Dear Reader,
Happy Wednesday! Today’s We Have Food issue features an essay by Maia that dives into a ritual of cooking together. I learned how to cook by doing it with other people. Since, it’s become a love language for me. From friends to my mother, I love collaborating on recipes or exchanging ideas. I definitely am very self-conscious about cooking and fear doing it in front of new people. But at the same time, I love when someone helps me with chopping or vice versa. Perhaps we divide specific tasks in the same recipe. Or, we take on different components—I usually love doing the meat! Maia’s writing reminds us of the joy that comes with sharing the cooking experience with a loved one, starting from grocery shopping (another love language) to eating the shared creation together. Who do you like to cook with—and what are your favorite food to collaborate on with someone?
I hope you’re staying warm and eating well.
Best,
Padya
Maia Williams
Maia is a passionate writer who covers topics such as lifestyle, entertainment, beauty and more. She is an adventurous person who enjoys traveling and dining at new restaurants. She is also a social justice advocate and hopes to use her words to spread awareness and influence change in society. Writing is her superpower and her safe-haven. You can follow her on twitter @ Maia_J_.
Our Usual
The grocery store is our most dreaded adventure. We’re not fond of crowds and the aisles in Ralphs are like rush hour traffic. While we glance at our shopping list and make it a goal to be in and out, somehow we always forget something. Whether it’s bottles of spring water, butter, milk or eggs our tendency to rush out of the store makes us forget. This time it was our guilty pleasure snacks, FatBoy ice cream sandwiches and Lay’s Salt and Vinegar Potato chips.
Despite the frustration, we laugh about it anyway because it’s not a surprise. At least we checked everything else off of our list. Once we’re home, we get straight to it. There aren’t gender roles in our kitchen, we’re a team. While at times I felt I did a majority of the cooking, in our new apartment I’ve noticed the task is split evenly throughout the week. The best days are when we cook together, especially when we don’t feel like it. Don’t you think it’s better to split the load? The kitchen is our safe space to complain and also to experiment. It’s the place where conflict and resolution occurs. I think it’s hilarious when you say I’m controlling in the kitchen. Sometimes, I think you’re a bit heavy handed while seasoning. Regardless, we combine our individual preferences and personalities creating unforgettable moments and delicious meals.
Tonight, I focus on the main dish and you prep the sides. We’re making our usual, salmon. We enjoy the simplicity and honestly, it never disappoints us. I pan-sear it for some razzle dazzle. I face each fillet skin-side up in the skillet to create the perfect golden crispy layer. The mouthwatering aroma fills the kitchen and dining room. While you huff and puff about steaming the broccoli and finishing the minute rice, I’m adding my finishing touches to the salmon. Just a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a nice kick and a touch of butter.
We did it! At last, after a stressful trip to the grocery store along with the process of cooking, we can satisfy our appetites. I make our plates while you set up Hulu and turn on “Everybody Hates Chris.” You know I’m a sucker for a throwback sitcom. I pour us a glass of pink moscato. You take a first bite of salmon and let out a long-winded “mmmmmh.” I smile. “Is it good?” I ask despite already knowing the answer. I pat myself on the back for putting real effort into the salmon instead of baking it this time. The show allows us to share some laughs and enjoy ourselves. I rest my head against your shoulder soaking up the moment. Cooking with you has strengthened our communication, sparked the adventurer in the two of us, and allowed us to collaborate and connect. Cooking together is a love language.