Cooking With Grease

Cooking with grease often sparks varied perspectives, but for me, it’s more than just a cooking technique—it’s a way to connect with community and culture. In St. Louis, a city rich in sports and diverse flavors, combining the primal energy of basketball and the calm of therapy is a real experience. I’ve found that activities like basketball give you a physical outlet and a social bond, which is essential for mental well-being. When paired with something as ordinary as cooking with grease—often seen as indulgent—it becomes a celebration of resilience and comfort. For example, frying traditional dishes in grease isn’t just about flavor; it links you to the Southwest influences and soulful meals passed down through families. Therapy, in any form, requires patience and understanding, much like preparing a meal carefully to yield the best taste and texture. The hashtag #IfYouWill perfectly encapsulates this mindset—encouraging a willingness to try, reflect, and grow. Cooking is therapeutic in itself, offering mindful focus and relaxation after an intense basketball game or a challenging day. Living in or visiting St. Louis, you’ll notice how local culture embraces these intersections. Street courts buzz with basketball games while kitchens fill with aromas of greasy, flavorful dishes. This blend of sports, food, and therapy fosters a unique identity, showing how seemingly different activities can complement each other in healing and joy. In all, embracing cooking with grease alongside basketball and therapy symbolizes taking pride in cultural roots and personal passions. It reminds me that nourishment—whether physical or mental—is about balance, connection, and unapologetic enjoyment.