing and how it allows me to think and challenge myself in areas often not explored. This is a prime example and have enjoyed reading all the comments. I’m often cooking more for just myself these days and have felt off… almost sad… that dinners are so different — hard boiled egg/avocado and olive oil on toast! Not bad (I actually love that but had before considered a heavy snack - not dinner) but different and this take allowed me to view it differently. Thanks!
Love this! I truly think of cooking as any meal I produce in my own kitchen versus ordering takeout... though I think some part of my brain also believes a stove or oven needs to be involved. But that feels way too literal for how all-encompassing this labor is!
Yes!!! You don’t need to heat it to eat it lol!
I'm always a little surprised when people ask me if I cook for myself now that I'm alone. Why, yes, I do! I do miss the meal time rituals that my husband and I had, and I probably eat more simply these days. But eating well is important to me, and I take a bit of time to make sure I do. It might be a pot of soup that I eat all week, or it might be assembling a variety of leftovers from the refrigerator. Full disclosure--occasionally it's Top Ramen! Thanks Julia for all of your suggestions that make people want to dive right in! ❤️
Thanks for this note, Pam. It really sounds like you know how to take care of yourself!
love the tee shirt and the photo. can't wait for the book. congrats!
Thanks Jude!
I just love your writing so much, Julia! My take is like Virginia’s… anything I can do to not order takeout is cooking in a lot of ways. And sometimes that means just making sandwiches! 🥹
With you 100%!
For me, I equate cooking with “providing” nourishment with food (physically or emotionally). Sometimes the nourishment is a well balanced, healthy plate and sometime nourishment is the comfort of an old movie and a giant bowl of popcorn. I could also say what I think cooking is “not”: buying a snickers and bag of chips at a gas station is not cooking (but still welcome at times!)
Absolutely welcome!!!
Thank you so much for this! I am often too tired for the shopping and the cleaning, but I've never thought about those as part of cooking. Also, I need that shirt!
It’s from ash & chess!
I love your writing and how it allows me to think and challenge myself in areas often not explored. This is a prime example and have enjoyed reading all the comments. I’m often cooking more for just myself these days and have felt off… almost sad… that dinners are so different — hard boiled egg/avocado and olive oil on toast! Not bad (I actually love that but had before considered a heavy snack - not dinner) but different and this take allowed me to view it differently. Thanks!