Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1528917
8 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • November 2024 I am considering the stage of parenthood I'm in now as the "empty nest in training" phase, where our teenage son is still living at home, but is often gone so frequently or not wanting to spend time with his folks, that it can feel like it's just my husband and me. Lately, our son makes a lot of social plans during dinnertime, so I often find myself adjusting things. Similarly, he won't be hungry after filling up on the large Starbucks drinks or snacks he often buys. And we have the added bonus of having a very selective eater. As he continues to break away and hone his own opinions and interests, this can show up in the form of not liking what we cook. All of this is very normal for a teen approaching to "launch," but it can be both frustrating and challenging for someone like myself, who has always loved to plan meals, cook, and serve my love on a plate. In other words, sometimes I feel like I might be losing my passion for cooking a bit. My husband reminds me that there's still two of us here to enjoy food, and that we won't waste any leftovers, but I still can succumb to frustration. It's in moments like these where I have to dig deep to remember the reasons why I love to cook and prepare meals at home so much, and it makes me think of others who may have never really liked to cook in the first place. We all know that cooking can be healthier and cheaper, but so many peo- ple just don't like to bother for various reasons. So what to do when we need to find our cooking "mojo?" WRITTEN BY DEBRA CAFFREY practical pantry Discover the Joy Discover the Joy of Cooking Again of Cooking Again Here are some things I am keeping in mind: • GET NOSTALGIC: Times may change, but you can recreate or evoke wonderful memories with a dish from the past that reminds you of something or somewhere special. • GET SOCIAL: Cook a meal with your partner or someone else you love. Take a cooking class to meet new people, or invite friends over for a potluck brunch. Food can be a medium for connection. • TREAT YOURSELF: Buy a new kitchen gadget or tool you've always wanted. Indulge in that pretty apron on display. Pamper yourself by purchasing a "fancy" ingredient to try. • FORGO PERFECTION: Taking the pressure off yourself can really put things in perspective. If you have a simple salad or sandwich for dinner, you're still nourishing yourself, spending time with family, and being economical. Finally, as I'm learning in this season of life, it might be time to start new traditions and embrace change. Often burnout can stem from trying to cling onto a habit when it's time to move on and find change within ourselves. When it comes to cooking, maybe that looks like experimenting with international cuisine or learning a new technique. Go after it!