One question that inevitably finds it way to my conversations with potential mates (guys) is “do you like to cook?”
For some, this would be a straightforward answer, either Yes or No. But for me, it’s a little complicated, or at least I make it out to be. You see, I grew up the first of 5 children, and part of growing up as African meant that as female, I was cast predominately in the role of a cook. As far back as I can remember (about 7-8 yrs old) I was already making basic dishes for my family or at least for my siblings that I was in charge of. This position inevitably led to badly cooked and often burnt dishes which made my mom a little upset.
My answer to that question used to be “No, I do not like to cook but I cook often”. But these days, after living alone for the last 10 years, I have come to realize that I do like to cook and it’s no longer an obligation. This is how I got to discover my “like” for cooking.
- My kitchenware – While some friends are browsing the newest Chanel designs, I am poring over Le Creuset cast iron cookware. I am even gradually collecting pieces as they are so expensive to buy all at once.
- I invest in good pieces pots and pans which rival the traditional earthenware flavors that I’m used to (Firewood Jollof rice fans stand up !!). Funny story, A friend of mine was going to come by and inherit some things from my place since I was moving to another country, but she got a shock when I told her I was taking my pots and pans with me.
- When I am super bored, I browse foreign recipes and watch cooking videos for a long time. Others would probably spend that time on Instagram
- I try new recipes that are super foreign to me, I haven’t even had them in a restaurant. My latest was macarons and they turned out almost perfect.
- I do not eat out much. And since I have to eat, that basically means I am cooking very often 🙂
- I love to entertain. I am not one for a revolving door of house parties, but I love roasting a turkey during the holidays and inviting friends like me (with no family in the area) to come over and celebrate. Other times, I enjoy having people stop over and grab a take away when I have made a particularly large batch of something.
- I like kitchen equipment – blenders, juicers, smoothie makers, food processors, mixers (it is insane that there are so many similar use equipment) but yes, I have got them all.
I have decided to stop lying to myself and acknowledge the fact that I like to cook. Which is not such a bad thing when I remember the saying:
the way to a mans heart is through his stomach
except the men these days don’t seem to have stomachs or hearts or dare I say both… Lol. I haven’t cooked for a romantic interest though, so maybe I should add that to my arsenal.
