There’s something so perfect about home cooking. The cosy food, the ritual of eating with loved ones. I wanted to touch on some of the great things about homemade cooking, whether it be someone cooking for you or you cooking for others.
Others cooking for you
Mothers Love
The main thing that I think we take for granted is the amount of love that people put into food. My mum, in particular, always cooks for the family and always makes sure we’re eating something that’s going to keep us healthy. Her roast dinners in particular are always something the whole family loves, and it brings us all together to sit, chat and eat an unholy amount of crispy potatoes.
The best birthday cakes
My future sister in law makes the best birthday cakes (I’m not biased at all). Whether it be a classic Victoria sponge, Chocolate cupcakes or a lemon loaf, they’re always the tastiest and disappear quicker than you can get a second slice. This year, she made me a Lemon cake for my birthday, and it was one of the best birthday cakes I’ve ever had! You can definitely tell when someone has put a lot of effort into something, and I hope they know we appreciate it.
Cooking for others
There’s something so lovely about cooking for others, and to be honest, I don’t do it enough at the moment. When life is so fast, it can be so hard to slow down and take a moment to cook something. So here are the best bits to think about when cooking for others:
The process of cooking
It begins with the little rituals. Getting all the ingredients, laying them out and measuring everything. These tiny steps can transform even the busiest day into something softer and slower. They invite us to be present – just for a while – focused on stirring, kneading, or tasting. In a world that often feels rushed, that presence feels like a gift.
Then there’s the joy hidden in the senses. The scent of garlic warming in olive oil. The sweetness of vanilla fills the air as cake batter turns golden in the oven. The warmth of steam when you lift the lid on a simmering pot. Each small moment is a reminder that happiness doesn’t always arrive in big, dramatic gestures; sometimes it’s hiding in the smell of fresh bread or the crackle of a roasting tray.
Connections
Cooking and baking also connect us to others, both past and present. A recipe passed down through generations brings a loved one back into the room. When you cook for others, you’re able to share a piece of yourself with them. Whether it be a cultural dish or your favourite food. Sharing with others a part of you brings people closer.
Conclusion
And perhaps the most beautiful part is that happiness doesn’t depend on perfection. A lopsided cake still tastes delicious. Slightly burnt edges often carry the most flavour. The mistakes turn into stories, the experiments into discoveries. Each dish, perfect or not, is proof of creativity, care, and effort.
So if you have time this weekend, try and spend some time cooking for yourself or a loved one.