Cooking is more than just preparing food. It is a life skill, a form of art, a cultural expression and in today’s world it's a source of income. If I was told that I must pick one skill to learn within a month and that everything I need like tools, money, time and training that would be fully provided, I would choose cooking.I believe that learning how to cook professionally would add more colour to my life and give me another creative way to express myself.
In Nigeria, food is a big part of who we are. Every tribe has special meals that carry memories, history and traditions from the spicy taste of suya on the streets of the North, to the sweetness of banga soup in the South or the thick amala and ewedu of the West, and the delicious afang soup in the East, our meals are full of meaning. I have always loved to eat Nigerian food but I have never really learned how to cook many of them not to talk of international dishes of which I know nothing about yet so if I'm given a month with full resources, I would gladly take the chance to become a better cook.
Cooking is one of the most useful skills anyone can have. In fact, it is a skill for survival, no matter your age, job or gender, we all need food to live and it is not every time you will find someone to cook for you or enough money to eat out. Knowing how to cook helps you eat healthy, save money and take care of your family but beyond survival, cooking is also a way to show love and bring people together. In Nigerian homes, food is often at the centre of every celebration like birthdays, weddings, naming ceremonies and Christmas. A well cooked pot of jolly jollof rice or a tray of small chops can bring joy to everyone. Learning how to cook gives you the power to put smiles on people’s faces. When you cook, you follow steps, add ingredients, wait for time to pass and then present something beautiful at the end. I want to explore this beauty by learning how to cook properly.
I strongly believe that with the right focus, guidance, and support, I can learn the basics of cooking within a month. I may not become a five-star chef but I can definitely become good enough to prepare delicious meals for myself, my family and friends. Cooking is a practical skill. It is not something you only read about. You have to do it and the more you do it, the better you become. If I cook almost every day for one month under the guidance of a good teacher, I will surely make great progress.
Cooking is not like some other skills that need too much theory or complicated tools. You can learn to cook just by observing others, practicing regularly, and being open to correction. In Nigeria, you don’t even need to attend a big culinary school to start learning. Many mothers, aunties and even online videos can teach you how to cook. Also, food is everywhere. With access to markets and common ingredients like rice, pepper, onions, tomatoes, oil and meat, I can easily practice what I’m learning. The best part is that cooking brings quick results, when you cook today, you eat today. You can see your progress with every meal.
Coking is a life skill that brings health, joy and connection. It is also a business skill that can help me earn money or even become famous. Cooking allows me to share love and culture through food. With a good plan, dedication and daily practice, I believe I can learn how to cook very well within a month. As a writer, this new skill would also add more flavour to my stories and help me serve creativity not just on paper but on a plate.