Some people love cooking, some don’t. Each to their own! But, if you’re someone who doesn’t love cooking, perhaps I can help to make it more fun for you?
I know that there are times when I don’t find cooking enjoyable and I get stuck in a cooking rut just like everyone else!
That’s why I decided to put together a list of my best ‘fun’ cooking tips for you!
Fun Cooking Tip #1
Check out NEW recipes.
Sometimes just seeing the glossy, delicious looking food photos and reading the recipe can spark some inspiration and fun in your kitchen.
You can head into the city and pick up a new book (or even pop into a op shop and grab a used one). Or look up your favourite nutritionists, chefs, bakers, and other online foodies. You could even do a quick search on Google or Pinterest to see thousands of new ideas.
Perhaps you have some ingredients in your fridge that are just waiting to be eaten.
Tip: Searching and scrolling through recipes can be super fun and inspiring, but, it can also end up taking WAY longer than you had planned. So, it could be a good idea to consider setting a timer when you start browsing. The last thing you want is spend so much time looking, that you don’t leave enough time for cooking!
Fun Cooking Tip #2
Make grocery shopping fun and inspiring.
When you’re at the supermarket, try something that you haven’t had in a while. Is there a fruit or vegetable in season you haven’t had for a while? What about a childhood favourite? Did you come across something totally delicious at a restaurant or get-together lately th you have been wanting to have again?
Or, have a look around the store for something brand new that you haven’t had before. Be adventurous and fun. Then you can go to tip #1 to find a new and inspiring recipe when you get home.
Fun Cooking Tip #3
Keep it simple!
Sometimes when I see an awesome food picture, I get inspired to make it right away. But if I read down the list of ingredients or instructions and they’re too long, I stop. While there are times when I’m inspired and dive into a new great recipe; when I’m not all that inspired, I need to remember to keep things simple.
A few ways to KISS (keep it simple stupid) are to:
- Search for recipes with 10 ingredients or less, and 5 or fewer instructions;
- Search for one pot/one pan recipes;
- Buy ingredients that are ready to cook with (pre-washed salad greens, diced squashes, frozen vegetables, etc.)
Fun Cooking Tip #4
Crank some music and ask someone to join you.
Do you have kids that need to learn the critical life skill of cooking? Maybe your partner would like to spend some time cooking with you? How about having a “cooking party” where everyone brings something and pitches in on the process?
Fun Cooking Tip #5
If none of the other tips work for you, invest in some quality kitchen equipment!
Having proper kitchen tools makes cooking so much easier and faster. When’s the last time you sharpened your (our bought a new) favourite knife? Maybe dicing carrots with a blunt knife be is draining the fun from cooking? Or is blending a smoothie with a crappy blender, leaving it too chunky to enjoy, making you feel unmotivated to try new smoothie recipes? I know it does for me.
Conclusion
You know that a huge part of healthy eating is cooking your own food with whole, fresh ingredients. And, yes, it does get boring from time to time.
Try one (or all) of my fun cooking tips to inspire you to get into your kitchen and whip up some great dishes for yourself.
You already know your health will thank you!
Recipe (simple and fun): One Pan Frittata– Serves 4
8 eggs
¼ cup almond milk, unsweetened
1 tsp olive oil, extra virgin
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 handful baby spinach
1 small zucchini, sliced into thin coins
1 handful cherry tomatoes, halved
Herbs and spice to taste (parsley, sage, paprika, turmeric, etc.)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 190 degrees.
Whisk together eggs and almond milk.
Heat an ovenproof pan (e.g. cast iron) on the stove with the olive oil.
To the hot pan add garlic, spinach, and zucchini. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the zucchini starts to soften.
Add the tomatoes, herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the eggs.
Place the skillet into the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, until eggs are set.
Serve & enjoy!
Tip: Feel free to substitute your veggies and use what you have on-hand. Try diced capsicum instead of tomatoes, or chopped kale instead of spinach. Have fun and put your own spin on this recipe!