Cooking is a hobby for many different types of people, but for some, it’s more of a chore. Figuring out what to make for dinner — especially if you’re a parent to picky eaters — can be stressful, which is why many families rely on fast food at the end of a long day. However, there are many things you can do to make cooking more fun, whether you’re a college student learning to cook for one or a parent who wants to get the kids more involved in the kitchen (which has several benefits). Utilizing technology when you’re whipping something up to eat can fall in your favor, so here are a few tips on how you can bring a little modern love to your kitchen.
Utilize your phone
The smartphone can be a highly useful tool when it comes to cooking; it allows you to quickly and easily look up recipes and watch tutorials, and you can take it anywhere in the house. Look for cooking apps that will give you access to new recipes and help you stay organized, but keep in mind that older models may not be able to run all those apps. If your phone is a few years old, consider giving it an upgrade.
Copy your favorite recipes
If you have a favorite restaurant, look up the recipes they use so you can try to copy them at home. This is a great way to start building up your cooking repertoire because you’ll know what the food should taste and look like. Many restaurants offer their full menu on their website, but some of them have recipes that were created specifically by the chef for that location; for these ingredients, you might need to email the chef directly or look for them on social media. If you’re an amateur chef and want to give yourself a challenge, try recreating the dish without the recipe; this is a chance for you to experiment a bit and learn how to judge a particular dish by taste.
Go shopping
Cooking is much more fun when you can use tools you’ve never used before, so hit up a few websites, and do some online shopping for equipment that will help you create delicious meals. From pasta makers to seasonal pie dishes, there are tons of fun things available online that will spice up your time in the kitchen. For example, cooking with an air fryer will give your meals the taste of fried food without all the extra calories. Joe’s Butcher Shop can help with inspiration, too. And with a few tools and a freezer pack or two, you can make a meal fit for a king!
Take a class online
If you’re competent in the kitchen but want to expand your horizons a bit and try something new, consider taking an online course to learn some different techniques. There are several available that vary from beginner to advanced, so choose wisely and make sure you prepare with all the ingredients and tools you need beforehand. This is a great way to bond with a loved one or get the kids more involved with cooking and baking. It can also help the family learn to eat healthier.
Utilizing technology to make your cooking experience more fun and rewarding can help you expand upon a hobby or even turn that hobby into a career, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Ask a friend or loved one to join you so that the benefits will be even bigger and better.