I didn’t have a cooking ,baking passion growing up.But I was surrounded by a super mom who couldn’t really afford a cook and thus bravely balanced her Government job and cooked for us.

She ensured we ate nourishing food before going to school,at school and when we were at home.I learned the basics of everything and could make rice,Dal,roti, sabzi,chicken fish …but didn’t feel inspired to learn more.I didn’t need to .My mom was a wonderful cook who needed help and I was happy to be the sous chef and clean up crew .

Plus my sister was a childhood baking genius.She and her friends even published a local newspaper where recipe of gur ka paratha was a runaway hit.

My sister was ten year old at that time and she was awe inspiring in her dedication for making these lip smacking,mouth watering yet complex dishes.She baked,cakes,cookies ,tiramisu ,payesh, patishapta,roast chicken,biriyani,stuffed parathas…all with equal passion and ease.I was the chief taster,sous chef and head(only member) of clean up crew,plus kept an eye on her ,to keep her safe in the kitchen.

All that good food and love in the food ensured I looked good ,had normal body weight and became an ENT surgeon and my sister became a beautiful Gold Medalist Geologist .

My sister continued to bake and graduated to baking bread which I learned too.

During the early years of my marriage ,both my husband and  I cooked,ate from hostel canteen,  eating out at Dilli haat on Saturday nights .I managed but with a very busy post grad life ,inspired cooking was rare.It was functional cooking.I had yet to meet my muse.

When my baby was born I got a cook to help me with cooking .I was struggling.The cook was nice,but cooked average food with extra oil.The result you can guess.This continued till March 2020.

What you experience through your taste buds and mind stays with you .But that was yet to be revealed.

Do not listen to rich boys, eating at home is a healthy practice. One that can prevent many diseases, lead to sharing between communities, and deepen bond of love and security. Learn to cook. Practice it often. Irrespective of gender, age or income. #gharkakhana

— Rujuta Diwekar (@RujutaDiwekar) February 19, 2025

I hope we continue to lag behind Singapore and other developed nations in terms of eating out or ordering food from restaurants (via online options)
➡️It is well-known that home-cooked food is the MOST healthy option.
➡️It is also known that eating "outside" food is one of the…

— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) February 18, 2025

I was glad both doctors,nutritionists and social media took it upon them to bust the propaganda being tried,with FOMO being used.

Absolutely. Cooking at home for your own health is the best investment. The food at chained restaurant is less food more disease.Eating out should be occasional not a daily thing.Betting on people eating unhealthy food restaurant chain-they will then own hospital chains.

— Dr.Amrita Basu ( Misra) (@misra_amrita) February 18, 2025

In 2020 with the COVID Pandemic and the absence of a cook ,my hubby and I magically transformed into  cooking and baking gurus .The inevitable happened.

We cook as a family since 2020 March and my house cleaning help didi helps with the preps.Its a tango which we have found a rhythm with.

Recently while watching a Milind Soman reel where he was doing calisthenics, I read a quote of his…

If you respect two things;kitchen and workout place…your old age will thank you

Milind Soman

I am not talking about only the women cooking for the family.I am talking about everyone cooking for their own health and their loved ones.It won’t be a burden and you will definitely spend less on medication and healthcare costs.

I use my  oven,air fryer,microwave ,pressure cooker and hacks to make cooking work for us.My husband, cooks almost as much as I do and it works as a tango.My daily helper didi helps with the preps and that is an answer to my prayers.I wasn’t always cooking my own food .COVID 19 was what made me learn and go full time.Its been the best investment in my heart and health for the long run.

Remember big food and big pharma are great friends.If it comes out of a package,it’s definitely processed and not having your best interest at heart.

But saying that I will tell you about a quote I read in a Bengali cook book(I forgot the name),so paraphrasing

“Who cooks for you?Is it the fire,the veggies,the utensil ?No it’s your heart full of love that cooks.”

If you are cooking for yourself,that is the best way to love and take care of  yourself .

Clean kitchen,calm cooks ,love and peace in your heart will help you rustle up  good food .But are you ready to do the work?

I am participating in Blogchatter A2Z 2025 and also the April Ultimate blog challenge.

This is a B post.you can find all the April posts here.