Does ‘cook more’ make a regular appearance on your list of New Year’s resolutions? The hustle and bustle of life can often make cooking feel like a chore or leave us in a cooking rut. Try these handy tips from All Sorts Cookbook Series cookbook author Chantal Lascaris to fall in love with cooking again by turning your kitchen into a cooking sanctuary.  

Ambiance is key 

First thing’s first! Create a relaxing atmosphere with soft lighting, your favourite music, or a captivating audiobook. Your kitchen doesn’t have to be Insta-worthy; it just needs to be a place where you feel comfortable and at ease.   

Create boundaries 

Turn cooking into some well-deserved ‘me’ time and everyone knows about it. Encourage your loved ones (even those cute, little ones) to respect your space and give you the uninterrupted time to enjoy cooking. 

One-dish meals for the win 

We all dread a dirty kitchen after cooking a scrumptious meal. One-pot meals are easy to make and a breeze to clean up. Less dishes means less time cleaning up (the ultimate kitchen win, right?)  

Welcome the ritual 

Cooking can be quite daunting and intimidating. Make it easier by following recipes that guide you through each step. It doesn’t only make cooking simple, but the ritualistic nature of cooking can be a relaxing and meditative experience. Now you can unwind with a delicious dish as a reward.  

Choose wholesome ingredients 

Pay attention to the ingredients you’re using. Choose foods that are nutritious and make you feel good. Think of cooking as a way to nourish your body and soul. 

Enjoy the cooking experience 

The kitchen is the perfect domain to play and experiment – making the experience so much more fun. Cooking should be enjoyable, so try new recipes, mix different ingredients and let your creativity flow. The more confident you get in the kitchen, the easier this will come to you.