People have been cooking their food for centuries. While the process may have changed over time, the purpose has remained the same: to prepare food to be eaten. While there are many benefits to cooking at home, here are just a few:
Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out. According to a study by NerdWallet, the average American spends about $200 on food outside the house each month. That number jumps to $350 if you only include nights out. Preparing meals at home can save you 30% or more on your food budget.
Cooking at home is healthier than eating out. Restaurants often use high levels of sodium and fat in their dishes to enhance the flavor. When you cook at home, you have complete control over what ingredients go into your food. It means you can make healthier choices that fit your dietary needs and preferences.
Cooking at home is more convenient than eating out. Restaurants are often busy and crowded, especially during peak hours. When you cook at home, you can prepare your meal exactly how you want it and eat it at your convenience. There’s no need to wait for a table or deal with noisy crowds.
These are just a few of the benefits of cooking at home. If you’re looking for more reasons to start preparing meals in your kitchen, you can see how much it can save on your expenses. Here are a few statistics that back it up:
- The average family spends about $7000 per year on food, of which $4000 gets spent on groceries and $3000 on eating out.
- The average American eats about 200 meals daily outside the home.
- Preparing meals at home saves money- an average family could save up to $2000 per year by cooking their dinners instead of dining out.
- Eating at home is also healthier- families who cook most of their meals eat significantly more fruits and vegetables than those who don’t cook their food.
With all the benefits of cooking, it should be part of your daily life. However, it is undeniable that it can get a bit repetitive. If you want to make kitchen time more exciting, here are a few changes you can make.
Make it a Family Thing
Cooking meals might feel like a household chore, but it can also be a social activity. If you involve your family in the process, it can be a great bonding experience.
Get everyone involved in meal planning and preparation. Let everyone in your family choose their favorite dish or one they’d like to learn how to make. Assign tasks based on skills and interests. If someone doesn’t know how to cook, let them be your sous chef. The more people you involve, the more fun it will be.
You can also use cooking as an opportunity to teach your kids about healthy eating habits and where food originates. Many children are picky eaters, but if they help prepare meals, they’re more likely to try new things.
When given a lot of thought, cooking can be more fun when you do it with your partner or your kids. Here are some things you can do to make it more fun:
- Get a cookbook with fun and easy recipes the whole family will enjoy.
- Make a competition to see who can make the dish in the shortest time or with the fewest ingredients.
- Turn on some music and have a dance party while you cook.
- Have a picnic in your backyard instead of going out to eat.
Experiment with Your Dishes
One way to make cooking more enjoyable is to experiment with the dishes you’ve already mastered. It can add a new level of excitement to kitchen time and help keep things interesting.
If you’re comfortable making a particular dish, try changing the ingredients or preparation method. See how it turns out if you use a different type of meat or vegetable. Add some herbs or spices to give it a new flavor. Try cooking it differently, such as on the grill or in the oven. Those small changes can make a big difference.
You can also experiment with new recipes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a dish from another culture. Many cookbooks and online resources can help you create authentic meals from different cuisines.
If possible, you can also try other cooking forms you’ve wanted. Baking is popular because it produces desserts, most people’s favorite type of food. However, you might have to start with beginner-friendly efforts. Getting original scone recipe mixes can be an excellent introduction to baking. Once you have mastered it, you can move on to more challenging recipes.
If you want to add some excitement to your cooking routine, experiment with the dishes you already know how to make or try something new altogether.
Get Organized
Another way to make cooking more enjoyable is to get organized. This step will help save time and reduce stress while preparing meals.
Create a meal plan for the week, so you know what you’ll be making ahead of time. This strategy will give you time to gather the ingredients and do any prep work that needs to get done.
You can also prep some meals in advance. If you have the time, cook a few dishes on the weekend and freeze them for later. You can pop them in the oven or microwave during the week. Meal prep can be a big time saver and a great way to ensure you always have something healthy to eat.
An organized kitchen is a happy kitchen. Take time to declutter and reorganize your space making everything easier to find. It will make cooking less of a hassle and more enjoyable. A well-organized kitchen with everything in its place will help make cooking better.
Make Cooking Great Again!
Cooking can be a great way to bond with your family and friends or an opportunity to try new things. As a result, the kitchen will no longer be a place for boredom. By following these tips, you can make cooking more enjoyable, not just for you but for everyone involved.
