Cooking With Love!

As-salaam alaikum!

The best way to make sure your recipes come out wonderfully every time, is to cook with love and care! Your attitude really shows in your meals, so make sure you are in a happy state of mind and are well-prepared before you go anywhere near your stove.

Most of the time when people burn or over-season food, it is because they are rushing. They don't take time to enjoy the process of preparing a scrumptious, well-balanced meal for their loved ones. Cooking should not be stressful, it should be something you look forward to. Time in the kitchen allows you time to be creative and express yourself. Consider cooking as a rewarding pastime instead of a chore. Your mindset makes a big impact on your culinary results.

• Get in the habit of wearing your headpiece when you are cooking. It helps remind you of your important role as the keeper of your family's health, and their primary nurturer as well. It also improves hygiene by ensuring that no stray hairs fall into the food.
• Try listening to nice music while you cook. Try artists that remind you of love and family life such as Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Amel Larrieux, Anthony Hamilton or Raheem DeVaughn. Music is the easiest way to change your mood, so if you are tense or stressed, turn cooking into a private party!
• Go over your menu before you begin cooking. Make sure you have everything needed to prepare the meal including all ingredients, pots, pans, utensils, etc.
• Stock up on spices. When you see a new, interesting spice, purchase it, then go home and research how to use it. Spices offer many health benefits and give dishes a special "something something". Learn how to utilize dill, mint, tarragon, rosemary, thyme, lavender, cumin, etc. No one will ever be able to duplicate your recipes when you are an expert in seasoning food.
• Remember that you eat with your eyes first. Make the plates of food pleasing to look at. Don't just throw food on them, carefully place everything to look appetizing. Use garnish such as lemon or parsley.
• Make fun foods occasionally. An M.G.T. can turn pizza, burgers, fries and other seemingly poor food choices into healthy and delicious options. Use whole wheat, bake instead of fry, use good quality meats and load up on vegetables. Your family will enjoy a break from the monotony.
• Most importantly..... SMILE!

My cookbook "Shabazz Family Recipes" will be released during our month of fasting in December. It will be packed with all the recipes I love to cook for my family, as well as other information and tips.

As-salaam alaikum