We’ve all been there. You know, that moment when you’re staring at your stove like it’s some kind of enemy? Or when just the thought of chopping onions feels like it might be the final straw?
I’ve felt it, you’ve felt it — let’s be real, sometimes cooking feels less like a fun activity and more like, well… a chore. But here’s a trick I discovered that flipped my kitchen world upside down: make cooking an event.
Yes, that’s it. Not some magical gadget or a new ingredient (though those can help, too). Just a small mindset shift that turns cooking from a dreaded task to something you actually want to do. Let me break it down for you.
Step 1: Set the Scene, Like You’re in a Movie
When I first decided to change things up, I realized one of the biggest obstacles was the vibe of my kitchen. Picture it — fluorescent lights, a mountain of dishes, and silence so thick you could hear a potato drop. That scene? It’s not exactly the recipe for enthusiasm.
So, I started transforming my kitchen into a place I actually wanted to hang out. Now, before I cook, I turn on my favorite playlist (I’m talking old-school tunes that make you shimmy without shame).
I light a candle — yes, a candle, because hey, why should candles be reserved for bath time? And sometimes, I even pour myself a glass of something nice. Cooking feels a lot better when it has a soundtrack and a bit of ambiance.
Try this: Pick one “atmosphere booster” and add it to your routine. Maybe it’s music, maybe it’s a good drink, maybe it’s a podcast that makes you laugh out loud. Whatever it is, commit to it. Even if your dish ends up a little burned, you’ll at least have a good time.
Step 2: Turn It Into a Social Thing
Here’s a little kitchen wisdom I picked up from an Italian friend. She told me that back home, cooking isn’t just “something you have to do.” It’s practically a celebration, an excuse to gather people.
Inspired, I started inviting friends over and, here’s the kicker, having them help out. (Yes, they groaned at first, but one of them now swears by my chopping techniques!)
Turns out, when you make cooking a social event, it feels a lot less like work. We’d laugh, trade stories, and even turn it into a mini-competition to see who could cut the garlic the fastest.
Cooking with friends (or family, if you’re brave) is kind of like sneaking veggies into a pasta sauce — it’s all about tricking yourself into something that’s good for you.
Pro Tip: If you can’t invite people over, set up a “cook and call” with a friend. Both of you can cook while chatting on the phone or over video, sharing your culinary triumphs and mishaps in real time.
Step 3: Become Your Own Sous-Chef
Imagine you’re on one of those cooking shows where the chefs have everything pre-measured in cute little bowls, all lined up and ready. It’s what the pros call “mise en place” (that’s French for “everything in its place”). I know, I know — it sounds like a lot of effort.
But trust me, just getting your ingredients together beforehand works wonders for your flow. Suddenly, cooking feels less like a mad scramble and more like a dance you’re totally in control of.
Since I started prepping this way, I’m less likely to feel stressed mid-cook when I realize I forgot an ingredient. Everything is right there.
And sure, it might mean a few extra minutes at the start, but that’s nothing compared to the stress of juggling a hot pan and realizing you don’t have any garlic chopped. Plus, when you’re ready to roll, it just feels… kind of fancy.
Quick Hack: If setting up sounds like a pain, try just chopping a few things you’ll definitely use (like garlic or onions) in bulk. Keep them in the fridge for when you’re in a hurry. Future-you will thank you.
Step 4: Cook Like You’re Going to Share It
This one’s a game-changer, folks. Even if you’re cooking just for yourself, act like you’re preparing a dish to impress someone. (I mean, you’re worth impressing, right?) Plate your food like it’s going on Instagram, sprinkle on some herbs, and take a picture if you’re feeling proud.
When I started putting that tiny bit of extra love into the presentation, cooking no longer felt like something I had to do to survive but like something I did because I genuinely cared about the experience.
Cooking to impress doesn’t mean going overboard with Michelin-star presentations. Think about how you’d want your dish to look if you were sharing it with someone special. I mean, would you serve burnt toast to your crush? Exactly. Give yourself the same courtesy.
Bonus Tip: Make it a goal to try a new technique or flavor each week. Not only does this keep things fresh, but it also makes cooking feel like a little adventure instead of the same old thing.
Step 5: Reward Yourself, Even If It’s a Little Bribe
Alright, let’s talk motivation. Sometimes, even after all this effort, I still don’t feel like cooking. That’s when I bribe myself. I tell myself, “Look, you cook this one meal, and then you get to watch that show you love or treat yourself to a little dessert.” It sounds silly, but hey — if it works, it works.
I know people who reward themselves with five minutes of scrolling through their phone or even something fancier like a post-cooking face mask. Whatever makes you happy. It’s all about giving yourself something to look forward to so cooking doesn’t feel like it’s just taking time from your day, but adding to it in a good way.
It’s Just Food, But It’s Also So Much More
Cooking can be a daily grind, but it doesn’t have to be a soul-sucking one. When you think about it, cooking is an amazing act of care — for yourself, for others.
You’re taking raw ingredients and turning them into something delicious and nourishing. There’s a certain magic in that, don’t you think?
So next time you’re staring down your stove, give one of these tricks a try. Put on some music, call a friend, treat yourself like the superstar you are, and see if maybe, just maybe, cooking feels a little less like a chore and a little more like an experience.
And if all else fails, remember: even a microwaved burrito is a victory on some days.
