Lately I was trying to find the reason why I started cooking.
My experience of cooking is very short. I started cooking since I moved from South Korea to the States, 2009.
I didn’t have a job, I didn’t have any friends and I didn’t have a drive licence. So I couldn’t go anywhere while my husband is at work. I really was killing myself in the apartment we were living. I didn’t even have my boys(dogs) at that time either. I felt so down, questioning to myself,
“Why am I here?”
The answer was always one.
“Because I love Jacob and I want to be with him no matter what”.
I thought, then let’s do something that makes him happy.
He comes home to eat lunch every day (He’s still doing it), and the behind reasons were these two.
One, he wanted to see me on his break. Two, he felt bad that I’m home all by myself with no options.
We didn’t have a dining table at that time and we had only one dish set for 4.
So I covered a box with our extra bed sheet to eat meal.
Our budget was very tight too. When we go to grocery, we didn’t care about our taste but price. We grab anything that cheap, cheapest items. Hot dogs, pasta, celery, frozen meat and more.
my best to make meals to share with my hubby. Before I start cooking, I thought about what I’ve been eating in Korea and what I’ve been seeing on TV.
I watched Food Network a lot, because at that time with my English level, Food Network was the only one channel I could understand more than the kids channels.
I watched Paula Deen and Rachael Ray a lot and inspired from them.
I didn’t know why I liked them so much at that time, but now I think I know why.
Because they make cooking is quick, easy, fun and everybody can do.
They were having so much fun while cooking, and I wanted to having fun too. Especially there is nothing can entertain myself in the apartment.
Believe or not, I had most fun in the kitchen while I was cooking for my hubby and didn’t even know how time goes fast. I couldn’t even believe it.
Even though I didn’t have all the ingredients I need, I just became very creative. I substitute with similar ingredients that I have in my pantry or refrigerator. It was very exciting experience that I make something that close to I ate at restaurants or I saw on TV.
The most, seeing Jacob happy. He started being very excited when he comes home for lunch, and ask me, “What’s for lunch today?”.
And of course, he was very happy to see me being happy again, it was all the matters to him.
I always tried to make different types of food everyday and I always tried to put some color into the food.
Now looking back, I’m very very very shy to share all these pictures, but I want to inspire people out there.
I made my husband happy with my food and it wasn’t a 5 stars dish. What my husband made happy wasn’t the food quality. It was my love and care for him in the food.
You can cook, you can creative and you can have fun in the kitchen!! It doesn’t matter how tight your budget, how low your cooking skill. Your family and friends will enjoy the love and care that you added into your food. Those are the secret ingredients to make food taste good. Not the most expensive or freshest ingredients. Not your cooking skills. It’s all about your love and care. And you are sharing them with people who you love and care. How much does it make sense?
My goal is “Share my food with people who I love and care”. I’m continue to doing it, because that is what I love to do and makes me happy.
My next goal is “Share my food with people who doesn’t believe what I believe”. I want them to have the most warmest experience in their life.
Food can warm your heart. Food can create or bring your happy memories. Food can let you clam down. Food can show you the love and care. Food can make you happy.
6 comments
Thank you for sharing your story and your pictures. And you are right; it is effort, love and caring which is the secret ingredient of good food.
I work full time but my favorite time in the day is to cook a dinner for my husband. It helps me relax after work and he really looks forward to having dinner with me every night. 🙂
P.S. I made yakisoba for the first time 2 nights ago, we loved it (I used pork in mine).
Thanks for sharing your happiness and recipes. You are a joy to read and watch.
Awww, how sweet!! I believe that a couple who love to share food together and eating together, they have a very strong relationship.
Sounds like you guys do. ^-^
Thank you for sharing your story too.
I’m glad you liked the yakisoba! One day I wanna make video recipe too! ^-^
I’m a sucker for a sweet love story! You’ve accomplished so much in a short time. Stay well, stay happy and keep sharing. Really enjoy your blog. Dale
Thank you very much, Dale. ^-^
Thank you so much for sharing your story! This was such an inspirational and uplifting blog post!
xx Christy
I just found out about your videos few weeks ago because I’m in college and me and my boyfriend are trying not to eat out because it’s expensive. I totally understand your experience and I want to thank you for all these simple but tasty recipes. I literally bike to my local Korean Market in UC Davis everyday to try to replicate your delicious recipes. It’s wonderful to know that some people don’t become a chef just because they have an innate skill and passion for cooking, but because it makes them happy cooking for their significant others, even with the simplest recipes. Love you Seonkyoung!