The Joys Of Cooking: Painting a Masterpiece With a Skillet
(A holiday gift for paid subscribers)
Some of our favorite ingredients.
There’s a certain magic that happens in the kitchen—if you’ve ever cooked for someone you love, you know what I’m talking about. It’s a bit of alchemy where flour, salt, and fire transform into bread, where the clatter of pans and the movement of a chef’s hands create something greater than its parts. A meal, at its core, isn’t just nourishment; it’s a story, an offering, a bridge of grace and emotion.
And yet, for all its artistry, cooking is work—real, tangible, sometimes grueling work. Like any creative pursuit, the kitchen can also be a place where your aspirations for something wonderful can collide with reality. How then, do you keep showing up with your skillet, your ingredients, your desire?
The question isn’t just about cooking. It’s about love; love for the act of creating, and love for the people you’re creating for.
When people say cooking is an art, it’s more than just a phrase—it’s a profound truth. Cooking is the essence of expression. Like music or poetry, it connects us, bringing people together in meaningful ways. Perhaps because it engages all five senses, cooking is one of the most visceral art forms.
The sound of onions sizzling in a pan.
The feel of a ripe peach in your hand.
The sight of a vibrant, multi-colored salad.
The smell of fresh basil.
The taste of warm, freshly baked sourdough.
Cooking isn’t just about preparing food; it’s about creating experiences that linger in memory. Over the years, my wife, Maria and I—and now our children, along with their spouses—have grown into good cooks, learning to express love and connection through the meals we share.
We warmly invite you to try the new recipes featured in our latest cookbook (PDF below for paid subscribers) with your own family. Many of them have become beloved staples in our home, and we hope they bring as much joy to your table as they have to ours.
With blessings to you and you family for health, happiness, love, and true peace in the coming year,
Peter
