When I was a little girl, the kitchen was like a magical world to me. Every time my mother started preparing dinner, I would always trail behind her, curiously observing every step she took.
Back then, I didn't fully grasp the true essence of cooking, but I knew that whenever my mother presented plates filled with delicious dishes, our home would be filled with joy.
As time passed, I began to realize that home cooking was not just about satisfying hunger. It's an art, an expression of emotion, and a way of life.
Every time I busied myself in the kitchen, I would be reminded of my mother and those beautiful moments we shared together over the years.
In today's society, with the prevalence of takeout and fast food, more and more people are opting out of cooking for themselves. They see it as a hassle, not worth the time and effort.
But to me, cooking has never been a burden; it's a pleasure. Every time I see the satisfied smiles on the faces of my family and friends as they taste my dishes, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and pride.
I believe that everyone should learn to cook, not just to save money but also for their health and well-being.
Learning to cook can indeed save a significant amount of money, as the cost of preparing meals at home is much lower than dining out or ordering takeout.
During the cooking process, we can opt for fresh and healthy ingredients, avoiding excessive amounts of oil, salt, and sugar. At the same time, we can create unique dishes tailored to our tastes and preferences.
Beyond health considerations, cooking also helps cultivate patience, meticulousness, and creativity. Every time I'm faced with a set of ingredients, I ponder how to combine them into a delectable dish. This requires continuous experimentation and exploration, and each success and failure brings invaluable experience.
I encourage everyone to step into the kitchen and embark on their cooking journey. Don't be afraid of failure or worry about not achieving perfection. Remember, the process of cooking itself is a joy, and every attempt will make you fall in love with this skill even more.
To help everyone kickstart their culinary journey, I've compiled a list of essential ingredients and condiments.
These are the culmination of my years of cooking experience, and they can assist you in effortlessly crafting various delicious dishes.
- Herbs, seasonings, and sauces: including salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, cinnamon, Provençal herbs, chicken essence, curry sauce, chili sauce or dried chili, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic.
- Oils and sauces: olive oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar (apple vinegar, rice vinegar, and black vinegar).
- Cooking basics: flour, butter, sugar, baking soda, and cooking wine.
（photo: pexels）
In conclusion, cooking is not just a skill; it's a way of life. I hope everyone can experience the joy of cooking, savor the dishes they craft with their own hands, and in doing so, save money.
Let's step into the kitchen together and embark on our culinary journey!