Cooking…
I've been known to cook amazing dishes, with deep flavors, typically combining savory, sweet, and spicy elements. Even the simple things I have made have depth; light flavor profiles can linger for a long time when they come from my pot. In its simplicity, I would make it make sense. It's safe to say I know how to cook, others like my cooking, and most importantly, I like my cooking.
After one year of not cooking and only recently stepping back into the kitchen arena, I can't stand my cooking. Everything tastes off, and I can't pinpoint why. I use the same ingredients and the same recipes, but nothing seems to be the exact replica of what I had been known for in the past. Does it taste good? Sure. Does it taste like what I remember? Oh no.
I have pondered this heavily, perhaps my taste buds have changed. But I don't think that is the case because when I order takeout, I am able to compartmentalize the flavor profiles and enjoy my meals thoroughly. But when it comes from my hands, I am taken aback. Am I being too critical of myself? Expecting a Gordon Ramsay out of someone who has not practiced cooking in a long time? But cooking is like swimming; you can't unlearn it. Even my eggs taste mysterious. Like… whose hands are cooking the food at this point? I also formed this concrete attitude where I absolutely won’t eat anything I don't like, so the food will be wasted.
The only factor that is different is my environment, so I quickly wanted to equate this alien taste to the new grocery stores and a different source of produce that I had been introduced to recently. But still, it can't be… I think it just has to do with the emotional state I'm coming out of. Stale. Enthusiasm missing from my wrist. I also can't decide what to eat outside of three comfort meals that make me happy: noodles, sliders, and food from this Jamaican restaurant. Maybe I have to make my favorite dishes to convince myself that it's okay for the food to taste good.
The only thing on my mind after I touch a pan is, "Am I even aware of seasonings?" I'm looking forward to bringing back warmth into my cooking. It's true that the extra ingredient when you cook is definitely love. Because there's a deficiency and gross imbalance in my food, and it's appalling.
IFY