Why cooking makes me happy

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A lot of my friends who live alone don’t really cook. They might make cheese on toast, whip up some scrambled eggs or warm canned soup in the microwave, but that’s about it. It’s not that they can’t cook, it’s just that the idea of shopping for, preparing and cooking a “proper” meal, with veggies and everything, seems like too much trouble to go to when there’s only one person sitting down to eat. If they’re not out for the evening they’ll pick up takeaway or graze on whatever snack food is in the fridge. I suspect at least one of my female friends of keeping spare shoes in her oven like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City.

I, on the other hand, cook a meal for myself most nights when I’m not going out. My meals might not always be a gourmet extravaganza but they’re generally balanced, nutritious and tasty. A stir-fry or bowl of pasta perhaps, or beef bourguignon if I’ve got a little more time. Since I’ve been working from home, I’m also just as likely to make a quick chicken & asparagus soup or fritatta for lunch, as I am to make a sandwich. Sure, cooking for two (or a gang) is more fun but I don’t have a problem with cooking for just myself. The only problem I have is that every few weeks or so I have to stop cooking and start eating all the leftover “portions for one” in the freezer, if only so I can make room for the next batch.

The thing is I don’t just enjoy cooking, I also find it therapeutic. Like going for a run or letting fly at a punching bag, cooking is, for me at least, a great way of letting off steam and releasing those all-important feel-good hormones. It doesn’t matter how down in the dumps or grumpy I’m feeling, give me a pile of fresh ingredients and I’ll have chopped, stirred, sauteed, simmered and pureed my way back into a good mood before it’s time to serve up. People always say you shouldn’t cook when you’re angry (and certainly it pays to be careful around sharp knives and hot pans) but trust me, even the filthiest temper is no match for a vigorous session kneading dough or mashing potatoes.

I wasn’t anywhere near that bad this morning but I was definitely overtired and generally feeling a little flat. Much more glass half empty than my usual glass half full. What a difference a smoked chicken and corn salad makes. Ok, so there’s very little cooking involved, apart from chargrilling the corn, but even just chopping some vegies and tossing them with shredded chicken and a simple vinaigrette made me feel more upbeat and positive. Result!