What’s Cooking

This summer I made pasta twice.

Cooking only two times in about 4 months affected me deeply.

Our place was built in the 20s, so despite hardwood floors, a clawfoot tub and tons of charm, it hangs onto the heat for weeks. Part of that is because of the cement walls and wonky air flow and the other factor is that in the almost decade that we’ve been here, I’ve refused to put up curtains because we have this great view. Of course this means that the light pours in from 7 am until 9 pm, making watching television before 10 pm a nightmare (“What is Sookie doing? Is that Eric or Bill?”).

In past years, I have found it difficult to not be in the kitchen during the summer months, but it’s become so hot that it’s too hot to eat, never mind cook anything. That has always eased the ache.

But this summer I felt like I’d lost an entire limb. Maybe that’s because I’ve never felt more focused on food and cooking before. My chef coat hangs prominently where I can see it and dream about cooking in my restaurant. All spring, I used the restaurant pots that my fella got for me and every night as I prepped dinner, I called out orders as if I was working dinner service. I was living my dream without having to leave the comfort of my kitchen.

So during the sweltering days of May, June, July and August, we ate sandwiches and salads for dinner. We picked up take out and sat sticking to the leather couch, consuming more water than anything else.

And while my appetite for food never soared, my pull towards the kitchen continued. At one point in late July, I was agitated and restless. I thought maybe a needed a break from writing, so I went out for a walk to clear my head. It helped a little bit, but it didn’t last. A couple of hours later, I felt like I’d been cooped up in a cabin for 6 months without water or exercise. It was then that I realized that I hadn’t done one of the most joyous, rewarding activities in a long, long time.

Last night it went down to 18 degrees. By next week, I’ll be roasting chickens, simmering soups and making cakes from scratch.

I can’t wait.