rules – Pure and Simple

What do you enjoy most about writing?

Well… that was the first thought that crossed my mind today.

But don’t you agree that writing is just like cooking?

Let me explain why.

Both writing and cooking rely on talent and taste. And, just like cooking, writing comes in different styles and varieties. Your first attempts at both are usually awful and funny. Day after day, month after month, and years later, you begin to master your craft and savour your own unique flavour.

Have you ever thought about how writing and cooking push all your senses to the frontline when you’re on a mission? Of course they do. Both need colours and flavours, moments of quiet and noise, and the ability to stir some emotions— just as much in your cooking pot as in your piece of writing.

Copy and paste doesn’t work in writing or cooking. Don’t people say the same recipe tastes different when prepared by two different hands? The same idea applies to writing—and what better example than our responses to daily writing prompts? Your dish, as well as your piece of writing, carries your own unique signature, even if you follow all the “should do” and “shouldn’t do” rules.

And then there’s time —this precious and the most needed ingredient in both writing and cooking. Keeping it light is possible in both activities: you can boil a few eggs or scribble a few lines. But when you’re really in the mood to enjoy a good meal or to pour your heart and soul into your writing, you take your time. You wait and, sometimes, you even pray for the right moment.

And, it’s normal … actually, quite common to fall under that lagging spell that hits you like a heatwave. It becomes too warm to eat, too lazy to write. You don’t feel like cooking or writing. This sluggish phase might last a day, a week, but hopefully not much longer. Of course, it depends on how much you enjoy your homemade meals and how much power you have over your mind to pull yourself out of that lethargy.

One more thing worth mentioning about this combination of writing and cooking: it’s the element of surprise. You start with something, but unexpected things happen, which might turn completely different. The rice smells like burning popcorn, the soup thickens like pudding , and the dessert looks and tastes like something from ancient times.

Writing is even more surprising. First, an idea pops into your head, just a mere idea. With sighs, smiles, and knitted brows, you let the thoughts flow and begin to write. When you feel satisfied, you stop. Then you scan your piece again, wondering how and when you wrote this piece.

But that’s what I love most about writing— it surprises you and challenges the writer in you.

And, don’t forget that both writing and cooking like company, love inspirations, and adore compliments.

It’s truly enjoyable to share food and blog posts, isn’t it? As long as both are edible and easy to digest!

With hope and peace,

Nahla

But I can’t. I have to take off something, add something, or change something. Don’t they say you should have your own signature? I totally agree.

Honestly, it’s interesting to watch how others use measuring cups, measuring spoons, a special knife for a special job, etc — so neat and accurate. But some people do not feel comfortable, and cannot work efficiently this way. Some people mainly save the main ingredients, omit the extras, and play without measurements. It’s easier, more fun, and feels special this way. If you relate in this context, then you should have heard of the traditional, old fashioned kitchen club. It’s different from today’s kitchen, with its sophisticated equipment, countless ingredients, and artificial colours and flavours.

By the way, you can count me as a member of this Traditional Kitchen Club. Would you like to join? While thinking, let me explain a few points.

When joining this club, you need to be both patient and smart. There will be moments when you face problems and can’t evade embarrassment. Here are some extracts from my no-fixed measurements experience.

Say, for example, you have guests, and they praise and applaud your hospitality. But then, things don’t stop at liking and praising, for they become intrigued to know your unique recipe, and perhaps save it. Here’s my reaction as a member of the club:

‘The ingredients are ….’ I list them and pause for there is nothing else to add. I don’t have specific measurements. ‘hmm, you know… sometimes measurements vary, depending on personal preferences.’ I explain with a smile.

Now, remember that these occasional visits with guests are much easier than your everyday interactions with your family. You should thank God that you don’t have guests everyday, do you? Here’s some snaps of my everyday experience that you might expect from your family in case you decide to join this club.

Whenever my daughter helps me in the kitchen, she asks the usual questions: ‘how many spoons to add?’ Big or small? Which cup? How long to stir? How long to wait?’ Now she’s the aprentice, and I am the chef, and to make things easy for both of us, I have to estimate. But honestly, my estimations, most of the time, make things taste a bit different — or sometimes entirely different.

And there’s another challenge with my sons. They rely on their own measurements, but they don’t stop asking questions: “Which is which?” “Where is that?” “Can’t find it.” “Please put labels on things, mama.’ I finally did, though as a member of the Traditional Kitchen Club, I am convinced that your sense of smell is all you need to find what’s required for the recipe.

Now it’s tea time – traditional black or green tea. But according to the club, adding herbs to tea is beneficial, so I add some: mainly mint, cardamom, rosemary, or somtimes, thyme which tastes great with tea. (I add one at a time – in case you’re thinking of following the recipe). But, you have to expect that your spouse will miss the familiar taste and ask for a cup of plain tea.

And finally, in this club, while there are no fixed measurements, and freedom is granted, there’s one simple rule to remember: be yourself in your kitchen, and if you prefer simplicity, natural ingredients and warm flavours, then you’re more than welcome, and the Traditional Kitchen Club is waiting you aboard.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

P.S. I was so hungry today – It’s the 28th of Ramadan. Perhaps that’s what inspired me to write this post.

Tag: rules

Writing: It’s Just Like Cooking

Please Follow The Recipe