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You, like all life forms, are hungry and need to eat; but do you actually need to cook? If you want to do more than just re-fuel your engine, cooking delivers the deep satisfaction that comes from meals that are fresh, real and delicious. Cooking is a lot simpler than many people think. It usually just involves a bit of roasting, grilling, boiling or frying. Consider the quality of ingredients you use and try to purchase the best quality you can afford. Visit markets and butchers and bakeries and you cannot help but be seduced and inspired. Cooking and eating at home are vitally linked to creating a communal gathering place at your kitchen table where family and friends share with you the palpable expression of your love and generosity. Sharing a meal with others shows the deepest respect for their well-being, the greatest consideration for their health and happiness. So central is this concept in China that people ask each other, first, as a greeting, "Have you eaten?".
Forget about showing off with fancy sauces, innovative cooking techniques and architectural presentations. Think, instead, of good, heart-warming home cooking and how happy you will be eating it. Cook to explore the bounty of interesting food in your community. Cook because it is infinitely cheaper than dining out or buying prepared meals. Cook to steer clear of trans fats. Cook so you can recreate the wonderful foods of the world in your very own home.
At the Calgary Public Library there is a wealth of cookbooks to keep you company in the kitchen. For a peek at the newest titles, click New Cookbooks.