If You're Not In The Mood, Everyday Cooking Can Be Wearisome!

As I sit at our 30-year-old pine dining table in our small townhouse in Vancouver I stew over what to cook for dinner. I come to the conclusion (again) that everyday home cooking can sometimes be a drag…do you agree?  

As a reader you’ve probably heard me repetitively rant about this monotonous chore. It may seem strange, given that I publish a monthly newsletter on home cooking. And don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the process of planning, shopping, cooking, and eating healthy home-cooked meals (especially the last part!)

But every day? That’s tiresome!

It’s like having to take the dog for a walk every day, even on the days you don’t want to, like when it’s raining, snowing, or freezing cold.

However, these tasks are truly beneficial. When you cook for the others in your life, it’s a lovely act of self-sacrifice. Feeding the family keeps everyone nourished, energized, and feeling cared for. And in the case of the dog, he gets some exercise and stops bothering you.

In any case, if you’re not in the mood, it can be wearisome.

As I write this, it’s almost dinner time and I’m in a cooking rut. I’m waiting for a magical idea to appear in my head that matches both my energy and mood.

 If I don’t summon up the inspiration in the next 10 minutes, I run the risk of choosing something out of necessity and not enjoying the process.

It’s like deciding what to wear to a party. Choose the wrong outfit and your night will feel off all evening. 

I know once I get this brilliant idea, I can begin the quest to find a recipe. On the internet, recipes are like a bottomless cup of coffee. I also have numerous cookbooks lying around our home; on tables, bookshelves, kitchen counters, in bedrooms and even scattered on the living room floor.

Bingo! The timer goes off and I’ve got the idea! I want a fast chicken dish that creates little mess, served with an easy salad that’s a little different.

Phew, now I can begin the recipe hunt!

I decide on sheet-pan chicken with potatoes and lemon with a cabbage and cucumber slaw.  And because it’s February, the month of Valentines, I choose a chocolate pecan brownie recipe.

What are you in the mood to cook tonight? Need some inspiration? Feel free to rant to a friend about your cooking rut, and maybe you’ll get unstuck from your daily cooking routine too!