if you can't stand the heat...

most days, my cooking "technique" involves asking my hungry stomach to list everything it wants, and then choosing some of those things on the basis of how well they would go together and how easily they can be procured. it is unspeakably difficult to resist the urge to toss everything together in one big pot. then i take all the chosen pieces, and toss everything together in one big pot. and every once in a while, i utilize all 3 sizes of my stirring spoons because it makes me feel fancy. usually things turn out well. which isn't saying much because, frankly, i could pour sriracha hot sauce on a bowl of plain noodles and be happy. it is a real possibility that the only reason i consume solid food is to provide a carrier for hot sauce. i think generally the hodgepodge method works alright, at least in terms of meeting the end goal of a pleasant, savory meal. but of course, there is something wonderful about real cooking. i love to cook. initially this came from the fact that i love to eat, which is where all good cooking should come from. but it's grown since then into a love for the act of cooking itself. the process of cooking, from chopping to flambeing, is fun and you're aware of yourself learning and perfecting. you take joy in the creation. and the end result takes on a new dimension from the intent, technique, and well-thought out creativity that infuse themselves into the taste. it's a good metaphor for relationships, forgive the cliche, or at least it is for mine. so haphazard fun? or careful creation? that is the question. the rub.

well, we shall see. the readiness is all.