5 Tips to Make Cooking More Fun

So, let's talk cooking!  Do you find cooking to be fun? Or do you do it because you know it’s good for your health?

Maybe you avoid it because it’s such a chore?

I know that sometimes I don't find cooking to be all that fun. I can get into a rut just like everyone else. 

I do like cooking, but I'm usually too busy (or stressed) to actually enjoy cooking.  And if I don't plan ahead, forget about it.

My significant other does most of the cooking, so that really helps.  Unless he cooks something that isn't quite so healthy. That's when my hand-size portions are a huge help.

When it's my turn to cook, I try to make it as fun as possible.

If you don’t love cooking, maybe I can help to make it more fun for you?

Here are my best "fun" cooking tips for you. 
 

1)  Check out new recipes. 

Sometimes just seeing the beautiful food photos and reading the recipe can spark some inspiration and fun in your kitchen.

You can head to your local bookstore. Or look up your favourite nutritionists, chefs, bakers, and other online foodies. My favorites are Ina Garten and Gordon Ramsay.

Or do a quick search on Google or Pinterest to see thousands of new ideas. Just don't fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole (see my Pro Tip down below).

Maybe you have some ingredients in your fridge that are just waiting to be eaten?  Search around for a new recipe that incorporates those ingredients in a different way.

Pro Tip: Searching through recipes can be so fun and inspiring, and can also end up taking waaaay longer than planned. So, consider setting your timer when you start browsing. The last thing you want is to take too much time looking, that you don’t leave enough time for cooking.

See:  Recipe Analyzer - Find Out How Many Calories In Your Favorite Recipe
 

2)  Make grocery shopping fun and inspiring.

When you’re at the grocery store, try something that you haven’t had in a while. Is there a seasonal fruit or vegetable you haven’t had for months? What about a childhood favourite? Did you come across something totally delicious at a restaurant or get-together lately? 

Or, browse around the store looking for something you haven't had before; something that is completely new to you. Be adventurous and fun. Then you can go to tip #1 to find new and inspiring recipes when you get home.

See: Top 5 Healthy Dark Green Vegetables
 

3) Keep it simple!

Sometimes when I see a great food picture, I immediately get inspired to make it. But if I look at the ingredients or instructions and they're just way 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 keep things simple.

A few ways to keep things simple are to:

• Search for recipes with 10 or fewer ingredients, and five or fewer instructions;
• Search for recipes that can be made in one pot or pan;
• Buy ingredients that are ready to cook with (pre-washed salad greens, diced squashes, frozen vegetables, etc.)

See:  A Daily Eating Plan for Weight Loss
 

4) Put on some music and invite someone to join you. 

Do you have kids that need to learn the critical life skill of cooking? Perhaps your partner would love to join you? What about having a “cooking party” where everyone brings something and pitches in on the process? 

I'll also blast some upbeat music and dance around while I'm cooking -- making sure not to knock anything over, of course!

If I'm in a quieter mood, I'll listen to an audiobook. That one's a little tricky because you DO need to concentrate on your food.  I'll do that with simple recipes, or recipes I've cooked before.

5) Invest in some kitchen swag! 

Next to gardening tools, kitchen tools are my favorite things to buy for myself -- or to suggest as gifts if somebody asks what they can get me!

Having proper kitchen tools makes cooking so much easier and faster. When's the last time you sharpened your  knife?  Or bought yourself a new one?

Could dicing carrots with a dull knife be draining the fun from cooking?

Or is blending a smoothie with a crummy blender, leaving it too chunky to enjoy, making you feel less excited to try new smoothie recipes? I know it does for me.

Whether it's a new salad spinner or a cast-iron skillet, invest in something to make cooking more fun -- and easier.

See:  3 Simple Kitchen Tools to Help You Bust a Plateau

You know that cooking is key to healthy eating. And, yes, it does get boring from time to time.

Try one (or all) of my fun cooking tips to inspire you to get over to your kitchen and cook yourself some great dishes.

You already know your health will thank you!

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