I find that playing in the kitchen helps my writing practice. If I’m trying to work out a problem with a manuscript, I may go make some brownies. If I’m discouraged or riddled with self-doubt, a common malady among writers, cooking helps cheer me up. Since writing books takes me a long time, I think having a little instant gratification in the kitchen feeds my soul as well as my body so I can withstand the marathon.
My new favorite cookbook is Eat Feel Fresh by Sahara Rose. It’s an Ayurvedic cookbook, which is basically yogic nutrition. What’s exciting to me about this cookbook is the way she simplifies Ayurveda, which has a LOT of details.
For example: we all have a basic “dosha” or type, based on our physical and mental characteristics. The foods we eat can impact our dosha for better or worse. The challenge becomes, what happens when two people in the same house have a different dosha?
The recipes spell it out very easily. I’ve made several recipes already and can adapt them easily to make them good for both my husband and me.
Our first meal, which I’ve pictured above, brought oohs and aahs from both my husband and me. My version is slightly different from the recipe because I had different ingredients on hand, but the real fun in this dish is the cashew cheese, pesto, and homemade Italian dressing.
The husband doesn’t mind my experiments. However, with my penchant for trying new recipes all the time, his only question is, “Will I ever see that again?”
Sahara Rose is young, beautiful, and exudes confidence, which normally I would find annoying…but I love the food too much! (Just kidding — she’s adorable.)
Do you have hobbies/interests that help you with your creativity? Do share!
Brownies when you have manuscript problems? (Did you say something about a problem on page 329 today?). YUM!
Too funny, sweetie!
I’m so glad that your cooking cheers you up and brings back your creativity. I wish something so simple helped me. However, I DO love to dance in the kitchen when I’m cooking. Since John got sick and we moved to this apartment, I pretty much haven’t been able to pull my head out of the mud. I know there is a whole new world out there somewhere, I simply have to find it. Have fun with your creativity and your writing, as I enjoy your books and look forward to seeing your new book. Stay safe and well!
You, too, Gwynn! I love the idea of dancing in the kitchen. I’ll have to try it!