follow your intuition

I have a friend who could barely boil water, and she wanted to learn to cook. We had four or five classes, and they were great! I started her off by taking her into our huge refrigerator at Brasa. We’d walk around looking at what was available and talking about what could go together, what could make a meal or several meals. Once I gave her a few parameters, she began to understand how in a very simple way she could put ingredients or meals together. This is like being given permission to play. I told her to pick out whatever she was drawn to. We’d already selected a chicken, then she chose apples, olives, arugula and oranges — great! It made an interesting salad, wonderful and simple. Your instincts are always right. This process really opened up the way she looks at cooking, shopping and putting a meal together.    

Cooking is a whimsical art — whatever attracts you at the grocery store or farmers’ market is a great place to start. As with all things, you learn a few basic techniques and then begin. It will work or not, but you went for it. I enjoy helping people feel comfortable when learning. It is not so much about being able; it is more about being willing.