Boredom's Kitchen

I was bored out of my mind yesterday, so decided to cook for my family. I made a tasty (or so they say) batch of burritos and crispy tacos. It’s really not a task, and actually very easy. But it passed my evening by and my family had a nice meal that was appreciated to the very last bite.

One thing I’ve always noticed, when you cook for others, somewhere your own hunger dies. But I think that’s because you see others enjoying the meal you created, and that’s what maxes out your appetite.

Today, the cooking urge did not budge. All day I’ve been thinking of new recipes I want to try. (That’s also because my plate of work is completely empty for the time). Of course the boring roti sabzi dal interests me not, but tell me to cook you a risotto and I’ll be all for it in a shot. I want to try my hand at fondue, I probably will very soon. One thing I want to scratch off my to-try-to-cook list is the ratatouille crepe...I saw my aunt make it in London, and it really seems like a piece of cake. But again, I can’t say before I give my own a taste.

What about gnocchi, or maybe frosty cupcakes, try some zesty pesto sauce or that avocado dip that I’ve never been able to quite grip, and don’t get me started on sour crème, that still seems like a dream yet to become real. All I know is that the world’s a big tray of tasty things to prepare, and thanks to the Nature’s Baskets and Foodhalls of the city, cooking’s now a pleasure rather than a mundane ordeal.

 Being vegetarian may seem like a barrier to some, but for me, I’m happy in my kitchen cooking veggies in different concoctions. Inspired by others, or inspiring others...I take both routes. From all the chefs I’ve interviewed to people I talk to about food. I may not be the best (or be a crazy foodie either), but when something catches my mind, I stick to the grind. And as easily as I stick, I unglue myself too...but who doesn’t, I’m sure you do too. So this may just be a phase, or one that will keep me dazed, but as for yesterday... it did take my boredom away.

I’ve been here before as well, when I got over excited and joined cooking classes in South Bombay. Now to some that may sound gay, but it was a fun way to pass those days I had to spare. I learned how to make an assortment of bread spreads, and what eventually came to be was a house party with my meal on demand (or so it seemed).

So when you’re bored and you don’t know what to do...cook something for someone special to you. Even if it turns out awful, you know you tried and just in case, keep a good restaurant on speed dial!