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!
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! ❤️
love the tee shirt and the photo. can't wait for the book. congrats!
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!