Learning Basic Cooking Skills: Starting Again After Five Years

Cooking has always been a passion of mine—a creative outlet that allows me to express myself through flavors and techniques. But after a five-year break, and with the added challenge of using only one hand, getting back into the kitchen felt like an overwhelming task. This blog post is about my journey of relearning basic cooking skills, the challenges I faced, and the joy I rediscovered along the way.

The Challenge of Starting Over

Returning to cooking after a long hiatus was intimidating. I had to adapt to a new reality—using just one hand to do everything. Tasks that used to be second nature, like chopping vegetables, stirring pots, or even opening jars, suddenly became challenging. The frustration of not being able to cook the way I used to was real, and there were moments when I wondered if I could ever truly enjoy cooking again.

However, I was determined to reclaim my love for cooking. I knew that with patience, creativity, and some adjustments, I could find my way back into the kitchen. The key was to start with the basics and gradually build up my skills and confidence.

Adapting to One-Handed Cooking

The first step in my journey was learning to adapt my cooking techniques to work with just one hand. This required a combination of specialized tools, creative problem-solving, and a lot of trial and error.

• Investing in Adaptive Tools: I discovered that there are many kitchen tools designed specifically for one-handed use. A one-handed cutting board with spikes to hold food in place, electric can openers, and ergonomic knives became my new best friends. These tools made tasks like chopping, peeling, and opening cans much more manageable.
• Rethinking My Approach: I had to rethink how I approached each task in the kitchen. For example, instead of trying to chop everything finely by hand, I started using a food processor for most of my prep work. I also learned to use my body and available surfaces to assist with tasks like stabilizing bowls or pots.
• Focusing on Simplicity: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, I started with simple recipes that didn’t require too many steps or ingredients. One-pot dishes, slow-cooker meals, and sheet pan dinners became staples in my kitchen. These recipes allowed me to focus on technique without getting bogged down by complexity.

Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking

As I became more comfortable in the kitchen, I began to rediscover the joy of cooking. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about the sense of accomplishment that came with each successful meal. Cooking became a form of therapy, a way to regain control and creativity in my life.

• Celebrating Small Wins: Every time I mastered a new technique or completed a recipe, I made sure to celebrate the achievement. Whether it was successfully flipping a pancake or perfectly seasoning a dish, these small victories motivated me to keep going.
• Experimenting with Flavors: As my confidence grew, I started experimenting with flavors and ingredients again. I revisited some of my old favorite recipes, adapting them to my new abilities, and even tried creating new dishes. The excitement of experimenting in the kitchen was something I had missed, and it was thrilling to experience it again.
• Sharing the Experience: Cooking also became a way for me to connect with others. I began sharing my meals with family and friends, inviting them to taste and enjoy the dishes I had worked so hard to create. Seeing their enjoyment and hearing their praise was incredibly rewarding and reminded me of why I loved cooking in the first place.

Tips for Relearning Cooking Skills

If you’re in a similar situation—whether due to a physical limitation or just a long break from the kitchen—here are some tips that helped me along the way:

• Start Small: Begin with simple recipes that don’t require too much prep work or multiple steps. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the complexity of your dishes.
• Use Adaptive Tools: Invest in tools that make cooking easier and safer for you. There are plenty of kitchen gadgets designed specifically for one-handed use or to assist with mobility issues.
• Be Patient with Yourself: It’s important to recognize that relearning cooking skills takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks—each challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve.
• Find Joy in the Process: Focus on the joy that cooking brings, rather than the difficulties. Celebrate each success and enjoy the creative process.

Conclusion

Learning to cook again after five years, and with the use of only one hand, has been a journey of adaptation, patience, and rediscovery. While the challenges were significant, the rewards have been even greater. Cooking has once again become a source of joy and fulfillment in my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with this passion. If you’re facing similar challenges, I encourage you to take it one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious.