It’s no surprise that many of us have fallen into a rut when it comes to cooking. Before you succumb to relying on packages of ramen noodles as your main source of nutrition for the foreseeable future, there may be a way to rekindle your creativity. Here are a few ways to spring into creative cooking that will help you feel inspired in the kitchen again.
Make an Epic Charcuterie (or Whatever) Board
If there’s one thing we learned this year, it’s that there are no rules in what constitutes a delicious dinner- and preheating the oven is by no means required!
For example, make a charcuterie board. Charcuterie boards are easily customizable and there’s no wrong way to make them. Go traditional with a few of your favorite deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, crusty bread and nuts. Likewise, if that’s not your style, switch things up with a dessert-inspired board. Fill it with fruit, graham crackers, a variety of chocolate morsels and marshmallow fluff. Use your imagination and create a board your taste buds will love!
Explore A Virtual Cooking Class
You don’t need to travel to explore global cuisines! For instance, sign up for a cooking class focused on various culinary traditions of different nationalities. This will allow you to transport yourself to regions like Tokyo or Tuscany all from the comfort of your couch!
Additionally, you can learn food preparation techniques and traditions from videos of chefs around the world. These near-endless offerings are sure to leave you inspired and educated, and an expert in the art of homemade sushi.
Have Yourself a Little “Cooking Cocktail”
Let’s be honest: The joy of cooking is made sacred when you have a drink in hand. Uncork a bottle of wine, mix up an Old Fashioned, or brew yourself a mug of hot tea to keep you company as you prep dinner. A teensy cheese plate won’t hurt, either. It helps set the tone that this is relaxation time, versus feeling like it’s just another frantic errand hour.
Grab Your Sheet Pan
Sheet pan dinners are a perfect fuss-free meal your whole family will love. They’re easy to prepare, flavorful, and cleanup is a breeze (just one dish!).
The basic premise is simple: Combine protein and veggies on a baking sheet and roast in a hot oven until the protein is cooked through and the veggies are tender. Chicken sheet pan dinners are always a hit—hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes and broccoli are a perfect pair for crispy, juicy chicken thighs—but you can easily swap the poultry out for salmon, shrimp, pizza or veggies.
Buy A New Cookbook Or Follow Food Accounts On Social Media
Our eyes eat first, and there are few things more likely to inspire you to sprint to the kitchen than a decadent, delicious-looking picture of pasta carbonara or a vibrant plate of nachos piled with fresh guacamole. Pick your poison: Try flipping through a new cookbook for recipe inspiration or go the social media route and follow brands and bloggers whose recipes appeal to you.
Make Breakfast For Dinner
Who says you can only have breakfast in the morning? Afterall, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why limit yourself to only enjoying it before 11:00AM? Whip up some strawberry french toast with crispy hashbrowns for dinner, or toss together some veggies and cheese with your eggs for a quick and easy omelet.
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