By: Giovanna Halbeck
Something that I am very passionate about is cooking. It’s always been interesting to me, how
you can combine various materials and make a product completely different. To me, it is my
favorite form of chemistry. I first discovered my passion for cooking and baking when I was
younger and I would watch my mom in the kitchen. She was always coming up with a new
recipe or adding her own personal touch to one that she found on the internet. I would always
write down whatever steps she was following in my notebook as I eagerly watched her complete
each step.
Even when I was younger, I would help my Mom cook for holidays. For Thanksgiving, we
would typically make a spread of turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and green
bean casserole. I would wash, peel and cut the potatoes, or wash the cranberries, and grate the
oranges. For Christmas, we would make turkey, dressing, collard greens, cornbread, yams, and
macaroni and cheese. I would typically make the yams, by cutting them up and adding the brown
sugar and cinnamon. I always loved it when my Mom let me help in the kitchen, and as I got
older I would help more often. Whether that was chopping up vegetables or mixing up cookie
dough or even muffins.
Now I have my own recipe book, and I update it anytime I find a new recipe. It’s one of my most
prized possessions, and I sincerely enjoy writing down any new discoveries I have made in the
kitchen. I mostly love cooking for the people I love and seeing their reactions when they try
whatever dish I have made. Being in the kitchen makes me feel calm, and it gives me something
that I can invest my time in that results in something tasty! (Usually). I’m happy that my Mom
taught me everything she knew about cooking. I feel that getting recipes passed down to you is a
very special thing. I was passionate about it because it allowed me to spend even more time with
her, watching a movie and enjoying the meal we made together or listening to one of our favorite
artists, Sade while spending hours creating new recipes. I am still as passionate about it, if not
more. It gives me a way to connect with her, and in turn, a way to connect with myself. I do not
plan on pursuing a career in the culinary arts, but I know that this will always be not only a
hobby but a passion of mine that I can find comfort in.
