Mark Bittman wrote an article a few weeks ago for The New York Times that got me thinking. As the title would suggest “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?” the article starts by discussing how if you break down recipes you will find that going to a fast food restaurant for a cheap meal isn’t always as cost effective as one may think. However, as you continue reading the article, Bittman makes an interesting point that what is luring people to fast food is not always for the price tag but rather it is for the convenience to avoid cooking.
Why is it that no one wants to cook?
Is it time? Is there really not enough time to make dinner?
Is it skill? Why is cooking such a unique skill set these days? When did that happen and why?
Bittman writes, “Real cultural changes are needed to turn this around. Somehow, no-nonsense cooking and eating—roasting a chicken, making a grilled cheese sandwich, scrambling an egg, tossing a salad—must become popular again, and valued not just by hipsters in Brooklyn or locavores in Berkeley. The smart campaign is not to get McDonalds’s to serve better food but to get people to see cooking as a joy rather than a burden, or at least as part of a normal life.”
Changes the perspective, don’t you think? As someone who is just getting comfortable cooking I understand how daunting of a task it can be. However, I am noticing how much fun I have every time I start playing with ingredients and cook a beautiful meal. I am learning more about food everyday and it is more calming than I could ever imagine. Who knew putting on an apron could be so therapeutic?
To make cooking simple, fun, affordable and hopefully fun click here for some of Mark Bittman’s recipes. See you in the kitchen!
Do you love to cook? I would love to know your favorite recipe and hear what you enjoy about cooking. Please email me!