Anyone Can Cook

I saw Ratatouille this weekend. Yes, Ratatouille. It was probably about the millionth time I’ve seen it since I came out. I come from a family in which the mother owns a desert shop, the father owns a restaurant, and one of the two younger brothers can create any dish to perfection his first time trying, so to say that Ratatouille is a family favorite would be an understatement. It’s more like THE family movie in our household. Oh, and out little Chihuahua dog looks like Remy too. I, however, am not here to review this movie nor go too much into detail about it. The reason I bring it up is because of the message this movie represents. Gusteau, a famous chef with a 5-star restaurant has a motto that constantly plays back throughout the entire film. “Anyone can cook,” says Gusteau, and he is right. I myself have never been one to spend much time creating in the kitchen (I prefer the consumption aspect to food) but as time has passed this has changed. Cooking should not be a chore. Much like painting a portrait or writing a novel it should not be forced. If you do not enjoy it then that is that, it is not for everyone but I do encourage you to try it. Cooking, I have found, is so much more than following recipes in a cookbook.

If you do it alone it can be a time to be with yourself. The kitchen is a place where you are in total control. It’s a place of innovation and creativity. Follow a recipe and create something delicious or be bold and create something that you feel will work. Turn on Food Channel and go along with Emeril (does he still have a show?) or embrace your poetic side and let taste, smell, touch, sight, instinct, and hunger guide you. You have nothing to lose and much to gain. All I’m saying is next time you’re craving a certain dish don’t just settle for whatever processed food is in your pantry. It’s hard to actually tell you what it feels like when you get going in the kitchen. It’s just something you need to do. Don’t be afraid of burning down the house. Don’t be afraid to create the most disgusting thing you’ve ever tasted. If you let fear hold you back you’ll end up eating Twinkies your whole life, and I don’t think it’s worth it. So go and put on your apron, grab your knives, turn on some music, and step in the kitchen. If a mouse can do it, so can you.