I'd like this year to be about storytelling because there is so much to tell. The home chef is turning 40 this year and that needs to make a statement. My kitchen story is of curiosity, service to family, foodie adventures, celebration of life, and growing into a kitchen queen! It's been therapeutic, it's been entertainment, and above all it's a realization of one of my life's purposes. I have served my role as a responsible daughter catering to my parents' dietary needs. I have been the superstar 'Bua', cooking delicious recipes to please the palates of my adorable niblings. And on a deeper, personal level, I have been a learner, a magician, a scientist! My kitchen has been my school, my magical realm, my laboratory. From being absolutely terrified to light a match to frying, sizzling, stewing, and baking, I have watched myself grow. It's been a lesson in self-worth ('I can do things!'), creative confidence ('I know it's good!'), and courage.
The Charcuterie this year reflects my foodie manifesto based on reset and reflection, creativity, and celebration of myself. I plan on going beyond rituals and doing something for myself. I started with treating myself to a Chicken Biryani - made by myself for myself. More to follow. I hope to declutter for good because my 'magical realm' is struggling for some lightness. That unused (possibly not-functional) percolator has lived in the cabinet for too long. There are skills waiting to be learned: instant pot cooking, more meat baking, and recipes from new cuisines. I need to work on redeeming myself in some critical ways and indulge in conscious solo dating, cafe journaling, and food photography.
The adventure continues ...
