Yes, Chef

 

I can cook and I'm actually quite good at it. I always thought I was hopeless in the kitchen when it came to making dinner (turns out it was a just a projection and other things). Sure, I was a good baker and I enjoyed baking, but cooking was a whole different story. I hated standing over a stove after work making something that I had made a dozen times already. I hated the lack of creativity (at the time). I hated when I wanted to make something new, it was met with disdain. 

Living alone has taught me many things. One of those things is learning to love cooking. About six months ago, I started using Every Plate. This is one of many meal subscription kits. A friend had been using it and she made me a meal - it was delicious. Watching her cook and looking at the directions she had, I knew I could do it too. I signed myself up. 

I'm not sure how other kits work, but with Every Plate, you can choose through a pre-selected group of meals. You can add items or upgrade meals for extra (I have not done this). You have to make your selections by a certain time. I chose to start with three meals that were two servings each. Since it's just me, I get two meals out of one (hello, savings). I receive my three meals every Monday. I pay about $56 per week. I still grocery shop outside of this, but it's mainly snacks and frozen items for days I don't feel like making anything. I typically spend about $100-$150 every 2-3 weeks. For me, using this meal kit is definitely more cost effective. 

Since I've started, I have noticed my cooking skills have gotten better and better. My first couple months of meals were good, but they're pretty great now. Stove top temperature is a fickle thing. While I'm not winning any competitions or hand making pasta, I'm getting a much better variety of foods into my diet, including vegetables. I'm also just having a lot of fun. I've even gotten to a point where I welcome cooking for others. I want to make food for my friends and watch them eat something I made. It's really very special. 

My kitchen may be tiny, but it's full of love (and food).