Can’t Cook or Bake? How I did it against all odds?

Hey zesties,

In one of my previous post, I mentioned that I couldn’t cook or bake.

I mean… I can cook basic food to feed my family. But fancy ones? I’m not a food talent in cooking. But I love cooking and baking. And I can’t follow instructions to a T where there’s opportunity.

My agency had a team challenge- the cooking showdown. Oh my!!! Cooking competition!!! I feared that the most.

But you know what? The food I made turned out decent. Not because I am so talented, but purely because I followed the instructions to a T.

2025/12/14 Edited to

... Read moreDuring my cooking journey, I learned that presentation plays a huge role in how food is received, not just its taste. For example, arranging pastries neatly can elevate the dining experience, similar to how trauma therapy emphasizes structured support for healing. In cooking, sauces and garnishes act like these support systems—they enhance flavor and make the dish visually appealing. I found that paying attention to these details boosted my confidence in plating. One tip I wish I embraced earlier was not to rush the process. Taking time to understand the purpose behind each step helped me improve gradually. Also, choosing the right dishware and plating style can influence how your food is perceived, so I experimented with different plates to find what complements the food best. If you’re like me and worry about cooking or baking, try embracing the instructions fully but also allow yourself room to adapt them as you get more comfortable. Sometimes the support systems in cooking—like plating choices and garnishes—can be as important as the recipe itself. This approach helped me grow from fearing kitchen challenges to feeling proud of what I created.