I heard the argument recently that if someone says that they “can’t cook,” then immediately, it puts a question mark on their ability to do anything else.
Yes!! I've been pumped for this one Lou. Wonderful reflection, as expected.
The older I get, the more I have (begrudgingly) adopted the belief you talk about - that how we do anything is how we do everything. That has meant facing some things I don't particularly like about myself. I developed a habit of doing many things in life hastily and thoughtlessly. I'm not sure exactly why this is, yet; it's something I've started to write about. I told myself that I did things hastily to make ample space and time for the things that matter most, and while I still think that's true, I also can't ignore the fact that those tendencies permeate into everything.
Cooking is a perfect example of this, as you astutely point out. It's a mirror of sorts. I have some baseline competence in the kitchen - I picked up some stuff by osmosis from my dad, who has had a few restaurants - but I don't cook often and don't have much confidence in my ability beyond the basics. Sometimes that bothers me, and I think it's because of what you've articulated here, that it's an accurate microcosm of how we live. I'm trying to apply the ethos you described, building competence through trial and error and sheer will, to all facets of my life going forward. It's a work in progress.
All of this is to say, great piece and thank you for inspiring a reflection I needed.
Also the risotto looks killer and I would like to try to make this when I get back stateside
Thanks, Alex — what I’ve found is, if you don’t take something seriously, it’s easy to justify being mediocre (or even outright bad) at it. It takes a level of maturity to build competence, and a deeper acceptance of your own sense of self. Nobody likes feeling incompetent — but you have to start there if you want to become competent!
I hope you can use this risotto as a jumping off point!
This still seems a little complicated for me--I am not good with making rice first off--but this looks outstanding! You owe me this meal, even before the gnocci's you will be re-creating for me!
Yes!! I've been pumped for this one Lou. Wonderful reflection, as expected.
The older I get, the more I have (begrudgingly) adopted the belief you talk about - that how we do anything is how we do everything. That has meant facing some things I don't particularly like about myself. I developed a habit of doing many things in life hastily and thoughtlessly. I'm not sure exactly why this is, yet; it's something I've started to write about. I told myself that I did things hastily to make ample space and time for the things that matter most, and while I still think that's true, I also can't ignore the fact that those tendencies permeate into everything.
Cooking is a perfect example of this, as you astutely point out. It's a mirror of sorts. I have some baseline competence in the kitchen - I picked up some stuff by osmosis from my dad, who has had a few restaurants - but I don't cook often and don't have much confidence in my ability beyond the basics. Sometimes that bothers me, and I think it's because of what you've articulated here, that it's an accurate microcosm of how we live. I'm trying to apply the ethos you described, building competence through trial and error and sheer will, to all facets of my life going forward. It's a work in progress.
All of this is to say, great piece and thank you for inspiring a reflection I needed.
Also the risotto looks killer and I would like to try to make this when I get back stateside
Thanks, Alex — what I’ve found is, if you don’t take something seriously, it’s easy to justify being mediocre (or even outright bad) at it. It takes a level of maturity to build competence, and a deeper acceptance of your own sense of self. Nobody likes feeling incompetent — but you have to start there if you want to become competent!
I hope you can use this risotto as a jumping off point!
This still seems a little complicated for me--I am not good with making rice first off--but this looks outstanding! You owe me this meal, even before the gnocci's you will be re-creating for me!
I love you!!!!
“Risotto Before Gnocchi: Tales on Cooking for My Mother” might be my next serialized cookbook!