Food, Glorious Food

Villa Spiza. Split. — Mussels at Villa Spiza. Split, Croatia.

I have no sense of smell.

For years, I have used that as an excuse for not enjoying the art of cooking and baking.

I would tell myself it was too stressful and complicated; since I couldn’t smell what I was preparing, how would anyone enjoy my dishes?

How did I get by when it came to preparing dishes for others?

Potlucks: I would pick something up from a bakery or restaurant in my neighborhood. I would rave about the dish/plate. That would take the focus off me and place it on the dish. Win.

School bake sales: I prepared popcorn and placed it in bags. Simple win.

Cooking for people in my life: STRESS. NO JOY. Sometimes tears. Yes, yes, I get a tad dramatic.

New Year. New Goals

Over the last few years, I’ve made strides in the kitchen.

I finally realized that a lack of sense of smell was out of my control, a crutch I was using, and it was time to wake up and smell the coffee. Pun intended.

I’ve become more comfortable in the kitchen over the last few years.

And get this… I think I enjoy preparing dishes!

This year, my goal is to kick things up a notch or two.

I’m trying new recipes, finding what works for my palette and what spices and flavours I like/can taste.

I’m currently exploring recipes prepared by Irene Matys.

Chickpea Avgolemono Soup. Recipe by Irene Matys.

A few nights ago, I made her Chickpea Avgolemono Soup, which was delicious!

At the moment, I cook for one person, and anytime a dish requires washing very few pots AND manages to hold well as a leftover, that’s a massive win in my books.

Also, while I can’t say I can ‘taste’ chickpeas, I love the texture. If there are chickpeas in the recipe, I will give it a try.

I’ve attempted a few recipes by Yotam Ottolenghi. His puy lentil and aubergine stew is a new favourite. Maybe it’s the thyme or the textures. Not sure I can place it yet. Still figuring out how all this works.

Homemade Hummus and Bruschetta Spread. I did that!

I’ve started preparing dishes for people in my life.

Cooking is a love language. I’ve been on the receiving end of that love language, and it’s delicious! Literally and figuratively.

While at times terrifying (yes, being dramatic), preparing dishes has been a great way to show the people in my life that I care about them.

What’s Next?

I want to take a cooking class in Croatia.

While doing that in Makarska would be great, I will travel for food.

Currently, this one speaks to me: Cucina Mare in Split. Thanks for the recommendation, Sensible Guides.

While their kitchen is closed until May, I look forward to signing up for a class with them in the summer. Because, yes, I would like to cook like a Croatian Baba.

In the meantime, if there’s a brave soul or restaurant that would like to offer a cooking class or two…I’m in!