From Cooking as a Duty to a Passion: A Journey of Confidence in the Kitchen

I’m a college student at Zane State and have always been inspired by my stepdad’s culinary skills. Growing up, I observed how he approached cooking and the joy it brought to our family. Now, my dream is to open my own baking business. However, even after graduating and getting a job, I wasn’t fully confident in my cooking abilities.

Building Confidence in Cooking

When I first started working after graduation, I was unsure about my culinary skills. The variations in taste due to the influence of spices and heat treatment can be tricky. Over time, my confidence grew as I noticed how often and sincerely people praised my dishes. Challenges, such as learning to make desserts, helped me confront and overcome my fears, paving the way to my success. A particularly proud moment for me was when I successfully prepared a croquembouche, a challenging dessert that I had previously struggled with.

The Early Beginning: Cooking as a Necessity

My journey in the kitchen began at a young age, around the age of 7, when my stepdad had to go away, leaving me to take on the responsibility of cooking for my parents and younger brother. My guardian mother, who was an addict, had passed away, so I found cooking to be a passion. I transformed my pain into a gift and continued to pursue it. Cooking isn't just a science; it's much more— it's an art that requires creativity and patience.

Early Encouragement and Support

Early encouragement is crucial when you’re learning something new. If people hadn’t told me that they enjoyed my cooking, I might not have continued to nurture and develop my skills. However, sometimes it's not just the compliment, but the person giving it that makes it more meaningful. For example, years ago, when I was just starting to cook simple meals, my mom introduced me to a steak sauce from Lee Perrins. This sauce, which I used to season grilled chicken with fresh green beans, was a simple but memorable dish. My mom's friend, a nice but often coarse lady, commented on how much she enjoyed the meal. This compliment was particularly significant because it came from someone who wasn’t usually known for her tact.

Learning to accept feedback with grace and understanding that not everyone will like your food is an essential part of cooking. My advice is to not overreact if someone doesn’t enjoy your dish. Instead, focus on what you can improve and have fun in the process.

Conclusion

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that confidence in the kitchen comes from practice and perseverance. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or others, remember that it’s a skill that takes time to master. Embrace the challenges, enjoy the process, and, most importantly, have fun cooking. If you’re starting your culinary journey or looking to improve your skills, you can find countless resources online and in cookbooks to help you along the way.