I cook because I like to eat tasty food. My thoughts generally never wander far from planning the next meal, as my oldest friends will know. I even managed to scupper myself ahead of Mother’s Day by trying to make suggestions for breakfast in bed. (Error.) A slice of toast from Gorse bakery (the spelt bread, since you ask), cup of tea, fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, some runny honey and maybe one of those nice frozen pastries from Waitrose. At this point I encountered quizzical looks from my kids (well, B) and an eye-roll from Dom.
The thing is, though, they did promise me breakfast in bed next Sunday. Look. C wrote me this amazing ‘pre Mother’s Day card’ this weekend. As discussed with his godmother yesterday, when this kid turns on the charm, he really turns on the charm:
When things go wrong, I cook. There was a time during Covid when things went pear-shaped and I remember cooking thrifty dishes as if it would somehow fix the situation. We went through some stress this weekend and I turned to the stove fairly late in the day on Sunday to methodically cook a favourite dal - it sorted me out in a way. Then you see the kids eat it and think, everyone will be better off after this meal and, hopefully, a good night’s sleep.
When I’m procrastinating about some job or other I ought to do, I cook. At least there will be some reward to show for my work. It’s become a sort of therapy. A bit like a good walk in the fresh air with someone you love or catching up with a good friend. (Also essential.)
There are other times when I don’t want to cook at all. The flip side during a stressful time is that I don’t want to think of fresh meals or attempt new things. I want ease.
I started this post with a mention of joy. I have been reminded recently that it’s important to make time for those people in your life who bring you joy. I’m trying to take time to appreciate the small things too:
Sweet smelling viburnum blossom (and a cup of mint tea):
Flowering quince:
Quality time together:
Pet posing next to a floral arrangement (naturally):
That said, I’m never too far from organising something, invariably linked to food. So looking ahead to Easter, how fab are these Melt chocolate ‘colour your own bunny eggs’ and mini eggs? I ate some Melt chocolate the other day and was reminded how good it is.
Happy planning, procrastinating, counting the small things and cooking for the week ahead to you…