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Whether you count yourself as a top-quality chef or you just like tinkering around in the kitchen every now and then, if you’ve come to this page, you probably find some enjoyment in food. And after the past couple of years, we’ve all had, you’re probably in need of some cheering up. Even if you’re happy as a clam, a good meal can always make you feel better.
1. Travel around the world with food
Chances are your travel plans have been somewhat scuppered by the events of the past year. So, to cheer yourself up and learn about new cultures, consider exploring the world through food. You can pick up cookery books, check out the Food Network or ask around. Either way, write up a list of the top 10 places you’d like to visit, then make a dish from that area. You can make it a party by inviting friends and family to enjoy the meal. Throw in some themed drinks and some music, and you’ve got yourself a night to remember!
2. Recreate meals from your childhood
Childhood meals – apple pie, brisket, rice pudding. Meals that your family used to make when you were little can evoke the warmest feelings. If you’re feeling a bit down, or you just feel like having a hug in a bowl, pull out the old family recipe book and take a look! And if you don’t have the recipe, it’s a great reason to reach out to family members that you might have lost touch with. Who doesn’t want to share their famous recipe?! If these tried and tested recipes aren’t exciting enough for you anymore, you can try new takes on them. For example, this pork brisket recipe from Grilling Montana is familiar and exciting.
3. Get baking
Nothing says happiness like a big slice of cake. Even if baking isn’t your thing, getting lost in the precise processes of baking can feel almost meditative. And there’s nothing nicer than eating a baked, delicious thing that you’ve made yourself. Make sure to create a calm environment, so you can serenely bake and enjoy the process. Don’t forget to read the recipe all the way through before you start! If you’re nervous, start small with cupcakes or tray bakes, then you can work your way up to advanced baking.
4. Discover new recipes
Learning new skills can really boost your mood. Have you ever wanted to learn how to make Baked Alaska? Or how to debone a chicken? If you want a pick me up, find a new recipe and teach yourself an exciting new skill! There’s nothing like the sense of achievement when you learn a new skill, and your loved ones will surely enjoy tasting your experiments.
5. Eat yourself happy
By filling your diet with good foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, you can stabilize your mood by slowly releasing sugars into your body. This helps keep your mood level. Complex carbohydrates can also help your body produce serotonin, with promotes sleep and regulates your mood. You can also supplement your meals with multi vits to ensure that you’re getting enough of the good stuff into you every day.
6. Eat seasonally
There’s something calming about eating with the seasons – especially if you’re lucky enough to have a garden. Grabbing a basket and picking strawberries and peas in the summer, then gathering potato, onions, and squash in the autumn and winter. By staying in tune with nature and the seasons – and cooking that way – you can help yourself feel grounded and happy. It can be a little more difficult – like saying goodbye to asparagus in winter – but it’s well worth the test. After all, hard things are even more enjoyable than easy things.
7. Comfort food
Comfort food means different things to different people – for some, it could mean chocolate cake, for others it could mean a warm bowl of mac’n’cheese. Whatever comfort food means to you, including it can be seriously good for your mood. If you’re feeling low or generally anxious, you can lose yourself in the joy of cooking your favorite comfort food. Get really cozy by slipping into your softest outfit, light some candles and sit by a fire if you can. Comfort food is for enjoying!
Hopefully, this list has provided you with some inspiration to cook yourself happy. After all, food is a great way to cheer yourself up, and we all need a bit of cheering up sometimes.
I loved this article. My wife and I did quite a bit of travelling the world via food during lockdown last year. It was very rewarding, particularly when we shared the experience virtually with family members over Zoom.
Patrick recently posted…The Best Japanese Knives to Buy in 2021
Yes for sure! That is exactly why we love the art of cooking so much 🙂 It brings people closer and it is a great way to experience a taste of other places!