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Cooking Up Stress Relief |
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Perhaps it shows through your fidgeting, your nail-biting, or
your sleepless nights. You feel as if you are under a great deal
of stress, and you are searching for relief. While there are
many stress reduction strategies you could use, perhaps one of
the best is one of the easiest: cooking.
Cooking is an art as well as a science. It takes a great deal
of patience and persistence to become an excellent cook, and
some of your experiments will inevitably end up in the
wastebasket or down the garbage disposal. Yet, there is
something incredibly relaxing about sautéing onions, grilling
chicken, or barbecuing pork. You can become mesmerized by the
scent of your culinary sensations. The process of stirring,
chopping, or slicing can be highly therapeutic. You can feel a
sense of accomplishment at the end of a good meal which can
further reduce your stress level.
If you plan to take up cooking as a serious hobby, it is best
if you begin by purchasing a good cookbook. There are even
cookbooks that promise you stress-free entertaining. Selecting
the cookbook can be a relaxing experience in and of itself.
Usually, cookbooks are loaded with interesting, eye-catching
pictures. You can also pore over delicious recipes, imagining
how to prepare them in your kitchen.
Next, you might want to invest in some sensible cooking
supplies. This will help to alleviate your stress when the time
to cook arrives. Make sure that you have aprons, a grater, a
good set |
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of knives, a colander, an array of sauce pans and
skillets, and a collection of interesting plates to set your
creations on. The better prepared you are, the less stress you
will experience in the kitchen.
Then, it's time to head to the grocery store. It's best if you
have prepared a list in advance based upon the recipes you hope
to make. This will save you time, stress, and possibly money at
the supermarket. Make sure that you schedule enough time to go
through the grocery store--you don't want to be rushed. In
addition to the items needed for your recipes, it's a good idea
to pick up some staples. For instance, you should always have
flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and a collection of spices on hand.
In order to minimize your stress level, it's best if you can
start by preparing meals for yourself or for close family
members. After you become proficient, you might want to graduate
to dinner parties, but don't expect to produce a seven-course
meal during your first few attempts at gourmet cooking. Select
menu items that appeal to you; chances are they will appeal to
your family as well.
Another possible stress-reducer is a cooking class. Such
classes are often offered at local community centers, YWCAs, or
community colleges. Don't take the course for credit--take it
for fun. The idea is to have a relaxing time by the stove.
You'll enjoy camaraderie with other students and you might even
socialize with them after class. Taking a course can |
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A growing number of designers are applying their skills and entrepreneurial zeal to empower the billions of people who lack basic products and services.
CHONGQING, China, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Country Style Cooking Restaurant Chain Co., Ltd. (NYSE: CCSC) ("Country Style Cooking" or the "Company"), a fast-growing quick service ...
A neophyte learns to cook Italian dishes at a couples’ class run by a no-nonsense teacher, Vicki J. Caparulo, at the Institute of Culinary Education.
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