Be A Kitchen Alchemist

Kitchen:  A room where food is prepared or cooked.

Alchemist:  Someone with the ability to change things for the better, real or imagined.

I love to cook.  I must admit, though, that sometimes it's more a chore than a joy.  It seems there's either an ingredient missing and I end up making a mad dash for the nearest grocery store (hoping I get there before closing time) or I'm merely rushed (especially when everyone is hungry and keeps asking 'when's dinner going to be ready?').  Both circumstances sort of steal the joy out of preparing a meal.

The idea of being a kitchen alchemist is a little different.  This is more a practice of slowing down, being mindful of what we are doing, and being present in each mini task required to create a meal.  These small, savory details transform the chore of creating a meal into a joyful artistic presentation...one you can experience with all your senses, not just your eyes!  

In order to put a little more zen and creativity into the process of creating/cooking a meal, here's a few choice pointers that I (myself) use:

1.  The point of this exercise is joy.  So, pick one of your favorite meals.  Pick a savory, delicious, comfort food that makes your insides dance just as jubilantly as your taste buds.

2.  Do some prior meal planning.  Write a full list of your required ingredients and go grocery store shopping specifically for this occasion.  Make this an extravagant ordeal....buy the name brand foods, grab a little extra, smile at your fellow shoppers.  

3.  Do some prior planning/ accommodations with your schedule.  Choose to cook this meal at a time when you are less likely to have constant interruptions.  Cook early in the morning before the kids get up, or late in the evening when everyone is vegging out in front of the TV.  Choose a time that will allow you solitude in the kitchen as you create.  Remember, this is a meal just for you!  Plan a meal to eat alone, or with a very select few.

4.  Find some soft ambient music for the background.  Not only is this pleasing to the ears, but the easy listening will allow you to relax and enjoy your time preparing food.

5.  Get out your best dishes.  You know, the pretty ones you save for Christmas dinner.  Or maybe that nice box of china or crystal you keep tucked away in the top of the closet...the absolute worst place (by the way) because...no one can see it!  Yes, you are going to eat this savory meal with your absolute best dishes and utensils!

6.  Set the table.  If you really want to get into the spirit of things, buy a new tablecloth or new place sittings.  Remember...we want to create an atmosphere for eating that is also pleasing to the eyes (and the other senses).  

7.  Light a few candles for your table after you set it.  Candles are calming, the dance of flame is timeless, plus if you want to turn the lights down you can really create a moody, romantic atmosphere.

8.  As you prepare your food, really pay attention.  Call on all of your five senses by engaging with your food and ingredients...pay special mind to textures, colors, smells, tastes.  The sound of the mixing spoon as it clangs against the bowl.  Experience it all!

9.  Once your food is fully prepared and you sit down to eat, take a moment to be present and grateful.  Give thanks for the blessing of this food, for the table you have prepared, for your home, for the bountiful meal you are about to eat.  The ability to cultivate an attitude of gratitude is life changing...because, when you practice this mindset, almost everything transforms itself into a gift.

10.  Bring something to the table (literally).  And no, not your telephone.  Actually, I suggest you turn your phone off or put it into an entirely different room for the duration of this occasion!  Rather, bring a nice book of poetry or some form of inspirational reading.  Have your journal or notebook handy.  If journal writing or poetry writing is your thing, enjoy writing in your notebook.  If sketching is your thing, bring a sketchbook.  The idea is to bring joy and presence into the act of enjoying your meal.

More than anything, just enjoy yourself, your solitude, your meal, and this time you take to create with food.  Don't stress yourself out by getting too caught up in details and specifics.  

And I will leave you with this quote to grow on:

"Cooking demands attention, patience, and above all, a respect for the gifts of the earth.  It is a form of worship, a way of giving thanks."  --Judith B. Jones