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National Cooking Day

Nothing beats the flavor and richness of a well-crafted, home-cooked meal. Dig out your recipe book, buy fresh ingredients, and spend some time in the kitchen.

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Drive home-cooking engagement and ingredient/kitchen equipment sales by celebrating the tradition and joy of preparing meals from scratch.

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History

Obviously, the history of cooking itself probably goes back as far as the early days when humans discovered that food tasted better when cooked over a fire instead of raw!

Since the history of people, humans and their cultures have been developing and perfecting various ways to cook food so that it is tasty, enjoyable and sometimes even healthy to eat.

National Cooking Day is a fairly recent creation. In 2016, Potsandpans.com decided it was time that there was a proper celebration and recognition of home cooking, and the flavors and smells of tradition that go along with it.

It used to be that the home cooked meal was the only meal that was eaten on a regular basis. Three times a day, moms and grandmas (and sometimes, dads) slaved over a hot stove to put three meals a day on the table that would keep the family going.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s (and prior) take out and fast food was a rare treat rather than a staple of family life. Boxed meals and TV Dinners were equally unheard of. They were the province of the single male or the housewife who just never quite learned how to prepare a proper meal for her family.

These days such gender stereotypes may be on their way out, but boxed foods and instant meals are very much more in! For many families, the use of easier, time-saving convenience foods have become a lifestyle.

National Cooking Day seeks to change all that, by reintroducing the concept of the home cooked meal to the family, or just to the lives of the bachelor(ette). Taking the time to learn how to cook a proper meal does a lot for an individual, from allowing them to express themselves through your meals, to being able to show someone that you care for them.

The great news about home cooking? Often it can even be cheaper to prepare a meal for your family than to rely on boxed goods and instant meals, and you would be surprised by how far ingredients can go when you learn how to use them properly. Plus, avoiding all of those preservatives is great for the family’s physical health.

National Cooking Day is about all of this, and exemplifying the wonder of the home cooked meal!

Impress friends, family and coworkers on this day with some interesting knowledge and trivia about the history of cooking:

Cooking was pretty boring for most of history. Prior to the 17th century, spices were hard to come by and only really used by the ruling classes.

In 1876, the modern refrigerator was invented, which changed the face of cooking forever!

In 1915, Julia Child was born. She would eventually become one of the most well-known American cooks of her time, introducing French cooking to the people of the US.

Choose a theme, such as Mexican food, or just allow inspiration to strike everyone as they please. The only rule is that the food must be home-cooked!

Those who are feeling particularly adventurous might want to look up a new way to use a pot or pan that they have already. Even better, invest in a new piece of kitchen equipment that will open up new culinary doorways for the family! Celebrate the day by picking up that mortar and pestle you’ve been eyeing, or take this opportunity to bring home that special pasta making machine.

Whatever you do, National Cooking Day is your chance to start preparing delicious meals from fresh ingredients. Get in that kitchen and get cooking!

How to celebrate

Get Cooking!

Start with getting in that kitchen and finding out what tools are available. Then take a look at what ingredients there are on hand–or head over to the grocery store – and start figuring out what you can prepare. There are a ton of different websites out there with a variety of different recipes and ways of preparing meals.

Show a Cook Some Appreciation

For some cooks, what they do might seem easy since it’s a labor of love. But still, National Cooking Day is an ideal time to let a real Cook know that they are impressive and appreciated. And perhaps it would be possible to glean a cooking lesson from them too! Learn Fun Facts About the History of CookingImpress friends, family and coworkers on this day with some interesting knowledge and trivia about the history of cooking:Cooking was pretty boring for most of history. Prior to the 17th century, spices were hard to come by and only really used by the ruling classes.In 1876, the modern refrigerator was invented, which changed the face of cooking forever!In 1915, Julia Child was born. She would eventually become one of the most well-known American cooks of her time, introducing French cooking to the people of the US.

Invite Friends and Family for a Potluck

One of the best ways to really celebrate National Cooking Day is to share it with those who are most loved! Hosting a Potluck lunch or dinner is a great method to let everyone try out a little something in the kitchen, then put it all together to make a beautiful, eclectic, home-cooked meal. Choose a theme, such as Mexican food, or just allow inspiration to strike everyone as they please. The only rule is that the food must be home-cooked!

Purchase Some New Kitchen Equipment or Tools

FAQ

What are some ancient cooking techniques still used today?

In ancient China, people used clay pots for slow cooking over open fires. Today, similar methods are employed in dishes like Chinese clay pot rice, where ingredients are simmered to enhance flavors.

How do different cultures celebrate cooking traditions?

In Japan, the tea ceremony, known as “chanoyu,” involves the ritualistic preparation of matcha tea. This practice emphasizes mindfulness and the art of presentation in Japanese culinary culture.

What are some unique cooking utensils from around the world?

In Ethiopia, a “mitad” is a large, round griddle used to make injera, a staple sourdough flatbread. This traditional tool is essential in Ethiopian households for preparing their daily bread.

How has the role of cooking evolved in modern society?

With the rise of meal delivery services and pre-packaged foods, cooking has shifted from a necessity to a leisure activity for many. National Cooking Day encourages individuals to reconnect with the art of home-cooked meals, emphasizing health and tradition.

Are there any fun myths or legends associated with cooking?

In ancient Greece, it was believed that Prometheus stole fire from the gods to give to humans, enabling them to cook food and advance civilization. This myth underscores the transformative power of cooking in human history.

What are some common misconceptions about traditional cooking practices?

Many assume that traditional diets lack variety. However, indigenous cuisines often incorporate a wide range of local ingredients and complex preparation methods, resulting in diverse and flavorful dishes.

How do different cultures view the act of cooking?

In Italian culture, cooking is seen as a way to express love and hospitality. Sharing a homemade meal is central to family gatherings and social interactions, reflecting the importance of food in building relationships.

What are some unusual cooking methods from around the world?

In Iceland, “hákarl” is a traditional dish made by fermenting Greenland shark meat. The meat is buried underground for several months to ferment, then hung to dry before consumption.

How do different cultures handle communal cooking and eating?

In Moroccan culture, meals are often shared from a communal dish, with diners using bread to scoop up food. This practice fosters a sense of community and shared experience during meals.

What are some unique dishes associated with specific regions?

In the Philippines, “balut” is a popular street food consisting of a fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside. It’s commonly enjoyed with a pinch of salt and is considered a delicacy.