Primary Food: Home Cooking
“Good food and a warm kitchen are what makes a house a home.” — Rachael Ray
Do you have a family dish that makes you feel comforted and releases all the feel-good hormones whenever you eat it? I know for me, growing up in a latin household, certain dishes hold a special place in my heart, and connect me to my latin roots. Argentinian asado with warm bread and butter and a fresh salad is a dish that feeds every area of my body, mind, and soul. Food is truly a beautiful thing.
Lucinda Scala Quinn is the Editorial Director of food at Martha Stewart Omnimedia, she talked about the power of home cooking stating that cooking has physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits and is a very rewarding experience. Quinn explains that she dislikes the excuse of not having time because we waste a lot of time wrapped up in technology when we could be cooking. Her number one rule is no drive-thru. Not only is it unhealthy but it is expensive along with other processed foods.
Think about thanksgiving, it’s a holiday where we put time and effort into cooking and providing a welcoming atmosphere that brings the family together and creates space for relationships and fellowship. Engaging in the cooking process can be a form of mindfulness, offering a break from daily stressors and providing a relaxing, creative outlet. Accomplishing a delicious meal from scratch can boost confidence and self-esteem, contributing positively to mental well-being. Creativity often helps release feel good hormones such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine which naturally helps infuse the food with love. Infusing food with love goes beyond just following a recipe; it involves the mindfulness, care, and intention that you bring to the process. When you cook with love, it's not just about the taste of the food; it's about the emotions and connections that it evokes, creating a richer and more meaningful experience for those who partake in the meal. 1 Corinthians 16:14 says Let all that you do be done in love.
In this day and age we are a consumer culture, where everything is provided at our fingertips. We desire quick and easy fixes which begins to kill us slowly in the long run. Fast food, DoorDash, takeout, even medications are outlets that provide an “easy way out”. Cooking at home can potentially save money compared to dining out regularly, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy nutritious meals. Home cooking allows individuals to cater to specific dietary needs or restrictions, ensuring that meals align with personal health goals or food sensitivities. Cooking at home allows individuals to have better control over ingredients, enabling them to make healthier choices, incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods into their diet, and reduce reliance on processed foods.